The Riddle of the Sands (Online Book)

[HenryC]

by Erskine Childers

It is a great sea story and considered by some to be the first espionage novel ever written.
It is set, and was written, right around the beginning of the twentieth century, with the idea of trying to get England to change its Naval policy!  The author was a fascinating individual himself, a real soldier-of-fortune type, who was executed for his activities in the Irish Troubles.  You guys might particularly like it because it occurs on a small sailboat in coastal waters.  Highly recommended.

The book was turned into a terrific 1979 film staring Michael York and Jenny Agutter.

The film is available on disc and the novel can be read online at

http://robroy.dyndns.info/books/rec/rs.html

HC

[Steve Ullrich]

Cool... Thanks for the link.  Something to read across a long Minnesota winter.

by Erskine Childers

It is a great sea story and considered by some to be the first espionage novel ever written.
It is set, and was written, right around the beginning of the twentieth century, with the idea of trying to get England to change its Naval policy!  The author was a fascinating individual himself, a real soldier-of-fortune type, who was executed for his activities in the Irish Troubles.  You guys might particularly like it because it occurs on a small sailboat in coastal waters.  Highly recommended.

The book was turned into a terrific 1979 film staring Michael York and Jenny Agutter.

The film is available on disc and the novel can be read online at

http://robroy.dyndns.info/books/rec/rs.html

HC

[Potcake boy]

HenryC

I have the book and the film on VHS - but couldn't find it in DVD.  I play it only occasionally because I want the tape to last.  Any chance you may have a lead on where I can obtain it on DVD?

You are so right - it is an excellent story and film.

Thanks,
Ron

[HenryC]

Actually, I said "Disc" without thinking.  I saw the film on tape .  Sorry, I can't help.

[Steve Ullrich]

I searched Netflix for it, just out of curiosity.  Not there... probably means that it hasn't yet been converted to DVD.  That surprised me, they have the most extensive collection I've seen.

[nies]

STEVE, SINCE I HAVE TROUBLE READING ON LINE ,I CALLED THE BOOKSTORE AND ORDERED IT.OF COURSE ITS OUT OF PRINT IN PAPERBACK($8.95), HARDBOUND($19.95) .TWENTY BUCKS IS A SMALL PRICE TO PAY FOR A GOOD WINTER READ........PHIL

[Steve Ullrich]

Twenty dollars? Ouch... I guess I was a little slow with this info, sorry.  Maybe you can call the book store and cancel your order?  It is available on Amazon: ((Eleven copies available starting at $2.97 for a new copy... plus about $4.00 for shipping.))

http://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/184022178X/ref=sr_1_olp_2?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1254602233&sr=1-2

I've never tried to read a book on line... I'll give it a whirl but may end up with hard copy as well. 

STEVE, SINCE I HAVE TROUBLE READING ON LINE ,I CALLED THE BOOKSTORE AND ORDERED IT.OF COURSE ITS OUT OF PRINT IN PAPERBACK($8.95), HARDBOUND($19.95) .TWENTY BUCKS IS A SMALL PRICE TO PAY FOR A GOOD WINTER READ........PHIL

[nies]

STEVE, WE ARE NOT SUPPOSE TO SWEAR ON THE FORUM, THE BOOKSTORE IN OUR SMALLTOWN CAN USE THE BUSINESS BUT I THINKS I GOT THE BUSINESS. THANKS FOR THE TIP, I WILL SEE WHAT I CAN DO ABOUT CANCELING............

[HenryC]

Another alternative is to download "Riddle" as an audio version, ipod, or CD, so you can listen to a professional reader read it to you while you commute or lie at anchor!  Check out the goodoldboat magazine website or

http://www.audioseastories.com/

[Potcake boy]

I got my copy from a web site that specialises in an expansive inventory - the name was something like "Reel to Reel".
I first saw it on Beta from a local video store, so somewhere someone is hiding out with a Beta machine and a rare copy of the film.

Ron

[Steve Ullrich]

Very cool... Something to listen to on the commute. Thanks Henry

Another alternative is to download "Riddle" as an audio version, ipod, or CD, so you can listen to a professional reader read it to you while you commute or lie at anchor!  Check out the goodoldboat magazine website or

http://www.audioseastories.com/

[nies]

STEVE, WAS NOT ABLE TO CANCEL THE BOOK.  BUT MY BOOKSTORE SURPRISED ME WITH A SOFT COVER FOR $9.50. "EVEN A BLIND SOW CAN FIND A ACORN ONCE IN AWHILE"...OLD HOG BUYER ADAGE.........PHIL

[Steve Ullrich]

Good enough.  Enjoy the book, give us a review. 

STEVE, WAS NOT ABLE TO CANCEL THE BOOK.  BUT MY BOOKSTORE SURPRISED ME WITH A SOFT COVER FOR $9.50. "EVEN A BLIND SOW CAN FIND A ACORN ONCE IN AWHILE"...OLD HOG BUYER ADAGE.........PHIL

[nies]

JUST FINISHED THE BOOK, THE SAILING WAS GOOD, BUT FOR ME THE REST WAS A DRAG, MAYBE I AM GETTING OLD AND HAVE TROUBLE WADING THROUGH A BOOK THAT WAS NOT A VERY BIG" RIDDLE.".....BETTER THAN T.V., BUT THATS NOT SAYING MUCH.....ONE MANS OPINION......NIES

[Bob23]

I also enjoyed the book but found it to be written in a very awkward style. Keeping in mind that it was written by a Brit (not a bad thing) in 1903.
Bob23