The Riddle of the Sands - who else loves it?

[Willis]

I read this book for the first time as a teenager many years ago. I really enjoyed it. This summer I stumbled upon it again at the library and gave it another read. Wow, even better now that I'm a little older. I just found out that it is available to download for free now and am reading it again on the computer.

The Riddle of the Sands by Erskine Childers - Free eBook if you are interested.

The cool thing now is that you can cross reference the events in the book with Google Earth. That technology wasn't available when I was a kid. It helps bring the story to life.

What do you think, are you a Carruthers or a Davies?

[Sixpoint]

Well, I've never read it, but I just downloaded it - can't wait to read it, judging from what you've said and the reviews.

Peace,

6P

[Willis]

6P,

I hope you enjoy it as much as I have. I'm a little surprised nobody else has chimed in. Although the book is touted as the first true spy novel, the plot is so tightly tied to sailing that it would seem like more sailors on this board would have read it at some point. The author's history is pretty amazing as well.

Best regards,

Chris

[tdw]

I'll second that thought. Riddle of the Sands is an absolute gem and as you say the author's life story is also well worth having a look at. ROTS is widely touted as the first spy novel, the author himself was involved in espionage both for and against the English. He was eventually shot by the English for his ties to the IRA.
There was also a sequel 'The Shadow of the Sands' while not being by Childers is also worth a read. It was written by one Sam Llewellyn, in the 90s I think.

Originally Posted by Willis

6P,

I hope you enjoy it as much as I have. I'm a little surprised nobody else has chimed in. Although the book is touted as the first true spy novel, the plot is so tightly tied to sailing that it would seem like more sailors on this board would have read it at some point. The author's history is pretty amazing as well.

Best regards,

Chris

[xsboats]

Riddle of the Sands was a Christmas gift from my late father-in-law. It is a favorite of mine. The attached photo is a painting of the late Lt. Commander Guy Moon , US Naval chaplain. We miss you, Pop . It was done by Alex Raymond , creator of Flash Gordon, and sits on the wall behind the chaplain's desk at the USMC headquarters. Sorry to hijack the thread, but the mention of the book brings forward thoughts of Pops, and the fallen sailors and soldiers not sharing the holidays with us.

[SimonV]

I have not read the book ...yet but did enjoy the old b/w film of the book.