John Buchan Unbound

In the final episode of 'John Buchan Unbound', join Ursula Buchan and historian Michael Redley to explore John Buchan's retrospect on the First World War in his book 'Memory Hold the Door'. This episode traverses the transformative effects of the war on global societies, revealing Buchan's insights as a war correspondent, intelligence officer, and novelist. We delve into his post-war life, his pol...

Join us for the fourth episode of 'John Buchan Unbound' for an insightful exploration of John Buchan's post-war thriller 'The Three Hostages'. This episode delves into the novel's portrayal of the psychological aftermath of World War I, through the experiences of Richard Hannay and his encounter with the mysterious villain, Dominic Medina. We'll explore the themes of identity, deception, and the m...

Join us in the third episode of 'John Buchan Unbound' as we explore the enthralling world of "Mr. Standfast". This episode takes a deep dive into John Buchan’s portrayal of World War I, seamlessly intertwining the tales of the frontlines and the homefront. Our hosts, Ursula Buchan and Michael Redley, unpack the novel's rich narrative, revealing how Buchan's real-life war experiences enrich the sto...

In this second episode of 'John Buchan Unbound,' we journey into the vivid and shadowy streets of wartime Constantinople as depicted in John Buchan's "Greenmantle." This second instalment in Buchan's wartime novel series not only advances the adventures of Richard Hannay but also serves as a critical exploration of Buchan's role during The Great War. We analyze the intricate blending of fiction an...

In our inaugural episode of this mini-series on John Buchan and the First World War, we delve into his groundbreaking novel "The Thirty-Nine Steps," widely regarded as the prototype of modern spy fiction. We explore how this seminal work not only introduced his most famous hero, Richard Hannay, to the world, but also helps us to understand how Buchan's own personal experiences and his acute grasp...

Welcome to "John Buchan Unbound," a podcast mini-series supported by the John Buchan Society. Join Ursula Buchan, the granddaughter and biographer of John Buchan, alongside Michael Redley, a historian specializing in John Buchan and the 20th-century, as they embark on an enlightening journey into the life and works of John Buchan. Whether you're a newcomer to Buchan's world or a seasoned reader of...