The Kidnapping of Lord Durie
The novel revolves around the kidnapping of a young nobleman and his subsequent rescue by a group of outlaws. The story explores themes of loyalty, honor, and redemption in the face of adversity. The protagonist's journey serves as a commentary on the social class system and the consequences of one's actions.
By John Lang · First published 1869 · Genre: Historical Fiction, Adventure, Mystery · 5,101 words
First lines
"It is commonly reported that some party, in a considerable action before the Session, finding that Lord Durie could not be persuaded to think his plea good, fell upon a stratagem to prevent the influence and weight which his lordship might have to his prejudice, by causing some strong masked men to kidnap him, in the Links of Leith, at his diversion on a Saturday afternoon, and transport him to some blind and obscure room in the country, where he was detained captive, without the benefit of daylight, a matter of three months (though otherwise civilly and well entertained); during which time his lady and children went in mourning for him as dead. But after the cause aforesaid was decided, the Lord Durie was carried back by incognitos, and dropt in the same place where he had been taken up. " (Forbes's _Journal of the Session_, Edinburgh, 1714.)
What this Textopian page supports
The Kidnapping of Lord Durie is listed on Textopian as a short story by John Lang, dated 1869 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: 1869 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Historical Fiction, Adventure, Mystery, Drama, Supernatural
- Length: 5,101 words
- Structure: 1 section, 43 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Kidnapping of Lord Durie 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 The Kidnapping of Lord Durie?
- 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?
Similar titles
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- A Prince Of Swindlers by Guy Boothby
- The Abominable History Of The Man With Copper Fingers by Dorothy L. Sayers
Genres
- Historical Fiction — The narrative is set in a specific historical context, exploring themes and events relevant to the early seventeenth century in Scotland.
- Adventure — The plot revolves around the kidnapping of a prominent figure, featuring elements of suspense and action.
- Mystery — The story involves the unexplained disappearance of Lord Durie and the circumstances surrounding his captivity.
- Drama — The emotional and psychological struggles of the characters, particularly Lord Durie, are central to the narrative.
Tags
Historical Fiction · Adventure · Kidnapping · Scotland · 19th Century · Novel · English Literature · Classic Novel · Crime Fiction · Mystery · Thriller · Plot Twist