Kidnapped was published in 1886 amid one of the most productive periods of Robert Louis Stevenson's career. Although it was immediately met with popular success and critical acclaim, the novel was derided for decades as a story for children before being recognized as a major work of English literature. Set in the aftermath of the Jacobite uprising of 1745, and full of a rich blend of English and Scots, Kidnapped is a powerful work with strong Scottish ties. The narrative follows David Balfour, a 17-year-old orphan whose ...
Read More
Kidnapped was published in 1886 amid one of the most productive periods of Robert Louis Stevenson's career. Although it was immediately met with popular success and critical acclaim, the novel was derided for decades as a story for children before being recognized as a major work of English literature. Set in the aftermath of the Jacobite uprising of 1745, and full of a rich blend of English and Scots, Kidnapped is a powerful work with strong Scottish ties. The narrative follows David Balfour, a 17-year-old orphan whose uncle, the wretched and disturbed Ebenezer, conspires to steal the family estate, David's rightful inheritance. When David discovers his uncle's plan, Ebenezer tricks the boy and sells him to Captain Hoseason, a slaver embarking for the Carolinas. Blindsided by a blow to the head, David awakes in the hold of the Covenant, bound with rope and helpless as the ship bears him toward the terrors of slavery. By a stroke of faith, however, the ship gets lost in fog and strikes a smaller boat near the west coast of Scotland. In the ensuing chaos, David and one of the wreck's survivors, Jacobite rebel Alan Breck Stewart, gain control of the ship and force Captain Hoseason to turn the Covenant toward the mainland. When the ship runs up against rocks, David finds himself alone on shore, and bravely begins his landward journey to regain his inheritance. Swept up in political circumstances far beyond his control, and faced with the danger awaiting him at home, David must do all he can to survive. To read Robert Louis Stevenson's Kidnapped is to enter a world fully formed by the mind of one of history's greatest storytellers. David Balfour's story is gripping not just because it is a tale of survival, but because his struggle to overcome the merciless turns of fate is, to its core, unbearably and beautifully human. Kidnapped is a historical adventure novel adored by readers, critics, and writers alike. It is a story for children and adults who refuse to accept that hope is a thing to outgrow. With a beautifully designed cover and professionally typeset manuscript, this new edition of Robert Louis Stevenson's Kidnapped is a classic of English literature reimagined for modern readers.
Read Less
Choose your shipping method in Checkout. Costs may vary based on destination.
Seller's Description:
New. Trade paperback (US). Glued binding. 194 p. Mint Editions (Grand Adventures). In Stock. 100% Money Back Guarantee. Brand New, Perfect Condition, allow 4-14 business days for standard shipping. To Alaska, Hawaii, U.S. protectorate, P.O. box, and APO/FPO addresses allow 4-28 business days for Standard shipping. No expedited shipping. All orders placed with expedited shipping will be cancelled. Over 3, 000, 000 happy customers.
Choose your shipping method in Checkout. Costs may vary based on destination.
Seller's Description:
PLEASE NOTE, WE DO NOT SHIP TO DENMARK. New Book. Shipped from UK in 4 to 14 days. Established seller since 2000. Please note we cannot offer an expedited shipping service from the UK.
Choose your shipping method in Checkout. Costs may vary based on destination.
Seller's Description:
PLEASE NOTE, WE DO NOT SHIP TO DENMARK. New Book. Shipped from UK in 4 to 14 days. Established seller since 2000. Please note we cannot offer an expedited shipping service from the UK.
Choose your shipping method in Checkout. Costs may vary based on destination.
Seller's Description:
New. Trade paperback (US). Glued binding. 194 p. Mint Editions (Grand Adventures). In Stock. 100% Money Back Guarantee. Brand New, Perfect Condition, allow 4-14 business days for standard shipping. To Alaska, Hawaii, U.S. protectorate, P.O. box, and APO/FPO addresses allow 4-28 business days for Standard shipping. No expedited shipping. All orders placed with expedited shipping will be cancelled. Over 3, 000, 000 happy customers.
good classic book, my six year old grandson really enjoyed it.
Ed
Mar 3, 2011
beware..
This edition of the classic is abbreviated, the original language is modified; the book is much like those old stripped-down Reader's Digest versions.
If reading in haste, as for a school assignment, it would be barely adequate; if you wish to read the full tale as Stevenson wrote it, choose another version!
Tarissa
Apr 17, 2010
Great Scottish Tale
When the story begins, it finds a young man in Scotland, who is named David Balfour. He is seventeen years old, and he has lost both his parents. David is told to journey to the House of Shaws---this was his late father's wish. The House of Shaws in famous for its wealth. David, who comes from a somewhat poor family, cannot fathom the reason of why he must visit this mansion.
Once he sets foot on his way, he is met by shady strangers, and he never knows which ones to trust. David gets a ride that he didn't expect, and it ends in devastating tragedy. He is caught in a trap of secrets that he doesn't even understand himself, but he must (at all costs) keep quiet about what he knows. Otherwise, his life and his friend Alan Breck's life are at stake. These two new comrades, even when not in agreeable moods, must stick together if they are going to survive their trek through the lowlands and highlands of Scotland.
I'd recommend "Kidnapped" to all ages over 13. During certain parts of the the story, it seemed to be harder to read because of the old English language being used. My copy of the book handily had a word glossary in the back. (and I used it frequently!!)
From the very first page, the story had me locked into it. Set sail with David Balfour, and be prepared for adventure, intrigue, and a surprise or two along the way.
