The Thirty-nine Steps

By (author) John Buchan
Short description/annotation
Part of Alma Classics Evergreen series of popular classics, this edition is fully annotated and contains extra material.
Description
When Richard Hannay finds the corpse of freelance spy Franklin P. Scudder in his London flat, he goes on the run, fearing that his life is in danger. Scudder had previously revealed that he was investigating a ring of German spies, who were conspiring to sabotage Britain''s war capability. Hannay becomes both hunter and hunted as he struggles to unravel the tangled threads of this plot while staying one step ahead of his pursuers, who will stop at nothing to keep their nefarious secrets. First published in 1915, John Buchan''s definitive spy novel was the first in a long line of espionage thrillers to delve into the underbelly of the British establishment. Over a hundred years later, The Thirty-Nine Steps remains resonant, and the various film, television and theatre adaptations of this classic - most notably Alfred Hitchcock''s 1935 version - are a testament to its capacity to thrill.
Review quote
An archetypal English spy thriller. -- Robert McCrum
Biographical note
Scottish author John Buchan (1875-1940) was both an acclaimed writer of adventure novels and, as the Governor General of Canada, one of the most high-ranking colonial administrators in the British Empire. His political career usually took precedence over his writing, but he still managed to produce several iconic works of spy fiction, including his masterpiece The Thirty-Nine Steps.
Promotional headline
A great addition to the Alma Evergreens series. Buchan''s tale is one of the seminal and most influential "chase" books in English literature. Presented here with extra reading material.
Description for collection
Alma Classics Evergreens is a series of popular classics. All the titles in the series are provided with an extensive critical apparatus, extra reading material including a section of photographs and notes. The texts are based on the most authoritative edition (or collated from the most authoritative editions or manuscripts) and edited using a fresh, intelligent editorial approach. With an emphasis on the production, editorial and typographical values of a book, Alma Classics aspires to revitalize the whole experience of reading the classics.
Feature
One of the most popular British spy novels
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Currently on stage at Criterion Theatre, London
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Competitively priced
Feature
Fully annotated edition