Riddle of the Sands

Two young Englishmen encounter suspicious German naval activity in the North Sea and enter a world of suspense and intrigue. One of the best spy novels ever written, this 1903 thriller is notable for its richness of detail about sailing and unsurpassed narrative style. Introduction by Norman Donaldson. 4 maps.

Robert Erskine Childers took up sailing when a sciatic injury prevented him from taking part in many sporting activities. He served in the Boer War, later becoming vocally critical of how British troops were treated by their commanding officers. During the Irish Civil War of 1922-3 he joined the Republican army and was arrested and subsequently shot. The Riddle of the Sands is his most famous book, written in 1903.