Kidnapped by Robert Louis Stevenson

The novel follows the story of David Balfour, a young man from Scotland who is kidnapped and sold into slavery by his wicked uncle. After escaping, David meets Alan Breck Stewart, a Jacobite adventurer, and the two embark on a thrilling journey across Scotland. Along the way, they encounter danger, adventure, and a host of colorful characters. The novel is set in the aftermath of the Jacobite Rebellion of 1745, and explores themes of loyalty, honor, and justice. It is a thrilling adventure story, full of suspense and excitement, and is considered one of Stevenson's best works.

By Robert Louis Stevenson · First published 1886 · Genre: Adventure, Mystery, Historical Fiction · 32 chapters · 81,909 words

First lines

I will begin the story of my adventures with a certain morning early in the month of June, the year of grace 1751, when I took the key for the last time out of the door of my father's house. The sun began to shine upon the summit of the hills as I went down the road; and by the time I had come as far as the manse, the blackbirds were whistling in the garden lilacs, and the mist that hung around the valley in the time of the dawn was beginning to arise and die away.

Mr. Campbell, the minister of Essendean, was waiting for me by the garden gate, good man! He asked me if I had breakfasted; and hearing that I lacked for nothing, he took my hand in both of his and clapped it kindly under his arm.

What this Textopian page supports

Kidnapped is listed on Textopian as a novel by Robert Louis Stevenson, dated 1886 CE.

This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.

• Work type: Novel
• Author: Robert Louis Stevenson
• Date: 1886 CE
• Language: English
• Genres: Adventure, Mystery, Historical Fiction, Romance, Thriller
• Length: 81,909 words
• Structure: 32 chapters, 1,753 paragraphs
• Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)

Good citation fit

• Work identity for Kidnapped by Robert Louis Stevenson
• 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 Kidnapped?
• How does this novel by Robert Louis Stevenson fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
• Where does Adventure first become important in the reading?

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Genres

• Adventure — The novel follows the thrilling adventures of the protagonist, David Balfour, as he is kidnapped and forced to embark on a journey across Scotland.
• Mystery — The novel follows David's attempts to uncover the truth behind his father's death and the secrets of the people he meets on his journey.
• Historical Fiction — The novel is set in 18th century Scotland and includes references to historical events and figures.
• Romance — The novel includes a romantic subplot between David and the daughter of one of his captors.

Tags

18th century · Adventure · Adventure Novelhistorical Novel · Adventure and adventurers · Best Books Ever Listings · Children's Literature · Fiction · Historical Fiction · History · Kidnapping · Movie Books · Scotland

Contents

• I Set Off Upon My Journey to the House of Shaws
• Preface to the Biographical Edition
• Dedication
• I Come to My Journey's End
• I Make Acquaintance of My Uncle
• I Run a Great Danger in the House of Shaws
• I Go to the Queen's Ferry
• What Befell at the Queen's Ferry
• I Go to Sea in the Brig "covenant" of Dysart
• The Round-house
• The Man With the Belt of Gold
• The Siege of the Round-house
• The Captain Knuckles Under
• I Hear of the "red Fox"
• The Loss of the Brig
• The Islet
• The Lad With the Silver Button: Through the Isle of Mull
• The Lad With the Silver Button: Across Morven
• The Death of the Red Fox
• I Talk With Alan in the Wood of Lettermore
• The House of Fear
• The Flight in the Heather: the Rocks
• The Flight in the Heather: the Heugh of Corrynakiegh
• The Flight in the Heather: the Moor
• Cluny's Cage
• The Flight in the Heather: the Quarrel
• In Balquhidder
• End of the Flight: We Pass the Forth
• I Come to Mr. Rankeillor
• I Go in Quest of My Inheritance
• I Come Into My Kingdom
• Good-bye

More by Robert Louis Stevenson

• Treasure Island (1883)
• The Pavilion on the Links (1909)
• Olalla (1885)
• A Child's Garden of Verses (1885)
• Father Damien, An Open Letter To The Reverend Doctor Hyde Of Honolulu (1914)
• A Lowden Sabbath Morn (1916)
• Songs of Travel and Other Verses (1908)
• Prayers Written At Vailima (1916)
• All works by Robert Louis Stevenson