Robert Louis Stevenson (1850 – 1894) was a prolific Scottish writer best known for his seafaring adventure novel, “Treasure
Island”. He grew up in a devout Presbyterian family but as an adult, abandoned his faith. He was a prolific writer who preferred to write historical adventure and travel novels. Many of his works are widely known and commonly read still today. His most famous works include:
“Treasure Island” (1883) is a story about a young Johnny Hawkins who finds a treasure map. He enlists the aid of local citizens as well as a number of sailors, many of whom are pirates. This exciting novel depicts the
adventures of the loyal shipmates as they battle the forces of the lead pirate, Long John Silver. Treasure Island was Stevenson’s first major work and is widely considered to be his best. It was intended to be read by young boys.
“Kidnapped” (1886) is a historical novel about a young boy, David Balfour who is abducted by pirates who intend to sell him into slavery. Balfour befriends a dashing Alan Breck and the two share a series of adventures on their way to freedom and safety. This work was followed by a sequel, Catriona (1893) which depicts the further adventures of David Balfour.
“The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde” (1886) is a short horror novel that explores the good versus evil nature of Dr. Jekyll. The doctor develops a potion that splits the good half of his personality from the evil half. Unfortunately, events do not go as planned and the good half of Jekyll is overwhelmed by the evil half, manifested in the form of Mr. Hyde.
Stevenson also wrote a number of short adventure stories. His “New Arabian Nights” (1892) is series of Arabian adventures, similar to 1,001 Arabian Nights. He also wrote a collection of sea adventures entitled “Island Nights Entertainments” (1893) and a collection of diverse stories in “The Merry Men and Other Tales and Fables” (1887). He also wrote several other novels and longer stories.
Many of his works have been adapted into cinema. “Treasure Island” has been made into no less than 14 movies, as well as cartoons and mini series. The most intriguing character, Long John Silver, has been played by several famous actors, including Orson Welles, Charlton Heston and Jack Palance. “Kidnapped” has also been adapted into cinema on more than a few occasions. “Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde” has been adapted into no less than 100 film or television versions. Many of his lesser known stories have also been adapted to cinema. The written works of Stevenson are still highly popular today. His seafaring novels, particularly “Treasure Island” are an excellent way to introduce young readers to the pleasures of classic literature.
Mark Askeda