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Overview
Immerse yourself in the gripping tale of rivalry, adventure, and intrigue with "The Master of Ballantrae" by Robert Louis Stevenson. First published in 1889, this historical novel is a masterful exploration of the dark and complex relationship between two brothers set against the backdrop of the Jacobite rising in 18th-century Scotland.
The story follows the fates of the noble Durie family, particularly the two brothers, James and Henry Durie. James, the charismatic and rebellious elder brother, joins the Jacobite cause, leaving the loyal and responsible Henry to manage the family estate. The two brothers represent stark contrasts in character-James is daring and unscrupulous, while Henry is dutiful and principled.
When the Jacobite uprising fails, James is presumed dead, but he soon returns, driven by a fierce desire to reclaim his inheritance and settle old scores. This marks the beginning of an intense and bitter feud between the brothers, filled with deceit, treachery, and betrayal. As James's machinations bring ruin and despair to the Durie family, Henry's steadfastness and resilience are tested to their limits.
The narrative, told by Ephraim Mackellar, the loyal family steward, weaves a rich tapestry of adventure and psychological drama. From the rugged landscapes of Scotland to the wild frontiers of America, the brothers' conflict takes them across continents, with each encounter escalating in intensity and danger.
Robert Louis Stevenson's "The Master of Ballantrae" is a profound study of the duality of human nature, exploring themes of honor, loyalty, and the destructive power of revenge. Stevenson's vivid descriptions, intricate plot, and deeply flawed yet compelling characters make this novel a timeless classic.
Perfect for fans of historical fiction and classic literature, "The Master of Ballantrae" offers a thrilling and thought-provoking reading experience. Stevenson's ability to blend action and introspection creates a narrative that is as emotionally resonant as it is adventurous.
Product Details
| ISBN-13: | 9781835910610 |
|---|---|
| Publisher: | Magic Publisher |
| Publication date: | 05/28/2024 |
| Pages: | 168 |
| Sales rank: | 710,519 |
| Product dimensions: | 8.50(w) x 11.00(h) x 0.36(d) |
About the Author
Robert Louis Stevenson was born in 1850 in Edinburgh, the son of an engineer. He briefly studied engineering, then law, and contributed to university magazines while a student. Despite life-long poor health, he was an enthusiastic traveller, writing about European travels in the late 1870s and marrying in America in 1879. He contributed to various periodicals, writing first essays and later fiction. His first novel was Treasure Island in 1883, intended for his stepson, who collaborated with Stevenson on two later novels. Some of Stevenson's subsequent novels are insubstantial popular romances, but others possess a deepening psychological intensity. He also wrote a handful of plays in collaboration with W.E. Henley. In 1888, he left England for his health, and never returned, eventually settling in Samoa after travelling in the Pacific islands. His time here was one of relatively good health and considerable writing, as well as of deepening concern for the Polynesian islanders under European exploitation, expressed in fictional and factual writing from his final years, some of which was so contrary to contemporary culture that a full text remained unavailable until well after Stevenson's death. R. L. Stevenson died of a brain haemorrhage in 1894.
Date of Birth:
November 13, 1850Date of Death:
December 3, 1894Place of Birth:
Edinburgh, ScotlandPlace of Death:
Vailima, SamoaEducation:
Edinburgh University, 1875