Robert Louis Stevenson

Robert Louis Stevenson (1850-1894) was a Scottish novelist, poet, and travel writer, best known for his works of fiction, including “Treasure Island,” “Kidnapped,” and “The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde.”

Born in Edinburgh, Scotland, Stevenson was the only child of a prosperous family. Despite his family’s wishes for him to pursue a career in law, Stevenson was drawn to literature from a young age. He attended the University of Edinburgh but never completed his studies, instead focusing on his writing.

Stevenson suffered from poor health throughout his life, which often interrupted his work. He traveled extensively, seeking warmer climates to alleviate his respiratory problems. These travels provided inspiration for many of his works, such as “Travels with a Donkey in the Cévennes” and “The Silverado Squatters.”

In 1876, Stevenson met Fanny Van de Grift Osbourne, an American woman who was separated from her husband. They eventually married in 1880, and their relationship had a significant impact on his life and work.

Stevenson’s writing career took off with the publication of “Treasure Island” in 1883, followed by “Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde” (1886) and “Kidnapped” (1886). These works established him as a major literary figure of his time.

In 1888, Stevenson and his family set sail for the South Pacific, eventually settling in Samoa. There, he became involved in local politics and was known as “Tusitala,” or “Teller of Tales,” by the Samoans. He continued to write until his death in 1894 at the age of 44.

Robert Louis Stevenson’s works have endured and continue to influence literature and popular culture. His novels are celebrated for their vivid characterizations, moral complexity, and masterful storytelling.