Prester John

By John Buchan and John Buchan; Illustrated by Henry Pitz

Book Overview

Prester John by John Buchan: Embark on an exhilarating quest across the heart of Africa with "Prester John". Penned by the esteemed John Buchan, this adventure novel thrusts readers into a whirlwind of rebellion, ancient legends, and the indomitable spirit of youth. About "Prester John" by John Buchan: The narrative follows David Crawfurd, a young Scotsman, as he journeys to South Africa to serve as a storekeeper. There, he encounters a plot spearheaded by a charismatic black minister who claims to be the legendary Christian king, Prester John. This mysterious figure intends to lead a native uprising and establish a powerful African empire. As Crawfurd is thrust into the center of this tumultuous conflict, he must navigate the challenges of a vast, unfamiliar terrain and confront the enigmatic history of Prester John. Buchan's deft storytelling and vividly painted landscapes transport readers to an Africa teeming with danger, beauty, and the echoes of ancient lore. A masterpiece of adventure fiction, "Prester John" showcases Buchan's unmatched ability to combine history, myth, and heart-pounding action. John Buchan, 1st Baron Tweedsmuir (1875-1940), was a Scottish novelist, historian, and Unionist politician, later serving as the Governor General of Canada. His literary prowess is evident in a range of genres, from espionage thrillers to historical novels. With timeless classics like the Richard Hannay series under his belt, Buchan's narrative genius and deep appreciation for history and the human spirit continue to resonate with readers across generations.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 9359570834
• ISBN13: 9789359570839
• Release Date: November 2023
• Publisher: DD Sales and Distributors
• Length: 228 Pages
• Weight: 0.59 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.5" x 5.5" x 8.5"

Customer Reviews

Adventure on a Large Canvas: South Africa

This novel, set more than a century ago in backwater South Africa, is the great grandfather of today's thrillers. Buchan, who perfected the form in "The 39 Steps" some years later, gives his young hero plenty to do in sussing out and confronting a massive uprising by tribesmen who wish to slaughter all the white settlers for a hundred miles around. The writing is smooth and the situations are generally believable, though modern readers will have to forgive Buchan for some racist sentiments completely common at the time. Both black and white characters are compellingly and sympathetically drawn, though, so there's no reason to apologize for the book. Read it and be taken back to another time and another place, and imagine how Hollywood would produce this today-- it feels totally contemporary in terms of its "Indiana Jones" adventure plot. Enjoy! (Note: This book is available in its entirety online.)

A good old fashioned adventure story

This is a good old fashioned adventure story-- right along with lines of "King Soloman's Mines", "Allen Quartermain", "Beau Gests", "The Sea-Hawks","She", "Scaramouche","The Scarlet Pimpernel", etc. "Prester John" is based on a character/myth of the same name. Thoughout the Middle Ages it was rumored that a priest named "Prester (Father) John" had traveled to Africa to convert the natives. But instead emassed a huge fortune and made himself king of this mysterous part of Africa. So as you can expect this story is full of lost civilizations, hidden treasures, deepest-darkest Africa, great friendship and ruthless betrayal, explorers of spooky places, tigers and lions, witch doctors, and just plan good old fashioned late-victoria adventures. And despite it being written 100 or so years ago, it is still very,very readable. So if you just want 100% escapism, or to introduce a child to the joys (and excitement) of reading, you can't go wrong with this story...esp. at this price!