The Riddle of the Sands (1903)

In this episode we hoist, brail and kedge our way through Erskine Childer's 1903 prophetic spy thriller, The Riddle of the Sands. Published in 1903 and foreshadowing the great conflict of nations only a decade away, "Riddle" has held its place among the pantheon of influential spy mysteries for well over a century now. We start our voyage with Josh navigating the short, tumultuous waters of the author's life, rise and eventual fall at the inception of Irish Civil War (8:00). We then bowse the main sail and get down to cruising through brass tacks in our discussion of the novel itself (48:12).