Mr. Standfast

John Buchan
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Embark on an audacious journey through the complex realms of loyalty, espionage, and the moral dilemmas of war, as suggested by the title "Mr. Standfast." This podcast invites you to explore the themes of courage and conviction in the face of adversity, where characters navigate the treacherous waters of conflict and identity. Each episode features a new complete audiobook that delves into the intricate lives of those caught between duty and personal beliefs, revealing the nuances of their struggles and triumphs. This is not a single story, but a series of unique explorations that highlight the resilience of the human spirit amidst chaos. With every episode, listeners are encouraged to discover a new book, offering fresh insights into the sacrifices made for peace and the complexities of standing firm in one’s principles. Dive into this rotating collection and experience the rich tapestry of narratives that challenge and inspire.

Episodes

  1. 19h ago

    Footnote to History Eight Years of Trouble in Samoa-Robert Louis Stevenson

    This is the third of Buchan's Richard Hannay novels, following The Thirty-nine Steps and Greenmantle. Set, like Greenmantle, during World War I, it deals Brigadier-General Hannay's recall from the Western Front, to engage in espionage, and forced (much to his chagrin) to pose as a pacifist. He becomes a South African conscientious objector, using the name Cornelius Brand. Under the orders of his spymaster, Sir Walter Bullivant, he travels in the book through England to Scotland, back to the Western Front, and ultimately, for the book's denouement, into the Alps. Those who know Greenmantle will meet some old friends again here, including Bullivant, the American John Blenkiron, the South African Peter Pienaar and others. To quote Hannay's contemporary, Sherlock Holmes, “The game's afoot!” How will it come out? And though Hannay is no James Bond, might he perhaps be a literary ancestor of Ian Fleming's Agent Double-O Seven? Judge for yourself. There are also a fair number of unpronounceable Gaelic names. A further warning: this book was published in 1919 and it reflects a certain number of standards and mores of the day. It is by no means free of racist remarks and attitudes, and it is quite clear that Hannay has no use for pacifists, socialists, feminists, overly intellectual professors, and so forth. How far Hannay's fictional views mirror those of Buchan himself, I could not possibly say. Buchan of course went on to become first Baron Tweedsmuir, and Governor-General of Canada from 1935 until his death in 1940 (if you go to his Wikipedia site, you can see him very unhappily attired in a Native American headdress. President Calvin Coolidge, photographed the same way in 1927, looked equally unhappy).(Introduction by Nicholas Clifford)

  2. Aug 4

    Imperialism and World Politics, Part 3 of 4-Parker Thomas Moon

    "Imperialism and World Politics, Part 3 of 4" by Parker Thomas Moon delves into the intricate dynamics of imperialism and its profound impact on global politics. This thought-provoking work examines the motivations behind imperialistic endeavors and the resulting geopolitical shifts that continue to shape international relations. As we navigate a world still grappling with the legacies of imperialism, Moon's insights shed light on the enduring themes of power, control, and the consequences of dominance. Listening to this audiobook provides a valuable opportunity to reflect on historical patterns that resonate in today's political landscape, making it a crucial addition to the discourse on global affairs.

  3. Jul 11

    Mr Standfast - John Buchan - Part 2

    This is the third of Buchan's Richard Hannay novels, following The Thirty-nine Steps and Greenmantle. Set, like Greenmantle, during World War I, it deals Brigadier-General Hannay's recall from the Western Front, to engage in espionage, and forced (much to his chagrin) to pose as a pacifist. He becomes a South African conscientious objector, using the name Cornelius Brand. Under the orders of his spymaster, Sir Walter Bullivant, he travels in the book through England to Scotland, back to the Western Front, and ultimately, for the book's denouement, into the Alps. Those who know Greenmantle will meet some old friends again here, including Bullivant, the American John Blenkiron, the South African Peter Pienaar and others. To quote Hannay's contemporary, Sherlock Holmes, “The game's afoot!” How will it come out? And though Hannay is no James Bond, might he perhaps be a literary ancestor of Ian Fleming's Agent Double-O Seven? Judge for yourself. There are also a fair number of unpronounceable Gaelic names. A further warning: this book was published in 1919 and it reflects a certain number of standards and mores of the day. It is by no means free of racist remarks and attitudes, and it is quite clear that Hannay has no use for pacifists, socialists, feminists, overly intellectual professors, and so forth. How far Hannay's fictional views mirror those of Buchan himself, I could not possibly say. Buchan of course went on to become first Baron Tweedsmuir, and Governor-General of Canada from 1935 until his death in 1940 (if you go to his Wikipedia site, you can see him very unhappily attired in a Native American headdress. President Calvin Coolidge, photographed the same way in 1927, looked equally unhappy).(Introduction by Nicholas Clifford)

  4. Jul 10

    Mr Standfast - John Buchan - Part 1

    This is the third of Buchan's Richard Hannay novels, following The Thirty-nine Steps and Greenmantle. Set, like Greenmantle, during World War I, it deals Brigadier-General Hannay's recall from the Western Front, to engage in espionage, and forced (much to his chagrin) to pose as a pacifist. He becomes a South African conscientious objector, using the name Cornelius Brand. Under the orders of his spymaster, Sir Walter Bullivant, he travels in the book through England to Scotland, back to the Western Front, and ultimately, for the book's denouement, into the Alps. Those who know Greenmantle will meet some old friends again here, including Bullivant, the American John Blenkiron, the South African Peter Pienaar and others. To quote Hannay's contemporary, Sherlock Holmes, “The game's afoot!” How will it come out? And though Hannay is no James Bond, might he perhaps be a literary ancestor of Ian Fleming's Agent Double-O Seven? Judge for yourself. There are also a fair number of unpronounceable Gaelic names. A further warning: this book was published in 1919 and it reflects a certain number of standards and mores of the day. It is by no means free of racist remarks and attitudes, and it is quite clear that Hannay has no use for pacifists, socialists, feminists, overly intellectual professors, and so forth. How far Hannay's fictional views mirror those of Buchan himself, I could not possibly say. Buchan of course went on to become first Baron Tweedsmuir, and Governor-General of Canada from 1935 until his death in 1940 (if you go to his Wikipedia site, you can see him very unhappily attired in a Native American headdress. President Calvin Coolidge, photographed the same way in 1927, looked equally unhappy).(Introduction by Nicholas Clifford)

  • 4 Episodes

About

Embark on an audacious journey through the complex realms of loyalty, espionage, and the moral dilemmas of war, as suggested by the title "Mr. Standfast." This podcast invites you to explore the themes of courage and conviction in the face of adversity, where characters navigate the treacherous waters of conflict and identity. Each episode features a new complete audiobook that delves into the intricate lives of those caught between duty and personal beliefs, revealing the nuances of their struggles and triumphs. This is not a single story, but a series of unique explorations that highlight the resilience of the human spirit amidst chaos. With every episode, listeners are encouraged to discover a new book, offering fresh insights into the sacrifices made for peace and the complexities of standing firm in one’s principles. Dive into this rotating collection and experience the rich tapestry of narratives that challenge and inspire.

Information

  • Creator
    John Buchan
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    4
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Copyright Tragedy Genre
  • Show Website
    Mr. Standfast