Huntingtower

By: John Buchan

Narrated by: Steven Cree

Length: 8 hrs and 56 mins

Publisher's summary

Dickson McCunn, a respectable, newly retired grocer of romantic heart, plans a modest walking holiday in the hills of south-west Scotland. He meets a young English poet and, contrary to his better sense, finds himself in the thick of a plot involving the kidnapping of a Russian princess, who is held prisoner in the rambling mansion, Huntingtower.

This modern fairy-tale is also a gripping adventure story, and in it Buchan introduces some of his best-loved characters, including the Gorbals Die-Hards, who reappear in later novels. He also paints a remarkable picture of a man rejuvenated by joining much younger comrades in a challenging and often dangerous fight against tyranny and fear.

About the series: For over 100 years Oxford World's Classics has made available the widest range of literature from around the globe. Each affordable volume reflects Oxford's commitment to scholarship, providing the most accurate text plus a wealth of other valuable features, including expert introductions by leading authorities, helpful notes to clarify the text, up-to-date bibliographies for further study, and much more.

About the Author: John Buchan, Baron Tweedsmuir, was a Scottish diplomat, barrister, journalist, historian, poet and novelist. He wrote adventure novels, short-story collections and biographies. His passion for the Scottish countryside is reflected in much of his writing. Buchan's adventure stories are high in romance and are peopled by a large cast of characters. 'Richard Hannay', 'Dickson McCunn' and 'Sir Edward Leithen' are three that reappear several times. Alfred Hitchcock adapted his most famous book The Thirty-Nine Steps, featuring Hannay, for the big screen.

Born in 1875 in Perth, Buchan was the son of a minister. Childhood holidays were spent in the Borders, for which he had a great love. He was educated at Glasgow University and Brasenose College, Oxford, where he was President of the Union. Called to the Bar in 1901, he became Lord Milner's assistant private secretary in South Africa. By 1907, however, he was working as a publisher with Nelson's. During the First World War Buchan was a correspondent at the Front for The Times, as well as being an officer in the Intelligence Corps and advisor to the War Cabinet. Elected as a Conservative Member of Parliament for one of the Scottish Universities' seats in 1927, he was created Baron Tweedsmuir in 1935. From then until his death in 1940 he served as Governor General of Canada, during which time he neverthelss managed to continue writing.

Public Domain (P)2013 Steven Cree

John Buchan's most human hero

What made the experience of listening to Huntingtower the most enjoyable?

The characters were unexceptional average guys caught in a moment that required greatness and they delivered. Humor and Suspense blended in a lovely tapestry - a great listen!

What other book might you compare Huntingtower to and why?

The 39 Steps, same author, written with humor and irony. I love John Buchan's books.

Which character – as performed by Steven Cree – was your favorite?

Every one of the "unwanted" boys. Loved them.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Laugh out loud humor. Loved it.

Praise for Huntingtower

I first read this book as part of my English literature studies in school many, many years ago. I loved the story then, and have continued to so every time I re read it.

I only wish Audible would record the follow on books, Castle Gay and House of the Four Winds, in which you continue to follow the stories of the 'Gorbals Diehards', and Dickson McCunn.

Buchan at his very best ...

Dickson McCunn is one of the world's great heroes - and The Gorbals Die-hards are unsurpassed. The hills and hollows of Carrick glow in Buchan's superb prose. A wonderful book (though perhaps a wee bit more attention could have been given to the authenticity of the accents in the Audible recording; the all too frequent default to Belfast can be a wee bit jarring)

Gorbals Diehards~ just brilliant

Great to hear Scots spoken without a struggle. Loved the humour, flowing tale and the Gorbals Diehards.
The Gorbals Diehards must surely be some of the best characters ever.
Haven't read this in years and it was like getting it for the first time.
Just brilliant

History alive

What made the experience of listening to Huntingtower the most enjoyable?

Well read with good characterisation

What was one of the most memorable moments of Huntingtower?

The description of the defence of the house. Vivid description building suspense.

Have you listened to any of Steven Cree’s other performances? How does this one compare?

No but will be looking out for other books.

If you made a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

the urchins and the princess

Any additional comments?

Well worth reading. One forgets the great skills of story telling from the classic authors.

Very enjoyable adventure

This is a great story set in Scotland in the 1920s, with heroes that you can identify with. It is easy to picture the glorious Scottish countryside and to imagine yourself at the heart of this adventure. It is delightful to go back in time to this period of our history. Buchan is a great writer.

very good fun strong female characters

I love this book. a daft adventure set in Scotland with a middle aged retired grocer as hero, a fierce old warrior lady who makes excellent scones, a princess on the run from the Bolsheviks and armed with a gun, a romantic poet who doesn't win the girl and the immortal Gorbals Diehards - Street kids aged 11 or 12 who've organised themselves into a formidable fighting force. it's all a bit crazy but very good fun. I just wish narrators would look up pronunciation of unfamiliar words like spume and mannequin instead of just guessing though.

Excellent!

Where does Huntingtower rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

In the top 20

Who was your favorite character and why?

Dickson McCunn naturally

What does Steven Cree bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you had only read the book?

Ability to understand what the Gorbals Diehards are saying! That is why I got an audio book - you waste too much time otherwise trying to read the Scottish accent.
Also his Scottish accent throughout is very evocative.......

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes and no - didn't want it to end too soon!

Any additional comments?

An excellent story, like all Buchan - very well read

A cracking good yarn

There are very few authors and books I read over and over again, but Buchan is one of them. Good wholesome adventure stories where ordinary people take on extraordinary challenges. Dickson McCunn is one of his greatest creations - the ordinary grocer who saves a Russian princess and adopts a crowd of young street kids. Stirring stuff!

A life affirming

A timeless classic well read with excellent charateriization why have I not tried this before highly recommended to all loves of adventure

Cracking yarn

Loved the accent and dry style - suits Buchan perfectly. Waiting for the next two in the series please…