John Buchan

Sir Quixote of the Moors John Buchan

The first novel by John Buchan is a fascinating insight into the themes that would continue to appear throughout all of his later work. Set in 17th century Scotland, the story revolves around the middle aged Jean Sieur de Rohaine and his battle to deal with his sense of duty and emotional weakness, as his old friend, Quentin Kennedy, wages war with unarmed religious dissidents, Covenanters, whom he massacres - A powerful examination of religious fanaticism. Before me stretched a black heath, over which the mist blew in gusts, and through whose midst the road crept like an adder. Great storm-marked hills flanked me on either side, and since I set out I had seen their harsh outline against a thick sky, until I longed for flat ground to rest my sight upon. The way was damp, and the soft mountain gravel sank under my horse's feet; and ever and anon my legs were splashed by the water from some pool which the rain had left. Shrill mountain birds flew around, and sent their cries through the cold air. Sometimes the fog would lift for a moment from the face of the land and show me a hilltop or the leaden glimmer of a loch, but nothing more-no green field or homestead; only a barren and accursed desert.