The Thirty-Nine Steps
Failed to add items
Add to basket failed.
Add to wishlist failed.
Remove from wishlist failed.
Adding to library failed
Follow podcast failed
Unfollow podcast failed
The Thirty-Nine Steps
Buy Now for £8.99
No valid payment method on file.
We are sorry. We are not allowed to sell this product with the selected payment method
-
Narrated by:
-
Robert Powell
-
By:
-
John Buchan
About this listen
Exclusively from Audible
An espionage thriller that has been called the first great spy novel, it has sustained its popularity, being embraced by each new generation.
The first in a series of five audiobooks it features the spy Richard Hannay, an action hero with a stiff upper lip who gets caught up in a dangerous race against a plot by German spies to destroy the British war effort.
When Richard Hannay offers sanctuary to an American agent seeking his help in stopping a political assassination, he takes the first step on a trail of peril, murder, and espionage. Days later the agent's murdered body turns up in Hannay's flat, making him the prime suspect.
Knowing he's next he goes into hiding in Scotland, but in his possession is the American agent's little black book that holds the key to the conspiracy. On the run from both the police and members of a mysterious organisation that will stop at nothing to keep their secrets hidden, the book has become one of the most influential chase books, adopted by many, including Hollywood, but with an unrivalled tension.
The novel has been the basis for many adaptations although most have departed from the text. Most famous is Alfred Hitchcock's classic film The 39 Steps released in 1935.
Narrator Biography
Robert Powell received his first starring role in The Italian Job (1969) and is best known for the title role in the television series Jesus of Nazareth (1977). He received Best Actor awards for his performances in Imperativ (1982) and Harlequin (1980). His television career has included appearing in BBC One's Holby City (2005-2011) and the "science-fact" drama Doomwatch (1970) as well as starring alongside Jasper Carrott in the sitcom The Detectives (1993-1997). He has a distinctive voice that has narrated documentaries including World War II in HD Colour, Hitler's Bodyguard, The Story of the Third Reich and Secrets of World War II. In 2013 he narrated the dramatic television series The Bible. He has narrated many fictional and historical audiobooks including Rebecca's Tale, The Well-Beloved and The Thirty-Nine Steps.
Public Domain (P)2014 Audible, Inc.Listeners also enjoyed...
![Dracula [Audible Edition] cover art](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51ef+s6y42L._SL240_.jpg)
What listeners say about The Thirty-Nine Steps
Average customer ratingsReviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
-
Overall5 out of 5 stars
-
Performance5 out of 5 stars
-
Story5 out of 5 stars
- LMC
- 10-09-21
A Classic Thriller, Wonderfully Read
Robert Powell is a wonderful, if obvious choice to read Buchan's most famous work. The Thirty-Nine Steps is a gripping thriller that comes to life beautifully through Powell's narration.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
Overall5 out of 5 stars
-
Performance5 out of 5 stars
-
Story5 out of 5 stars
- Mark
- 16-10-18
Simply one of the best books ever written.
An exciting story told by a fantastic orator in Robert Powell.
Captivating to the last word.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
Overall5 out of 5 stars
-
Performance5 out of 5 stars
-
Story4 out of 5 stars
- Ahel58
- 24-03-19
excellent adventure
Really well read. I know the story well or thought I did but differs in many aspects to films I have seen as usual the book is better! There are however some uncomfortable references early on. I suppose that it's due to the times it was written in or possibly to illustrate the character. Nevertheless it is a great listen and held this reader's attention. It is very much of it's time and that must be considered when listening or if buying.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
Overall5 out of 5 stars
-
Performance5 out of 5 stars
-
Story5 out of 5 stars
- Scoobytooby
- 04-04-14
One of My Favourites
What did you like most about The Thirty-Nine Steps?
I have always loved this story since I was a child watching it on TV. I loved the action-adventure, codes, spys, secrets and the race against time.
What was one of the most memorable moments of The Thirty-Nine Steps?
I loved the jumbled explanation Scudder gives at the beginning. As the reader or listener you are as confused as Richard Hannay and you only discover what is happening as Hannay does. I really like that device.
What does Robert Powell bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you had only read the book?
Robert Powell was absolutely excellent in this reading. His change of accent and character was flawless. Of course, I have always loved him as an actor as he took the role of Richard Hannay in the 1970's version, so I can see him running about the countryside and of course this version was much truer to the book than the 1935 version.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
Overall5 out of 5 stars
-
Performance5 out of 5 stars
-
Story5 out of 5 stars
- Brian Acock
- 11-08-17
One of Our favourite Books
Brilliant story and well narrated by Robert Powell. An example of Great English literature. Superb
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
Overall5 out of 5 stars
-
Performance5 out of 5 stars
-
Story5 out of 5 stars
- Professor Gina
- 24-03-17
Old classic brought to life
What made the experience of listening to The Thirty-Nine Steps the most enjoyable?
Robert Powell is an excellent narrator. His voice brings the characters and places to life.
Which character – as performed by Robert Powell – was your favourite?
The story is told in the first person and it is easy to like him, feel his fear, uncertainties and devotion to duty.
Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?
You are kept on your toes, straining to see a glimpse of the hunters on the roads in the distance, so you might will our hero to keep hidden or make a break for it. Robert Powell keeps your heart in your mouth, every step of the way.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
Overall5 out of 5 stars
-
Performance5 out of 5 stars
-
Story5 out of 5 stars
- Ed Switzerland
- 12-08-16
Classic story perfectly read by Robert Powell
Can highly recommend! Difficult to believe that this was written a hundred years ago. Different from the classic Hitchcock film version but equally good.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
Overall5 out of 5 stars
-
Performance5 out of 5 stars
-
Story5 out of 5 stars
- Amazon Customer
- 22-07-22
My first ever book
This was the first book that I ever read; and now, some 33 years later - reading still has the same effect on me. Amazingly this book which is over a 100 years old has not dated. Considering that it was written at the height of the British empire - the character of Richard Hannay is very liberal for its time. He is not a snob: but judges a person by their character and not by their status so class wise he will happily mix with either end of the scale. John Buchan’s use of language and writing makes the book very descriptive without boring the reader. In other words you are not reading 5 pages and then find that you haven’t gone anywhere. It is a fantastic classic that continues to endure and is suitable for readers of all ages.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
Overall4 out of 5 stars
-
Performance5 out of 5 stars
-
Story4 out of 5 stars
- Darren Shaw
- 17-08-22
Worth a listen if you enjoy a good detective story
Picked up through the plus catalogue. Was not disappointed. The narration was done exceptionally well.. Thoroughly enjoyed.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
Overall5 out of 5 stars
-
Performance4 out of 5 stars
-
Story5 out of 5 stars
- A C Hodson
- 13-12-22
A classic
Read the book before, but decided to listen this time. It’s only a short comparably but the story never rests, it just barrels along. A masterclass in story telling.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!