Greenmantle

Greenmantle by John Buchan (1916)

Richard Hannay is sent behind enemy lines during World War I to investigate a German plot to use Islamic jihad to destabilize the British Empire. A thrilling spy adventure across wartime Europe to Constantinople.

Historical Significance:
The sequel to The Thirty-Nine Steps, published in 1916 during World War I, Greenmantle was remarkably prescient about the strategic importance of the Middle East and the potential weaponization of religious fervor. Buchan, who worked in British military intelligence, based the plot on real German attempts to foment an Islamic uprising against Britain. The novel introduced the villain Doktor von Doorn and the memorable American character John S. Blenkiron. It remains one of the finest World War I adventure novels and a landmark of the spy thriller genre.

This public domain classic was originally published in 1916. Free to read and share.