The Riddle of the Sands
Erskine Childers's The Riddle of the Sands (1903) is an alternate history and adventure fiction novel. The story is set in Great Britain and Frisian Islands. Key subjects include alternative history, invasions, secret service and Sailing.
Open Library readers give it an average of 3.8 out of 5 from 4 ratings, and 121 more have it on their want-to-read list. It has been published in 532 editions across 5 languages. On Project Gutenberg it was downloaded 15,318 times in the last 30 days.
It runs to roughly 299 pages — 5–6 hours of reading at an average pace. It is in the public domain in the United States and free to read on Project Gutenberg.
About The Riddle of the Sands
Childers's lone masterpiece, THE RIDDLE OF THE SANDS, considered the first modern spy thriller, is recognisable as the brilliant forerunner of the realism of Graham Greene and John le Carre. Its unique flavour comes from its fine characterization,richly authentic background of inshore sailing and vivid evocation of the late 1890s - an atmosphere of mutual suspicion and intrigue that was soon to lead to war.
Opening line
“I HAVE read of men who, when forced by their calling to live for long periods in utter solitude-save for a few black faces-have made it a rule to dress regularly for dinner in order to maintain their self-respect and prevent a relapse into barbarism.”
Quick answers
Who wrote The Riddle of the Sands?
The Riddle of the Sands was written by Erskine Childers and first published in 1903.
What genre is The Riddle of the Sands?
It is usually shelved as Alternate History and Adventure.
How long is The Riddle of the Sands?
The median edition has 299 pages, about 5–6 hours of reading at 250 words per minute.
Is The Riddle of the Sands free to read?
Yes. It is in the public domain in the United States and can be read free on Project Gutenberg in EPUB, Kindle and HTML formats.
What books are similar to The Riddle of the Sands?
Readers who like it often enjoy The Thirty-Nine Steps, A Most Improper Magick and Fatherland.
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