Customer Reviews

The Runagates Club

5 star:		(1)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

A collection of short stories, as narrated by many of Buchan's major characters (Edward Leithen, Richard Hannay, Archie Roylance etc). On the upside, the brevity of the stories keeps them fresh, and Buchan has to work harder to focus his characterisation - usually something he spends a while doing. On the downside, some of the stories are of variable quality, although the majority are excellent. Also, Buchan's writing is nowadays often cited as being racist or anti-semitic, and this book would do nothing to ameliorate either accusation. However, I tend to view his writings as very much a product of his time - these are very much the writings of a British Imperialist who was writing in the twilight of empire, before WW2. As a result, I tend to feel that writing which could never be excused today should be viewed as a historical curiosity rather than anything else.

This book deserves five stars. Check out what Buchan thought about 'uplift writing'in 1920s reporting. . .