John Buchan

John Buchan was a Scottish novelist, historian, and politician best known for his adventure fiction The Thirty-Nine Steps (1915). Buchan wrote nearly 30 novels, historical works, and biographies.

Born on 26 August 1875 in Perth, Scotland, Buchan was the first child of a Free Church of Scotland minister. His upbringing in the Scottish Borders instilled a love for nature and storytelling. Buchan attended Hutchesons' Boys' Grammar School in Glasgow before winning a scholarship to the University of Glasgow, where he studied classics. At Brasenose College, Oxford, he studied Literae Humaniores and won prizes for his essays and poetry.

After graduating from Oxford, Buchan briefly practised as a barrister before entering the world of publishing and journalism. His early career included a stint as a private secretary to Lord Milner in South Africa during the Boer War. Buchan's experiences in South Africa influenced his writing, providing material for his future novels, including Prester John (1910). In 1907, he joined the publishing house Thomas Nelson and Sons and became a deputy editor at The Spectator.

His most famous work, The Thirty-Nine Steps, was published during the First World War. The novel introduces Richard Hannay, an all-action hero who uncovers a conspiracy threatening to plunge Europe into war. The story begins with Hannay's neighbour, Franklin Scudder, revealing a plot against the Greek Premier and seeking Hannay's help. After Scudder's mysterious murder, Hannay goes on the run, evading both police and spies to unravel the conspiracy.

The novel's blend of suspense, espionage, and action set a template for the modern thriller genre. Its fast-paced narrative and memorable protagonist made The Thirty-Nine Steps a success, leading to several sequels and adaptations, including Alfred Hitchcock's 1935 film version. The book remains a popular classic and was listed on the BBC's Big Read poll of Britain's "best-loved novels" in 2003.

In 1935, Buchan was appointed Governor General of Canada by King George V and was raised to the peerage as 1st Baron Tweedsmuir.

Founded in 1979, the John Buchan Society encourages continuing interest in Buchan's works, life, and legacy.