Treasure Island (Wordsworth Classics)

Treasure Island is the seminal pirates and buried treasure novel, so brilliantly concocted that it appeals to readers both young and old.

The story is told in the first person by young Jim Hawkins, whose mother keeps the Admiral Benbow Inn. An old seadog, a resident at the inn, hires Jim to keep a watch out for other sailors whom he fears. Despite all precautions, the old man is served with the black spot, a mark that means death. Among the dead man's belongings, Jim discovers a map showing the location of the buried treasure of the notorious pirate Captain Flint.

The Adventure Begins

It is not long before Jim, along with Doctor Livesey and Squire Trelawney, sets sail to find the treasure. However, amongst the hired hands is the one-legged Long John Silver, who has designs on the treasure for himself.

Why This Tale Remains Timeless

The continuing fascination with this tale of:

• High drama
• Buried treasure
• Treachery

...bears out what Stevenson wrote about the book to his friend W. E. Henley: 'if this don't fetch the kids, why, they have gone rotten since my day.'

The book not only continues to 'fetch the kids' but also captivates grown-ups — in fact, all those with the spirit of adventure in their hearts.