Description

Kidnapped is a historical fiction adventure novel by Scottish author Robert Louis Stevenson, written as a boys' novel and first published in the magazine Young Folks from May to July 1886. The novel has attracted the praise and admiration of writers as diverse as Henry James, Jorge Luis Borges, and Hilary Mantel. A sequel, Catriona, was published in 1893. The narrative is written in English with some dialogue in Lowland Scots, a Germanic language that evolved from an earlier incarnation of English. Kidnapped is set around real 18th-century Scottish events, notably the "Appin Murder" and the Highland Clearances, which occurred in the aftermath of the Jacobite rising of 1745. Many of the characters are real people, including one of the principals, Alan Breck Stewart. The political situation of the time is portrayed from multiple viewpoints, and the Scottish Highlanders are treated sympathetically. The full title of the book is Kidnapped: Being Memoirs of the Adventures of David Balfour in the Year 1751: How he was Kidnapped and Cast away; his Sufferings in a Desert Isle; His Journey in the Wild Highlands; his acquaintance with Alan Breck Stewart and other notorious Highland Jacobites; with all that he suffered at the hands of his Uncle, Ebenezer Balfour of Shaws, falsely so-called: Written by Himself and now set forth by Robert Louis Stevenson. Plot The novel opens in the (fictional) village of Essendean in the Ettrick Forest area of the Scottish Lowlands in 1751. The main character and narrator is 17-year-old David Balfour whose sole remaining parent, his father, has recently died. The minister of Essendean, Mr. Campbell, hands David a sealed letter left by his father with instructions that it be delivered to his father’s brother, Ebenezer, at his family's ancestral estate, the House of Shaws in Cramond. Mr. Campbell tells David that he believes the letter may well prove to be advantageous to him. After two days' walk cross country, David arrives at the ominou

Synopsis

Title: Kidnapped
Author/Publisher: Robert Louis Stevenson (Thomas Nelson & Sons Ltd)
Publication Year: 1920
Format: Original Illustrated Cloth Edition

Delve into the thrilling world of Robert Louis Stevenson's celebrated historical adventure novel, "Kidnapped". Set against the tumultuous backdrop of 18th-century Scotland following the Jacobite risings, this gripping narrative plunges the reader into a world of political intrigue, high seas, and perilous journeys.

This timeless story follows the young David Balfour as he navigates a treacherous landscape after being unjustly abducted. Through shipwrecks, daring escapes, and encounters with iconic figures like Alan Breck Stewart, Stevenson crafts a classic tale of coming-of-age and survival that has garnered praise from countless literary figures and cemented its place in adventure literature.

• A Scottish Historical Adventure: The novel masterfully blends historical fact with thrilling fiction, painting a vivid picture of post-Jacobite Scotland and the perilous journey of its protagonist, David Balfour, amidst the political unrest of the era.
• Vivid Illustrations: This particular edition features illustrations, which enhance the narrative and provide visual context to Stevenson's evocative descriptions of the rugged Scottish landscape and the dramatic events unfolding within the story.
• A Timeless Coming-of-Age Tale: While originally conceived as a 'boys' novel', its sophisticated themes of justice, loyalty, and personal growth resonate deeply with an adult audience, offering a profound exploration of character development through adversity and moral choice.

This 1920 original illustrated cloth edition presents a wonderful opportunity to acquire a vintage copy of one of Robert Louis Stevenson's most beloved works. Its 'Ex Libris' attribute adds a unique layer of provenance, making it a distinctive addition for any collector of classic British literature or Scottish historical fiction.

Condition

This item has been professionally inspected and is in Acceptable condition. Please refer to the photographs for detailed visual assessment.

Specifications