Scottish author Robert Louis Stevenson (1850–1894) is best known for his travel writing, poetry, and novels. His most famous novel is Treasure Island.
The son of writers and intellectuals, he was raised in Edinburgh, Scotland, and initially intended to study engineering. However, his love of literature inspired him to seek a career in writing.
Treasure Island
The novel Treasure Island, which Stevenson wrote in 1881 while residing in the Swiss Alps, is his most well-known composition. The novel chronicles the tale of young Jim Hawkins and his quest to unearth hidden wealth with the aid of one-legged pirate Long John Silver.
The iconic character of Long John Silver was modeled after fellow author William Ernest Henley.
Treasure Island has been turned into various movies, TV series, and stage performances and has come to be regarded as a classic of children’s literature.
Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde
Stevenson also penned the 1886 novella Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, which is another one of his well-known works. The plot addresses themes of dualism and morality as it depicts Dr. Jekyll’s transition into the perverse Mr. Hyde. A cultural icon, the novel has been turned into several movies, plays, and TV shows.
Other works
Stevenson also wrote The Master of Ballantrae, a swashbuckling tale of two brothers battling for control of their family’s estate. Kidnapped, a historical adventure novel set in 18th-century Scotland.
He also wrote travelogues, such as “Travels with a Donkey in the Cévennes,” which details his trek with a donkey across the French Alps.
Robert Louis Stevenson’s books and short stories are still read today, and his writing has had a considerable influence on literature.
He is regarded as one of the best authors of the Victorian era because of his vivid descriptions, intricate characters, and stirring topics.
