Treasure Island [and] Kidnapped, by Robert Louis Stevenson, Illustrated by Frank Godwin, 1924, 1925

Stevenson, Robert Louis. Treasure Island. [and] Kidnapped. Chicago, Philadelphia, Toronto: John C. Winston, 1924, 1925. Illustrated by Frank Goodwin. Octavo. In the publisher's original blue hardcover boards with gilt stamped titles, decorative borders, and full color front paste-down illustration, and illustrations by Frank Goodwin throughout. 

Presented is a 1924 printing of Robert Louis Stevenson’s Treasure Island and a 1925 printing of Kidnapped, published together in one volume by John C. Winston, as part of their “The Boy’s Stevenson” series. The book is presented in its original blue hardcover boards with gilt stamped titles, decorative borders, and full color front paste-down illustration, and illustrations by Frank Goodwin throughout. 

Treasure Island was serialized in Young Folks, a popular children’s magazine publication, between 1881 and 1882 under the title The Sea Cook and under Stevenson's pseudonym “Captain George North.” It was inspired by a detailed map of an island that Stevenson and his stepson drew one rainy day, complete with hidden treasure and cryptic instructions. Treasure Island was first published in book form in London by Cassell and Company on November 14, 1883, in an edition of only 2000 copies. The serial publication was not well-received, but on its appearance in book form the story was hailed as the best tale of adventure in print. "The force of invention and vividness of narrative appealed to every reader" (DNB).

Kidnapped was first published by Cassell & Company Ltd. in London in 1886 and also appeared in Young Folks magazine that same summer. Kidnapped is based within the historical context of 18th century events, including those that occurred after the Jacobite rebellion of 1745. Although a work of fiction, the book includes real historical figures, such as Alan Breck Stewart as a principle character. The book is narrated by a 17 year old David Balfour, who is kidnapped by his conniving uncle and who befriends an unlikely ally in the quest to regain his freedom and his inheritance. The novel is considered a companion to Stevenson's Treasure Island.

Robert Louis Stevenson (1850–1894) spent his childhood in Edinburgh, Scotland, but traveled widely in the United States and throughout the South Seas. He was author of many novels, including The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, Kidnapped, The Black Arrow, and Treasure Island.

Frank Goodwin (1889-1959), a versatile painter and illustrator, achieved some of his greatest acclaim through his book illustration work during the 1920s and 1930s, when his romantic style made him a standout contributor to publisher John C. Winston’s popular editions of the classics. Goodwin began his career at The Washington Star, before refining his craft at the Art Students League in New York. He became a sought-after freelancer whose elegant line work and meticulous cross-hatching graced fiction in major magazines, like Colliers, Liberty, and Cosmopolitan, as well as numerous illustrated books. His illustrations, influenced by contemporaries like James Montgomery Flagg and Charles Dana Gibson, combined romanticism, sophistication, and narrative clarity. He later became well known for his comic strips Connie and Rusty Riley. 

CONDITION:

Fine condition. Octavo. In the publisher's original blue hardcover boards with gilt stamped titles, decorative borders, and full color front paste-down illustration, and illustrations by Frank Goodwin throughout. The spine has some light bumping along the top and bottom. Gilt bright and cloth color is strong. Pages clean and bright with no discoloration. All illustrations for both books are present. 

Book Dimensions: 9 7/16”H x 7 ¼”W x 2 ⅛”D. 

Accompanied by our company's letter of authenticity.