Author
John Buchan
1875-1940
John Buchan (1875-1940) is a public-domain author available on Rivro. Read free books, explore subjects, and discover related classics.
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Books by John Buchan
The Thirty-Nine Steps
"The Thirty-Nine Steps" by John Buchan is an adventure novel published in 1915. Richard Hannay, a mining engineer from Rhodesia, finds himself caught in a deadly conspiracy when his neighbor is murdered in his London flat. Possessing only a cryptic coded notebook, Hannay flees to Scotland, pursued by both police and German spies seeking to steal Britain's naval secrets. Racing against time before war erupts across Europe, he must decipher the mystery of the thirty-nine steps and stop an international plot that could change history.
Mr. Standfast
"Mr. Standfast" by John Buchan is a novel published in 1919. Brigadier-General Richard Hannay is pulled from the Western Front for a dangerous secret mission: hunting a German spy network operating in Britain. Disguised as a pacifist, he must work undercover to track enemy agents across the country and into the Swiss Alps. With coded messages hidden in "Pilgrim's Progress" and allies in unexpected places, Hannay faces his most complex assignment yet—one that could determine the fate of Europe.
Greenmantle
"Greenmantle" by John Buchan is a novel published in 1916. Richard Hannay is drawn into a dangerous intelligence mission to investigate rumors of a German-orchestrated Muslim uprising during World War I. Traveling through enemy territory with trusted companions, Hannay must decode cryptic clues, assume false identities, and navigate a web of spies and conspirators. Their perilous journey leads to Constantinople and beyond, where they race to uncover the mystery of "Greenmantle" and prevent a plot that could change the course of the war.
Prester John
"Prester John" by John Buchan is an adventure novel published in 1910. Young Scotsman David Crawfurd travels to South Africa, where he stumbles upon a dangerous secret: the charismatic Reverend John Laputa is planning a massive native uprising. Armed with the legendary ruby necklet of Prester John, Laputa aims to unite tribes against colonial rule. Crawfurd must navigate treachery, capture, and daring escapes as he races to stop the rebellion. Set against the backdrop of colonial Africa, this tale blends political intrigue with pulse-pounding action.
The African Colony: Studies in the Reconstruction
"The African Colony: Studies in the Reconstruction" by John Buchan is a historical account written in the early 20th century. The work focuses on the political and social complexities of South Africa, particularly in the aftermath of the Boer War and the challenges of rebuilding a nation. The author aims to explore the intricacies of South African politics, the historical contexts leading to the colonial struggles, and the various dynamics between different societal groups in the region. The opening of the book provides a retrospective on the conclusion of the Boer War, emphasizing both the devastation caused and the beginning of a significant reconstruction period. Buchan discusses the establishment of a new government and the various challenges faced during resettlement, illustrating this through his observations of the political landscape and the diverse populations that inhabit South Africa. He notes that while history will take time to properly document the reconstruction efforts, the initial steps towards resuming civil administration are evident, necessitating a closer examination of the prevailing issues and ideals guiding the nation’s progress.
Huntingtower
"Huntingtower" by John Buchan is a novel published in 1922. Retired Glasgow grocer Dickson McCunn embarks on a walking holiday in Scotland, only to stumble upon a Russian princess imprisoned in a mysterious house. With help from a young poet and a scrappy gang of Glasgow street urchins called the Gorbals Die-Hards, McCunn must protect her from Bolshevik enemies arriving by sea. This fairytale-like adventure blends ordinary courage with international intrigue in post-Revolution turmoil.
The Path of the King
"The Path of the King" by John Buchan is a novel published in 1921. Through a series of loosely-connected historical episodes spanning from Viking times to nineteenth-century America, the book traces how a spark of greatness passes through generations across Norman, French, Flemish, English, and Scottish bloodlines. A golden torque becomes a ring that travels through centuries, symbolizing royal spirit that endures even when hidden among common people, ultimately revealing its destination in an unexpected American hero.
The Watcher by the Threshold
"The Watcher by the Threshold" by John Buchan is a collection of supernatural tales published in 1902. Set primarily in the Scottish landscape, these stories blend ancient folklore with unsettling encounters. Characters discover hidden races in remote hills, pursue mystical islands beyond the western seas, and confront shadowy presences that haunt the threshold between reason and madness. Buchan weaves scholarly curiosity with creeping dread, exploring what happens when modern men stumble upon forces older and darker than civilization itself.
The Last Secrets: The Final Mysteries of Exploration
"The Last Secrets: The Final Mysteries of Exploration" by John Buchan is a historical account written in the early 20th century. This work delves into the significant advancements in exploration during the first two decades of the 1900s, chronicling the successful unraveling of many of the world’s geographical enigmas. The book reflects on the changing nature of exploration, moving from grand adventures into the age of detailed scientific inquiry, as it grapples with the reality that the world is becoming increasingly mapped and understood. At the start of the book, Buchan sets the stage by discussing the once-mysterious city of Lhasa in Tibet, which had long been shrouded in secrecy and intrigue. The opening passages detail the extraordinary journey of an armed British expedition that, in 1904, was the first to enter this sacred city after centuries of barriers. Buchan paints a vivid picture of the geographical challenges faced by past explorers, the politics surrounding Tibet, and the final unveiling of Lhasa, which ultimately diminished the allure of its mystery. This poignant exploration serves as a prelude to the broader themes this historical account will address, namely the evolution of exploration and humanity's ever-decreasing encounters with the unknown.
The Moon Endureth: Tales and Fancies
"The Moon Endureth: Tales and Fancies" by John Buchan is a collection published in 1912. This Scottish author's work blends short stories and poetry in a volume critics described as leaning toward "the mysterious and bizarre." The collection features tales of imagination and delicate satire, interwoven with verse. Several stories explore fantastical themes while others venture into the uncanny. The title itself promises abundance of peace, yet the tales hint at darker undercurrents and strange encounters that challenge the ordinary world.
Days to Remember: The British Empire in the Great War
"Days to Remember: The British Empire in the Great War" by John Buchan and Henry Newbolt is a historical account written in the early 20th century. The book provides an overview of the events and significant battles of World War I, particularly focusing on the experiences and contributions of the British Empire, including forces from Canada, Australia, and other Commonwealth nations. The narrative centers around the complex causes of the war, its key battles, and the collective effort of the British and their allies. The opening of the book introduces the multiple causes that led to the outbreak of World War I. It discusses the rising tensions in Europe, particularly Germany's ambitions and the alliances formed among the other powers. The narrative details the assassination of Archduke Francis Ferdinand, which acted as a catalyst for the conflict, and subsequently outlines Britain’s difficult position as it moved from neutrality to involvement due to Germany’s invasion of Belgium. The first chapter sets the stage for a discussion of pivotal moments in the war by describing the initial strategies and responses of the major players, preparing readers for a deeper dive into the battles the British Empire would face.
Midwinter: Certain Travellers in Old England
"Midwinter: Certain Travellers in Old England" by John Buchan is a historical novel published in 1923. Set during the 1745 Jacobite rising, it follows Scottish Jacobite Alastair Maclean as he travels through England seeking support for Bonnie Prince Charlie's cause. When he encounters betrayal, mysterious allies, and a forbidden love, Maclean must navigate a treacherous landscape of loyalty and deception. The novel offers an imaginative account of Samuel Johnson's missing years during this turbulent period in English history.
John Burnet of Barns: A Romance
"John Burnet of Barns: A Romance" by John Buchan is a novel published in 1898. Written as an autobiography, it follows young John Burnet in seventeenth-century Scotland as he navigates friendship, scholarship, and romance with his neighbor Marjory Veitch. When his treacherous cousin Gilbert falsely denounces him as a traitor, John loses his lands and becomes a hunted outlaw in the Scottish Borders. He must fight to clear his name, rescue Marjory from Gilbert's schemes, and reclaim his rightful inheritance.
Francis and Riversdale Grenfell : $b A memoir
No description available.
The Power-House
"The Power-House" by John Buchan is a thriller novel published in 1916. When barrister Edward Leithen investigates his friend's mysterious disappearance, he uncovers a sinister international criminal organization led by wealthy art connoisseur Andrew Lumley. As Leithen digs deeper, he becomes a target himself, trapped in a deadly game where civilization's facade proves dangerously thin. Racing against time across London and Central Asia, Leithen must outsmart a network of watchers and assassins to save his friends and expose the truth.
The history of the South African forces in France
"The history of the South African forces in France" by John Buchan is a historical account written in the early 20th century. It chronicles South Africa’s official expeditionary contribution to World War I, centering on the South African Infantry Brigade and its attached services in France. The narrative blends strategic overview with unit-level detail across major battles and theatres, including the Somme, Arras, and Ypres, while also covering the Western Desert campaign in Egypt and the work of artillery, signals, transport, and medical units. The opening of this history explains the author’s official commission, sources, and aim to tell a clear, authoritative record, then recounts how the brigade was raised: its four battalions (including the South African Scottish), leadership under Brigadier-General Henry Timson Lukin, supporting heavy artillery (re-numbered as R.G.A. siege batteries), signals, and medical services, and its training in England. Diverted to Egypt at the end of 1915, the force joins the Western Frontier operations against the Senussi, fighting at Halazin and then at Agagia, where coordinated infantry and yeomanry action captures Gaafer Pasha, before advancing on Sollum amid severe water shortages. The armoured cars’ dash under the Duke of Westminster smashes a retreating camp and then pulls off a dramatic long-range rescue of British sailors, effectively ending the immediate threat from the west. The brigade returns to Egypt, then sails for France, joins the 9th (Scottish) Division, learns trench warfare in Flanders, and moves to the Somme. A concise overview of the Somme’s purpose frames their first major test: holding newly won ground near Bernafay and aiding in the struggle for Trônes Wood, during which Lieutenant-Colonel F. A. Jones of the 4th Regiment is killed. On 14–15 July, they attack Longueval–Delville Wood; the South Africans seize most of Delville but face incessant shelling and counter-attacks, thin lines, and blocked communications, with notable bravery such as Private W. F. Faulds’s rescue under fire. The section closes as reinforcements are juggled and a renewed push is ordered for the morning of 17 July.
The Half-Hearted
"The Half-Hearted" by John Buchan is a novel published in 1900. It tells the story of Lewis Haystoun, a young Scottish laird plagued by indecision and an inability to commit. When his hesitation costs him the woman he loves, he journeys to India's northwest frontier seeking redemption. There, facing a Russian invasion, he must finally prove his courage and overcome the fatal flaw that has defined his life.
Sir Quixote of the Moors Being some account of an episode in the life of the Sieur de Rohaine
"Sir Quixote of the Moors" by John Buchan is a novel published in 1895. A French soldier seeking adventure in seventeenth-century Scotland becomes disgusted by his host's brutal persecution of religious dissenters and flees across the moorlands. Collapsing at a minister's home, he's nursed by Anne, a young woman whose betrothed has gone into hiding. Bound by honor to protect her, the soldier faces an agonizing test when forbidden feelings emerge between them, forcing a clash between duty and desire.
Afrikan viimeinen kuningas
"Afrikan viimeinen kuningas" by John Buchan is a novel written in the early 20th century. The narrative seems to explore themes of adventure and cultural encounters as it follows a young protagonist, Davie Crawfurd, who navigates the challenges of life in Africa, touching upon elements of colonialism and the complexities of societal dynamics in a foreign land. The opening of the story introduces Davie Crawfurd and presents a vivid backdrop of his childhood in Kirkcaple, where mundane church visits turn into childhood escapades with friends, setting a tone of youthful curiosity and adventure. As Davie and his friends sneak away from church to explore the local area, they encounter a mysterious figure by the beach, which sparks fear yet ignites an adventure that resonates with the essence of childhood exploration. This initial encounter with the unknown becomes a linchpin for the narrative, foreshadowing the deeper discoveries Davie will face as his journey leads him to Africa, where he finds himself amidst culturally rich and dangerous environments.
Poems, Scots and English
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Salute to Adventurers
"Salute to Adventurers" by John Buchan is a historical adventure novel published in 1915. Set in late 17th-century Virginia and Scotland, the story follows young Scottish merchant Andrew Garvald as he navigates dangerous colonial trade wars, Indian uprisings, and romance. When a crazed religious zealot emerges as the unlikely leader of a massive Native American force threatening the settlements, Garvald must undertake a perilous mission into the western mountains to prevent catastrophe and win the heart of Elspeth Blair.