Robert Louis Stevenson

Robert Louis Stevenson is one of the most widely celebrated authors of all time. His thrilling and captivating stories, both serious and humorous, have been treasured by readers around the world.

The Scottish-born writer was born in Edinburgh in 1850, the only son of Thomas and Margaret Isabella Stevenson. His father was a successful engineer and lighthouse designer, while his mother was a better-educated woman who encouraged Stevenson to read widely, often providing him with books to read and discuss. His early exposure to literature and culture would later shape his writing style.

At school, Stevenson often found himself struggling with his health. He had a delicate physique that caused him frequent ailments and recurrent illness. He was a somewhat frail child who often retreated into his reading and made up stories to entertain himself, a habit that would later prove useful to him in his writing career.

Stevenson was not initially accepted at the University of Edinburgh due to his health, so instead studied law at the University of London. Although he had no real interest in the field, he enjoyed the course and managed to obtain his law degree in 1875. After graduating, he decided to become a writer—something his father was initially displeased with.

He began working odd jobs, writing articles, and publishing stories and poetry. In the 1880s he moved to the Samoan Islands and fully devoted himself to a career in writing. This was extremely successful, as he was able to create some of his best works and poetry during this time. His collection of poems, “A Child’s Garden of Verses”, was particularly praised and has since become one of the most beloved of his works.

During his career, Stevenson wrote novels, plays, essays, and poems. His most famous works include “Treasure Island”, “Kidnapped”, “Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde”, and “The Master of Ballantrae”. By combining thriller and adventure with morality, he managed to captivate readers of all ages but he especially has become renowned for writing children literature.

In 1890, Stevenson moved to the United States and then to England where he resided until his death in 1894. He had traveled extensively during his adult years and his many life events, travels, and personal struggles heavily influenced his writing, appearing in many of his works.

Throughout his life, Stevenson was also a passionate advocate of civil rights, specifically advocating for the independence of the people of Samoa. He was concerned about the influence of imperialism and wrote many articles and letters in defense of their rights and independence. This further speaks to his intelligence and humanity.

Robert Louis Stevenson was a gifted writer and humanitarian and his books remain beloved by readers around the world. Celebrated for his gripping stories and thought-provoking characters, his legacy as one of the world’s best authors will live on for generations to come.