"The Master is all I know of the devil," said Robert Louis Stevenson about the hero of his novel, in which he tells the story of the lifelong struggle between two brothers in 18th-century Scotland: When James Durie, reckless and unscrupulous, goes to war under the banners of "Bonnie Prince Charlie," Henry, honorable and reliable, takes his brother's place at Durrisdeer Castle and marries the woman intended for the other. Until one day, the thought-to-be-dead James returns...

Stevenson not only tells a gripping adventure story but also proves once again to be a master of character psychology, making him far ahead of his time. The novel was enthusiastically received by both critics and the public; during Stevenson's lifetime, it was already considered a masterpiece.

Finally, this edition presents a modern German translation of Stevenson's classic that is not based on older translations. As the first edition, it also includes Stevenson's drafts for a preface, provides an explanation of the dedication, and is published in a decorative slipcase with detailed notes and an afterword by the editor.