Centenary of 'The 39 Steps' Marked By National Library of Scotland

The Thirty-Nine Steps was written by Scottish Perth (Scottish Gaelic:Peairt ) born author John Buchan (26 August 1875 – 11 February 1940). On its 100th anniversary the National Library of Scotland (Scottish Gaelic: Leabharlann Nàiseanta na h-Alba) has unveiled a new celebration of one of Scotland’s most iconic and influential novels. The novel first appeared as a serial in Blackwood's Magazine in August and September 1915. Then was published in book form in October of the same year. Since then the book has had lasting appeal. In 1935 Alfred Hitchcock brought it to the big-screen. Starring Robert Donat and Madeleine Carroll, it was loosely based on the novel. The film is about  the hero, Richard Hannay, who tries to help prevent an organisation of spies called The 39 Steps from stealing top secret information. In the process he is accused of murder, then goes on the run seeking to clear his name and stop the spy ring.

Included in the National Library of Scotland display is a typewritten script from Hitchcock’s film, rare editions of Buchan’s book, and letters from the author to his publishers. '"The thirty-nine steps" – one hundred years on' runs from 10 September to 22 November at the National Library of Scotland, George IV Bridge, Edinburgh. Entry is free.