This Paperback Book item from Penguin Classics was reviewed on 25-Oct-2008.
Search ISBN:0140434461 offer from Abebooks or used books from Alibris. The Master of Ballantrae: A Winter's Tale (Penguin Classics) Reference Book. Classifications : General AAS Literature Humanities New & Used Textbooks Custom Stores Specialty Stores Books General AAS New & Used Textbooks Custom Stores Specialty Stores Books General AAS Qualifying Textbooks Custo . Click the following link to view the cover of The Master of Ballantrae: A Winter's Tale (Penguin Classics). Related topics: General AAS. Literature. Humanities. Custom Stores. Specialty Stores. Books. General AAS. Custom Stores. Specialty Stores. Books. requestid: d0b7b8ab-43b2-4569-b96b-35f54c1eccc8
requestprocessingtime: 0.0877850000000000
salesrank: 276735
numberofitems: 1
packagedimensions: 7177249504
1) Paperback Book The Master of Ballantrae: A Winter's Tale (Penguin Classics) by Penguin Classics. _The Master of Ballantrae_ is not one of Stevenson´s better novels but I knew that before going into it. It´s been sometimes described as "masterly", and since I´ve rarely read any Stevenson I didn´t like, I gave it a try. The psychological battle between two brothers is the sub-text of this Scott-like epic historical tale with elements of James Fenimore Cooper´s _Leatherstocking Tales_, _Treasure Island_ and _Kidnapped_. However unlike Scott and Cooper, who had nationalistic designs, Stevenson´s is a darker more inward looking story of psychology. The overall effect is strange and a bit "Sensational" (ala _Woman in White_). Not to my taste, but I understand Stevenson was influenced by Scott growing up and wanted ultimately to write a series of Scottish historical romances that would help with Scotland´s independence movement. But instead he wrote Ballantrae in the middle of winter (thus "A Winter´s Tale") in the Adirondack Mountains of New York on his way to the Pacific, far away from Scotland, to which he would never return. Rather than a national epic it is an odd sort of genre-bending thriller probably best read today for the psychological struggle between two brothers.¤ 2) Paperback Book The Master of Ballantrae: A Winter's Tale (Penguin Classics) by Penguin Classics. Stevenson is best known today as a writer of juvenile fiction. This doesn´t do justice to his skills as a writer of historical fiction or his ability to explore psychological and moral issues. Master of Ballantrae is one of his best works. Set in 18th century Scotland, it is an exploration of the nature and relationship between good and evil. In many ways, this is a parallel book to Jekyll and Hyde. In Master, the different aspects of human moral behavior are explored in conflict and relationship of 2 brothers, one charismatic and amoral, the other, stolid and virtuous. This is primarily a psychological novel of family tragedy brought about by the characters of the 2 bothers in a conflict ignited by the Jacobite uprising of 1745. Stevenson does an excellent job of handling the characters and plot. As with his other work, there is a nice depiction of 18th century Scotland. This is not a great work, but it is very good.¤ 3) Paperback Book The Master of Ballantrae: A Winter's Tale (Penguin Classics) by Penguin Classics. I read The Master of Ballantrae quite recently and I think it is an awesome book. James Durie (the Master) is such a wicked man, but seems to charm (most) everybody. He is such a round character. He torments his poor brother Henry Durie and Henry suffers in silence. Only Mr. Mackellar knows of Henry´s sufferings. The Master makes the book so colorful. It´s full of adventure, romance, sorrow, and revenge. I highly recommend this book, because it was so interesting and kept you wondering what would happen next. I am sure it will capture your attention as it did mine.¤ 4) Paperback Book The Master of Ballantrae: A Winter's Tale (Penguin Classics) by Penguin Classics. Wild Grows the Heather in Devon is thought provoking, eloquant and superbly written. I have highlighted most of the book. Many of the prayers written, I have taken as my own. Excellent intelligent reading!¤ 5) Paperback Book The Master of Ballantrae: A Winter's Tale (Penguin Classics) by Penguin Classics. I have always liked everything written by Stevenson, but The Master of Ballantrae far outstrips everything else. It is a subtle insight into human nature, and a great adventure story as well. The episodes are majestic, and the story, though bleak, is very touching. I have read it many, many times and think more of it the more I read it (to paraphrase Mackellar on page 1).¤ 6) Paperback Book The Master of Ballantrae: A Winter's Tale (Penguin Classics) by Penguin Classics. Set at the time of the Jacobite uprising, The Master of Ballantrae tells of a family divided. James Durie, Master of Ballantrae, abandons his ancestral home to support the Scottish rebellion - leaving his younger brother Henry, who is faithful to the English crown, to inherit the title of Lord Durrisdeer. But he is to return years later, embittered by battles and a savage life of piracy on the high seas, to demand his inheritance. Turning the people against the Lord, he begins a savage feud with his brother that will lead the pair from the Scottish Highlands to the American Wilderness. Satanic and seductive, the Master was regarded by Stevenson as all I know of the devil´; his darkly manipulative schemes dominate this subtle and compelling tragedy. This edition takes as its text the Edinburgh Edition of the novel, the last approved by the author. The introduction considers the novel´s inspiration and its place as one of Stevenson´s greatest studies in cruelty.¤ Page Updated: Robert N. Goolsby, 22-Nov-2008, 01404344619780140434460, 230-610-510-850-460-220-331-551-1SB-8 
The Master of Ballantrae: A Winter's Tale (Penguin Classics), Book, Image © Penguin Classics
|
