The Riddle of the Sands

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Description

Described by Ken Follett as "the first modern thriller", The Riddle of the Sands is the best-known sailing narrative and a true classic. It was recently ranked 37th in The Observer's list of the 100 Greatest Novels of the past 300 years. Winston Churchill even credited it for the Admiralty's decision to build naval bases in Scapa Flow, Invergordon and Rosyth.

Following in the adventurous tradition of H Rider Haggard, and being a clear influence on the espionage tales of John Buchan, Ian Fleming and John le Carr, The Riddle of the Sands tells the story of two young men on a sailing trip to the islands off the Dutch coast who discover a secret German naval base, and an enemy armada preparing to invade England.

With its prescient plotline and patriotic call for the nation to prepare against its foreign foes, The Riddle of the Sands has remained enduringly popular ever since it was first published in 1903. This new edition includes detailed maps of the Dutch coastline and evocative black and white photographs of some of the places Carruthers and Davies visit.

This is an enduring classic, loved by sailors and non-sailors alike, and its new illustrative material will be welcomed by readers following the storyline.

Reviews

'A welcome reissue for the classic 1903 tale of espionage on and around the Frisian Islands...it comes with plenty of maps and photos...well worth a read.' * Daily Echo - Bournemouth - (August 2010) *
'A gem of a book...a good way of updating a classic' * Sailing Today (October 2010) *
'A gripping, entertaining adventure...new edition includes detailed chartlets of the Dutch coastline to help the reader follow the story, as well as evocative black and white photographs' * Nautical Magazine (November 2010) *
'It was a joy to have the chance to reread the tale of the enigmatic British sailor, Davies, and his university friend, Carruthers...' * Compass Magazine (2010) *
'...you have the perfect book to curl up with on long winter's nights...' * Compass Magazine (2010) *
'It's a great tale and the perfect book to curly up with on a dark Winter's evening.' * Rescue Magazine (2010) *
Additional to the original text are a dozen or so black and white photographs which capture most effectively the atmosphere of the Dutch and German Frisian islands.' * Cruising (March 2011) *

Author Bio

Robert Erskine Childers took up sailing when a sciatic injury prevented him from taking part in many sporting activities. He served in the Boer War, later becoming vocally critical of how British troops were treated by their commanding officers. During the Irish Civil War of 1922-3 he joined the Republican army and was arrested and subsequently shot. The Riddle of the Sands is his most famous book, written in 1903.