Stevenson & Kidnapped
Stevenson with family and Samoan household. Stevenson pictured center.
Robert Louis Stevenson
Robert Louis Stevenson was a prominent and well-known Scottish author who lived from 1850 to 1894. He was born into a family of engineers, which influenced his decision to study engineering at the University of Edinburgh, but he very quickly turned to writing as a formal career. Stevenson suffered his entire life from poor health, and thus spent much time searching for place with a climate suitable for him. These travels had a great impact and influence on his writing style and decisions, as seen in his stories, he enjoyed writing about exotic settings.
Stevenson is best known for his adventure novels, like Treasure Island and Kidnapped, which are widely recognized as English literature classics. His writing was often characterized by engaging characters, thrilling plots, and a vivid imagination that transported readers to faraway lands.
In addition to novels, Stevenson published many poems, essays, and literary criticisms. He was deeply concerned with human morals and ethics and explored themes of identity and morality in his works.
Stevenson had a significant influence on English literature, and is widely regarded as one of the most important writers of the Victorian era. His works have been translated into many languages and to this day continue to inspire and entertain readers of all walks of life and all ages. Stevenson’s legacy lives on to this day, as his life and works remain a crucial part of Scottish and world literature.
Kidnapped, Robert Louis Stevenson, continued:
Kidnapped, by Robert Louis Stevenson, is a coming-of-age adventure novel which was first published in 1886. The story takes place in Scotland, Stevenson's native country, in the aftermath of the Jacobite rising of 1745. It follows the journey of David Balfour, a young man who is kidnapped and sold into slavery by his uncle, Ebenezer.
David eventually escapes through meeting Alan Breck Stewart, a Jacobite who is on the run from the Redcoats. The two of them form an unlikely alliance and brotherly bond and embark on a dangerous journey across Scotland, facing various obstacles and enemies along the way.
As they travel through Scotland, David learns about his family's history and the political and social tensions of the time. He also becomes more independent and learns to rely on his own strength and judgment through the experiences brought about from his journey.
The novel is a classic coming-of-age tale of adventure, action, suspense, and memorable characters. It is also a commentary on the historical and cultural forces that shaped Scotland during the 18th century. It was illustrated by William Boucher.