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  • The Thirty-Nine Steps

  • By: John Buchan
  • Narrated by: Robert Powell
  • Length: 3 hrs and 53 mins
  • 4.4 out of 5 stars (1,942 ratings)

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The Thirty-Nine Steps

By: John Buchan
Narrated by: Robert Powell
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Summary

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.
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What listeners say about The Thirty-Nine Steps

Average customer ratings
Overall
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  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    3 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars

Brilliantly of its time

Awfully grandiose lead character who is very much the leading English man. Dreadful stereotypes and Bond-like villains. It's very silly and I loved it as a boy and it's probably that memory that had me listening to it again. And now, even though the whole of the English establishment are looking for me, I'm just going to knock on this stranger's door and trust to the kindness of strangers!

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2 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Excellent

I have always enjoyed any version of The 39 Steps and this version doesn’t disappoint. Robert Powell does an amazing job at bringing this story alive. Enjoy.

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2 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars

Good rendition

The Thirty-Nine steps remains a classic adventure novel. Robert Powell's rendition is accomplished with excellent renditions of a great variety of characters. His first person narration does not entirely satisfy.me, however.

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1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

A Classic

Robert Powell's wonderful dulcit tones brings to life this great classic, which is so lovely to hear the story without the film embellishments.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Classic spy novel

Great to hear Robert Powell perform this after his fine portrayal of the hero Richard Hannay in one of the film versions.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Exceptional

Enjoyed every minute, a must read. Narrator 'was Hannay ' . very good read indeed.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Totally engaging

Thoroughly enjoyed this performance. The story was fabulous and the narration matched it perfectly. On to the next in the series. Can’t wait.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Excellent

A well-crafted story with rounded characters and gripping descriptions. The narrator does his accents superbly.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

The best by the best

Who else but Robert Powell could do this rip+roaring story justice? Simply awesome. So much better than the movie version in which he starred. Shame about the missing section near the end of chapter 2.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

great story and adaption

Superb story and love this adaption of The Thirty Nine Steps - listen to it in one sitting!

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