Book details
The Thirty-Nine Steps (Illustrated)
Description
A strange man is attacked in Richard Hannay's apartment, but, before he dies, he tells Hannay that he knows a deadly secret. The police think that Hannay is the killer, so Hannay needs to find the real murderers and discover the secret of the 39 steps.;"Penguin Readers" is a series of simplified novels, film novelizations and original titles that introduce students at all levels to the pleasures of reading in English. Originally designed for teaching English as a foreign language, the series' combination of high interest level and low reading age makes it suitable for both English-speaking teenagers with limited reading skills and students of English as a second language. Many titles in the series also provide access to the pre-20th century literature strands of the National Curriculum English Orders.;"Penguin Readers" are graded at seven levels of difficulty, from "Easystarts" with a 200-word vocabulary, to Level 6 (Advanced) with a 3000-word vocabulary. In addition, titles fall into one of three sub-categories: "Contemporary", "Classics" or "Originals". At the end of each book there is a section of enjoyable exercises focusing on vocabulary building, comprehension, discussion and writing.;Some titles in the series are available with an accompanying audio cassette, or in a book and cassette pack. Additionally, selected titles have free accompanying "Penguin Readers Factsheets" which provide stimulating exercise material for students, as well as suggestions for teachers on how to exploit the Readers in class.
Age
11-12
Text complexity
proficient
Length
117 pages
Book in series
#1
Why to read
- Engaging Plot: 'The Thirty-Nine Steps' offers a fast-paced and engaging plot that combines mystery, espionage, and adventure, making it a thrilling read from start to finish.
- Historical Significance: As one of the earliest examples of the spy genre, John Buchan's novel has influenced countless works and established many of the tropes and themes commonly found in espionage fiction.
- Cultural Impact: The book has been adapted into various films, plays, and radio dramas, showcasing its enduring appeal and impact on popular culture.
- Illustrated Edition: The illustrated version of the book provides visual stimulation and aids in the immersion of the reader, enhancing the experience of the story with artistic representations of key scenes and characters.