Sir Walter Raleigh

Soldier, politician, courtier, spy, explorer. Sir Walter Raleigh had many faces.

John Buchan portrays the life of Sir Walter Raleigh in this collection of fictional accounts, lined up to provide an in-depth and rounded perspective of Sir Walter Raleigh’s interesting life.

Exciting incidents in the life of Sir Walter Raleigh are told through his friends and comrades.

As a young boy, Sir Walter Raleigh spent his time with three other friends: Humphrey Sneyd, Harry Duke, and Dick Champernoun. Raleigh was the youngest and the most scholarly of the lot. Even at this young age, he preferred books.

One summer afternoon, the boys came across Noah Stubbs, a sailor-man, one who had travelled widely, and who was full of interesting stories of his endeavours. That day, he told the story of The Luterano, who commanded ships and led a fleet of ships. Although Noah knew of him, he wasn’t sure if he’d actually seen him! This story piqued Sir Walter’s desire to pursue a similar path.

Gervase Luttrell tells the story of his time as lieutenant under Captain Raleigh.

Captain Raleigh’s fame had already travelled far and wide, and Luttrell had always wanted to serve under him.

By the time Luttrell had joined Captain Raleigh, Raleigh had already fought in France and Flanders. Luttrell and Raleigh became good friends and Luttrell grew to respect him for the great man he was.

In 1587, Sir Gabriel Bretton, a poet and playwright, and Knight of the Shire for Sussex, had the pleasure of meeting Sir Walter Raleigh at Belphoebe’s court.

Here, Sir Walter read out some of his verses to the Queen. His ability to create delicate verses was purely magnificent. Although, Raleigh’s interest in Bess Throckmorton was noted by the Queen, and his devotion to her was in question …

After five months of sailing, covering oceans and capturing ships, Nathan Stubbs was weary. He tells the story of Raleigh as his Admiral.

Under the command of Admiral Raleigh, they encounter, diseases and swamps.

Originally published in 1911 for young adults, Sir Walter Raleigh is a ripping naval yarn. Raleigh is portrayed as a multi-talented person, who accomplished many feats throughout his life.

Praise for John Buchan

‘A ripping yarn by any standards.’ –The Independent

‘Buchan's novels are eerily resonant with today's troubles.’ –The Guardian

John Buchan, 1st Baron Tweedsmuir (1875-1940) was a Scottish novelist, biographer, and historian. Buchan also worked as a general editor. Many of his non-fiction novels were inspired by his own experiences and circumstances. His works include South Africa (1927), The Half-Hearted (1900), Witch Wood (1927), amongst many others. Buchan wrote The Thirty-Nine Steps during the First World War, a novel which was adapted for film.