/”The Riddle of the Sands/” is a 1903 novel by Erskine Childers. The book, which enjoyed immense popularity in the years before World War I, is an early example of the espionage novel and was extremely influential in the genre of spy fiction. The story concerns two men, Davies and Carruthers, who embark on a yachting holiday to the German Frisian islands. There they find a hidden German naval base, which turns out to be part of a plan to invade England. The story is further complicated by the revelation that the base is being run by an Englishman. The novel is set in the years leading up to the First World War and is notable for its detailed descriptions of the geography and sailing techniques of the Frisian Islands. The book is also notable for its realistic portrayal of espionage and the use of verifiable detail to give authenticity to the story. The novel has been adapted into feature-length films for both cinema and television.
The book is a classic of the spy fiction genre and is widely regarded as one of the best examples of the genre. The novel is notable for its realistic portrayal of espionage and the use of verifiable detail to give authenticity to the story. The book is also notable for its detailed descriptions of the geography and sailing techniques of the Frisian Islands. The story is well-paced and engaging, with a number of twists and turns that keep the reader guessing until the end. The characters are well-drawn and believable, and the dialogue is sharp and witty.
Overall, /”The Riddle of the Sands/” is a classic of the spy fiction genre and is a must-read for anyone interested in the history of espionage or the development of the spy novel. The book is a well-written and engaging story that is sure to keep readers on the edge of their seats. If you’re looking for a great read that combines adventure, suspense, and intrigue, then /”The Riddle of the Sands/” is definitely worth checking out..
More: Erskine Childers, The Riddle of the Sands, BBC Audiobooks Ltd
Anton Lesser, spy fiction, First World War
invasion plans, Germany, England
Frision islands, troop carriers, natural channels
suspicion, espionage, classic
00:00:00 Preface
00:05:07 1. The Letter
00:20:35 2. The Dulcibella
00:48:44 3. Davies
01:10:35 4. Retrospect
01:28:03 5. Wanted, A North Wind
01:45:22 6. Schlei Fiord
02:00:27 7. The Missing Page
02:27:47 8. The Theory
02:54:12 9. I Sign Articles
03:14:03 10. His Chance
03:31:36 11. The Pathfinders
03:50:23 12. My Initiation
04:13:21 13. The Meaning Of Our Work
04:25:34 14. The First Night In The Islands
04:43:54 15. Bensersiel
04:59:52 16. Commander Von Brüning
05:30:56 17. Clearing The Air
05:55:45 18. Imperial Escort
06:07:52 19. The Rubicon
06:36:08 20. The Little Drab Book
06:59:47 21. Blindfold To Memmert
07:31:15 22. The Quartette
07:57:34 23. A Change Of Tactics
08:25:06 24. Finesse
08:57:05 25. I Double Back
09:22:45 26. The Seven Siels
09:49:57 27. The Luck Of The Stowaway
10:21:18 28. We Achieve Our Double Aim
10:40:24 Epilogue
11:00:32 Postscript (March 1903)
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