Robert Louis Stevenson
Robert Louis Stevenson (1850-1894) was a Scottish novelist, poet, and travel writer, one of the most popular and widely translated authors of his age. A master of adventure and suspense, he created stories that have become permanent fixtures of the imagination.
His famous works include Treasure Island, the archetypal pirate adventure that shaped how we picture buried treasure and one-legged buccaneers; Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde, the chilling tale of a man and his monstrous alter ego; and Kidnapped, a rousing Scottish historical adventure. He also wrote poetry, including the much-loved A Child's Garden of Verses.
Plagued by ill health for much of his life, Stevenson travelled widely in search of a climate that suited him, finally settling in Samoa in the South Pacific, where he died at 44 and remains a legendary figure.
His storytelling is brisk, vivid, and thrilling, and our editions present it cleanly. Read the opening free, and read or listen with a membership.
Robert Louis Stevenson in the library · 3 works
Kidnapped
The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde
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Audiobooks by Robert Louis Stevenson
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Frequently asked questions about Robert Louis Stevenson
What did Robert Louis Stevenson write?
Stevenson wrote adventure novels, gothic fiction, poetry, and travel writing. His best-known works are Treasure Island, Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde, and Kidnapped, along with the poetry collection A Child's Garden of Verses. Treasure Island and Jekyll and Hyde are his most famous works.
Where should I start with Stevenson?
Treasure Island is the perfect starting point — a fast, thrilling pirate adventure that is endlessly entertaining. Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde is short, gripping, and unforgettable. Both are ideal introductions to his gift for suspenseful storytelling.
What is Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde about?
It tells of a respectable London doctor, Henry Jekyll, who develops a potion that transforms him into the cruel, violent Edward Hyde, allowing him to indulge his darkest impulses without consequence to his reputation — until the transformation begins to take over. The story is a profound exploration of the divided self, the struggle between good and evil within one person. 'Jekyll and Hyde' has become a byword for a split personality.
How did Treasure Island shape pirate stories?
Treasure Island essentially created the popular image of pirates we know today — treasure maps marked with an X, buried gold, parrots on shoulders, the black spot, and the charming, dangerous Long John Silver. Countless later pirate tales draw on Stevenson's inventions. It remains the classic adventure of its kind.
Are Stevenson's books hard to read?
Not at all — Stevenson wrote in a clear, energetic, and highly readable style, and his adventure stories move quickly. Occasional period vocabulary, or Scots dialect in Kidnapped, is the only mildly dated element. A clear modern edition keeps the pace and excitement intact.
When did Robert Louis Stevenson live?
Stevenson lived from 1850 to 1894. He published Treasure Island in 1883 and Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde in 1886. Chronically ill, he travelled the world in search of better health and spent his last years in Samoa, where he died at 44.
Where can I read Stevenson for free?
Stevenson's works are in the public domain and freely available. Older editions keep the original text. Here you can read the openings free in clear modern English, and read or listen with a membership.
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