Data were collected on 132 classic ransom kidnappings occurring in Sardinia between 1966 and 1990. The analysis focused on hostages, kidnappers, the dynamics of the crime, the progress of investigations, and subsequent legal processes. Both external and internal ransom kidnappings feature five basic stages; planning, hostage seizure and transfer, custody, contacts and negotiations, and outcome. These stages are discussed in the context of subcultural theory. The impact of a purposive, rational offender is implicit in the modus operandi of ransom kidnappings, and the description of the five stages of kidnapping emphasizes this aspect. The primary policy implication of a rational choice analysis is that the kidnapper is responsive to environmental changes. 2 figures, 4 tables, 14 notes, and 18 references