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21. Treasure island, by Robert Louis
$0.99
22. Records of a Family of Engineers
$0.99
23. A Christmas Sermon
$0.99
24. Ballads
$0.99
25. The Sea Fogs
$0.99
26. Moral Emblems
$0.99
27. Essays in the Art of Writing
 
28. PRAYERS WRITTEN At VAILIMA. With
 
29. The Master of Ballantrae - A Winter's
 
30. ST. IVES Being The Adventures
 
31. FOREIGN LANDS. Enoch Pratt Free
$0.99
32. The Black Arrow
 
$52.95
33. The Letters of Robert Louis Stevenson:
 
34. Vailima Letters: Being Correspondence
$8.20
35. Robert Louis Stevenson (Obras
 
$26.00
36. Henry James and Robert Louis Stevenson:
 
$18.00
37. The Complete Short Stories of
$8.00
38. In the South Seas (Penguin Classics)
$1.99
39. Myself and the Other Fellow: A
$11.21
40. The Complete Stories of Robert

21. Treasure island, by Robert Louis Stevenson, illustrated by Edward A. Wilson
by Robert Louis (1850-1894) Stevenson
 Hardcover: Pages (1941)

Asin: B000U7GDV8
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22. Records of a Family of Engineers
by Robert Louis, 1850-1894 Stevenson
Kindle Edition: Pages (1995-06-01)
list price: US$0.99 -- used & new: US$0.99
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Asin: B000JQU8SY
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Editorial Review

Book Description
This book was converted from its physical edition to the digital format by a community of volunteers. You may find it for free on the web. Purchase of the Kindle edition includes wireless delivery.Download Description
IT were hard to imagine a contrast more sharply defined than that between the lives of the men and women of this family: the one so chambered, so centred in the affections and the sensibilities; the other so active, healthy, and expeditious. From May to November, Thomas Smith and Robert Stevenson were on the mail, in the saddle, or at sea.... ... Read more


23. A Christmas Sermon
by Robert Louis, 1850-1894 Stevenson
Kindle Edition: Pages (2004-12-30)
list price: US$0.99 -- used & new: US$0.99
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Asin: B000JMLLLG
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Book Description
This book was converted from its physical edition to the digital format by a community of volunteers. You may find it for free on the web. Purchase of the Kindle edition includes wireless delivery. ... Read more


24. Ballads
by Robert Louis, 1850-1894 Stevenson
Kindle Edition: Pages (1996-01-01)
list price: US$0.99 -- used & new: US$0.99
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Asin: B000JQUJNS
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Book Description
This book was converted from its physical edition to the digital format by a community of volunteers. You may find it for free on the web. Purchase of the Kindle edition includes wireless delivery. ... Read more


25. The Sea Fogs
by Robert Louis, 1850-1894 Stevenson
Kindle Edition: Pages (2004-03-01)
list price: US$0.99 -- used & new: US$0.99
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Asin: B000JQUBH2
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Book Description
This book was converted from its physical edition to the digital format by a community of volunteers. You may find it for free on the web. Purchase of the Kindle edition includes wireless delivery. ... Read more


26. Moral Emblems
by Robert Louis, 1850-1894 Stevenson
Kindle Edition: Pages (1997-01-01)
list price: US$0.99 -- used & new: US$0.99
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Asin: B000JQUVVI
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Book Description
This book was converted from its physical edition to the digital format by a community of volunteers. You may find it for free on the web. Purchase of the Kindle edition includes wireless delivery.Download Description
The Eagle seeks its daily bread. How aptly fact to fact replies: Heroes and eagles, hills and skies. Ye who contemn the fatted slave Look on this emblem, and be brave. ... Read more


27. Essays in the Art of Writing
by Robert Louis, 1850-1894 Stevenson
Kindle Edition: Pages (1996-04-01)
list price: US$0.99 -- used & new: US$0.99
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Asin: B000SN6INM
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Editorial Review

Book Description
This book was converted from its physical edition to the digital format by a community of volunteers. You may find it for free on the web. Purchase of the Kindle edition includes wireless delivery. ... Read more


28. PRAYERS WRITTEN At VAILIMA. With an Introduction by Mrs. Stevenson.
by Robert Louis [1850 - 1894].Sangorski, Alberto - Illustrator/Illuminator. Stevenson
 Hardcover: Pages (1910)

Asin: B000VK71QK
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29. The Master of Ballantrae - A Winter's Tale.
by Robert Louis (1850-1894). Stevenson
 Paperback: Pages (1983)

Asin: B000OK265S
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30. ST. IVES Being The Adventures of a French Prisoner in England.
by Margaret].Stevenson, Robert Louis [1850 - 1894]. [Armstrong
 Hardcover: Pages (1897)

Asin: B000VWLWCM
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31. FOREIGN LANDS. Enoch Pratt Free Library Poetry Broadside #3.
by Robert Louis [1850 - 1894]. Stevenson
 Hardcover: Pages (1934)

Asin: B000MZE4DM
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32. The Black Arrow
by Robert Louis, 1850-1894 Stevenson
Kindle Edition: Pages (1997-03-01)
list price: US$0.99 -- used & new: US$0.99
(price subject to change: see help)
Asin: B000JQUZUA
Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars
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Editorial Review

Book Description
This book was converted from its physical edition to the digital format by a community of volunteers. You may find it for free on the web. Purchase of the Kindle edition includes wireless delivery.Download Description
Below, in the bottom of a considerable valley, the short cut from Tunstall hamlet wound downwards to the ferry. It was well beaten, and the eye followed it easily from point to point. Here it was bordered by open glades; there the forest closed upon it; every hundred yards it ran beside an ambush. Far down the path, the sun shone on seven steel salets. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (28)

4-0 out of 5 stars Treachery and loyalty head to head
With the War of the Roses as its backdrop, The Black Arrow blends the romance of young love and the excitement of its hero's initiation into war and politics. The theme of loyalty runs throughout--loyalty to parents, guardians, leaders, followers, lovers, and oneself.

England's loyalties are divided between Lancaster and York, although the distinction makes little difference to the country's more practical citizens. "It is the ruin of this kind land," a woman said. "If the barons live at war, ploughfolk must eat roots." When the naive young hero, Richard Shelton, reassures her that men "cannot better die than for their natural lord," another man points out, "No natural lord of mine . . . I followed the Walsinghams . . . And now I must side with Brackley! It was the law that did it; call ye that natural?"

Despite young Dick's idealism, which makes him faithful to his guardian and to the men with whom he has served, despite many disturbing rumors, it soon becomes apparent that most men are loyal primarily to their self-interests, whether they seek power like Richard Crookback or favor and riches like Dick's guardian, Sir Daniel Brackley. Even the mysterious "Jon Amend-All" of the black arrow, whose objective is to revenge himself and his friends on Brackley, is found collecting rents from Brackley's cottagers, acknowledging that they will suffer the hardship of having to pay twice. The man behind "Jon Amend-All" is no beneficent Robin Hood, but as cold and crafty a political operative as Brackley himself.

Brackley's loyalties are soon explained. "I lie in Kettley till I have sure tidings of the war, and then ride to join me with the conqueror . . . Tosspot and Shuttle-wit run in, but my Lord Good-Counsel sits o' one side, waiting." As Clipsby says, "For, indeed, he is one that goes to bed Lancaster and gets up York."

Fleeing from one danger into another, Dick finally understands that he cannot trust Brackley simply because he is Dick's guardian, or even Ellis Duckworth as his savior and protector. The only person upon whom he can rely is the girl he loves, who, ironically, was intended to be his wife in one of Brackley's financial maneuvers. The black arrow flies from Tunstall Forest to Kettley, then through wetlands back through Tunstall to the Moat House and on to Shoreby, with treachery and the threat of war hanging over all.

With every adventure, Dick's loyalty turns more inward on himself and his heart's desire. He is loyal to York because Ellis Duckworth is and Daniel Brackley isn't. When he finds himself rapidly in and out of Richard Crookback's favor, he is "neither glad nor sorry." Danger and treachery transform Dick into a more mature man who recognizes that loyalty is neither won nor lost so easily or quickly. In one of the novel's strangest and weakest scenes, he proves his loyalty to his bride-to-be by rejecting the advances of her best friend, peculiar as they are.

The series of events that makes Dick a man is his theft of the Good Hope, its subsequent destruction, and the death of the captain's man, Tom. "Dick's heart smote him at what he heard. Until that moment he had not perhaps thought twice of the poor skipper who had been ruined by the loss of the Good Hope; so careless, in those days, were men who wore arms of the goods and interests of their inferiors . . ." Dick achieves his aims, but at the cost of many lives and the prosperity of the innocent Arblaster, who mourns "my man Tom" until the end of his days.

As a protagonist, Dick is refreshingly and painfully human, at least outside battle. While brave, he lacks the ability to pick up on clues that are obvious to his less-sheltered acquaintances, including those about the true nature of Jack Matcham. He suffers remorse for what he has done and begins to ask others like Ellis Duckworth to reconsider their course. He has the mercy that Richard Crookback and Brackley lack.

Whatever its historical flaws (some of which Stevenson points out in footnotes), The Black Arrow is beautifully written, with well-drawn characters, a plot that rarely stalls, realistically bloody battle scenes, and dialogue that is often poetic without being jarring. While not Stevenson's greatest effort, The Black Arrow is exciting and fun for anyone of any age who loves a solid historical drama.

5-0 out of 5 stars Black Arrow Hits the Mark
This story is fantastic.The author's grasp of the language and speech of the period is wonderful and completely creates an atmosphere that one cannot help but fall into.This is now one of my favorite books!

4-0 out of 5 stars Not quite what I was expecting
I picked up The Black Arrow on speculation, driven by three considerations - it was written by Robert Louis Stevenson, I had vague but good memories of the old TV series the Black Arrow and well it was going cheap at a jumble sale.

The Black Arrow relates the adventures of Richard Shelton, a orphan and ward of Sir Daniel a landed knight and veteran warrior of questionable loyalty who has been successfully negotiating the War of the Roses siding with either York or Lancaster based upon who is on top and who is currently providing the best opportunity for material advancement. The only cloud on Sir Daniel'shorizon is the mysterious order of the "Black Arrow", a band of outlaws who have previously been injured by Sir Daniel and who have now sworn themselves to his death and the death of his supporters. Although initially Sir Daniel's loyal ally, Dick eventually becomes aware that Sir Daniel may in fact be responsible for his fathers death. Forced to flee from Sir Daniel's house (and his true love in the form of Joanna another ward of Sir Daniel's), Richard joins the order of the black arrow and swear vengeance for his fathers death. What follows is a series of adventures with espionage, fencing, shipwrecks and many deaths, culminating in Dick joining forces with the Yorkist forces lead by Richard of Gloucester at the battle of Shoresby, where they confront the forces of Lancaster including Sir Daniel.

So why do I say that this is not quite what I expected? Well I was expecting in Dick, a hero from your standard boys own adventure, you know the type brave to a fault, a strong fighter, smart and wise beyond his years and completely moral. Instead Stevenson defied my expectation by presenting Dick as brave and strong and honorable, but not terribly smart, capable of making very bad decisions which have a terrible affect upon the lives of those around him, someone whose lack of experience means that he is regularly trumped by his opponents. And although in the end, Richard is knight and married to his love, he is judged by Richard of Gloucester as a man who I will go no further a man who has reached his natural level of advancement a judgment which I found myself agreeing with.

3-0 out of 5 stars The Black Arrow
The book I chose to read for my book report was the Black Arrow. The Black Arrow was written by R.L. Stevenson and was illustrated by Lionel Richards. The Black Arrow is a good historical fiction book that takes place during the English civil war against the Yorkists and the Lancastrians. The following paragraph will give you a short summary of the book I read.
The story is about a knight named Dick who goes on an epic quest to find and destroy the group, the Black Arrows. It leads him to a forest and a victorious battlefield. This book would be best suited for people who prefer historical long fiction books. I thought it needed to be shorter and more easier for younger readers to understand

4-0 out of 5 stars The Black Arrow
Book review-Black arrow

The Black arrow starts off very, very slow. It picks up at the end, thankfully. The book is a long one, at first it's very hard to follow. The plot also gets better as you get deeper into the book. It's a good book if you want to read something over a long period of time. The story takes place in at the time of the War of the Roses and follows the book's hero Dick. This book is clearly an action book. The main character, Dick is likeable enough. In this book, Dick encounters the Black arrow, a battle, a castle and more. This isn't one of Robert Louis Stevenson's best books, but yet is respectable. The original book was written in French and translated so it's got some weird words.Maybe some people would rank it higher, I'm a young guy so I may think it's hard to follow. For me, it's just too long and difficult to follow to be a really good book. Stevenson though has got some good books out there,though, including: Treasure Island, Kidnapped and more.
... Read more


33. The Letters of Robert Louis Stevenson: Volume Eight, January 1893 - December 1894 (Letters of Robert Louis Stevenson)
by Robert Louis Stevenson
 Hardcover: 456 Pages (1995-09-10)
list price: US$80.00 -- used & new: US$52.95
(price subject to change: see help)
Asin: 0300062141
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Editorial Review

Book Description
These are the final volumes in this major edition of the letters of Robert Louis Stevenson, an edition comprising 2,800 letters, almost two-thirds of which have never been in print before. Volumes VII and VIII contain some 560 letters and provide a vivid picture of the last four years of Stevenson`s life-from 1890 to 1894-which he spent in Samoa. ... Read more


34. Vailima Letters: Being Correspondence Addressed to Sidney Colvin, November 1890-October 1894
by Robert Louis Stevenson, Sidney Colvin
 Hardcover: 2 Pages (1995-06)
list price: US$22.50
Isbn: 0837116252
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35. Robert Louis Stevenson (Obras selectas series)
by Robert Louis Stevenson
Hardcover: 512 Pages (2004-04-28)
list price: US$12.95 -- used & new: US$8.20
(price subject to change: see help)
Asin: 8497640926
Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars
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Editorial Review

Book Description
The classic works of literature contained in each of these volumes represent each author's best and most famous writings. A wonderful introduction to world literature, this finely crafted and affordable series offers the works of these world-renowned authors to a wider audience. Includes Treasure Island, The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, Merry Men, and other stories.

Las obras clásicas de literatura en cada volumen son una representación de los mejores y más famosos escritos de los autores. Una introducción maravillosa a la literatura universal, esta serie hermosamente diseñada pone las obras de los autores mundialmente conocidos al alcance de todos. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

5-0 out of 5 stars WHAT A WONDEFUL BOOK!
I cannot think of a better way to introduce the poetry of Robert Lewis Stevenson than this small volume.The selection is excellent and of interest you the young reader.The commentary is quite relevant as are the pictures which accompany it.I find that often now, our young people go all the way through the early grades in school and many of them have never heard of Stevenson, much less read his poetry.This was the sort of stuff my generation and the generation before it grew up on and cut our teeth on.I do not feel I am any worse for the wear.I am fearful that we are bringing up an entire generation (rightfully or wrong, although I feel it is the later) of young folks who will have no appreciation to this great art form and will miss a lot.This book helps.This entire series helps, as a matter of fact and I certainly recommend you add this one and the others to your library.Actually, it is rather fun reading these with the young folk and then talking about them.Not only do you get to enjoy the work your self and perhaps bring back some great memories, but you have the opportunity to interact with your child or student.It is actually rather surprising what some of the kids come up with.I read these to my grandchildren and to the kids in my classes at school.For the most part, when I really get to discussing the work with them, they enjoy it.Recommend this one highly.

5-0 out of 5 stars Beautifully Illustrated Robert Louis Stevenson
This small selection of some of the delightful children's poems by Robert Louis Stevenson is a real treasure.What will capture the fascination of all children (as well as adults like me!) are the illustrations by Lucy Corvino.This artist's beautiful illustrations are perfect for the magicthat all children love in these classic poems.You keep returning to eachpicture, and always discover more fascinating detail.A lovely job - alovely gift book for any small child, and for "grown-ups" like mewho can't resist such perfect art work.

5-0 out of 5 stars A Perfect Gift
When I showed this beautiful book to a friend, she wanted one for both her children (so they can keep it when they grow up) and also one for her mother.The poetry is timeless--it takes you back instantly into yourchildhood imagination--and the illustrations are superb.These picturesare funny, mysterious, comforting, poignant, all at the same time, andfilled with gorgeous soft color and intriguing details.As a child, Iwould have spent hours looking at them.

5-0 out of 5 stars A Great Book for Children
As an elementary school teacher, I found "Poetry for Young People" by Robert Louis Stevenson, illustrated by Lucy Corvino, a wonderful book.It's a great way to introduce poetry to children becausethe poems are short and easy to understand.The illustrations havemagnificently detailed illustrations without being overly complex orconfusing.The children are drawn to the pictures, which heightens what isbeing read to them.They unanimously respond with great enthusiasm, andthey eagerly ask for more.I highly recommend this book to parents,teachers and anyone who regularly spends time with children. ... Read more


36. Henry James and Robert Louis Stevenson: A Record of Friendship and Criticism
by Henry James, Robert Louis Stevenson, Janet Adam Smith
 Hardcover: 284 Pages (1985-09)
list price: US$26.00 -- used & new: US$26.00
(price subject to change: see help)
Asin: 0883558505
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37. The Complete Short Stories of Robert Louis Stevenson: With a Selection of the Best Short Novels
by Robert Louis Stevenson
 Paperback: 716 Pages (1998-08-01)
list price: US$27.50 -- used & new: US$18.00
(price subject to change: see help)
Asin: 030680882X
Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars
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Customer Reviews (3)

4-0 out of 5 stars Not Quite "The Complete Short Stories"
First of all, let me say that this is a very enjoyable book, and the reader will find many, many great tales in it! But...
The editor has taken the liberty of excluding two short stories from the collection out of his dislike for them, and also excluding others because they were written in collaboration with Stevenson's wife. A couple of others have been left out because, in the editor's opinion, they were unfinished. It might have been better had he included all of the above and let the reader decide. I feel a bit gypped that I'm not getting "The Complete Short Stories."

5-0 out of 5 stars Excellent!
I stumbled upon the short stories of Stevenson kind of by accident, and what a happy accident that was!I can now say that Stevenson wrote both some of my favorite novels and some of my favorite short stories.I haven't gotten around to reading all of his stories yet, but I have loved those that I have read.I can't possibly describe how much I enjoyed Markheim, which is without a doubt my favorite short story of all time.Despite my rather limited reading of Stevenson's short stories, I would not hesitate to recommend them to anyone.

5-0 out of 5 stars Quite a reading experience!
There is nothing so exciting as a Stevenson novel--Kidnapped, Master of Ballantrae, Dr. Jekyl and Mr. Hyde--who can forget them once you've read them? These short stories have the same ability draw you in. The reading is effortless, and Stevenson's backgrounds don't labor with a consciousattempt at reality. They exist for the story and are as true as need be,and not more. From the South Sea to a Medieval City, the variety ispleasing and keeps you reading. Some of the best stories are "TheBottle Imp" (I doubt if a better twist on King Midas has ever beenwritten), "Sire De Maltroit's Door" (A surprisingly good romancethan manages, somehow, to skip all the usual elements) and "TheSuicide Club" (not half as grim as it sounds, and showing RLS'sability to penetrate human thought).

These stories are highly recommendedand aren't something to be read when you are all out of the"good" standard Stevenson--they stand as some of his best worksand should be read just for the pure fun of it. ... Read more


38. In the South Seas (Penguin Classics)
by Robert Louis Stevenson
Paperback: 336 Pages (1999-12-01)
list price: US$15.00 -- used & new: US$8.00
(price subject to change: see help)
Asin: 0140434364
Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars
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Editorial Review

Book Description
The glow continued and increased, the business, from the main part, ceased before it had begun. Twice in the day there was a certain stir of shepherding along the seaward hills. At times a canoe went out to fish. At times a woman or two languidly filled a basket in the cotton patch.Download Description
FOR nearly ten years my health had been declining; and for some while before I set forth upon my voyage, I believed I was come to the afterpiece of life, and had only the nurse and undertaker to expect. It was suggested that I should try the South Seas; and I was not unwilling to visit like a ghost, and be carried like a bale, among scenes that had attracted me in youth and health. I chartered accordingly Dr. Merrit's schooner yacht, the CASCO, seventy-four tons register; sailed from San Francisco towards the end of June 1888, visited the eastern islands, and was left early the next year at Honolulu. Hence, lacking courage to return to my old life of the house and sick-room, I set forth to leeward in a trading schooner, the EQUATOR, of a little over seventy tons, spent four months among the atolls (low coral islands) of the Gilbert group, and reached Samoa towards the close of '89. By that time gratitude and habit were beginning to attach me to the islands; I had gained a competency of strength; I had made friends; I had learned new interests; the time of my voyages had passed like days in fairyland; and I decided to remain. I began to prepare these pages at sea, on a third cruise, in the trading steamer JANET NICOLL. If more days are granted me, they shall be passed where I have found life most pleasant and man most interesting; the axes of my black boys are already clearing the foundations of my future house; and I must learn to address readers from the uttermost parts of the sea. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

5-0 out of 5 stars Indispensible to Readers of the Pacific
If you read only one "South Seas" book from the 1920s back, this should be the one.This Penguin issue corrects a number of inaccuracies from previous editions, including Stevenson's own error in their departure date (!)It is the classic travel and observation book of the Pacific.The early descriptions of the Marquesas are unmatched, as are the accounts of the several islands they visited in Kiribati (Gilbert Islands).The account of Tem Binoka will give you a real eye opening into an absolute ruler and his ways in the late 19th century.Reading this could start a life long interest in Pacific literature.

5-0 out of 5 stars In the South Seas
In his book, In the South Seas, Stevenson gives an accurate and in depth look into the people and culture of the islands of the South Pacific. The book describes Stevenson's two year journey from the Marqueses Islands, to Tahiti, then Honolulu ,and finally Somoa. Stevenson uses the great adventures he experienced and his masterfully writing skills to paint a breath taking view of the islands and thier many beauties. ... Read more


39. Myself and the Other Fellow: A Life of Robert Louis Stevenson
by Claire Harman
Hardcover: 528 Pages (2005-11-01)
list price: US$29.95 -- used & new: US$1.99
(price subject to change: see help)
Asin: 0066209846
Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars
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Customer Reviews (5)

5-0 out of 5 stars Didn't want it to end...
I just wanted to add my comment here because I loved this book and didn't want it to end.I lived with these people, surprised at every turn their lives took in this well-written and incredibly engaging narrative.What characters and what a journey!

3-0 out of 5 stars I Wished it Were Better
I picked this one up because I was interested in Stevenson, the writer, yet I didn't find enough of that here. Claire Harman gives us a rather dry, albeit highly detailed, account of Stevenson's short life which fails to deliver a definitive picture of the man, his activities or his work. Over and over again I found myself wrestling with the text, worrying my way through her almost abstract speculations about the events and people of his career but never getting a sense of the man himself. Too often in her narrative, Harman theorizes on how things might have been without delivering a definitive picture and thereby leaves the reader high and dry amidst her almost abstract speculations. Nor is the Stevenson she gives us a particularly attractive fellow (though that, presumably, is no fault of hers). He comes across as spoiled, petulant and unfocused as he may well have been. But the most glaring gap here has to do with his works. We never get a feel for the man's writing, something which a biography of a writer ought to provide in abundance. In the end, Stevenson remains something of a shadow and his work almost disconnected from the life he lived. I wanted more and didn't find it here, though it has a good bit of information about some of the minutiae of the writer's life so it's not a total loss. But I couldn't help wishing for more when I finally put the book aside after the final page.

SWM
author of The King of Vinland's Saga

4-0 out of 5 stars Dense material, but worth the time.
When choosing a book to read this summer, I felt it would be a welcome change from the usual weighty novels I have chosen historically to select an intense nonfiction work. Perusing some recent acquisitions, I selected this book because I wished to learn more about Robert Louis Stevenson as a person. I set out to find out about the person behind the famous Treasure Island and the creator of the characters Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde.
Claire Harman managed to craft an extremely comprehensive and dense biography of this complex man that not only tracked his life achievements and the basics of his youth, education, work experience, and so forth, but was able to delve into his family history and how it affected him. Harman makes very extensive use of primary source material, be it letters or Stevenson's own published writings. At times this is extensive almost to a fault- once or twice I wanted to see fewer quotations, supplemented by more of her writing. Apart from the occasional over-reliance on quotes, the only problem I had at first was her use of a number of different terms for RLS, in a family possessing several members with some components of his name for theirs.
The biographer analyzes how this writing reflects his personality and the events of his life, and speculates as to the inspirations for several of his characters. I was particularly interested when she highlighted some parallels between his own personal thoughts, fears, and dreams, and what later ended up in some of his more famous works.
She did not, however, simply spend time on his writings and letters, but was sure to dig into his personal relationships, friendships, and even loves and how they affected him. His health also becomes a key topic of discussion, and it is interesting to watch as Harman tracks RLS' health in relation to the state of his family relations and friendships. And by health, Harman does not limit herself to exploring the physical side of his condition, but also examines his emotional health and how it affected him over time with changing circumstances. She emphasizes religious views especially when discussing his conflicts with his parents, for they feared for his spiritual health in addition to his physical well-being.
Of course it would have been unfair if the situations he experienced were examined only from his perspective. Harman makes sure, however, to include the points of view of those around him, the other parties involved. It is much more useful to have both sides of the story presented than to be left with only partial knowledge of the circumstances.
I enjoyed the biography for the most part, however it was easy to get bogged down at times. Perhaps it is because Harman makes me want to slow down and enjoy every moment, grasp every detail of his life individually. Her attention to so many of the forces influencing him going back generations before his birth through his everyday life, however, grants those who undertake the task of reading this book a keen insight into Stevenson's personality and mind.

4-0 out of 5 stars Well written study of an unusual character
RLS was born lucky, and inspite of his early demise, died lucky as well. That point comes through repeatedly in this well crafted and well researched account of an author who seemed more to happen upon his craft than cultivate it. You come away from this book that until the very last part of his life, what RLS was cultivating was a network of enablers who would molly coddle his feints of affliction. There's enough material here to keep a team of shrinks busy for decades, but essentially, through his father's generosity and vicarious desires to be something other than a member of the family firm, and his mother's indulgent mothering, RLS would have died quick had he not been heir to remarkable fortunes that kept him, if not always in high style, at least kept him going.
And yet, there was this other side of him that sought his own mark in the world, be it standing in as father to his wife's children, taking up the cause of indigenous peoples, exploring the vulnerability of psyches quite like his own. I found RLS to be an engaging character and an intriguing champion in the last 5 or 6 years of his life. He is credited in this book with arriving at the split personality crucible years before Freud copped on, at cultivating realism and post-modern fiction before even modernism had arrived, and yet he will be in the minds of most of us, always the author of Treasure Island. I must say that I have re-read KIDNAPPED with a very different interest after reading the analyses Harmon effects.
It's also clear that RLS was trapped by TI and even by the Hollywoodization of Jeckyll & Hyde - it isn't what Spencer Tracey would have you believe. RLS was also among the first celebrities who was victimized by the press and papparazzi, pirated by bootleggers (odd, eh?), and hounded by an adoring fan based that fetishized his personality. Perhaps he was the first Beatle. In any case, as celebrated as other writers had been, RLS seemed to break through to some other level of ecstacy in the minds of his fans, which also seemed to be the turning point when he decided to be less of a victim himself.
In any case, if you have any interest in RLS, this is a very worthy study and one that will have you re-consider his efforts, particularly his later ones.

4-0 out of 5 stars Everything you ever wanted to know about RLS and more
This is an exhaustive work.I give it 4 stars because it is an accomplishment for the writer, but for the reader it is a major commitment. She has sifted through a lot of info and put it in good order.

The quotes, passages and ideas Harman unearths from her research of his letters and the reports of others show RLS to be a modern thinker with keen powers of observation.He seems very unfazed by the Victorian mores of the times.

I was most interested in the Pacific Islands part. From the early life (beyond the health needs for which a warm climate can do wonders), you can understand RLS's fascination.

With such wide experience for the times in which he lived, his life to this time could have been a prelude to much more fascinating works.I wonder what he would have written had he lived beyond his 44 years.
... Read more


40. The Complete Stories of Robert Louis Stevenson: Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde and Nineteen Other Tales (Modern Library Classics)
by Robert Louis Stevenson
Paperback: 880 Pages (2002-10-08)
list price: US$18.95 -- used & new: US$11.21
(price subject to change: see help)
Asin: 0375761357
Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars
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Editorial Review

Book Description
The complexity and range of Robert Louis Stevenson’s short fiction reveals his genius perhaps more than any other medium. Here, leading Stevenson scholar Barry Menikoff arranges and introduces the complete selection of Stevenson’s brilliant stories, including the famed masterpiece Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, as well as “The Beach of Falesá” and Stevenson’s previously uncollected stories. Arthur Conan Doyle has written that “[Stevenson’s] short stories are certain to retain their position in English literature. His serious rivals are few indeed.”

This Modern Library Paperback Classics edition includes explanatory notes, a Scots’ Glossary, and a unique appendix dedicated to Stevenson’s influence on the Oxford English Dictionary. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

5-0 out of 5 stars Excellent purchase
2 sides of the review:
Stevenson: a genius. Very engaging, very smart. If you're new to Stevenson, start with Jekyll & Hyde.
The book: Good paper quality, and binding. Not the best in the world, but very good value for the money.
I bought it as a present, and liked it so much I bought it for myself too :)
In short, a must if you're interested in 19th century fiction.

2-0 out of 5 stars the NOT SO COMPLETE Stories of RLS
Maybe I've misunderstood the meaning of "COMPLETE", but this collection does NOT contain KIDNAPPED or TREASURE ISLAND...so if you thought your were getting ALL of Stevenson's stories in this "The Complete Stories of...", think again...

5-0 out of 5 stars This book deserves a review
I'm currently reading this book and I've really enjoyed it so far.I thought I'd take a look on here to see what other people thought, and to my surprise, there were no reviews.Well, I'm here to fix that.

I picked this up mainly because I wanted to read Jeckyll & Hyde, which turned out to be an entertaining (and also thought provoking) tale.I've read several of the other short stories over the past few weeks, and they're all well done.If you're even a little interested in Stevenson, I recommend taking a look at this edition.You get a great price, plenty of stories, anda cool-looking cover to boot--can't beat it! ... Read more


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