Prester John

By John Buchan and John Buchan; Illustrated by Henry Pitz

Book Overview

"Prester John" is a gripping adventure novel that transports readers to the rugged landscapes of early 20th-century South Africa. The story follows David Crawfurd, a young Scottish man who ventures abroad to manage a remote trading post, only to find himself entangled in a vast and dangerous conspiracy. At the heart of the conflict is the charismatic Reverend John Laputa, who claims to be the spiritual heir to the legendary medieval priest-king Prester John. Laputa seeks to ignite a massive uprising among the native tribes, using an ancient necklace of rubies to assert his divine authority.

As Crawfurd is drawn deeper into the rebellion, he must use his wits and courage to survive the treacherous terrain of the veld and the machinations of those seeking power. Buchan's mastery of suspense and atmospheric writing is on full display as he explores themes of heroism, duty, and cultural tension. This work is a cornerstone of the adventure thriller genre, offering a fast-paced narrative filled with vivid descriptions and psychological depth. "Prester John" remains a classic of British literature, celebrated for its evocative setting and its exploration of the complex dynamics of the colonial era.

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• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1025925572
• ISBN13: 9781025925578
• Release Date: February 2026
• Publisher: Tradd Street Press
• Length: 304 Pages
• Weight: 0.94 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.6" x 6.1" x 9.2"

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!