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The Thirty-Nine Steps

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The Thirty-Nine Steps

By: John Buchan
Narrated by: Robert Powell
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About this listen

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An espionage thriller that has been called the first great spy novel, it has sustained its popularity, being embraced by each new generation.

The first in a series of five audiobooks it features the spy Richard Hannay, an action hero with a stiff upper lip who gets caught up in a dangerous race against a plot by German spies to destroy the British war effort.

When Richard Hannay offers sanctuary to an American agent seeking his help in stopping a political assassination, he takes the first step on a trail of peril, murder, and espionage. Days later the agent's murdered body turns up in Hannay's flat, making him the prime suspect.

Knowing he's next he goes into hiding in Scotland, but in his possession is the American agent's little black book that holds the key to the conspiracy. On the run from both the police and members of a mysterious organisation that will stop at nothing to keep their secrets hidden, the book has become one of the most influential chase books, adopted by many, including Hollywood, but with an unrivalled tension.

The novel has been the basis for many adaptations although most have departed from the text. Most famous is Alfred Hitchcock's classic film The 39 Steps released in 1935.

Narrator Biography

Robert Powell received his first starring role in The Italian Job (1969) and is best known for the title role in the television series Jesus of Nazareth (1977). He received Best Actor awards for his performances in Imperativ (1982) and Harlequin (1980). His television career has included appearing in BBC One's Holby City (2005-2011) and the "science-fact" drama Doomwatch (1970) as well as starring alongside Jasper Carrott in the sitcom The Detectives (1993-1997). He has a distinctive voice that has narrated documentaries including World War II in HD Colour, Hitler's Bodyguard, The Story of the Third Reich and Secrets of World War II. In 2013 he narrated the dramatic television series The Bible. He has narrated many fictional and historical audiobooks including Rebecca's Tale, The Well-Beloved and The Thirty-Nine Steps.

Public Domain (P)2014 Audible, Inc.
Action & Adventure Classics Mystery Mystery, Thriller & Suspense Espionage Suspense War Fiction
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What a great story ! Gripping brilliantly written and so well delivered. I want to listen again!

Oh my gosh!

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Robert Powell pulls this off terrifically well. Great characterisation of multiple voices and accents; really brought to life the main protagonist with his insouciant charm. Top marks.

Terrific thriller that captures the intrigue and the mood of the day.

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I read this as a teenager and was captivated back then, not so much now. A bit of nostalgia for me. Excellent narration from Robert Powell.

A ripping yarn

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Book from childhood narrated brilliantly by Robert Powell. Such atmosphere and mystery. Hugely enjoyable and entertaining

Superb narration

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Excellent narrator with the different voices and accents. Exciting story, much enjoyed. Better than the movie

Excellent

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an interesting story written from the point of view of an upperclass English gentleman. i was uncomfortable reading about the differences between the working class and the privelidged to be honest and will likely not continue the series

Story from a time gone by

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I thoroughly enjoyed this book.
The narration was excellent and the story very enjoyable and entertaining.

A True Classic

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I heard about this book when I was watching a movie and wanted to listen. Yes, it was enjoyable and worth my time however I did find it comes to an abrupt end

Enjoyable

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I had studied this book at school some 50+ years ago. It is a timeless classic. Re-telling the giddy days of England & Scotland shortly before the outbreak of WWI. Lots of villains and the hero in particular, is superbly narrated, capturing the accents of the numerous characters he was masquerading.
A great listen.

A great short audio of a classic tale.

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Perfectly narrated. This could be a metaphor for Brexit. I like to visualise the hero as Nigel Farage.

Gentleman hero defeats the forces of evil

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