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The Riddle of the Sands

By: Erskine Childers
Narrated by: Simon Vance
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Publisher's Summary

While on a sailing trip in the Baltic Sea, two young adventurers-turned-spies uncover a secret German plot to invade England. Widely recognized as the first modern spy thriller, this 1902 lone masterpiece by World War I Royal Navy officer Erskine Childers was written as a wake-up call to the British government to attend to its North Sea defenses. It accomplished that task and has been considered a classic of espionage literature ever since. Praised for its nautical action and richly authentic background as much as for its suspenseful spycraft, The Riddle of the Sands is the brilliant forerunner to the realism of Graham Greene and John le Carré.
©2001 Mary Daheim (P)2002 Blackstone Audio, Inc.
Classics Espionage
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Critic Reviews

"This is a book of great renown....Its beautifully sustained atmosphere...adds poetry, and...real mystery." (Ian Fleming)
"Simon Vance lends a mature sound and considerable technique to his narration, making Childers's seafaring not only apparent, but contagious." ( AudioFile)

What listeners say about The Riddle of the Sands

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Profile Image for Joseph Bertolini

A nautical delight

Engrossing adventure plot. Unique and vivid nautical and sailing scenes. Exposure to unexpected geography. Resonating language.

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In the spirit of reconciliation, Audible acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.