Childers's lone masterpiece, The Riddle of the Sands, considered the first modern spy thriller, is recognisable as the brilliant forerunner of the realism of Graham Greene and John le Carre. Its unique flavour comes from its fine characterization, richly authentic background of inshore sailing and vivid evocation of the late 1890s - an atmosphere of mutual suspicion and intrigue that was soon to lead to war.
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A triller anticipating Frederick Forsyth and Len Deighton...never loses its pace. (Independent on Sunday )
--This text refers to an alternate
Paperback
edition.
About the Author
Erskine Childers was born in Ireland in 1870 of Anglo-Irish parents. Educated at Cambridge, he worked at the House of Commons before volunteering at the outbreak of the South African War. In 1910 Childers resigned his post in the Commons to work for the Irish cause and later did reconnaissance work during WWI. After the war he settled in Ireland and joined the Republican Army at the establishment of the Free State. He was amongst those arrested and shot in the civil war that followed.
--This text refers to an alternate
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
36 of 37 people found the following review helpful
By A Customer
Format:Paperback
Set in the period before the First World War, this gripping story tells of the adventures of a yachtsman and his non-sailing friend as they uncover disturbing events in the eastern North Sea in a small boat.
For sailors and non-sailors alike, this is a classic spy novel where the protagonists' curiosity and sense of adventure combine with sinister military planning in the misty waters around the Frisian islands. If you enjoy historical novels, this is a great read.
22 of 23 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
This is a beautiful book, I loved every second, have read it cover to cover many times. The story brilliantly captures the nervousness of the period leading up to the Great War. The atmosphere is amazing, you can almost see the cold windswept dunes of the German coast. The tension builds fast to the climax and the ambiguous ending just leaves you wishing that there was more.
54 of 58 people found the following review helpful
By Ian Thumwood
Format:Paperback
This novel, the first ever spy story, is truly of it's era. The story's heroes may seem quaint by the standards of the 21st Century (it is interesting to observe the manners between foes!!)but Childer's novel accurately predicted that Britain's main threat at the turn of the 20th Century was Germany rather than the more traditional foe of France. Consequently, this book caused shock waves in England and Childers even received the wrath of Winston Churchill such was it's radical prediction. Whilst no invasion via the Frisian Islands materialised, it is allged that this book prompted the navy to develop it's base at Scarpa Flow. Clearly this book was explosive stuff one hundred years ago!
The story concerns two men who uncover the covert plans of the German navy whilst under the pretext of hunting for duck. Whilst the first half of the book concerns itself with aspects of sailing and builds up a tremendous atmosphere that evokes the period and bleakness of the coast of Germany, the pace accelerates as the incredible truth eventually becomes apparent...
Having re-visited this book over and over again, for me it represents my defining image of the twilight of the British Empire. This is a must for all lovers of well -written spy and adventure stories.
The story concerns two men who uncover the covert plans of the German navy whilst under the pretext of hunting for duck. Whilst the first half of the book concerns itself with aspects of sailing and builds up a tremendous atmosphere that evokes the period and bleakness of the coast of Germany, the pace accelerates as the incredible truth eventually becomes apparent...
Having re-visited this book over and over again, for me it represents my defining image of the twilight of the British Empire. This is a must for all lovers of well -written spy and adventure stories.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great book
Classic story. Interesting author. The book is better than the film but why not buy both. Fantastic entertainment on a budget.
Published 11 days ago by JohnB
5.0 out of 5 stars
required reading
I bought this book for my son as he need it in the high school as a required reading. Personally I really like books especially novels where I can imagine myself into the actual... Read more
Published 1 month ago by Mr G. Hunt
5.0 out of 5 stars
Old favorite
One of few books that I can read over and over again. Being a sailor and a spy/adventure book lover this book is a must.
Published 1 month ago by Tore Gislen
4.0 out of 5 stars
Splendid
Entertaining and riveting read. Nautical terminology was a bit beyond me. Good foreword. Has definitely stood the test of time
Published 1 month ago by Thomas Lowe
3.0 out of 5 stars
A real old story
A good read, but kept needing to go back for reference as it got a bit complicated and needed to keep ones concentration.
Published 3 months ago by Mrs. A. Boot
4.0 out of 5 stars
A ripping yarn
Really interesting to read this book with its early 20th century perspective. The maritime theme makes it timeless. Read more
Published 6 months ago by Maurice
2.0 out of 5 stars
Paula J
Instantly recognisable as a vintage book by the way it is written.Full of nautical references,very slow moving,I would have given up on it if it wasn't
a book club choice so... Read more
a book club choice so... Read more
Published 6 months ago by Mrs. P. Jermy
4.0 out of 5 stars
Riddle of the sands
This is a classic of the historical/sailing/adventure genre. It is brilliant. However, the story does require reference to the "maps (charts) included with the book. Read more
Published 7 months ago by sailer
3.0 out of 5 stars
'The Riddle of the Sands' in the COLLECTOR'S LIBRARY edition
The little Collector's Library volumes are of beautiful quality, with fine paper and sewn bindings - and now offer a perfect alternative to the bigger Everyman's editions when you... Read more
Published 11 months ago by Simon Esposito
4.0 out of 5 stars
An historic thriller
A century after it was written, this is still a gripping tale designed to appeal to the intelligent reader, and is historically important because it conveys the feel of pre-World... Read more
Published 12 months ago by Nicholas
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