David Balfour: Being Memoirs of the Further Adventures of David Balfour at Home and Abroad (Scribner's Illustrated Classics) [Hardcover]

Robert Louis Stevenson (Author), N. C. Wyeth (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 1, 1994 | Age Level: 9 and up

Ten magnificent full-color plates complement Stevenson's action-packed sequel to Kidnapped, as David Balfour struggles to exonerate James Stewart, becomes a captive, and romances Catriona Drummond.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 9 and up
  
• Hardcover: 356 pages
• Publisher: Charles Scribner's Sons (September 1, 1994)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0684197367
• ISBN-13: 978-0684197364
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 7.4 x 1.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 3.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #948,330 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A departure from "Kidnapped", September 29, 2002

By 

L. Kloetzli (Maryland United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: David Balfour: Being Memoirs of the Further Adventures of David Balfour at Home and Abroad (Scribner's Illustrated Classics) (Hardcover)

It's true that this sequel to "Kidnapped" takes a very different direction from the original story. In fact, Alan Breck Stewart (everyone's favorite character) makes only a few (albeit quite entertaining) appearances, and most of the story focuses on David Balfour's lone adventures and, in the second half of the book, his rather botched wooing of Catriona, a lovely Scottish lass (to say more would give away the story).

I must admit that "Kidnapped" is my favorite book of all time, so I am somewhat prejudiced toward liking "David Balfour" no matter what its faults. However, the truth of the matter is that this is really quite a good book in its own right. It would not have been disappointing to anyone except for the fact that it happens to be a sequel to "Kidnapped," and people (fairly enough, I suppose) expect another rousing adventure story, which "David Balfour" is not.

Some aspects of the two books are very similar. Stevenson used quite a bit of dialect in the "Kidnapped," so it should come as a surprise to no one that he does the same in "David Balfour" (although there may be a little more broad Scotch). Also, David's and Alan's characters are quite true to the original characterizations, I think.

The part of the story that people seem to object to most is the love story between David and Catriona. I admit it, the main problem is that Catriona is a rather flat character, and as such does not keep the reader's interest (or sympathy) very well. That being said, most of the book (and especially the last 20 pages, which I liked very much) is quite entertaining. I have read better love stories and better adventure stories, but "David Balfour" isn't bad for a love story sequel to an adventure story.

Finally, a word about the illustrations in this edition. They are by N.C. Wyeth, who was one of the best illustrators of the early to mid 20th century. This edition is a copy of the original 1913 Wyeth edition, and has all the wonderful illustrations and the neat old-fashioned size and typeface.

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Quite a Good Book, January 1, 2005

By 

Robert "A life-long reader that learns most t... (Midwestern United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: David Balfour: Being Memoirs of the Further Adventures of David Balfour at Home and Abroad (Scribner's Illustrated Classics) (Hardcover)

An excellent book, less because of the plot (limited compared with Kidnapped) but more because of the bits of wisdom so typical of RLS. He had a dry sense of humor and a very sharp eye (much like Dickens) and his writings are filled with his take on the local color. And with the much bigger picture of life itself.

Anyway, I very much did like David Balfour, and I am glad I read it.

9 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars If you loved kidnapped, October 6, 2005

By 

vonbora - See all my reviews

This review is from: David Balfour: Being Memoirs of the Further Adventures of David Balfour at Home and Abroad (Scribner's Illustrated Classics) (Hardcover)

"David Balfour" by Robert Louis Stevenson continues the coming of age story begun in "Kidanapped". In "Kidnapped" we saw a young man stuggle to live up to the high standards instilled in him by his parents despite hardships. This theme is continued in the sequel in regards to his testifying in court and in his personal life. His conduct towards his bride-to-be should especially be noted and followed by young men of today.

I recommend "Kidnapped" for boys aged 10 and up, and "David Balfour" for boys aged 12 and up. This story will teach them much on becoming a man.