BUCHAN. JOHN

John Buchan (1875-1940), Barón de Tweedsmuir, nació en Escocia y estudió cultura clásica en Oxford donde inició su carrera literaria. Fue abogado, editor, periodista y diplomático. Reportero para The

In "The Magic Walking-Stick," John Buchan weaves a captivating narrative rich in adventure and fantastical elements. This childrens story, written in Buchans trademark prose, embodies a blend of the whimsical and the moralistic, following a young protagonist who discovers a magical walking stick that propels him into a world of enchantment and courage. The book reflects the early 20th-century literary context where childrens literature often served dual purposes: to entertain and to impart moral lessons, showcasing Buchans deft storytelling ability and his innovative use of fantasy as a vehicle for growth and understanding. John Buchan was a multifaceted figureAia politician, historian, and novelistAiwhose own life experiences undoubtedly influenced his writing. Having served in World War I, Buchan possessed a profound understanding of heroism, vulnerability, and the complexities of human nature. His interest in folklore and mythology also played a significant role in shaping the narratives he crafted, making this charming tale resonate with readers of all ages. "The Magic Walking-Stick" is highly recommended for those seeking not only an enchanting story but also a thoughtful exploration of bravery and self-discovery. Buchans rich language and imaginative scenarios will surely leave young readers enthralled while encouraging them to reflect on the values embedded within.

Here, from the father of spy fiction, is the grand sequence of his great master spys adventures in three famous books: The Thirty-Nine Steps, Greenmantle and Mr. Standfast.

John Buchans The Thirty-Nine Stepsis anadventure novelfeaturing the recurrent protagonist Richard Hannay. The story is set right before the outbreak of the Second World War in London. It starts when Hannay is visited one day by his neighbor who begs to stay with him in his apartment. The mysterious neighbor, named Scudder, later reveals that he is an American spy with information about a very dangerous German plot to assassinate the Greek premier and spread disorder throughout Europe. For this reason, Scudder is now chased by his enemies. When Hannay later finds Scudder dead in the apartment with a knife through his heart, he understands that his own life is now at stake and decides to run away. He ultimately succeeds in reaching Scotland where he soon realizes that he is followed by both the German spies and the countrys police. When Hannay becomes determined to carry on Scudders mission and save his country and the whole continent from the German plot, he has to escape from numerous snares set by his mysterious enemies. The title of the novel is itself a mystery mentioned by the spies and which Hannay and his companions have to solve. They discover by the end that it refers to a place in Kent with thirty-nine steps from which the spies intend to flee England.

In "Collected Supernatural Stories," John Buchan crafts a compelling anthology that delves into the uncanny and the unknown, showcasing his mastery of the supernatural genre. Written with a keen eye for suspense and atmosphere, Buchans stories are steeped in rich narrative style that evokes the gothic tradition while employing elements of early 20th-century modernism. Each tale entertains readers with a seamless blend of psychological tension and supernatural occurrences, reflecting the societal anxieties of the post-Victorian era. The collection also explores profound themes of fear and the mystical, inviting in-depth contemplation amidst its accessible prose. John Buchan, a Scottish writer, historian, and politician, drew from his diverse experiences in deploying supernatural elements within his narratives. Influenced by his academic background and the cultural milieu of Edgar Allan Poe and M.R. James, Buchans fascination with British folklore and myths is evident throughout his works. His extensive travels and encounters with various cultures further enriched his storytelling, allowing him to imbue his supernatural tales with authenticity and depth. "Collected Supernatural Stories" is not merely an anthology; it is a rich literary exploration that appeals to both the scholarly reader and casual enthusiasts of the supernatural. Buchans ability to weave intricate plots with profound human emotions makes this collection a must-read for anyone intrigued by the interplay of reality and the supernatural, further solidifying Buchans legacy in the literary canon.In this enriched edition, we have carefully created added value for your reading experience:- A comprehensive Introduction outlines these selected works unifying features, themes, or stylistic evolutions.- A Historical Context section situates the works in their broader erasocial currents, cultural trends, and key events that underpin their creation.- A concise Synopsis (Selection) offers an accessible overview of the included texts, helping readers navigate plotlines and main ideas without revealing critical twists.- A unified Analysis examines recurring motifs and stylistic hallmarks across the collection, tying the stories together while spotlighting the different works strengths.- Reflection questions inspire deeper contemplation of the authors overarching message, inviting readers to draw connections among different texts and relate them to modern contexts.- Lastly, our handpicked Memorable Quotes distill pivotal lines and turning points, serving as touchstones for the collections central themes.

In "The Courts of the Morning," John Buchan weaves a richly textured narrative that blends adventure, political intrigue, and profound philosophical musings. Set against the backdrop of early 20th-century global geopolitics, the novel follows the journey of a young man embroiled in the tumultuous events of a fictional South American country. Buchans prose masterfully evokes the landscapes and complexities of human nature, employing a distinctive literary style that combines suspense with thoughtful introspection, reminiscent of his earlier works like "The Thirty-Nine Steps." Through the lens of adventure, he engages with themes of duty, honor, and the moral dilemmas faced by individuals in times of crisis, contributing to the broader discourse on imperialism and human resilience during an era of colonial expansion. John Buchan, a prominent Scottish author and statesman, was significantly influenced by his experiences in politics, law, and literature, which shaped his worldview and narrative style. Drawing from his background as a soldier in World War I and his extensive travels, Buchan imbues this novel with a sense of authenticity and a keen awareness of the cultural and political nuances of the time. His compelling blend of fiction and philosophical reflection serves as both a mirror and a lens for examining the human experience amidst the chaos of the world. "The Courts of the Morning" is an essential read for those who appreciate not only thrilling escapades but also the deeper intellectual conversations embedded within literature. Its intricate plot and rich themes invite readers to reflect on their values and the repercussions of their choices, making it a profound addition to the canon of early 20th-century literature. Dive into Buchans world and explore the intersections of adventure and thought in this captivating narrative.

Major General Sir Richard Hannay is the fictional secret agent created by writer and diplomat John Buchan, who was himself an Intelligence officer during the First World War. The strong and silent type, combining the dour temperament of the Scot with the stiff upper lip of the Englishman, Hannay is pre-eminent among early spy-thriller heroes. Caught up in the first of these five gripping adventures just before the outbreak of war in 1914, he manages to thwart the enemys evil plan and solve the mystery of the thirty-nine steps. In Greenmantle, he undertakes a vital mission to prevent jihad in the Islamic Near East. Mr Standfast, set in the decisive months of 1917-18, is the novel in which Hannay, after a life lived wholly among men, finally falls in love; later, in The Three Hostages, he finds himself unravelling a kidnapping mystery with his wifes help. In the last adventure, The Island of Sheep, he is called upon to honour an old oath. A shrewd judge of men, he never dehumanises his enemy, and despite sharing some of the racial prejudices of his day, Richard Hannay is a worthy prototype hero of espionage fiction.

Major General Sir Richard Hannay is the fictional secret agent created by writer and diplomat John Buchan, who was himself an Intelligence officer during the First World War. The strong and silent type, combining the dour temperament of the Scot with the stiff upper lip of the Englishman, Hannay is pre-eminent among early spy-thriller heroes. Caught up in the first of these five gripping adventures just before the outbreak of war in 1914, he manages to thwart the enemys evil plan and solve the mystery of the thirty-nine steps. In Greenmantle, he undertakes a vital mission to prevent jihad in the Islamic Near East. Mr Standfast, set in the decisive months of 1917-18, is the novel in which Hannay, after a life lived wholly among men, finally falls in love; later, in The Three Hostages, he finds himself unravelling a kidnapping mystery with his wifes help. In the last adventure, The Island of Sheep, he is called upon to honour an old oath. A shrewd judge of men, he never dehumanises his enemy, and despite sharing some of the racial prejudices of his day, Richard Hannay is a worthy prototype hero of espionage fiction.

After distinguished service in the First World War, Richard Hannay settles into peaceful domesticity with his wife Mary and their young son. However, news comes to him of three kidnappings. With no more than a few tantalisingly cryptic lines of verse as clues, he is soon on the trail of Dominick Medina a charismatic polymath but a man utterly and consumedly wicked. As Hannay uncovers an international plot to twist innocent minds through hypnotism and blackmail, it appears that he has met his match in one of Buchans most memorable villains. With an introduction by Christopher Hitchens. This edition is authorised by the John Buchan Society.

''I was to be offered up as a sacrifice to some heathen god an awful fate for a Free-kirk elder in the prime of life'' In ''The Strange Adventures of Mr Andrew Hawthorn'' and the other stories in this collection, peculiar worlds of temptation, adventure or iniquity are perilously close at hand. Mr Hawthorn himself steps outside to allow his porridge to cool and disappears for five years and more, a Glasgow grocer is shipwrecked and ultimately worshipped as a god, a young mathematician discovers an entirely new aspect of reality and becomes terrified by what he finds there, and an ageing sinner clings grimly, weakly to a hard-won life of decency: John Buchan in each demonstrating his abilities as a gripping writer of short stories. In his introduction, Giles Foden explores Buchan''s innate sense of the fascination held by sudden jeopardy and vanished comfort, and the themes of the will and fate in his work. Selected with an introduction by GILES FODEN

Major General Sir Richard Hannay is the fictional secret agent created by writer and diplomat John Buchan, who was himself an Intelligence officer during the First World War. The strong and silent type, combining the dour temperament of the Scot with the stiff upper lip of the Englishman, Hannay is pre-eminent among early spy-thriller heroes. Caught up in the first of these five gripping adventures just before the outbreak of war in 1914, he manages to thwart the enemys evil plan and solve the mystery of the thirty-nine steps. In Greenmantle, he undertakes a vital mission to prevent jihad in the Islamic Near East. Mr Standfast, set in the decisive months of 1917-18, is the novel in which Hannay, after a life lived wholly among men, finally falls in love; later, in The Three Hostages, he finds himself unravelling a kidnapping mystery with his wifes help. In the last adventure, The Island of Sheep, he is called upon to honour an old oath. A shrewd judge of men, he never dehumanises his enemy, and despite sharing some of the racial prejudices of his day, Richard Hannay is a worthy prototype hero of espionage fiction.

First published in 1933, "A Prince of the Captivity" is the epic story of one mans courage. Adam Melfort is an officer and a gentleman. A brilliant career lies ahead of him until he is imprisoned for a crime he did not commit. Afterwards, he embarks on daring missions in the service of his country. Dangerous work behind enemy lines in World War I and espionage in 1920s are adventures he bravely undertakes.

"Prester John" was written as a boys adventure story set mostly in South Africa. It was published in 1910 when John Buchan was 35. The South African background was based on the two years from 1901 which Buchan spent as a private secretary to Lord Milner, High Commissioner to South Africa and later governor of the Transvaal and Orange Free State.Although the novel contains observations on relations between blacks and whites, the clash of different cultures and civilisations and the role of imperial paternalism, it needs to be read primarily as a fast-moving novel of adventure in the style of novels by Robert Louis Stevenson and Rider Haggard.Nineteen-year-old David Crawfurd travels from Scotland to South Africa to work as a storekeeper. On the voyage he encounters again John Laputa, the celebrated Zulu minister, of whom he has strange memories. David had met Laputa some years before in weird circumstances.In his remote store David finds himself with the key to a massive uprising led by the minister, who has taken the title of the mythical priest-king, Prester John.Davids courage and his understanding of this man take him to the heart of the uprising, a secret cave in the Rooirand.

First published in 1906, "A Lodge in the Wilderness" is a political novel by the Scottish author John Buchan. The novel relates an imagined conference arranged by a multi-millionaire, Francis Carey, to discuss Empire. The guests are contemporary figures from the upper and professional classes, nine men and nine women who have in common superb articulateness, wide experience, and an interest in understanding how Empire might be a positive influence. Buchan uses the opportunity to set out a variety of views on political and social issues, and to play Devils Advocate.

Richard Hannay gets caught up quite suddenly, on a dull London afternoon, in a situation of extreme danger. Before he knows what is happening he is the obvious suspect for a murder committed in his own flat, and has to go on the run to his native Scotland.

In 1925, John Buchan published his second most famous novel, John Macnab.Three powerful men suffering from boredom concoct a plan to cure it. They notify three Scottish landowners that they intend to poach from each two stags and a salmon in a given time. They sign collectively as John Macnab and await the responses. Alas, boredom soon turns into panic when the unsuspecting men land themselves in hot water. John Macnab is a light interlude within the Leithen Stories series - an evocative look at the hunting, shooting and fishing lifestyle in Highland Scotland.*Includes handcrafted original images.

Major General Sir Richard Hannay is the fictional secret agent created by writer and diplomat John Buchan, who was himself an Intelligence officer during the First World War. The strong and silent type, combining the dour temperament of the Scot with the stiff upper lip of the Englishman, Hannay is pre-eminent among early spy-thriller heroes. Caught up in the first of these five gripping adventures just before the outbreak of war in 1914, he manages to thwart the enemys evil plan and solve the mystery of the thirty-nine steps. In Greenmantle, he undertakes a vital mission to prevent jihad in the Islamic Near East. Mr Standfast, set in the decisive months of 1917-18, is the novel in which Hannay, after a life lived wholly among men, finally falls in love; later, in The Three Hostages, he finds himself unravelling a kidnapping mystery with his wifes help. In the last adventure, The Island of Sheep, he is called upon to honour an old oath. A shrewd judge of men, he never dehumanises his enemy, and despite sharing some of the racial prejudices of his day, Richard Hannay is a worthy prototype hero of espionage fiction.

Major General Sir Richard Hannay is the fictional secret agent created by writer and diplomat John Buchan, who was himself an Intelligence officer during the First World War. The strong and silent type, combining the dour temperament of the Scot with the stiff upper lip of the Englishman, Hannay is pre-eminent among early spy-thriller heroes. Caught up in the first of these five gripping adventures just before the outbreak of war in 1914, he manages to thwart the enemys evil plan and solve the mystery of the thirty-nine steps. In Greenmantle, he undertakes a vital mission to prevent jihad in the Islamic Near East. Mr Standfast, set in the decisive months of 1917-18, is the novel in which Hannay, after a life lived wholly among men, finally falls in love; later, in The Three Hostages, he finds himself unravelling a kidnapping mystery with his wifes help. In the last adventure, The Island of Sheep, he is called upon to honour an old oath. A shrewd judge of men, he never dehumanises his enemy, and despite sharing some of the racial prejudices of his day, Richard Hannay is a worthy prototype hero of espionage fiction.