The Dancing Floor (World's Classics) - Softcover

Buchan, John

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0192832875 ISBN 13: 9780192832870

Publisher: Oxford Paperbacks, 1997

Synopsis

Lawyer and MP Sir Edward Leithen has always taken a protective stance towards the introspective Vernon Milbourne, orphaned since childhood and haunted by a powerful recurring dream. A cruise in the Aegean introduces them to the romantically mysterious Greek island of Plakos where Vernon is enthralled by ancient rites and myth. But when they encounter bold and beautiful Kor 'e Arabin, whose father's legacy is the islanders' hatred, fanatic local superstitions become more menacing and Vernon is compelled to take action against her destruction. A fast-paced and exciting adventure of psychological complexity, trial and redemption, obsession and destiny, The Dancing Floor (1926) is one of Buchan's most resonant, exotic and romantic novels. This book is intended for undergraduate courses on twentieth-century fiction; the general reader.

About this title

Book Description:

The Dancing Floor is a green meadow on an Aegean island; a place cut off, at once a sanctuary and a watch-tower. At Easter it becomes the scene of pagan rites and human sacrifice. On the island Vernon Milbourne finds the meaning of the terrible dream which, from his childhood, has come to him every spring in his English home. Even the rational Sir Edward Leithen is bewitched by the Dancing Floor. Only at the last moment do they defeat its spell, as the islanders rush in terror back to the Church. One of John Buchan’s own favourites among all his tales.

About the Author:

Author of the iconic novel The Thirty-Nine Steps, John Buchan filled many roles including barrister, colonial administrator, publisher, Director of Intelligence, and Member of Parliament. The Thirty-Nine Steps, first in the Richard Hannay series, is widely regarded as the starting point for espionage fiction and was written to pass time while Buchan recovered from an illness. During the outbreak of the First World War, Buchan wrote propaganda for the British war effort, combining his skills as author and politician. In 1935 Buchan was appointed the 15th Governor General of Canada and established the Governor General s Literacy Award. Buchan was enthusiastic about literacy and the evolution of Canadian culture. He died in 1940 and received a state funeral in Canada before his ashes were returned to the United Kingdom.

About this edition

• Publisher: Oxford Paperbacks
• Publication date: 1997
• ISBN 10: 0192832875
• ISBN 13: 9780192832870
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 267