John Buchan Unbound Ursula Buchan and Michael Redley

In the final episode of 'John Buchan Unbound', join Ursula Buchan and historian Michael Redley to explore John Buchan's retrospect on the First World War in his book 'Memory Hold the Door'. This episode traverses the transformative effects of the war on global societies, revealing Buchan's insights as a war correspondent, intelligence officer, and novelist. We delve into his post-war life, his political and literary contributions, and his profound reflections on democracy and literary modernism. Concluding our series, we celebrate Buchan's enduring legacy, showcasing his unique perspective on a world reshaped by conflict and his ongoing influence in literature and history.
'John Buchan Unbound' is supported by the John Buchan Society, founded to promote a wider understanding of the life and works of John Buchan (1875-1940).

John Buchan Society Website
John Buchan Story Museum


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Join us for the fourth episode of 'John Buchan Unbound' for an insightful exploration of John Buchan's post-war thriller 'The Three Hostages'. This episode delves into the novel's portrayal of the psychological aftermath of World War I, through the experiences of Richard Hannay and his encounter with the mysterious villain, Dominic Medina. We'll explore the themes of identity, deception, and the moral conflicts in a society still healing from the scars of war. Discover how Buchan's storytelling intertwines with historical insights, revealing the profound impact of the war on both individuals and society. Listen as we unravel the complexities of one of Buchan's most captivating works.
'John Buchan Unbound' is supported by the John Buchan Society, founded to promote a wider understanding of the life and works of John Buchan (1875-1940).

John Buchan Society Website
John Buchan Story Museum


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join us in the third episode of 'John Buchan Unbound' as we explore the enthralling world of "Mr. Standfast". This episode takes a deep dive into John Buchan’s portrayal of World War I, seamlessly intertwining the tales of the frontlines and the homefront. Our hosts, Ursula Buchan and Michael Redley, unpack the novel's rich narrative, revealing how Buchan's real-life war experiences enrich the story. Discover the captivating blend of fiction and history in this insightful analysis of arguably Buchan's best war-time fiction.
'John Buchan Unbound' is supported by the John Buchan Society, founded to promote a wider understanding of the life and works of John Buchan (1875-1940).

John Buchan Society Website
John Buchan Story Museum

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this second episode of 'John Buchan Unbound,' we journey into the vivid and shadowy streets of wartime Constantinople as depicted in John Buchan's "Greenmantle." This second instalment in Buchan's wartime novel series not only advances the adventures of Richard Hannay but also serves as a critical exploration of Buchan's role during The Great War. We analyze the intricate blending of fiction and historical fact, examining how Buchan's work in the Foreign Office and his experiences in propaganda subtly weave into the novel's narrative fabric.
'John Buchan Unbound' is supported by the John Buchan Society, founded to promote a wider understanding of the life and works of John Buchan (1875-1940).

John Buchan Society Website
John Buchan Story Museum

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In our inaugural episode of this mini-series on John Buchan and the First World War, we delve into his groundbreaking novel "The Thirty-Nine Steps," widely regarded as the prototype of modern spy fiction. We explore how this seminal work not only introduced his most famous hero, Richard Hannay, to the world, but also helps us to understand how Buchan's own personal experiences and his acute grasp of the socio-political climate of early 20th-century Britain, informed his writing.
'John Buchan Unbound' is supported by the John Buchan Society, founded to promote a wider understanding of the life and works of John Buchan (1875-1940).
John Buchan Society Website
John Buchan Story Museum

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to "John Buchan Unbound," a podcast mini-series supported by the John Buchan Society. Join Ursula Buchan, the granddaughter and biographer of John Buchan, alongside Michael Redley, a historian specializing in John Buchan and the 20th-century, as they embark on an enlightening journey into the life and works of John Buchan.
Whether you're a newcomer to Buchan's world or a seasoned reader of his books, this series promises to unveil this celebrated author and his times as the hosts enter the tumultuous era of the First World War through the eyes of Richard Hannay, Buchan's iconic fictional hero. Each episode weaves the narratives of Buchan's books with the historical times, offering a unique lens to view the Great War and its profound impact on British society.
Subscribe and listen to "John Buchan Unbound" for a journey that looks to reshape your understanding of history and storytelling.
John Buchan Society website
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