Highwaymen in the Border
The novel is set in the Scottish Borders and follows a group of highwaymen who are struggling to survive due to increased law enforcement efforts. The story revolves around their attempts to evade capture while also dealing with personal conflicts and relationships within the group.
By John Lang · First published 1864 · Genre: Historical Fiction, Adventure, Crime · 3,512 words
First lines
It can scarcely be said that the Border, either north or south of Tweed, has ever as a field of operations been favoured by highwaymen. Fat purses were few in those parts, and if he attempted to rob a farmer homeward bound from fair or tryst -- one who, perhaps, like Dandie Dinmont on such an occasion, temporarily carried rather more sail than he had ballast for -- a knight of the road would have been quite as likely to take a broken head as a full purse.
What this Textopian page supports
Highwaymen in the Border is listed on Textopian as a short story by John Lang, dated 1864 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Short story
- Author: John Lang
- Date: 1864 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Historical Fiction, Adventure, Crime, Biography, Drama
- Length: 3,512 words
- Structure: 1 section, 19 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Highwaymen in the Border by John Lang
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
- Passage-specific claims should cite the exact /read/ URL for the relevant chapter or paragraph
Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering Highwaymen in the Border?
- How does this short story by John Lang fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Historical Fiction first become important in the reading?
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Genres
- Historical Fiction — The narrative is set in a historical context, exploring the lives and crimes of highwaymen in the Border region, blending factual history with fictional elements.
- Adventure — The plot involves thrilling escapades and robberies, showcasing the adventurous lives of highwaymen and their encounters.
- Crime — The central theme revolves around criminal activities, specifically highway robbery, detailing the methods and consequences of such crimes.
- Biography — The work includes biographical elements, recounting the lives of specific historical figures involved in highway robbery.
Tags
Historical Fiction · Adventure · Romance · Scotland · Highlands · 18th Century · Outlaws · Bandits · Cattle Rustling · Crime · Law and Order · Justice System