Kidnapped (Penguin Classics S.)

by Robert Louis Stevenson (Author), Donald McFarlan (Editor)

• Used

  Paperback
  1994

  $3.29

  This edition looks at the Scottish identity through the text of Stevenson's classic. The duality of Scottish life - the mercantile, respectable Lowland Scot, as represented by David Balfour, and the romantic, rebellious Highlander, Alan Breck Stewart - runs deep in the psyche and literature of Scotland. Although Stevenson claimed that Kidnapped was simply an adventure tale to while away the long winter evenings, the journey and experiences of the characters can be seen as a rite of passage. He questions both the values of the civilized Lowland society, and the sentimental view of the highlands portrayed by Sir Walter Scott and others. The topography of the novel is detailed in extensive notes, with a Scots glossary to supplement Stevenson's own.

• Used

  Paperback
  1993

  $3.29

  Set in Scotland in 1751, Kidnapped remains one of the most exciting stories ever written. Young David Balfour, orphaned then betrayed by his Uncle Ebenezer, his so-called guardian, falls in with Alan Breck, the unscrupulous but heroic champion of the Jacobite cause. Shipwreck, murder and dramatic escape through the Highlands are just a few of the ingredients of this highly charged tale of intrigue, action and adventure. Catriona, the lesser-known sequel, immediately continues David's story. Back in Edinburgh, he is caught up in the aftermath of the Appin murder; certain of the accused man's innocence, David's determination to testify on his behalf is impeded by a series of adventures, not least of which is hid passionate but problematic romance with Catriona, granddaughter of Rob Roy MacGregor. Alan Breck features again, becoming involved in the thrilling attempt to reunite the lovers. One of his own favourites, Stevenson said of Catriona that he would 'never do a better book'.

• Used

  Hardcover
  1999

  $3.29

  Set in Scotland after the Jacobite rebellion, young David Balfour leaves home and goes to the sinister House of Shaws. There, he finds himself kidnapped, the victim of his uncle's plot to cheat him of his inheritance, aboard a ship bound for America. He teams up with the Jacobite loyalist and spy, Alan Breck and they take on the ship's crew in a courageous battle but are soon shipwrecked. Later they find themselves suspected of the murder of 'Red Fox', a notorious enemy of the Jacobeans. They flee across the Highlands in a perilous journey back to David's home where he finally claims his inheritance. First serialised in 'Young Folks' magazine in 1886, and issued as a book later that year, Kidnapped provided much of the inspiration for John Buchan's 'The Thirty Nine Steps' and a generation of subsequent thrillers.

• New

  Paperback
  2009

  $13.18

  Puffin Classics bring the very best children's classics to a new generation. When young David Balfour's father dies and leaves him in poverty, he tracks down his Uncle Ebenezer to seek his inheritance. But his uncle is a mean, nasty man with a dark family secret. David finds himself in terrible danger when he is kidnapped and taken prisoner on board a ship bound for slavery - he must escape. With the help of daring rebel Alan Breck, David faces a wild adventure as he is hunted across the desolate Scottish moors. Robert Louis Stevenson's action adventure novel is brilliantly introduced by bestselling author, Alexander McCall Smith.