Kidnapped: With original illustrations – annotated

“” Kidnapped “” is a novel by Robert Louis Stevenson, first published in 1886. The story is set in Scotland in the mid-18th century, against the backdrop of the Jacobite risings. The novel is notable for its vivid portrayal of Scottish culture and its engaging adventure narrative. Here’s an in-depth look at the novel: Plot Summary David Balfour’s Early Days : David Balfour , a 17-year-old recently orphaned boy, is given a letter by his father to be delivered to the House of Shaws, where his uncle Ebenezer Balfour resides. David hopes to find family and inheritance there. Betrayal and Kidnapping : Upon arrival, David discovers his uncle is a miserly and sinister man who is unwilling to acknowledge his rightful inheritance. Ebenezer arranges for David to be kidnapped and sold into slavery in the American colonies. David is taken aboard the ship Covenant , under the command of Captain Hoseason . Life on the Covenant : On the ship, David meets Alan Breck Stewart , a Jacobite and adventurer. Alan is escaping after his involvement in the Jacobite rising and carries a substantial amount of money. David and Alan form a strong friendship. When a plot to kill Alan for his money is discovered, David warns him, leading to a violent confrontation and the death of many crew members. Shipwreck and Survival : The Covenant encounters a storm and is shipwrecked off the coast of Scotland. David and Alan are separated during the wreck. David makes a hazardous journey across the Highlands, facing numerous challenges, including his own lack of knowledge about the region and its politics. The Highland Adventures : David and Alan reunite and journey together, evading British troops while traveling through the Scottish Highlands. They face numerous perils and narrowly escape capture multiple times. They become embroiled in the Appin Murder case, a historical event in which a government official, Colin Roy Campbell, was killed. Alan is suspected of the murder, putting both men at greater risk. Return to Edinburgh and Justice : Despite their challenges, David and Alan make it to Edinburgh, where David confronts his uncle Ebenezer. With Alan’s help, David forces his uncle to confess his wrongdoing and restore David’s rightful inheritance. Characters David Balfour : The young and determined protagonist, who evolves from a naive boy to a resourceful and courageous young man. Alan Breck Stewart : A charismatic and loyal Jacobite with a strong sense of honor and a knack for survival. Ebenezer Balfour : David’s miserly and unscrupulous uncle, who betrays his own nephew to keep the family fortune. Captain Hoseason : The greedy and morally ambiguous captain of the Covenant. —- ISBN: 9798326409317