Robert Louis Stevenson and the Art of Collaboration

This book explores Stevenson's literary collaborations with family and friends during his travels in Scotland, America, and the South Pacific.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 208 pages
Publication date: 31 May 2021
Publisher: Edinburgh University Press

This book delves into the intricate literary collaborations of Robert Louis Stevenson during his travels across Scotland, America, and the South Pacific. Through his close relationships with family and friends, Stevenson crafted a rich tapestry of stories that reflected the diverse landscapes and cultures he encountered.

In Scotland, Stevenson's connections with his family played a significant role in his literary endeavors. His father, Thomas Stevenson, was a lighthouse engineer, and his mother, Margaret Stevenson, was a talented writer. The Stevensons' home in Edinburgh provided a nurturing environment for Stevenson's creativity, and he often drew inspiration from the rugged Scottish coastline and the surrounding countryside.

One of Stevenson's most famous collaborations in Scotland was with his cousin, Lloyd Osbourne. Osbourne was a talented artist and illustrator, and he provided the illustrations for Stevenson's children's books, including "Treasure Island" and "St. Ives." The vivid and imaginative illustrations added an extra layer of excitement and wonder to the stories, making them even more popular with readers of all ages.

Stevenson's travels to America also led to numerous literary collaborations. He met author and poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow in 1879, and the two men became close friends. Longfellow's influence on Stevenson's writing can be seen in his poetry collection "The Song of Hiawatha," which was inspired by Native American legends and folklore. Stevenson also collaborated with American publisher Charles Scribner's Sons on several books, including "The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde" and "The Master of Ballantrae."

In the South Pacific, Stevenson's experiences with indigenous cultures and his encounters with exotic animals provided fertile ground for his writing. He wrote several stories and essays about his travels, including "The Beach of Falesa" and "The Child of the Sun." These works were praised for their vivid descriptions of the South Pacific and its people, and they helped to popularize Stevenson's writing in the United States.

Overall, this book offers a fascinating insight into the literary collaborations of Robert Louis Stevenson and the ways in which his relationships with family and friends shaped his writing. It demonstrates the power of collaboration and the influence of different cultures on one's creative output. Whether in Scotland, America, or the South Pacific, Stevenson's literary collaborations were a testament to his talent and his ability to connect with readers on a profound level.

In Scotland, Stevenson's connections with his family played a significant role in his literary endeavors. His father, Thomas Stevenson, was a lighthouse engineer, and his mother, Margaret Stevenson, was a talented writer. The Stevensons' home in Edinburgh provided a nurturing environment for Stevenson's creativity, and he often drew inspiration from the rugged Scottish coastline and the surrounding countryside.

One of Stevenson's most famous collaborations in Scotland was with his cousin, Lloyd Osbourne. Osbourne was a talented artist and illustrator, and he provided the illustrations for Stevenson's children's books, including "Treasure Island" and "St. Ives." The vivid and imaginative illustrations added an extra layer of excitement and wonder to the stories, making them even more popular with readers of all ages.

Stevenson's travels to America also led to numerous literary collaborations. He met author and poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow in 1879, and the two men became close friends. Longfellow's influence on Stevenson's writing can be seen in his poetry collection "The Song of Hiawatha," which was inspired by Native American legends and folklore. Stevenson also collaborated with American publisher Charles Scribner's Sons on several books, including "The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde" and "The Master of Ballantrae."

In the South Pacific, Stevenson's experiences with indigenous cultures and his encounters with exotic animals provided fertile ground for his writing. He wrote several stories and essays about his travels, including "The Beach of Falesa" and "The Child of the Sun." These works were praised for their vivid descriptions of the South Pacific and its people, and they helped to popularize Stevenson's writing in the United States.

Overall, this book offers a fascinating insight into the literary collaborations of Robert Louis Stevenson and the ways in which his relationships with family and friends shaped his writing. It demonstrates the power of collaboration and the influence of different cultures on one's creative output. Whether in Scotland, America, or the South Pacific, Stevenson's literary collaborations were a testament to his talent and his ability to connect with readers on a profound level.

Weight: 328g
Dimension: 160 x 232 x 15 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781474451994