The Riddle of the Sands, Erskine Childers
The Riddle of the Sands, Erskine Childers
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The Riddle of the Sands

Author: Erskine Childers

Narrator: Patrick Tull

Unabridged: 12 hr 14 min

Format: Digital Audiobook Download

Publisher: Recorded Books

Published: 03/11/2008

Synopsis

One of the first spy novels ever written, The Riddle of the Sands had an enormous impact upon its publication in 1903. Author Erskine Childers-a Boer War veteran and expert yachtsman-crafted a riveting tale of two men who sail close to the German coast and observe secret preparations for an invasion of England. The novel sparked intense concern over British preparedness for war, and one critic accused Childers of almost single-handedly plunging Europe into a conflagration.

About Erskine Childers

Erskine Childers (1870–1922) was an Irish nationalist and novelist. He was the editor of the Cambridge Review and the author of the influential novel Riddle of the Sands, which the Observer listed as one of the “100 Greatest Novels of All Time.” It is considered by many to be the first spy novel.

Reviews

Goodreads review by Georgia on March 20, 2025

Sand, sand, and more sand. But not the sand of Lawrence of Arabia's deserts. Baltic sands rise like u-boats then descend in a flash. They hide and appear. They do it again and again. They lurk to catch you out. Keep watch! This book reads like an extended scene from Hitchcock. Suspense is not, as th......more

Goodreads review by David on August 05, 2007

Erskine Childers was shot by firing squad during the Irish civil war in 1922. According to Wikipedia, his last words were a joke at the expense of his executioners: "Take a step or two forward, lads. It will be easier that way." His son was subsequently elected fourth president of Ireland in an upset......more

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