Gideon the Cutpurse

infobox Book |
name = Gideon the Cutpurse


image_caption = First edition cover
author = Linda Buckley-Archer
illustrator =
cover_artist =
country = United Kingdom
language = English
series = Gideon trilogy
genre = Children's
publisher = Simon & Schuster
pub_date = 5 June 2006
pages = 384
isbn = ISBN 978-1416916550
followed_by = The Tar Man

"Gideon the Cutpurse", published in the US as "The Time Travelers", is a 2006 science fiction novel by Linda Buckley-Archer, and is the first book in the The Gideon Trilogy. This series was also called the Enlightenment of Peter Schock.

The novel focuses on the adventures of Peter Schock and Kate Dyer in 1763 after being accidentally transported there by an anti-gravity machine while chasing Molly, Kate's dog. It has been praised for its excellent description of everyday living conditions in 18th century England. Along with being an enlighting read for children it also gives valuable information on the eighteenth century.

Plot summary

The novel focuses on the adventures of Peter Schock and Kate Dyer in 1763 after being accidentally transported there by an anti-gravity machine while chasing Molly, Kate's dog. They amazingly appeared in the eighteenth century, and saw their time machine being carted away by the 'Tar Man', or BlueskinThere, they meet a man called Gideon Seymour, who helps them adjust to life. He takes them to the Byng residents where they stay until they are able to track down the lost anti-gravity machine. With the help of Gideon, Mrs. Byng, Sir Richard, Parson, Sidney, Hannah and Jack they are able travel to London.

Many things occur on their trip and Gideon proves himself to the Parson by saving the group from highway men. When asked about his past, Gideon reveals the presence of a shadowy figure in his life. This man, Lord Luxon saved Gideon's life and in return Gideon was forced to work for him as a cutpurse. Gideon explains to Peter that he had a fatefull meeting with Lord Luxon shortly after his fifteenth birthday. His parents and some of his siblings had died many years ago leaving only Gideon and his younger brother, Joshua. Forced into a life of servitude in order to stay alive, Gideon finally made up his mind to run away and, thus earn enough money to send for his brother to join him. After he escapes Gideon finds himself without any resources and decides that he has to steal to get food. One day he is caught and his life is spared only by the wealth and influence of Lord Luxon.

While in London they meet King George III and Queen Charlotte. Sadly there are villains on every page. Lord Luxon and The Tar Man (Blueskin) are there trying to stop the children going home. To get the anti-gravity machine back from Tar Man which he took as the children arrived, Gideon offers to race Tar Man to the Tempest House for the anti-gravity machine. But many people cheated damaging the race horses and Tar Man attacked Gideon during the race. Thanks to Parson feeding Tar Man's horse some herbs giving it a weak stomach Tar Man lost the race but Gideon was forced to forfeit the race because of the cheating. Lord Luxon sent him to Newgate Prison for certain crimes which he did not commit.

While Kate and Peter stay in London trying to help Gideon. Kate's Father appeared with her dog Molly. While the children find out how Mr Dyer (Kate's Father) got here and everything happening with NASA back in the 21st century, Gideon was trialed and sentenced to death by hanging. Kate and Peter save him from this ill fate by pulling an unusual stunt and setting him free. Although this was interrupted by Tar Man accusing Lord Luxon, his employer, of lying.

As was well as they prepared to leave but Peter wants to say good bye Gideon properly, as he hugs Gideon goodbye, he sees Tar Man running towards the anti-gravity machine, it leaves for the 21st century with Tar Man but not Peter. Peter does not make it back the 21st century and is stuck in the 1763 without Kate. We hope to see more of Peter in the following books but so far, it looks as if we'll be missing him for a while.