The Riddle Of The Sands Spy Thriller

"The Riddle of the Sands: A Record of Secret Service is a 1903 novel by Erskine Childers. The book, which enjoyed immense popularity in the years before World War I, is an early example of the espionage novel and was extremely influential in the genre of spy fiction. It has been made into feature-length films for both cinema and television.The novel ""owes a lot to the wonderful adventure novels of writers like Rider Haggard, that were a staple of Victorian Britain"".[1] It was a spy novel that ""established a formula that included a mass of verifiable detail, which gave authenticity to the story - the same ploy that would be used so well by John Buchan, Ian Fleming, John le Carré and many others.""[1] All of the physical background is completely authentic - the various Frisian islands and towns named in the book actually exist and the descriptions of them accurate (often, from the author's own experience). The same is true for the various ""sands"" of the title - vast areas which are flooded at high tide but become mudflats at ebb. Navigating a small boat under these conditions requires a specialized kind of skilled seamanship - of which the character Davies is an unsurpassed master, and the descriptions of his feats are of abiding interest to yachting enthusiasts, quite apart from their role in the book's espionage plot."

This eBook has been formatted to the highest digital standards and adjusted for readability on all devices. Carruthers, a minor official in the Foreign Office, is contacted by an acquaintance, Davies, asking him to join in a yachting holiday in the Baltic Sea. Carruthers agrees, as his other plans for a holiday have fallen through. As they sail off Davies gradually reveals that he suspects that the Germans are undertaking something sinister in the German Frisian islands. This is based on his belief that he was nearly wrecked by a German yacht luring him into a shoal in rough weather during a previous trip. Davies is suspicious about what would motivate the Germans to try to kill him. Having failed to interest anyone in the government in the incident, he feels it is his patriotic duty to investigate further – hence the invitation to Carruthers.

Erskine Childers' 'The Riddle of the Sands' is a gripping spy thriller that follows the exploits of two young men who stumble upon a German plot to invade England. Childers' meticulous attention to detail and realistic portrayal of the espionage tactics used make this novel a standout in the spy genre. Set in the early 20th century, the book provides a fascinating glimpse into the tensions and political machinations of the time, making it a compelling read for history buffs and espionage enthusiasts alike. Childers' writing style is both suspenseful and informative, keeping readers on the edge of their seats while also educating them on naval tactics and geography. With its intricate plot and well-developed characters, 'The Riddle of the Sands' is a must-read for fans of classic spy fiction. Erskine Childers, a former British diplomat, drew on his own experiences and knowledge of international relations to create this thrilling and thought-provoking novel. His expertise shines through in the depth and complexity of the story, adding an extra layer of authenticity to the narrative. For readers looking for a riveting spy novel that combines historical accuracy with heart-pounding suspense, 'The Riddle of the Sands' is the perfect choice.

Erskine Childers' 'The Riddle of the Sands' is a classic British espionage novel set against the backdrop of rising tensions between Germany and Britain in the early 20th century. Written with meticulous attention to detail, the book offers a thrilling tale of espionage and intrigue as two men uncover a German plot to invade England. Childers' narrative style, often described as a mix of adventure and political thriller, captures the paranoia and espionage of the time period, making it a gripping read for fans of both genres. The book's historical context provides insight into the geopolitical climate of the era, making it not only entertaining but also educational for readers interested in the history of European politics. Erskine Childers, a British politician and author, drew on his own experiences sailing the North Sea to write 'The Riddle of the Sands'. His firsthand knowledge of the region and its waters lends authenticity to the novel's setting and maritime elements. His background as a former British intelligence officer also adds depth to the espionage aspects of the story, offering readers a unique perspective on the world of spies and secret missions. I highly recommend 'The Riddle of the Sands' to readers who enjoy historical fiction, spy thrillers, and maritime adventures. Childers' masterful storytelling and nuanced portrayal of the era make this novel a must-read for anyone interested in the politics and intrigue of early 20th-century Europe.

One of the first great spy novels, The Riddle of the Sands is set during the long suspicious years leading up to the First World War. The story builds in excitement as two young men on a sailing holiday discover a German plot to invade England. This edition is complemented by a fine introduction which examines the novel in its political and historical context.

Do you like Stieg Larsson's 'Millennium', James Bond and dystopian dramas like 'The Man in the High Castle'? The 1903 spy thriller 'The Riddle of the Sands' has elements of all three - and then some. Ken Follett, author of 'The Pillars of the Earth', called 'The Riddle of the Sands' the "first modern thriller". It centres on a suspected plot by the German Empire to invade Britain. The plot proved to be almost prophetic, bearing in mind what was to follow in the First World War and the Second World War in the coming decades. Minor civil servant Carruthers and his friend, Davies are the men investigating the plot while on a yachting holiday in the Baltic Sea. They are drawn into an intricate story that includes secret treasure, a British traitor and a race against time to save Britain from the grip of the Kaiser. In 1979 'The Riddle of the Sands' was made into a spy thriller movie, starring Michael York, Jenny Agutter and Simon MacCorkindale. Childers' technique of including a great deal of detail that could be verified was later used by authors including: John Buchan, who wrote 'The Thirty-Nine Steps'; 'James Bond' author Ian Fleming and John Le Carré. Erskine Childers (1870-1922) was an Anglo-Irish writer whose only true literary success came with 'The Riddle of the Sands'. Instead, he found infamy through his political activism. Having been a prospective Liberal parliamentary candidate, he left the party and took up the cause of Irish Republicanism. He smuggled guns into Ireland on his yacht, but was executed during the Irish Civil War. His son, Erskine Hamilton Childers, became the 4th president of Ireland.

One of the first great spy novels, The Riddle of the Sands is set during the long, suspicious years leading up to the First World War. In spite of good prospects in the Foreign Office, sardonic civil servant Carruthers is finding it hard to endure the boredom of his life in London. He accepts an invitation from a college friend, Davies, a shyly intrepid yachtsman, and joins him on a sailing holiday in the Baltic, and there, amidst the sunshine and bright blue seas, they discover a German plot to invade England . . . Like much contemporary British spy fiction, The Riddle of the Sands reflects the Anglo-German rivalry of the early twentieth century, and the intricacy of the book’s conception and its lucid detail make it a classic of its genre. This Macmillan Collector’s Library edition of Erskine Childers' The Riddle of the Sands features maps drawn from Childers’ originals and an afterword by writer and journalist Ned Halley. Designed to appeal to the booklover, the Macmillan Collector's Library is a series of beautiful gift editions of much loved classic titles. Macmillan Collector's Library are books to love and treasure.

a continuation of the celebrated story of intrigue, treachery and adventure at sea begun in Erskine Childers' epoch-making thriller The Riddle of the Sands, this affectionate tribute to the world's first spy novel is a brilliantly original, utterly enthralling thriller in its own right.

Riddle of the Sands, by Erskine Childers, is an early example of the espionage novel, with a strong underlying theme of militarism. It was a spy novel that established a formula that included a mass of verifiable detail, which gave authenticity to the story - the same ploy that would be used so well by John Buchan, Ian Fleming, John le Carré and many others.

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