Description
A LANDMARK OF SPY FICTION • John Buchan’s gripping tale of intrigue and escape, a classic that helped shape the modern thriller.
Richard Hannay is bored with London life—until danger comes to his door. A neighbour confides in him about a deadly conspiracy and is soon found murdered. Falsely accused, Hannay flees to the Scottish moors with both police and spies on his trail. His only chance of survival lies in unravelling the mystery of the “thirty-nine steps” before time runs out. What begins as an ordinary man’s attempt to clear his name becomes a breathless race that will test his courage, wit, and resolve.
First published in 1915, John Buchan’s The Thirty-Nine Steps became an instant classic and one of the earliest works of modern espionage fiction. With its fast-paced narrative and atmosphere of suspicion, it anticipated the spy novels of Ian Fleming and John le Carré, as well as Alfred Hitchcock’s celebrated film adaptation. Its blend of adventure, paranoia, and psychological tension continues to captivate readers more than a century later. As Hannay reflects: “I am an ordinary sort of fellow, and I am not accustomed to being mixed up in mysteries. But here I was, caught in one of the biggest the world has ever known.”
This Feel Classics edition offers readers an accessible entry into Buchan’s influential work. With a thoughtful introduction, explanatory notes, glossary, and a detailed chronology of his life, it is ideal for students, first-time readers, and literature enthusiasts alike.
A timeless, unforgettable classic that still speaks to anyone drawn to adventure, identity, and the thrill of the unknown.
