Robert Louis Stevenson

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Introduction

Robert Louis Stevenson was a Scottish author, poet, and travel writer. He is best known for his adventure novels like "Treasure Island" and "Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde." Stevenson’s stories have entertained readers for over a century and continue to be popular today. This biography will explore his life, his work, and his lasting impact on literature.

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Early Life

Robert Louis Stevenson was born on November 13, 1850, in Edinburgh, Scotland. His full name was Robert Lewis Balfour Stevenson, but he later changed "Lewis" to "Louis" and dropped "Balfour." His father, Thomas Stevenson, was a famous lighthouse engineer, and his mother, Margaret Balfour, came from a family of lawyers and ministers. Robert was the only child of the couple.

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Stevenson was a sickly child and often suffered from illnesses, especially lung problems. Because of this, he spent a lot of time indoors and could not attend school regularly. However, he loved to read, and his family encouraged his love of books. He also enjoyed listening to stories told by his nurse, Alison Cunningham, who had a great influence on him.

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Education

When he was 17 years old, Stevenson went to the University of Edinburgh to study engineering. His father wanted him to follow in his footsteps and become an engineer. However, Stevenson was more interested in literature and writing. After a few years, he switched his studies to law, but his heart was still in writing.

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During his time at university, Stevenson began to write essays and short stories. He also became involved in the literary scene in Edinburgh, meeting other writers and artists. Although he earned a law degree in 1875, he never practiced law. Instead, he decided to pursue a career as a writer.

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Early Writing Career

Stevenson’s early writing was mostly essays and travel books. He loved to travel, and his experiences in different places inspired his work. One of his first books, "An Inland Voyage," published in 1878, was about a canoe trip he took through Belgium and France. Another early work, "Travels with a Donkey in the Cévennes," described his journey through the mountains of France with a donkey as his companion.

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These travel books were well-received, and Stevenson began to gain a reputation as a talented writer. However, it was his fiction that would make him famous.

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Personal Life and Health Struggles

Stevenson’s health continued to be a problem throughout his life. He had chronic lung problems, which made it difficult for him to live in cold, damp climates like Scotland. In search of better health, he traveled to warmer places, including the south of France and the United States.

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During one of his trips to France, Stevenson met Fanny Osbourne, an American woman who was separated from her husband. Despite the difference in their ages—Fanny was ten years older than Stevenson—they fell in love. In 1880, Stevenson traveled to California to join Fanny, and they married soon after.

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Stevenson’s health improved somewhat in the warmer climate of California, but he still had to be careful. He and Fanny moved around frequently, searching for places where he could live comfortably and continue his writing. They spent time in Switzerland, England, and the South Pacific.

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"Treasure Island"

In 1883, Stevenson published "Treasure Island," the book that would make him famous. The story was originally written as a serial for a children’s magazine, but it was so popular that it was soon published as a book.

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"Treasure Island" is an adventure novel about a young boy named Jim Hawkins who discovers a treasure map and goes on a dangerous journey to find the treasure. The book is full of memorable characters, including the pirate Long John Silver, who has become one of the most famous characters in literature.

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"Treasure Island" was an immediate success, and it made Stevenson one of the most popular writers of his time. The book has been translated into many languages and has inspired countless adaptations, including movies, TV shows, and even video games.

"Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde"

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In 1886, Stevenson published another famous work, "Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde." This novella tells the story of a man, Dr. Jekyll, who creates a potion that turns him into an evil alter ego, Mr. Hyde. The story explores themes of good and evil, and the duality of human nature.

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"Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde" was also a great success and is considered one of the classics of English literature. The story has had a lasting impact on popular culture and has been adapted into many different forms, including plays, films, and even musicals.

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Later Works and Travels

After the success of "Treasure Island" and "Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde," Stevenson continued to write both fiction and nonfiction. Some of his other well-known works include "Kidnapped," published in 1886, and "The Master of Ballantrae," published in 1889. These novels, like "Treasure Island," are adventure stories set in Scotland and England.

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In addition to his writing, Stevenson continued to travel in search of better health. In 1888, he and his family set out on a journey across the Pacific Ocean, visiting places like Hawaii and the Marquesas Islands. Finally, in 1890, they settled in Samoa, a group of islands in the South Pacific.

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Stevenson fell in love with Samoa and its people. He bought land there and built a house, which he called "Vailima." He became involved in local affairs and was well-liked by the Samoan people, who gave him the nickname "Tusitala," which means "teller of tales."

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Final Years and Death

Despite his fragile health, Stevenson continued to write in Samoa. He worked on several projects, including an unfinished novel called "Weir of Hermiston," which many believe would have been one of his best works.

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Unfortunately, Stevenson’s health took a turn for the worse in late 1894. On December 3, 1894, while he was working on his writing, Stevenson suddenly collapsed. He died a few hours later at the age of 44. The cause of death was likely a cerebral hemorrhage, a type of stroke.

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Stevenson’s death was a great loss to the literary world. He was buried on a hilltop overlooking the sea in Samoa, in a place he loved. The Samoan people honored him with a traditional funeral.

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Legacy

Robert Louis Stevenson’s works have had a lasting impact on literature and popular culture. His adventure novels, particularly "Treasure Island," have inspired generations of readers and writers. The themes in "Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde" continue to resonate with audiences, exploring the complexities of human nature.

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Stevenson’s writing is known for its strong characters, exciting plots, and beautiful descriptions of the places he visited. He was also a master of different genres, from adventure and horror to essays and travel writing.

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Today, Stevenson’s works are still widely read and studied. His stories have been adapted into countless films, plays, and TV shows, and his influence can be seen in many areas of modern storytelling. Stevenson’s ability to capture the imagination of readers, young and old, ensures that his legacy will live on for many years to come.

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Conclusion

Robert Louis Stevenson was a remarkable writer whose life was as adventurous as the stories he wrote. Despite struggling with illness for much of his life, he managed to create some of the most enduring works of literature in the English language. From the pirate-filled seas of "Treasure Island" to the dark streets of London in "Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde," Stevenson’s stories continue to captivate readers around the world.

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Stevenson’s love of travel, his vivid imagination, and his deep understanding of human nature all contributed to his success as a writer. His works remain a testament to the power of storytelling, and his influence can still be felt in literature and beyond. Whether you’re reading his novels for the first time or revisiting them, Robert Louis Stevenson’s tales are sure to leave a lasting impression.