The Gap in the Curtain
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In an English country house, a strange experiment is about to take place: "A gem . . . unadulterated entertainment" (The New York Times). In this unique blend of suspense, satire, and science fiction, Sir Edward Leithen settles in for a holiday weekend at Lady Flambard's stately home in the Cotswolds. But the house party turns strange when one of the guests, the enigmatic physicist and mathematician Professor Moe, enlists the help of Leithen and his companions in a bizarre experiment meant to give them a glimpse of the future. For those who take part, the consequences will be dramatic—and test Leithen's formidable powers of reasoning—making for a "confident, assured" novel (The Spectator) from John Buchan, author of The Thirty-Nine Steps and a recipient of the James Tait Black Memorial Prize.
John Buchan
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.
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