About the item: An authentic copy of Robert Louis Stevenson's historical adventure novel "Kidnapped", published in 1886 by the prominent London publishing house Cassell & Company, Limited. This is an undeniable classic of 19th-century world literature, recounting the memoirs and adventures of young David Balfour in mid-18th-century Scotland. This collectible copy features the original publisher's binding, a surviving fold-out map of Scotland, and other authentic period details. Valued for its literary, historical, and bibliophilic significance, this early edition is highly prized by antiquarian book collectors and remains in demand in the international market.
Technical Information: The physical dimensions of the book are 18 × 15 cm. The place of origin is London, United Kingdom, the publication year is 1886, and the publisher is Cassell & Company, Limited. The title page bears the publication date of 1886, and the publisher's date code "5.G-7.86" is preserved inside, helping to identify early copies of this edition. The work is written in English, utilizing Lowland Scots dialect in some dialogues. The book is issued in its original hardback covers, wrapped in the publisher's red cloth. The condition of the item is good, considering its age – the covers show natural signs of wear and use, the pages exhibit mild age-related foxing, and an old handwritten owner's inscription is preserved on the front free endpaper (FFEP).
Artistic and Structural Analysis: This antiquarian copy perfectly represents the late Victorian British publishing tradition. The original red publisher's binding retains its authentic late 19th-century aesthetic, while natural traces of time add additional historical character to the volume. One of the most important elements of this copy is the original fold-out map of David Balfour's journey through the Scottish Highlands, tipped-in at the frontispiece position, illustrating the main character's route. The text pages feature a natural age patina, and the original publisher's advertisements remain at the back of the book, which is particularly important for evaluating the completeness and collectible value of the edition. The old handwritten inscription on the endpaper enhances the sense of authenticity and individual history of this specific copy.
Historical and Geographical Context: Robert Louis Stevenson's novel is based on the 18th-century Scottish historical context that followed the unsuccessful Jacobite rising of 1745. The work masterfully intertwines fiction and real historical events, including the famous Appin Murder, which served as a major inspiration for the plot. Many characters, including Alan Breck Stewart, are based on real historical figures. The novel was first published serially in the magazine "Young Folks" in 1886, and the separate book edition appeared the same year, soon gaining international acclaim as one of the most brilliant historical adventure books in English literature. The story was later continued in the novel "Catriona" (1893), further cementing the significance of the David Balfour cycle in world literature.
Collectible and Investment Significance: The collectible value of this antiquarian publication is determined by several important aspects. First and foremost, this is an early 1886 Cassell & Company edition from the initial period of the novel's appearance, making it highly prized by collectors of Robert Louis Stevenson's work. Additional value is provided by the original publisher's binding, the surviving fold-out map, and the promotional pages at the end of the book, which are crucial for assessing the completeness of the copy. The novel itself is considered one of the most significant works of historical adventure literature and remains widely read and studied to this day. Early late-19th-century British editions enjoy stable collectible demand and are valued both in private libraries and specialized bibliophilic collections. This copy will perfectly complement an antiquarian literature collection, a Scottish history collection, or make an exclusive gift for a lover of classic English literature. It is an authentic witness to late 19th-century British publishing and the history of adventure literature, harmoniously combining Robert Louis Stevenson's storytelling mastery, the historical context of Scotland, and long-term collectible value.
