Robert Louis Stevenson

Robert Louis Stevenson books from 1909

Robert Louis Stevenson daguerreotype portrait as a child

Robert Louis Stevenson childhood home, Heriot Row

The Bookman RLS special 1913 illustration at page 049

Robert Louis Stevenson mit 7 Jahren

Stevenson age 14

Robert Louis Stevenson (13 November 1850 – 3 December 1894) was a Scottish novelist, poet, essayist, and travel writer known for his popular adventure stories and his profound influence on the literature of the 19th century. His most famous works include Treasure Island, Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde, and Kidnapped.

Early Life

Stevenson was born in Edinburgh, Scotland, to Thomas Stevenson, a leading lighthouse engineer, and his wife Margaret Isabella. He was a sickly child, suffering from tuberculosis, which affected his health throughout his life. Despite his illnesses, Stevenson was an avid reader and showed early signs of literary talent.

Education

He initially studied engineering to follow in his father's footsteps but showed little interest in the profession. Stevenson later switched to studying law at the University of Edinburgh, though he never practiced as a lawyer. His true passion lay in writing, and he devoted himself to literature.

Literary Career

Stevenson's early works were primarily essays and travel writing, including An Inland Voyage (1878) and Travels with a Donkey in the Cévennes (1879), which were well-received for their playful style and insights into the human condition. His first major success came with Treasure Island (1883), a tale of piracy and adventure that captivated readers of all ages. This was followed by Kidnapped (1886), a historical adventure story set in Scotland after the Jacobite rebellions.

Perhaps his most famous work, Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde (1886), explores the duality of human nature and has become a classic in Gothic fiction. Stevenson continued to write prolifically, producing works such as The Black Arrow: A Tale of the Two Roses (1888) and The Master of Ballantrae (1889), further cementing his reputation as a master storyteller.

Personal Life

Stevenson's health continued to decline, prompting him to seek climates more conducive to his well-being. This quest led him to travel extensively, including to the United States and the South Seas. In 1880, he married Fanny Van de Grift Osbourne, an American divorcee, and the couple eventually settled in Samoa. Stevenson became deeply involved in the lives of the local people, advocating for their rights against colonial powers.

Death and Legacy

Stevenson died on 3 December 1894, in Samoa, at the age of 44. He left behind a vast body of work that includes novels, essays, poems, and letters. His influence on literature is profound, with his works being celebrated for their adventure, depth of character, and exploration of moral and psychological themes.

Stevenson's ability to captivate the imagination and his contributions to the adventure and Gothic genres have made him a beloved figure in literature. His works continue to be read and adapted into various media, ensuring his place in the pantheon of great writers.