The Thirty-Nine Steps by John Buchan

Published in 1915, The Thirty-Nine Steps by John Buchan is a great work in the adventure and spy thriller genres. Buchan, a Scottish novelist, historian, and politician, wrote the novel as a form of escapism while recovering from illness. The book was serialised in Blackwood’s Magazine before being published in book form, achieving immediate popularity during the early years of the First World War.

The novel’s writing was influenced by Buchan’s fascination with patriotism, espionage, and the landscapes of Scotland. Buchan described The Thirty-Nine Steps as a "shocker," a term he used to define fast-paced, improbable adventures that were meant purely for entertainment. Despite its simplicity, the novel’s blend of suspense, action, and political intrigue established a template for a lot of our newer, modern thrillers.

The story introduces Richard Hannay, a man of action, who would later become a recurring character in Buchan’s fiction. Hannay’s ordinary life as a mining engineer in London is upended when he is drawn into a web of international espionage, murder, and a plot that threatens Britain’s security.

Plot

The novel begins with Richard Hannay leading a dull and uneventful life. His world changes when Franklin Scudder, an American spy, seeks refuge in his flat. Scudder reveals a sinister plot involving a foreign power planning to assassinate a Greek political leader, an event that could spark a global conflict. Scudder claims to have uncovered a secret organisation called the Black Stone, which is behind the conspiracy.

Before Scudder can disclose more details, he is murdered in Hannay’s apartment. Fearing both the Black Stone and the police, Hannay flees to Scotland, using Scudder’s cryptic notes as his guide. Hannay’s journey is fraught with danger as he is pursued by both the authorities, who suspect him of murder, and the Black Stone operatives, who seek to eliminate him.

In the Scottish countryside, Hannay adopts various disguises and relies on his wits and resourcefulness to evade capture. He encounters a series of characters, including a helpful farmer and a political radical, each contributing to his journey in different ways. Hannay gradually pieces together the meaning of Scudder’s notes, deciphering clues that point to the "Thirty-Nine Steps," a critical aspect of the Black Stone’s plan.

The climax happens on the English coast, where Hannay identifies a group of foreign spies preparing to escape with stolen intelligence. He heroically destroys their plans, ensuring Britain’s safety. The novel ends with Hannay returning to his ordinary life, but as a man transformed by his experiences.

Into the Book

Ordinary People and Extraordinary Challenges:

The Thirty-Nine Steps celebrates the idea of the ordinary man rising to extraordinary challenges. Richard Hannay begins as a bored and unremarkable individual, but his courage and resourcefulness emerge when he is thrust into danger. Hannay’s transformation from a passive observer to an active hero underscores the theme of heroism.

Hannay’s reflections highlight this transformation: “I had been living a comfortable life, but now I was in the thick of a fight, with my own hands to carve out my destiny.” His resilience and adaptability, whether disguising himself or navigating unfamiliar terrain, demonstrate the potential for heroism in ordinary individuals.

“If you’re going to be killed you invent some kind of flag and country to fight for, and if you survive you get to love the thing”

- The Thirty-Nine Steps by John Buchan

Patriotism:

Patriotism is a driving force in The Thirty-Nine Steps. Hannay’s actions are motivated by a sense of duty to protect Britain from foreign threats. The novel reflects early 20th-century anxieties about espionage and the vulnerability of nations to covert plots.

Hannay’s determination to foil the Black Stone’s scheme, despite personal risk, embodies the spirit of self-sacrifice for the greater good. His resolve is evident when he states, “I’m going to finish this business if it’s the last thing I do. I’ll put a spoke in their wheel.”

“I was not a murderer, but I had become an unholy liar, a shameless impostor, and a highwayman with a marked taste for expensive motor-cars.”

- The Thirty-Nine Steps by John Buchan

Suspense and Tension:

Suspense is a huge theme of The Thirty-Nine Steps, driving the narrative and keeping us readers engaged from start to finish. The constant chase, shifting disguises, and cryptic clues create a sense of urgency and danger. Hannay’s quest to uncover the truth behind the Black Stone’s conspiracy mirrors our human desire for clarity in the face of uncertainty.

The theme of pursuit is captured in Hannay’s reflection: “I was like a man who has lost his way in a labyrinth and is groping for the light.” His journey is as much about self-discovery as it is about uncovering the enemy’s plan, blending personal and geopolitical stakes.

“I had a fine prospect of the whole ring of moorland. I saw the car speed away with two occupants, and a man on a hill pony riding east. I judged they were looking for me, and I wished them joy of their quest.”

- The Thirty-Nine Steps by John Buchan

Why It's a Masterpiece

The Thirty-Nine Steps is considered a masterpiece for its storytelling, in which it basically creates the mass-market thriller we know and love today. Many films and books since have been loosely based on The Thirty-Nine Steps and the book itself was turned into a great film (great is subjective; it is simply my opinion and I know that other people aren't too fond of the movie).

The novel’s protagonist, Richard Hannay, represents the archetype of the reluctant hero, an ordinary man who rises to extraordinary circumstances. His ingenuity, bravery, and resourcefulness are part and parcel of this 'reluctant hero' ideal, making him a relatable and compelling figure.

Buchan’s use of suspense, vividly described settings, and colourful secondary characters contribute to the novel's greatness The Scottish countryside, with its rugged beauty and hidden dangers, becomes a character in its own right, adding depth and atmosphere to Hannay’s journey.

Conclusion

The Thirty-Nine Steps remains a classic due to its fast-paced plot and relatable hero. It explored patriotism and individual courage - marking the groundwork for possibly more patriotic characters appearing to us in film and book form.

As a foundational work of the thriller genre, it is often overlooked as a 'lost classic' but I urge you to read it. It's short and brilliant. And, if you can, watch the Hitchcock movie if you haven't done so already!

Next Week: The Devil in the Flesh by Raymond Radiguet