Readers around the world know Robert Stevenson as an author famous for his adventure novels.
Iedinburgh.info tells you more.
Yet, few realize that the writer’s own life was full of exciting events as well.
Find out more in this article.
Early Years
The future writer was born on November 13, 1850, in Edinburgh.
At age three, Robert suffered from croup, which later had severe consequences.
In particular, many biographers believe Stevenson had a severe form of tuberculosis, worsened by heavy smoking.
An Unexpected Decision
After graduating from Edinburgh Academy, Robert enrolled at the University of Edinburgh. Initially, he studied engineering.
However, later the young man unexpectedly switched to studying law. He successfully graduated in 1875.
Literary Debut
Robert’s first published work appeared in 1866. It was the historical essay, The Pentland Rising: A Page of History, 1666. This was a booklet published thanks to funds from the writer’s father.
Around that same time, Robert began to develop a deep interest in history.
Fruits of Travel
In 1876, Stevenson travelled by canoe through Belgian and French waterways.
Upon returning home, he wrote the book An Inland Voyage.
When the author found himself in France again in 1878, he wrote a cycle of short stories titled The Suicide Club and The Rajah’s Diamond.
Later, these stories were published in the journal London.
Realizing a Dream
It’s important to note that, despite having written and published several successful works, Stevenson’s greatest dream remained writing a full-length novel.
Finally, in the autumn of 1881, he began writing a story initially called The Sea Cook. As you may have already guessed, it eventually became known as Treasure Island. Stevenson first shared chapters of his manuscript with family members.
When the editor of the children’s magazine Young Folks read the first chapters, he agreed to publish the story.
The serialized publication finished in 1882, but Stevenson didn’t achieve immediate success. In fact, the magazine received several angry letters from readers.
The novel was published as a book in 1883. It wasn’t until the third, illustrated edition that the work became successful.
Ultimately, the novel brought Stevenson worldwide fame.
New Works
After the success of Treasure Island, Stevenson continued creating new novels.
In particular, he wrote the historical adventure novel The Black Arrow.
Poetry
It’s worth mentioning that, for a long time, Stevenson didn’t take his poetry seriously, nor did he intend to publish it.
However, after writing forty-eight poems about childhood memories, he decided to compile them into a collection titled Penny Whistles. Initially, he published only a few copies as gifts for friends.
It wasn’t until 1885 that this collection reached the public, though in a revised and edited form.
Later, the author prepared and released a second poetry collection, titled Underwoods.
Sudden Death
The famous writer passed away in Samoa, where he had relocated with his family.
On December 3, 1894, after completing work on his novel Weir of Hermiston, Stevenson entered his living room and found his wife in a very poor mood. Attempting to lighten the atmosphere, he suggested dinner accompanied by a glass of Burgundy. Suddenly, Stevenson cried out and, by early evening, around eight o’clock, he had died.
Photos: poetryfoundation.org, bestseller.com.