Romance writer, essayist and poet Robert Louis Stevenson was born in Edinburgh in 1850. Though a qualified advocate, Stevenson took up writing for a career and, in spite of poor health, was an avid traveller. A special favourite of the young readers, he also occupies a rightful place in the adult tradition of early modernism.
A popular historical fiction classic, Kidnapped is a story of adventure set in the seas and highlands of Scotland. After the death of his father, seventeen-year-old David Balfour goes to help his wealthy uncle Ebenezer. But Ebenezer attempts to kill him and, when he fails, has him kidnapped and put aboard a ship of murderers. David realizes, too late, that he is the rightful heir to the large inheritance his uncle is holding illegally.