The Master Of Ballantrae(Illustrated) E-Book

Robert Louis Stevenson

• Herausgeber: Swish
• Kategorie: Gesellschafts- und Liebesromane
• Sprache: Englisch
• Veröffentlichungsjahr: 2024

Beschreibung

• Includes 20 beautifully crafted illustrations that bring key scenes from the story to life.
• Contains a detailed summary of the novel to help readers quickly grasp the plot.
• Features a comprehensive characters list, providing insights into each of the key figures.
• Includes a unique biography of Robert Louis Stevenson, shedding light on the life of the author behind the tale.

The Master of Ballantrae is a spellbinding tale of brotherly rivalry, treachery, and adventure, set against the tumultuous backdrop of 18th-century Scotland. Robert Louis Stevenson masterfully weaves a dramatic narrative of two brothers, James and Henry Durie, whose fates are inextricably linked by betrayal and vengeance.
When James, the charismatic and rebellious elder brother, joins the ill-fated Jacobite uprising, he sets off a chain of events that spirals into a relentless feud with his loyal and honorable younger brother, Henry. As their rivalry escalates, it takes them from the windswept Scottish highlands to the pirate-infested seas and the snowy wilderness of North America. The brothers’ struggle becomes a battle not just for family honor, but for their very souls, as they are consumed by hatred, ambition, and destiny.
With richly drawn characters, heart-pounding adventure, and deep psychological tension, The Master of Ballantrae explores the destructive power of revenge and the dark complexities of family loyalty. In this illustrated edition, 20 striking visuals bring the story’s pivotal moments to life, adding a new dimension to this timeless classic.
Ideal for lovers of historical fiction and literary masterpieces, this edition also includes a summary, characters list, and a biography of Robert Louis Stevenson, making it the perfect companion for both new readers and long-time fans. Dive into an epic story of adventure, intrigue, and moral conflict that continues to captivate readers over a century after its original publication.






 

Leseprobe

THE

MASTER OF BALLANTRAE

BY

ROBERT LOUIS STEVENSON

ABOUT STEVENSON

Robert Louis Stevenson: A Life of Adventure and Imagination

Born on November 13, 1850, in Edinburgh, Scotland, Robert Louis Stevenson was destined to become one of the most celebrated authors of the 19th century. Raised in a family of engineers, his father, Thomas Stevenson, was a prominent lighthouse designer, and young Robert was expected to follow in his footsteps. However, it was clear from an early age that Stevenson’s passion lay elsewhere. Frequently plagued by ill health, he turned to books and storytelling as a refuge, developing a vivid imagination that would later fuel his literary career.

Stevenson attended the University of Edinburgh, initially studying engineering to please his father, but soon shifted to law, a path that allowed him more time to pursue his true love: writing. During his early years, he became involved in the bohemian circles of Edinburgh, where he cultivated his interest in art, travel, and literature. It was during this time that he began crafting essays and travelogues that hinted at the literary brilliance that would later define his career.

A restless spirit, Stevenson spent much of his life traveling, in search of both adventure and relief from the chronic respiratory illness that plagued him. His journeys took him across Europe and America, but perhaps most famously to the South Seas, where he would eventually settle in Samoa. These travels not only offered him physical relief but also served as inspiration for many of his works.

Stevenson’s breakthrough came in 1883 with the publication of Treasure Island, a thrilling tale of pirates, buried treasure, and adventure that captivated readers of all ages. This novel not only solidified his reputation as a master of adventure but also introduced some of literature’s most iconic characters, including Long John Silver. Following this success, Stevenson wrote The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde (1886), a psychological thriller exploring the duality of human nature, which became an instant sensation and cemented his place in literary history.

Stevenson’s works often defied genre boundaries, seamlessly blending adventure, mystery, and psychological depth. He explored themes of morality, identity, and the human condition, all while crafting tales that gripped readers with their vivid storytelling and richly drawn characters. Other notable works include Kidnapped (1886), The Master of Ballantrae (1889), and A Child's Garden of Verses (1885), a collection of poems that showcased his delicate lyrical style.

Despite his literary success, Stevenson’s life was marked by constant health struggles. In 1890, he and his family settled in Samoa, where he continued to write prolifically and became involved in local politics, earning the respect and admiration of the Samoan people. Stevenson passed away suddenly on December 3, 1894, at the age of 44, from a cerebral hemorrhage, leaving behind a legacy of literary adventure that continues to inspire readers and writers alike.

Robert Louis Stevenson remains a symbol of the adventurous spirit, a writer whose life and works were fueled by an insatiable curiosity and love for storytelling. Whether navigating the high seas of Treasure Island or the dark psychological depths of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde, Stevenson’s work invites readers into worlds where imagination and reality blend, leaving an indelible mark on literature.

SUMMARY

The Master of Ballantrae by Robert Louis Stevenson is a gripping tale of family rivalry, treachery, and the destructive power of revenge. Set against the backdrop of 18th-century Scotland, the story revolves around two brothers, the noble and charismatic James Durie, known as the Master of Ballantrae, and his younger, more dutiful brother, Henry Durie. Their lives are torn apart during the Jacobite uprising, where James sides with the rebellious cause, while Henry remains loyal to the British crown.

What begins as a story of political and familial division spirals into a dark and complex psychological battle between the two brothers. James, thought dead after the failed rebellion, reemerges with a thirst for power and vengeance, igniting a dangerous and relentless feud that spans years and continents. As they cross swords through schemes, betrayal, and adventure—from Scotland’s wild moors to the pirate-infested seas and the snowy wilderness of North America—their rivalry becomes an inescapable curse that consumes their family and their fortunes.

Stevenson masterfully weaves themes of honor, jealousy, and the corrupting influence of unchecked ambition, creating a tense and atmospheric narrative. With rich character development, breathtaking adventure, and a haunting exploration of the human psyche, The Master of Ballantrae is a powerful and unforgettable story of the struggle between good and evil, family loyalty and personal pride, that lingers long after the final page is turned.

CHARACTERS LIST

James Durie (The Master of Ballantrae)

The elder of the Durie brothers, James is charismatic, adventurous, and cunning, but also deeply arrogant and vengeful. He becomes a Jacobite during the 1745 uprising, and his presumed death leads to a bitter, long-standing feud with his brother. Throughout the novel, James embodies the traits of a manipulative anti-hero, driven by ambition and revenge.

Henry Durie

The younger Durie brother, Henry is more level-headed, responsible, and loyal, but his life is overshadowed by his brother’s reckless behavior and schemes. Henry's love for his family and duty often puts him in conflict with James, and over time, he becomes ensnared in their tragic rivalry. His attempts to maintain peace and integrity are constantly tested by James’ betrayals.

Lord Durrisdeer (The Father)

The father of James and Henry, Lord Durrisdeer is torn between his two sons. He is deeply pained by their feud and often favors James, despite his absence and reckless nature, creating further tension within the family.

Alison Graeme

The love interest of both brothers, Alison is originally engaged to James, but after his disappearance, she marries Henry. Her loyalty is tested as James returns and attempts to rekindle their connection. Alison’s feelings and role in the brothers’ rivalry add complexity to the emotional stakes of the novel.

Ephraim Mackellar

The loyal steward of the Durie family, Mackellar is the novel's narrator. He serves as an observer to the unfolding events, chronicling the brothers’ rivalry. Mackellar is fiercely loyal to Henry and openly despises James, often acting as a moral compass in the story.

Colonel Francis Burke

An Irish soldier and Jacobite ally of James, Colonel Burke accompanies James on his adventures and schemes. He shares in James’ fortunes and misfortunes, becoming an important figure in the action, especially as James’ ambitions lead him down a path of violence and betrayal.

Secundra Dass

A mysterious Indian servant who becomes James' companion during his adventures abroad. Secundra is loyal to James and plays a pivotal role in the latter parts of the novel, especially in some of its darker and more supernatural moments.

Miss Catherine (Miss Alison Graeme’s aunt)

Catherine is a minor character who represents a conventional, cautious voice in the novel. She is protective of Alison and warns her against the dangers of becoming involved with James Durie.

Sir William Johnson

A British official in America, Sir William plays a minor role in the latter part of the novel, offering some assistance and perspective during the brothers' time in North America. His interactions with the brothers highlight the broader historical and colonial context of the story.

These characters, with their distinct personalities and roles, help shape the central conflict in The Master of Ballantrae, where family ties, love, betrayal, and revenge intertwine in a dramatic and tragic narrative.

Contents

To Sir Percy Florence And Lady Shelley

Preface

Chapter 1. Summary Of Events During This Master’s Wanderings

Chapter 2. Summary Of Events (Continued)

Chapter 3. The Master’s Wanderings

Chapter 4. Persecutions Endured By Mr. Henry

Chapter 5. Account Of All That Passed On The Night On February 27th, 1757

Chapter 6. Summary Of Events During The Master’s Second Absence

Chapter 7. Adventure Of Chevalier Burke In India

Chapter 8. The Enemy In The House

Chapter 9. Mr. Mackellar’s Journey With The Master

Chapter 10. Passages At New York

Chapter 11. The Journey In The Wilderness

Chapter 12. The Journey In The Wilderness (Continued)

To Sir Percy Florence And Lady Shelley

Here is a tale which extends over many years and travels into many countries. By a peculiar fitness of circumstance the writer began, continued it, and concluded it among distant and diverse scenes. Above all, he was much upon the sea. The character and fortune of the fraternal enemies, the hall and shrubbery of Durrisdeer, the problem of Mackellar’s homespun and how to shape it for superior flights; these were his company on deck in many star-reflecting harbours, ran often in his mind at sea to the tune of slatting canvas, and were dismissed (something of the suddenest) on the approach of squalls. It is my hope that these surroundings of its manufacture may to some degree find favour for my story with seafarers and sea-lovers like yourselves.

And at least here is a dedication from a great way off: written by the loud shores of a subtropical island near upon ten thousand miles from Boscombe Chine and Manor: scenes which rise before me as I write, along with the faces and voices of my friends.

Well, I am for the sea once more; no doubt Sir Percy also. Let us make the signal B. R. D.!

R. L. S.

Waikiki, May 17, 1889

Preface

Although an old, consistent exile, the editor of the following pages revisits now and again the city of which he exults to be a native; and there are few things more strange, more painful, or more salutary, than such revisitations. Outside, in foreign spots, he comes by surprise and awakens more attention than he had expected; in his own city, the relation is reversed, and he stands amazed to be so little recollected. Elsewhere he is refreshed to see attractive faces, to remark possible friends; there he scouts the long streets, with a pang at heart, for the faces and friends that are no more. Elsewhere he is delighted with the presence of what is new, there tormented by the absence of what is old. Elsewhere he is content to be his present self; there he is smitten with an equal regret for what he once was and for what he once hoped to be.

He was feeling all this dimly, as he drove from the station, on his last visit; he was feeling it still as he alighted at the door of his friend Mr. Johnstone Thomson, W.S., with whom he was to stay. A hearty welcome, a face not altogether changed, a few words that sounded of old days, a laugh provoked and shared, a glimpse in passing of the snowy cloth and bright decanters and the Piranesis on the dining-room wall, brought him to his bed-room with a somewhat lightened cheer, and when he and Mr. Thomson sat down a few minutes later, cheek by jowl, and pledged the past in a preliminary bumper, he was already almost consoled, he had already almost forgiven himself his two unpardonable errors, that he should ever have left his native city, or ever returned to it.

“I have something quite in your way,” said Mr. Thomson. “I wished to do honour to your arrival; because, my dear fellow, it is my own youth that comes back along with you; in a very tattered and withered state, to be sure, but—well!—all that’s left of it.”

“A great deal better than nothing,” said the editor. “But what is this which is quite in my way?”

“I was coming to that,” said Mr. Thomson: “Fate has put it in my power to honour your arrival with something really original by way of dessert. A mystery.”

“A mystery?” I repeated.

“Yes,” said his friend, “a mystery. It may prove to be nothing, and it may prove to be a great deal. But in the meanwhile it is truly mysterious, no eye having looked on it for near a hundred years; it is highly genteel, for it treats of a titled family; and it ought to be melodramatic, for (according to the superscription) it is concerned with death.”

“I think I rarely heard a more obscure or a more promising annunciation,” the other remarked. “But what is It?”

“You remember my predecessor’s, old Peter M’Brair’s business?”

“I remember him acutely; he could not look at me without a pang of reprobation, and he could not feel the pang without betraying it. He was to me a man of a great historical interest, but the interest was not returned.”

“Ah well, we go beyond him,” said Mr. Thomson. “I daresay old Peter knew as little about this as I do. You see, I succeeded to a prodigious accumulation of old law-papers and old tin boxes, some of them of Peter’s hoarding, some of his father’s, John, first of the dynasty, a great man in his day. Among other collections, were all the papers of the Durrisdeers.”

“The Durrisdeers!” cried I. “My dear fellow, these may be of the greatest interest. One of them was out in the ’45; one had some strange passages with the devil—you will find a note of it in Law’s Memorials, I think; and there was an unexplained tragedy, I know not what, much later, about a hundred years ago—”

“More than a hundred years ago,” said Mr. Thomson. “In 1783.”

“How do you know that? I mean some death.”

“Yes, the lamentable deaths of my Lord Durrisdeer and his brother, the Master of Ballantrae (attainted in the troubles),” said Mr. Thomson with something the tone of a man quoting. “Is that it?”

“To say truth,” said I, “I have only seen some dim reference to the things in memoirs; and heard some traditions dimmer still, through my uncle (whom I think you knew). My uncle lived when he was a boy in the neighbourhood of St. Bride’s; he has often told me of the avenue closed up and grown over with grass, the great gates never opened, the last lord and his old maid sister who lived in the back parts of the house, a quiet, plain, poor, hum-drum couple it would seem—but pathetic too, as the last of that stirring and brave house—and, to the country folk, faintly terrible from some deformed traditions.”

“Yes,” said Mr. Thomson. “Henry Graeme Durie, the last lord, died in 1820; his sister, the honourable Miss Katherine Durie, in ’27; so much I know; and by what I have been going over the last few days, they were what you say, decent, quiet people and not rich. To say truth, it was a letter of my lord’s that put me on the search for the packet we are going to open this evening. Some papers could not be found; and he wrote to Jack M’Brair suggesting they might be among those sealed up by a Mr. Mackellar. M’Brair answered, that the papers in question were all in Mackellar’s own hand, all (as the writer understood) of a purely narrative character; and besides, said he, ‘I am bound not to open them before the year 1889.’ You may fancy if these words struck me: I instituted a hunt through all the M’Brair repositories; and at last hit upon that packet which (if you have had enough wine) I propose to show you at once.”

In the smoking-room, to which my host now led me, was a packet, fastened with many seals and enclosed in a single sheet of strong paper thus endorsed:

Papers relating to the lives and lamentable deaths of the late Lord Durisdeer, and his elder brother James, commonly called Master of Ballantrae, attainted in the troubles: entrusted into the hands of John M’Brair in the Lawnmarket of Edinburgh, W.S.; this 20th day of September Anno Domini 1789; by him to be kept secret until the revolution of one hundred years complete, or until the 20th day of September 1889: the same compiled and written by me, Ephraim Mackellar,

For near forty years Land Steward on the estates of his Lordship.

As Mr. Thomson is a married man, I will not say what hour had struck when we laid down the last of the following pages; but I will give a few words of what ensued.

“Here,” said Mr. Thomson, “is a novel ready to your hand: all you have to do is to work up the scenery, develop the characters, and improve the style.”

“My dear fellow,” said I, “they are just the three things that I would rather die than set my hand to. It shall be published as it stands.”

“But it’s so bald,” objected Mr. Thomson.

“I believe there is nothing so noble as baldness,” replied I, “and I am sure there in nothing so interesting. I would have all literature bald, and all authors (if you like) but one.”

“Well, well,” add Mr. Thomson, “we shall see.”

Chapter 1. Summary Of Events During This Master’s Wanderings

The full truth of this odd matter is what the world has long been looking for, and public curiosity is sure to welcome. It so befell that I was intimately mingled with the last years and history of the house; and there does not live one man so able as myself to make these matters plain, or so desirous to narrate them faithfully. I knew the Master; on many secret steps of his career I have an authentic memoir in my hand; I sailed with him on his last voyage almost alone; I made one upon that winter’s journey of which so many tales have gone abroad; and I was there at the man’s death. As for my late Lord Durrisdeer, I served him and loved him near twenty years; and thought more of him the more I knew of him. Altogether, I think it not fit that so much evidence should perish; the truth is a debt I owe my lord’s memory; and I think my old years will flow more smoothly, and my white hair lie quieter on the pillow, when the debt is paid.

The Duries of Durrisdeer and Ballantrae were a strong family in the south-west from the days of David First. A rhyme still current in the countryside—

Kittle folk are the Durrisdeers,They ride wi’ over mony spears—

bears the mark of its antiquity; and the name appears in another, which common report attributes to Thomas of Ercildoune himself—I cannot say how truly, and which some have applied—I dare not say with how much justice—to the events of this narration:

Twa Duries in Durrisdeer,Ane to tie and ane to ride,An ill day for the groomAnd a waur day for the bride.

Authentic history besides is filled with their exploits which (to our modern eyes) seem not very commendable: and the family suffered its full share of those ups and downs to which the great houses of Scotland have been ever liable. But all these I pass over, to come to that memorable year 1745, when the foundations of this tragedy were laid.

At that time there dwelt a family of four persons in the house of Durrisdeer, near St. Bride’s, on the Solway shore; a chief hold of their race since the Reformation. My old lord, eighth of the name, was not old in years, but he suffered prematurely from the disabilities of age; his place was at the chimney side; there he sat reading, in a lined gown, with few words for any man, and wry words for none: the model of an old retired housekeeper; and yet his mind very well nourished with study, and reputed in the country to be more cunning than he seemed. The master of Ballantrae, James in baptism, took from his father the love of serious reading; some of his tact perhaps as well, but that which was only policy in the father became black dissimulation in the son. The face of his behaviour was merely popular and wild: he sat late at wine, later at the cards; had the name in the country of “an unco man for the lasses;” and was ever in the front of broils. But for all he was the first to go in, yet it was observed he was invariably the best to come off; and his partners in mischief were usually alone to pay the piper. This luck or dexterity got him several ill-wishers, but with the rest of the country, enhanced his reputation; so that great things were looked for in his future, when he should have gained more gravity. One very black mark he had to his name; but the matter was hushed up at the time, and so defaced by legends before I came into those parts, that I scruple to set it down. If it was true, it was a horrid fact in one so young; and if false, it was a horrid calumny. I think it notable that he had always vaunted himself quite implacable, and was taken at his word; so that he had the addition among his neighbours of “an ill man to cross.” Here was altogether a young nobleman (not yet twenty-four in the year ’45) who had made a figure in the country beyond his time of life. The less marvel if there were little heard of the second son, Mr. Henry (my late Lord Durrisdeer), who was neither very bad nor yet very able, but an honest, solid sort of lad like many of his neighbours. Little heard, I say; but indeed it was a case of little spoken. He was known among the salmon fishers in the firth, for that was a sport that he assiduously followed; he was an excellent good horse-doctor besides; and took a chief hand, almost from a boy, in the management of the estates. How hard a part that was, in the situation of that family, none knows better than myself; nor yet with how little colour of justice a man may there acquire the reputation of a tyrant and a miser. The fourth person in the house was Miss Alison Graeme, a near kinswoman, an orphan, and the heir to a considerable fortune which her father had acquired in trade. This money was loudly called for by my lord’s necessities; indeed the land was deeply mortgaged; and Miss Alison was designed accordingly to be the Master’s wife, gladly enough on her side; with how much good-will on his, is another matter. She was a comely girl, and in those days very spirited and self-willed; for the old lord having no daughter of his own, and my lady being long dead, she had grown up as best she might.

To these four came the news of Prince Charlie’s landing, and set them presently by the ears. My lord, like the chimney-keeper that he was, was all for temporising. Miss Alison held the other side, because it appeared romantical; and the Master (though I have heard they did not agree often) was for this once of her opinion. The adventure tempted him, as I conceive; he was tempted by the opportunity to raise the fortunes of the house, and not less by the hope of paying off his private liabilities, which were heavy beyond all opinion. As for Mr. Henry, it appears he said little enough at first; his part came later on. It took the three a whole day’s disputation, before they agreed to steer a middle course, one son going forth to strike a blow for King James, my lord and the other staying at home to keep in favour with King George. Doubtless this was my lord’s decision; and, as is well known, it was the part played by many considerable families. But the one dispute settled, another opened. For my lord, Miss Alison, and Mr. Henry all held the one view: that it was the cadet’s part to go out; and the Master, what with restlessness and vanity, would at no rate consent to stay at home. My lord pleaded, Miss Alison wept, Mr. Henry was very plain spoken: all was of no avail.

“It is the direct heir of Durrisdeer that should ride by his King’s bridle,” says the Master.

“If we were playing a manly part,” says Mr. Henry, “there might be sense in such talk. But what are we doing? Cheating at cards!”

“We are saving the house of Durrisdeer, Henry,” his father said.

“And see, James,” said Mr. Henry, “if I go, and the Prince has the upper hand, it will be easy to make your peace with King James. But if you go, and the expedition fails, we divide the right and the title. And what shall I be then?”

“You will be Lord Durrisdeer,” said the Master. “I put all I have upon the table.”

“I play at no such game,” cries Mr. Henry. “I shall be left in such a situation as no man of sense and honour could endure. I shall be neither fish nor flesh!” he cried. And a little after he had another expression, plainer perhaps than he intended. “It is your duty to be here with my father,” said he. “You know well enough you are the favourite.”

“Ay?” said the Master. “And there spoke Envy! Would you trip up my heels—Jacob?” said he, and dwelled upon the name maliciously.

Mr. Henry went and walked at the low end of the hall without reply; for he had an excellent gift of silence. Presently he came back.

“I am the cadet and I should go,” said he. “And my lord here in the master, and he says I shall go. What say ye to that, my brother?”

“I say this, Harry,” returned the Master, “that when very obstinate folk are met, there are only two ways out: Blows—and I think none of us could care to go so far; or the arbitrament of chance—and here is a guinea piece. Will you stand by the toss of the coin?”

“I will stand and fall by it,” said Mr. Henry. “Heads, I go; shield, I stay.”

The coin was spun, and it fell shield. “So there is a lesson for Jacob,” says the Master.

“We shall live to repent of this,” says Mr. Henry, and flung out of the hall.

As for Miss Alison, she caught up that piece of gold which had just sent her lover to the wars, and flung it clean through the family shield in the great painted window.

“If you loved me as well as I love you, you would have stayed,” cried she.

“‘I could not love you, dear, so well, loved I not honour more,’” sang the Master.

“Oh!” she cried, “you have no heart—I hope you may be killed!” and she ran from the room, and in tears, to her own chamber.