“There are two things that men should never weary of—goodness and humility.”
Chapter 1: I Set Off Upon My Journey to the House of Shaws
David Balfour, a young orphan, leaves his home after his father’s death. His minister advises him to seek his inheritance from his uncle, Ebenezer Balfour, at the House of Shaws. David sets off, hopeful but unaware of the dangers ahead.
Chapter 2: I Come to My Journey’s End
David arrives at the House of Shaws, a gloomy and neglected estate. His uncle Ebenezer is hostile and suspicious, refusing to acknowledge David’s claim. David begins to suspect foul play when his uncle nearly sends him to his death by tricking him into climbing a ruined tower.
Chapter 3: I Make Acquaintance of My Uncle
Despite Ebenezer’s cruelty, David stays, determined to uncover the truth. He befriends a local innkeeper who hints at dark secrets surrounding his uncle. David’s suspicions grow when Ebenezer hires a ship’s captain to take him away under false pretenses.
Chapter 4: I Run a Great Danger in the House of Shaws
David confronts his uncle, demanding answers about his inheritance. Ebenezer, fearing exposure, conspires with Captain Hoseason to kidnap David and sell him into slavery. David is drugged and wakes up aboard the Covenant, a ship bound for the American colonies.
Chapter 5: I Go to the Queen’s Ferry
On the ship, David meets Alan Breck Stewart, a Jacobite fugitive. When the crew plots to murder Alan for his money, David warns him. Together, they fight off the attackers in a fierce battle, earning Alan’s loyalty.
Chapter 6: What Befell at the Queen’s Ferry
After the fight, the ship is wrecked in a storm. David and Alan escape to the Scottish Highlands, where they begin a perilous journey. David, now a fugitive, must rely on Alan’s knowledge of the land and his political connections.
Chapter 7: I Come to Mr. Rankeillor
Their journey takes them through hostile territory, evading British soldiers and rival clans. Alan teaches David survival skills and Highland customs. They eventually reach Edinburgh, where David seeks legal help from Mr. Rankeillor to reclaim his inheritance.
Chapter 8: The Flight in the Heather
With Rankeillor’s help, David exposes Ebenezer’s treachery. His uncle confesses to withholding David’s rightful inheritance. A settlement is reached, and David secures his fortune. Alan, still a wanted man, prepares to flee to France, while David remains in Scotland, forever changed by his adventures.
Key Ideas
- Betrayal and justice in family inheritance disputes.
- Friendship and loyalty across political divides.
- Survival and resilience in harsh landscapes.
- The clash between Highland and Lowland Scottish cultures.
- The moral growth of a young protagonist.
Notable Adaptations
| Year | Name | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1948 | Kidnapped (Film) | Starred Roddy McDowall as David. |
| 1960 | Kidnapped (TV Series) | BBC adaptation in six episodes. |
| 1971 | Kidnapped (Film) | Disney version with Lawrence Dobkin. |
| 2005 | Kidnapped (TV Movie) | Modern retelling with a darker tone. |
Who should read this book?
- Fans of classic adventure novels with rich historical settings.
- Readers interested in Scottish history and Jacobite rebellions.
- Those who enjoy coming-of-age stories with moral dilemmas.