The Thirty-Nine Steps

John Buchan wrote The Thirty-Nine Steps while he was seriously ill at the beginning of the First World War. In it he introduces his most famous hero, Richard Hannay, who, despite claiming to be an 'ordinary fellow', is caught up in the dramatic race against a plot to devastate the British war eff...

Scottish-born John Buchan (1875-1940) was a lawyer, publishing executive, historian, army officer, and a Member of Parliament as well as the author of more than 100 books. In 1935 he was made first Baron Tweedsmuir and appointed Governor-General of Canada.