Kidnapped
0
0
As an Amazon Associate and affiliate partner, Menrva Books earns from qualifying purchases. Learn more
Author Description
'Your bed shall be the moorcock's, and your life shall be like the hunted deer's, and ye shall sleep with your hand upon your weapons.'Tricked out of his inheritance, shanghaied, shipwrecked off the west coast of Scotland, David Balfour finds himself fleeing for his life in the dangerous company of Jacobite outlaw and suspected assassin Alan Breck Stewart. Their unlikely friendship is put to the test as they dodge government troops across the Scottish Highlands.Set in the aftermath of the 1745 rebellion, Kidnapped transforms the Romantic historical novel into the modern thriller. Its heart-stopping scenes of cross-country pursuit, distilled to a pure intensity in Stevenson's prose, have become a staple of adventure stories from John Buchan to Alfred Hitchcock and Ian Fleming. Kidnapped remains as exhilarating today as when it was first published in 1886.This new edition is based on the 1895 text, incorporating Stevenson's last thoughts about the novel before his death. It includes Stevenson's 'Note to Kidnapped', reprinted for the first time since 1922.About the Series: For over 100 years Oxford World's Classics has made available the broadest spectrum of literature from around the globe. Each affordable volume reflects Oxford's commitment to scholarship, providing the most accurate text plus a wealth of other valuable features, including expert introductions by leading authorities, voluminous notes to clarify the text, up-to-date bibliographies for further study, and much more.
Menrva's Summary
THE PULSE
After being betrayed by his uncle and sold into servitude, young David Balfour must navigate the treacherous political landscape of 18th-century Scotland to reclaim his rightful inheritance. David finds himself thrust into a perilous alliance with Alan Breck Stewart, a Jacobite fugitive, as they traverse the rugged Highlands while pursued by government forces. The narrative, presented through a first-person perspective, emphasizes the physical toll of their flight and the stark contrast between David's naivety and Alan's hardened survivalist instincts. The world is defined by the volatile aftermath of the 1745 rebellion, where shifting loyalties and the harsh geography of the Scottish wilderness serve as constant obstacles to their survival.
INSIDE THE PAGES
- First-person narrative perspective providing intimate access to David Balfour's development.
- Vivid depiction of the Scottish Highlands as a hostile, unforgiving environment.
- Exploration of the complex political tensions between Jacobite rebels and government forces.
- Development of an unlikely friendship between characters from disparate social backgrounds.
- High-stakes action sequences involving shipwrecks and cross-country pursuit.
- Use of authentic period dialect to ground the dialogue in its historical setting.
- Themes of betrayal, inheritance, and the moral ambiguity of political conflict.
- Pacing that mirrors the urgency of a modern thriller through constant movement.
THE COLLECTIVE ECHO
Readers and critics frequently identify this work as a foundational text that bridged the gap between the historical novel and the modern thriller. Discussion often centers on the dynamic interplay between the cautious, principled David and the flamboyant, dangerous Alan Breck. Many highlight the economy of Stevenson's prose, which maintains a high level of tension throughout the arduous trek across the moors. Scholars often note how the novel captures the specific cultural anxieties of post-rebellion Scotland while remaining accessible as a high-stakes adventure. The consensus remains that the book's enduring appeal lies in its ability to balance character-driven growth with relentless, atmospheric pacing.
Page Count:
256
Publication Date:
2014-05-01
Publisher:
Oxford University Press
ISBN-10:
0199674213
ISBN-13:
9780199674213
Adventure
Thriller
Historical
Adventure fiction
classic
Community Tags
Similar Books
