Sir Edward Leithen and his companions partake in a bizarre experiment orchestrated by the enigmatic Professor Moe to glimpse the future. For those who take part, the consequences are dramatic and Leithen's formidable powers of reasoning are brought to the fore.

'For three minutes you will turn your eyes inward – into the darkness of the mind which I have taught you to make. Then – I will give the sign – you will look at the paper. There you will see words written, but only for one second. Bend all your powers to remember them.'

What begins as a welcome, if slightly dull, weekend at his friend Lady Flambard's house in the Costwolds becomes for Sir Edward Leithen something altogether more intriguing. A fellow guest – the brilliant Professor Moe – enlists the help of Leithen and his companions in an experiment. If they do as he says, each will get a glimpse a year into the future in the pages of The Times.

One of Buchan's most unusual novels, The Gap in the Curtain is a tense tale of unexpected from the author of The Thirty-Nine Steps.

With an introduction by Stuart Kelly.

This edition is authorised by the John Buchan Society.