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1. A Final Commission

Episode 1 of 10

Sir Edward Leithen undertakes one last heroic mission. Paul Young reads the author's last novel set in the Canadian wilderness.

Sir Edward Leithen is drawing his career to a close when he's asked if he'll undertake one last mission...

Paul Young reads John Buchan's last novel set in the Canadian wilderness about Richard Hannay's comrade in adventure.

Originally broadcast to mark the 50th anniversary of John Buchan's death, this reading is of his last novel. "Sick Heart River" was completed days before his death and published posthumously in 1941.

Buchan's rich descriptions of the rugged Canadian Northwest Territories are influenced by his real-life voyage down the Mackenzie River in 1937. At that time, Buchan was Governor-General of Canada.

Abridged in ten parts by Trevor Royle.

Director: Hamish Wilson

First broadcast on ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ Radio 4 in February 1990.

5 days left to listen

15 minutes

Last on

Tue 26 Aug 2025 03:30

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  • Mon 29 Jun 2009 14:30
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  • Mon 11 Apr 2011 14:30
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  • Mon 25 Aug 2025 08:30
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  • Tue 26 Aug 2025 03:30