Showing results for "Robert Louis Stevenson" in Literary History & Criticism

Treasure Island is an adventure story and a coming-of-age narrative in which the protagonist gets a taste of treasure hunting but eventually decides that it isn't for him. The book includes some discussion of friendship and what it means to do the right thing, particularly with regard to Long John Silver's character. Silver is self-serving and wants the treasure all for his own, but he also comes to care about Jim Hawkins's life and well-being.

This is the extraordinary tale of a boy, Jim Hawkins, who comes into possession of Captain Flint's treasure map, after a buccaneer takes a room at his inn and later dies. The map spreads its ill luck to all who know of it. A local squire outfits a ship to voyage to the Treasure Island, unearth the treasure, and bring it home. Little does he suspect that the man he has hired aboard as cook was formerly Flint's quartermaster, who then connives to hire many of his old mates. Once ashore, pirates being pirates, what follows is a mutiny. Jim and a handful of honest men find themselves harried and ...

When a rough old seaman calling himself "the Captain" appears at the inn owned by Jim Hawkins' father, young Jim little dreams what adventures will follow in the man's wake. Soon, the once-peaceful inn is threatened by pirates, Jim's father is laid in his grave, and Jim finds himself in possession of a map showing the location of treasure buried by the legendary and notorious Captain Flint. Along with a group of brave men: the sensible Dr. Livesey, the fearless and unflagging Captain Smollett, and the blustering but well-meaning Squire Trelawney, Jim sets out in quest of the treasure. Many ...

James Krasner, an expert in Victorian literature, takes you on a fascinating journey into the enduring power of Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein, Bram Stoker’s Dracula, and Robert Louis Stevenson’s The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. You’ll learn how these three literary masters structured their novels to offer not only scares but also complex insights into cultural debates that still matter to us today.

A mysterious map, pirates, and pieces of eight! When young Jim Hawkins finds a map to pirates’ gold he starts on an adventure that takes him from his English village to a desert island with the murderous Black Dog, half-mad Ben Gunn, and (of course) Long John Silver. Arr Jim lad! R.L. Stevenson (1850-1894) was born in Scotland and travelled extensively in California and the south Pacific. (Summary by Adrian Praetzellis)

Treasure Island is an adventure novel narrating a tale of "buccaneers and buried gold". Traditionally considered a coming-of-age story, Treasure Island is a tale noted for its atmosphere, characters and action, and also as a wry commentary on the ambiguity of morality -- unusual for children's literature. The influence of Treasure Island on popular perceptions of pirates is enormous, including such elements as treasure maps marked with an "X", schooners, the Black Spot, tropical islands, and one-legged seamen bearing parrots on their shoulders. - Summary by Kara and Wikipedia

Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of New Arabian Nights, a captivating collection of short stories showcasing Robert Louis Stevensons earliest works alongside some of his finest tales in the genre. The collection opens with the intriguing saga of Prince Florizel of Bohemia, a character who later returns in the sequel, More New Arabian Nights The Dynamiter. Join us as we explore these timeless narratives filled with adventure and imagination. (Summary by Don W. Jenkins)

The Wrecker is a fast-paced blend of adventure, mystery, and high-seas drama. Co-written by Robert Louis Stevenson, this thrilling novel follows a quest to uncover the secrets behind a shipwreck on Midway Island. Clues hidden in a stamp collection lead to an international chase, shadowy figures, and shocking discoveries. If you love treasure hunts, detective stories, and maritime mysteries, this is the perfect listen!

Explore the captivating life of Robert Louis Stevenson in this concise early twentieth-century biography, crafted by polymath G.K. Chesterton and acclaimed journalist J. H. Nicoll. Often referred to as ‘The Characteristics of Robert Louis Stevenson,’ this collaboration features distinct sections by each author, offering unique insights into Stevenson’s remarkable character. This recording presents the third edition, which includes structural changes and additional material not found in the first edition. Join David Wales as he brings this literary exploration to life.

ONE OF THE ATLANTIC'S 10 BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR A NEW YORK TIMES BOOK REVIEW  EDITORS' CHOICE PICK AND 2024 NOTABLE BOOK AN NPR FAVORITE READ OF 2024 “Peri’s joint biography is a thrilling, haunting yarn of the sort that the Scottish writer Robert Louis Stevenson himself became famous...

Join Robert Louis Stevenson on an exhilarating journey as a young man seeking both adventure and financial independence. In Inland Voyage, Stevensons first published work, he chronicles an extraordinary canoe trip through the picturesque landscapes of France and Belgium—a time when leisurely travel was a novelty. Accompanied by a friend, the duo encounters unexpected misadventures, including a stint in jail after being mistaken for traveling salesmen, and becoming entangled in the vibrant world of gypsies. Through his vivid storytelling, Stevenson invites you to experience the thrill of ...

Dive back into the thrilling world of Robert Louis Stevensons Catriona, the much-anticipated sequel to Kidnapped. Picking up right where its predecessor left off, this captivating tale follows David Balfour as he embarks on a perilous journey to exonerate himself and his friend James Stewart in the face of grave accusations surrounding the Appin murder. With the relentless Campbells determined to see Stewart hang, Balfours quest for justice takes him from captivity on the Bass Rock to the shores of Holland and France, intertwining his fate with the enigmatic Catriona, daughter of the infamous ...

Step into the intriguing world of More New Arabian Nights The Dynamiter (1885), a captivating anthology of interconnected short stories crafted by the talented duo Robert Louis Stevenson and Fanny Vandegrift. Set in the Bohemian Cigar Divan, a cozy tobacco shop where three financially strapped gentlemen gather to indulge in their passion for smoking, the narrative unfolds as they stumble upon a tantalizing reward for information about a mysterious man sporting a big moustache and a sealskin coat. Driven by the lure of adventure, the trio decides to split up and embark on a quest to track down ...

The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde by Robert Louis Stevenson explores the duality of human nature. Dr. Jekyll, a respected scientist, creates a potion that transforms him into the cruel and violent Mr. Hyde, allowing him to indulge in immoral behavior without consequence. As Hyde’s actions grow increasingly evil, Jekyll struggles to control his darker half. Eventually, Hyde gains dominance, leading to tragedy. Through this chilling tale, Stevenson reveals the dangers of repressing one’s darker instincts and the consequences of separating good from evil within oneself. Summary by ...

"Olalla" was a "shilling shocker" written for the Christmas season in 1885, just before the publication of Stevenson's Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. The nameless protagonist of this Gothic tale, a wounded soldier, goes to the Spanish countryside to recuperate. He finds himself enthralled by the beautiful Olalla, the daughter of his hostess, whose family conceals a terrible secret.

The Robert Louis Stevenson Classics Podcast features legendary adventure stories and classic tales of mystery and intrigue that have captivated generations.

The Robert Louis Stevenson Works Collection presents his complete literary works, from high-seas adventures to thrilling mysteries, offering a full exploration of his storytelling legacy.

Set sail on grand adventures with Robert Louis Stevenson Audiobooks, a collection of thrilling tales filled with pirates, treasure, and daring escapades.

In The Black Arrow, immerse yourself in the gripping tale of Richard (Dick) Shelton during the tumultuous Wars of the Roses. Follow Dick as he embarks on a heroic journey to become a knight, rescue his beloved Joanna Sedley, and seek justice for the tragic murder of his father, Sir Harry Shelton. As he navigates the treacherous landscape of Tunstall Forest, where outlaws led by the enigmatic Ellis Duckworth wield the infamous black arrow, Dicks suspicions about his treacherous guardian, Sir Daniel Brackley, begin to mount. With danger lurking around every corner, Dick must flee from Sir Daniel...

Join master storyteller Robert Louis Stevenson, renowned for classics like Treasure Island and Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde, as he presents an enchanting and often humorous collection of darkly cynical fables tailored for the modern man. These tales delve into the complexities of the human condition, offering insights that remain strikingly relevant today. Originally published posthumously, this collection continues to captivate and entertain audiences with its timeless wisdom. (Summary by Ben Tucker)