Salute to Adventurers

De: John Buchan

Narrado por: Canongate Scottish Collection

A masterful recording of Buchan's classic adventure story.

Salute to Adventurers takes place in the 1680s. It begins as the hero, Andrew Garvald, on his way to Glasgow, takes a cut across the moors. There he meets Elspeth Blair and a religious fanatic known as Muckle John Gib. Later Andrew encounters Ninian Campbell, coming to Campbell's aid when he is attacked by ruffians in a Glasgow back street.

Andrew is sent by his uncle - as his merchant representative - to Virginia, where he initially experiences hostility because of his attempts to reform trading practices. He is looked down on by "respectable society" because he is only a merchant. Among those who so regard him is a Mr Grey - who has an interest in Elspeth - who has also arrived in Virginia.

Through contact with Ninian Campbell - also in Virginia - who had promised Andrew his help should he ever find a need for it, Andrew learns of a danger threatening the people of Virginia: an anticipated Indian attack. Campbell, known locally as Red Ringan, arranges for Andrew to meet up with a man called Lawrence - exiled and living among the Indians - who tells him more of the Indian threat and seeks his help in establishing a network of contacts who will form a defence against the danger.

The story climaxes as a hazardous journey is undertaken by Andrew, Ringan, Shalah - an Indian warrior - Grey, and two others. They also later meet up with Elspeth. A stockade is set up for their protection, but Andrew and Ringan set out to bring a warning to the people of James Town. As they travel the two men are attacked by the Indians, who kill Ringan and torture Andrew. However, his fortitude under torture wins the respect of the Indians, and with the further help of Shalah - who turns out to be of the same tribe - he confronts the white man who is behind the troubles.

©2012 John Buchan (P)2012 Canongate Books Ltd

Well worth the listen

Imagine Richard Hannay set 150 years earlier, in the colony of Virginia. Buchan's trustworthy spirit makes a virtual page-turner. Too bad we don't have the name of the narrator whose masterful enactment does justice to the Scots heritage of the author and his memorable characters.

Salute to reader! Salute to book!

Splendid on both counts! The best of an adventure--in every sense. Beautifully read and expertly written.

Outstanding tale

I have read many of John Buchan's books. Richard Hanney's are adventures, this one is severing but also romantic. This book deserves ten stars.