John Buchan 
Thirty-Nine Steps 

The Thirty-Nine Steps was originally published in 1915 as the first of 5 novels featuring Hannay, an all action hero with a particular knack for getting himself out of tight spot. John Buchan may hold the title of the man who invented spy adventure, bringing Richard Hannay fully formed to readers in the early 19th century. Hannay is just one of his masterful creations, Edward Leithen and Sandy Arbuthnot would follow the Hannay novels and bring their own unique adventures to millions of enthralled readers.