The Thirty-Nine Steps: Popular Penguins

John Buchan was born in Perth. His father was a minister of the Free Church of Scotland. The family moved to Fife in 1876, where John had to walk six miles daily to attend the local school. Later, they relocated to the Gorbals in Glasgow, and John attended Hutchesons’ Grammar School, Glasgow University, and Brasenose College, Oxford.

During his time at Oxford, which he described as ‘spent peacefully in an enclave like a monastery,’ Buchan published five books and numerous articles, won several awards including the Newdigate Prize for poetry, and achieved a First.

His post-university career was equally diverse and successful. Despite ill-health and persistent pain from a duodenal ulcer, he played a prominent role in public life as a barrister and Member of Parliament, alongside his careers as a writer, soldier, and publisher.

In 1907, he married Susan Grosvenor, and they had a supremely happy marriage, with one daughter and three sons. In 1935, he was created Baron Tweedsmuir of Elsfield and became the fifteenth Governor-General of Canada, a position he held until his death in 1940. G. M. Trevelyan wrote to his widow, “I don’t think I remember anyone whose death evoked a more enviable outburst of sorrow, love and admiration.”

John Buchan’s first literary success was Prester John in 1910. This was followed by a series of adventure thrillers, which he termed ‘shockers.’ These novels are notable for their authentic settings, romantic characters, an atmosphere of anticipation, global conspiracies, and the author’s evident enthusiasm.

His main heroes include:

• Richard Hannay: Featured in The Complete Richard Hannay.
• Dickson McCunn: A Glaswegian provision merchant with a romantic spirit, appearing in Huntingtower, Castle Gay, and The House of the Four Winds.
• Sir Edward Leithen: A lawyer who narrates John MacNab and Sick Heart River, Buchan’s final novel.

Buchan also established a reputation as a historical biographer with works such as Montrose, Oliver Cromwell, and Augustus.

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