Nightmare Hall

Hardcover

Third Person

Fiction

139

45

2018-06-26 17:25:14

Your copy of Kidnapped by Robert Louis Stevenson, published by Cassell & Company in 1888 with illustrations by W. H. Hole, is not a first edition, but it is historically significant and collectible. Its market value typically ranges from $100 to $500 depending on condition and provenance.

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📘 Overview of the Book

Kidnapped is a classic adventure novel first published in 1886. It follows David Balfour, a young man who is kidnapped and thrust into a political and personal journey across the Scottish Highlands. The story is set in 1751, during the aftermath of the Jacobite rising, and features real historical figures like Alan Breck Stewart.

• Author: Robert Louis Stevenson, also known for Treasure Island and Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde.
• Genre: Historical adventure fiction.
• Themes: Identity, betrayal, loyalty, and Scottish nationalism.
• Illustrator: W. H. Hole, A.R.S.A., whose work adds visual depth to this edition.


This novel is widely regarded as a cornerstone of Scottish literature and a masterful blend of historical context and narrative drive.

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📚 Is It a First Edition?

No. The first edition of Kidnapped was published by Cassell & Company in 1886, not 1888. Your copy, dated MDCCCLXXXVIII (1888), is a later illustrated edition, likely part of Cassell’s effort to reissue popular titles with enhanced visual appeal.

Key indicators:

• Publisher and cities match the first edition, but the date does not.
• The addition of illustrations by W. H. Hole suggests a deluxe or gift edition, not the original printing.


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💰 Historical Importance and Value

While not a first edition, your 1888 illustrated edition holds historical and aesthetic value:

• Cultural significance: Stevenson’s work helped define the adventure genre and remains influential.
• Collector interest: Early illustrated editions are sought after, especially in good condition.
• Market value: Depending on condition, completeness, and provenance:• Fair to good condition: ~$100–$250
• Very good to fine condition (clean binding, intact illustrations, minimal foxing): ~$300–$500
• Signed or association copies: Higher, if verifiable.



Sources: Noname An... +4

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Would you like help drafting a catalog entry or appraising its condition more precisely? If you have images of the spine, endpapers, or any inscriptions, I can assist with that too.


The adventures of a 16-year-old orphan who becomes involved in the struggle of the Scottish highlanders against English rule.

Based on the images provided, here is an overview of the book:
Book Overview
The book is Kidnapped by Robert Louis Stevenson.
* Front Cover: The book has a dark green hardcover with the title ”Kidnapped” in gold lettering at the top. The author’s name, Robert Louis Stevenson, is also visible.
* Title Page: The title page shows the full title, ”KIDNAPPED, BEING Memoirs of the Adventures of David Balfour IN THE YEAR 1751,” and states it was written by ROBERT LOUIS STEVENSON. It also notes ”With 16 ILLUSTRATIONS by W. B. HOLE, A.R.S.A.” The publisher is listed as ”CASSELL & COMPANY, LIMITED: LONDON, PARIS, NEW YORK & MELBOURNE.”
* Copyright/Publisher Page: The publisher page confirms the publisher and lists the Roman numeral date MDCCCLXXXVI, which translates to 1886. The line ”[All Rights Reserved.]” is also present.
* Maps: The book includes a fold-out map titled ”Sketch of the Cruise of the ’Holy House’ and the probable course of David Balfour’s Wanderings.”
Historical Importance
Kidnapped is a classic adventure novel and a pivotal work in Robert Louis Stevenson’s bibliography. Published in 1886, it is a historical adventure story set in Scotland. The novel is celebrated for its gripping plot, vivid characters, and its detailed portrayal of the Scottish Highlands and the aftermath of the Jacobite Rising of 1745. It remains a cornerstone of adventure fiction and has been influential for generations of readers and writers.
Is it a First Edition?
Yes, based on the images, this is a first edition. The key indicators are:
* The title page and the separate publisher page both display the date MDCCCLXXXVI, which is the Roman numeral for 1886, the year the book was first published.
* The book includes the correct first issue points, such as the fold-out map.
Value
The value of this book is highly dependent on its condition, particularly the condition of the binding, pages, and the fold-out map. While it’s a first edition, the images suggest some wear and tear on the cover. A first edition of Kidnapped with a damaged or worn cover will have a lower value than one in fine or very good condition. For an accurate valuation, it would be best to consult a rare book appraiser. However, a first edition like this can range in value, but its value is generally lower than a first edition with an original dust jacket, which is rare for books of this era

Cassell and Company, Limited

9780706430219

1

~$7.26

2025-09-03

2018-06-26 17:25:14