Escapism from a different age - Rated 
This is a fantastic book - my ultimate all time comfort read. The story of three great men seeking to recapture the excitement of life in Scotland's incomparable highlands through the pre-confessed poaching of a stag or a salmon on neighbouring estates. It is beautifully written and, while an essentially gentle story, gripping. I must have read it 100 times and still, when my mind is troubled, I go back to it. "Pride and Prejudice" for men.
A book that makes you yearn for the great outdoors - Rated
Other commentators have concentrated on the huntin', shootin', fishin' aspects of this book and they are certainly right to do so, but by doing so they perhaps miss what a great paean to the great Scottish countryside this is. In common with much of Buchan's work, the action takes place predominantly outdoors and he is so comfortable in his effortless description of place that it is a true joy to read. Sure the book has the class distinctions of its time but you can visit the Western Highlands even now and see how accurate and compelling his writing is. Also the "manhunt" aspects of the book surely appeal to the hunter in all of us "men of a certain age", who habitually watch Top Gear and would still like to nip out for a quick game of "Best Man Fall"
One last thing, whilst I adore the Richard Hannay books, may I guide those of you who have still to discover the genius of John Buchan (and please read his biographies for justification of my attaching that word to him) to read the "Dickson McCunn" books, Huntingtower, Castle Gay and The House of the Four Winds. These are light, easy to read, surprisingly suspenseful and throughly rollicking reads that today's authors just cannot hope to match.
I notice that a number of Buchan's books are being re-published so I hope that many more people will get beyond The Thirty Nine Steps to see what a marvelous legacy of works Buchan has left us.
The Great Game - Rated
A comfortable read, John Buchan in top form on his home ground, writing about the blood sports he loves.
This book really should not work, as our heroes admit at the beginning of the story, their motivation for their adventures is merely to avoid boredom; As is clear at the end, the risks they have exposed themselves are all quite bogus. Why on Earth should the modern reader care about three patrician Tory squires playing at being rebels?
Simply, the reader cares because of the easy charm of our author, he engages our interest and sympathies so that it is impossible not to root for our eminent trio and their various assistants.
Also, although contrived, the tale is far from bloodless, Buchan always approaches his adventures as sporting contests anyway, no matter how high the odds, so the challenges thrown down by "John Macnab" suit his tone perfectly.
The night fishing exploits of Edward Leithen are perhaps the most memorable passages in the book, but all the sporting pursuits are well drawn, and with obvious knowledge and affection to draw on.
The highly class bound society shown here may seem off-putting to modern tastes, but Buchan is so assured, so certain of the rightness of the world he describes, it is impossible not to accept his preconceptions and simply enjoy a rattling story.
Excellent ! - Rated
Whether you are familiar with this story from school or finding it for the first time, it makes for an excellent read. It carries an excellent 'sense of place' and, forgiving the minor details that date it, it is as applicable today as ever it was. If you are going on holiday to Scotland and want to understand something of its' sporting history and development you could do no better than read this book. If you are visiting Scotland to fish or stalk and have not read this book - why not ! If you have already stalked or fished in Scotland and want to conjur up the memories then dive in.
an excellent view of human nature - Rated
buchans story of human nature is diplayed by this wonderful book and its showing of how people react to different situations.what a great book to turn to a mini tv series.i hope somebody tries.
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