A true-life story that inspired no fewer than five novels — including Robert Louis Stevenson’s classic adventure tale, Kidnapped – A. Roger Ekirch’s Birthright recounts the ordeal of an orphaned aristocrat who is freed from years of punishing labor in America to claim his rightful place.
In 1728, at twelve years of age, Jemmy Annesley was kidnapped from Dublin and shipped by his uncle to the colonies as an indentured servant. Amazingly, Uncle Richard usurped the boy’s inheritance of five aristocratic titles belonging to the mighty house of Annesley, together with sprawling estates in Ireland, England, and Wales. Fast forward to an epic trial held in Dublin, which was the greatest family estate ever put before a jury, and a road to redemption followed closely by a rapt public, including George II, king of England.
We at Wonders & Marvels have three copies of Birthright as our giveaway. To enter, just comment before 11:59 p.m. EST February 1, 2010 in response to this question:
What aristocratic family are you really a member of?
You are given the go-ahead to freely make stuff up! Good luck. (At this time, books can only be shipped to U.S. addresses.)
