The Courts of the Morning

By: John Buchan

Narrated by: Peter Newcombe Joyce

Sir Richard Hannay introduces this last adventure involving his old friends.

John Blenkiron discovers that a ruthless industrialist is plotting to destabilise America and cause global turmoil. Although Bavarian born, Castor plans to dominate the world from Olifa, a small country in Latin America.

Hannay realises he is now too old for the job of thwarting these evil designs and enlists the aid of his old friend Sandy Arbuthnot, now Lord Clanroyden. Fortunately, Sir Archibald Roylance and his wife, Janet, are honeymooning in Olifa and are able to lend a hand. Sandy decides that revolution is the way forward, and Buchan draws on his experience of the tactics of the Boers in South Africa to describe the action of the campaign. Also, the villain is captured, and Janet is instrumental in effecting his ideological change but at great cost.

The novel was published in 1929. It is unlikely to be a coincidence that in the same year, American financial markets collapsed, giving another Bavarian national, who had been abusing his people, the opportunity to consolidate his power in Germany and, ultimately, make his insane bid for world domination.

©2016 Assembled Stories (P)2016 Assembled Stories

great yarn wonderful interpretation

one of my favorites from Buchan. Clanroyden (Sandy) I believe is one of the most interesting characters he created. seeing Archie who we get glimpses of in other stories is a great addition. Buchan wrote of strong women maybe at a time when it wasn't seen as much.
As for the reader I would call him an interpreter because he truly takes on a voyage. Bringing all characters to life including the setting. Most enjoyable.
if you like action it here. a bit of a thriller, character study and a bit of romance thrown in.

I just wish peter piernow (spelling?) would have gotten his own adventure. I did not miss Hannay. Sandy always brought great intrigue and mystery to the stories.
Enjoy.