The Riddle of the Sands

A simple invitation to join his friend Davies on a yachting expedition in the Baltic is the beginning of an extraordinary and dangerous adventure for the bored and worldly but clever Carruthers. As the two of them navigate the waters and treacherous, shifting sands of the Frisian Islands on board the Dulcibella, it is soon clear to Carruthers that Davies has more on his mind than a little duck shooting. As they encounter danger at every turn, Carruthers warms to his courageous and brave-hearted friend and through him begins to discover new strengths within himself and a sense of moral purpose. Sounding a warning of the dangers of a German invasion of Britain across the North Sea, Childers's gripping tale of espionage received immediate critical acclaim when it was published in 1903 and today retains its preeminent place in the genre.

Foreword by Geoffrey Household

"The first and best of spy stories"(The Times [London])

Erskine Childers (1870-1922) was born of Anglo-Irish parents and brought up in Ireland. Educated at Trinity College, Cambridge, he held a post in the House of Commons and served in World War I. He devoted much of his life to the creation of an independent Ireland and was among many leaders arrested and shot during the Irish civil war.

Geoffrey Household (1900-1988) was an officer in the British Intelligence Corps and the author of such acclaimed adventure thrillers as Rogue Male, Dance of the Dwarfs, and Watcher in the Shadows.