“Adventure, history, and honour”—few writers embodied these ideals more than John Buchan. Born in Perth in 1875, Buchan was a man of many chapters: bestselling novelist, war propagandist, Member of Parliament, and ultimately the Governor General of Canada. Generations remember him for giving the world The Thirty-Nine Steps — a literary thriller whose shadow still flickers on the page and dances on the screen.
The Early Chapters
Buchan grew up in an environment rich with Presbyterian values and a strong emphasis on intellectual rigour. He studied at the University of Glasgow before moving on to Brasenose College, Oxford, where he excelled in Classics and forged lifelong friendships. By his early twenties, he was already publishing essays and fiction.
But his career was never confined to the page. He worked as a barrister and colonial administrator in South Africa and later, during the First World War, as Director of Information—a role akin to a modern-day spin doctor. His wartime work gave him insider knowledge of intelligence and politics that would later inform his novels.
The Thirty-Nine Steps: A Thriller With Legs
Laid low by illness in 1915, Buchan turned his sickbed into a writing desk and crafted The Thirty-Nine Steps — a thriller that would outpace his fever and race into print that same year.
In this captivating tale, we meet the unforgettable Richard Hannay, a character ensnared in a thrilling web of international intrigue. Readers are drawn into his gripping adventure, which is filled with suspense and danger as the plot unfolds.
Its success was meteoric.
In 1935, Alfred Hitchcock adapted the story into a film, adding romance and humour. His liberties with the tale reportedly amused Buchan.
Beyond Fiction: A Life of Service
In 1927, Buchan entered Parliament as the Unionist MP for the Scottish Universities. But his most outstanding public service came in 1935 when he was appointed Governor General of Canada. He took the title Lord Tweedsmuir and proved a popular figure, advocating for unity across Canada’s linguistic and cultural lines.
He hosted King George VI during the first-ever royal tour of Canada (1939) and worked to elevate Canadian identity on the world stage.
Buchan’s Scotland & Canada: Places to Visit and Societies to Explore
- The John Buchan Story Museum – This charming museum explores Buchan’s life, writing, and public service. Located in the Borders town of Peebles, where his family had strong connections, it includes original manuscripts, film memorabilia, and artefacts from his time in Canada.
- The John Buchan Society – Founded in 1979, this society brings together readers and researchers passionate about Buchan’s works. It publishes journals, hosts lectures, and holds an annual dinner in his honour.
- 🇨🇦 The Library and Archives of Canada – As Governor General, Buchan left a legacy of public speeches and writings. The Canadian National Archives holds many of these and is a must-visit for researchers and history buffs.