Public-domain ebook
Robert Louis Stevenson
Language: en2,965 downloads on Project Gutenberg
Subjects
In: Famous Scots Series·Biographies
Public-domain ebook sourced from Project Gutenberg #22294.
About this book
The work is a modestly sized memoir and appreciation of the Scottish author Robert Louis Stevenson, written by Margaret Moyes Black, who knew him and his family between 1869 and 1880. Black frames the book as a personal recollection rather than a definitive biography, acknowledging that a fuller account will appear in Sydney Colvin’s forthcoming Life. The opening pages outline the structure, moving from Stevenson’s ancestry and childhood through his literary career, marriage, travels, and eventual death, before concluding with an assessment of his legacy. Black draws on conversations with Stevenson’s mother, other relatives, and contemporary sources such as the Dictionary of National Biography, offering a blend of anecdote, family history, and contextual detail that situates the writer within the broader Stevenson engineering dynasty.
The tone is reflective and reverent, characteristic of late‑Victorian biographical writing, with a measured, almost lyrical prose that mirrors the subject’s own literary sensibility. Black’s narrative is enriched by frequent quotations from Stevenson’s poetry and by vivid descriptions of his Scottish heritage, giving the text a distinctly regional flavor. Readers who enjoy intimate portraiture of literary figures, especially those interested in 19th‑century Scottish culture, family dynamics, and the interplay between personal background and creative output, will find this volume a rewarding complement to more exhaustive scholarly studies.
Who appears in Robert Louis Stevenson
- R. L. StevensonYoung Scottish gentleman, dark wavy hair, trimmed beard, high‑collared frock coat, cravat, thoughtful expression
- Mr Sydney ColvinMiddle‑aged English scholar, silver‑threaded hair, moustache, waistcoat, pocket watch, dignified posture
- Margaret Moyes BlackVictorian woman, auburn hair in bun, modest high‑necked dress, lace collar, gentle smile
The opening · free to read
In so small a volume it would be somewhat hopeless to attempt an exhaustive notice of R. L. Stevenson, nor would it be desirable. The only possible full biography of him will be the Life in preparation by his intimate friend Mr Sydney Colvin, and for it his friends and his public look eagerly. This little book is only a reminiscence and an appreciation by one who, in the old days between 1869 and 1880, knew him and his home circle well. My earlier and later knowledge has been derived from his mother and those other members of his mother's family with whom it was a pleasure to talk of him, and to exchange news of his sayings and doings.
In the actual writing of this volume, I have received most kind help for which I return grateful thanks to the givers. For the verification of dates and a few other particulars I am indebted to Mr Colvin's able article in the Dictionary of National Biography.
It is dedicated, in the first instance, to the memory of Mr and Mrs Thomas Stevenson and their son, and, in the second, to all the dearly prized friends of the Balfour connection who have either, like the household at 17 Heriot Row, passed into the 'Silent Land,' or who are still here to gladden life with their friendship.
MARGARET MOYES BLACK. August 1898.
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