Robert Louis Stevenson By: Walter Alexander Raleigh (1861-1922)
In this compelling biography of Robert Louis Stevenson, the renowned literary critic Walter Alexander Raleigh delves into the life and works of one of the most influential writers of the nineteenth century. With meticulous research and a deep understanding of Stevenson's literary genius, Raleigh offers readers an engaging and enlightening exploration of the man behind classics such as "Treasure Island" and "Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde." Raleigh's prose is clear and elegant, effortlessly transporting readers to the various stages of Stevenson's life, from his troubled childhood in Scotland to his adventurous travels across Europe and the South Pacific. By seamlessly intertwining biographical details with close analysis of Stevenson's works, Raleigh creates a comprehensive portrait of the author as both a person and an artist. One of the book's greatest strengths lies in Raleigh's ability to unravel the complexities of Stevenson's dual nature. By highlighting the parallels between the themes and characters in his literature and the events and relationships in his own life, Raleigh illuminates the deep-seated conflicts and contradictions that shaped Stevenson's creative output. It becomes apparent that through his writing, Stevenson sought to reconcile the opposing forces within himself, leading to the creation of characters grappling with their own inner demons, much like the author himself. Furthermore, Raleigh's exploration of Stevenson's travels is a captivating journey in its own right. Through vivid descriptions and historical context, readers are transported to the exotic locales that Stevenson frequented, from the rugged landscapes of Scotland to the idyllic islands of the Pacific. Raleigh's meticulous research and attention to detail provide readers with a rich understanding of how these places shaped Stevenson's imagination and inspired the settings and themes found in his literary works. Despite its strengths, the book occasionally falters in its organization. The transitions between chapters and themes can feel abrupt at times, causing a slight disruption to the flow of the narrative. Nonetheless, this minor flaw is quickly overshadowed by Raleigh's insightful analysis and compelling storytelling style. In conclusion, Walter Alexander Raleigh's biography of Robert Louis Stevenson is a must-read for anyone interested in literature, biography, or the intersections between a writer's life and their art. By delving into the essence of Stevenson's work and exploring the many facets of his life, Raleigh presents a comprehensive and captivating portrait of a literary master. Through this insightful book, readers gain a deeper appreciation for Stevenson's enduring legacy and the profound impact he had on the literary world. First Page: ROBERT LOUIS STEVENSON BY WALTER RALEIGH PROFESSOR OF ENGLISH LITERATURE IN THE UNIVERSITY OF OXFORD AUTHOR OF 'STYLE,' 'MILTON,' 'WORDSWORTH,' ETC. FOURTH IMPRESSION LONDON EDWARD ARNOLD 41 & 43 MADDOX STREET, BOND STREET, W. 1906 THE GREATER PART OF THIS ESSAY WAS GIVEN AS A LECTURE AT THE ROYAL INSTITUTION ON THE 17TH OF MAY 1895 ROBERT LOUIS STEVENSON When a popular writer dies, the question it has become the fashion with a nervous generation to ask is the question, 'Will he live?' There was no idler question, none more hopelessly impossible and unprofitable to answer. It is one of the many vanities of criticism to promise immortality to the authors that it praises, to patronise a writer with the assurance that our great grandchildren, whose time and tastes are thus frivolously mortgaged, will read his works with delight. But 'there is no antidote against the opium of time, which temporally considereth all things: our fathers find their graves in our short memories, and sadly tell us how we may be buried in our survivors.' Let us make sure that our sons will care for Homer before we pledge a more distant generation to a newer cult. Nevertheless, without handling the prickly question of literary immortality, it is easy to recognise that the literary reputation of Robert Louis Stevenson is made of good stuff... Continue reading book >>

Robert Louis Stevenson By: Walter Alexander Raleigh (1861-1922)

In this compelling biography of Robert Louis Stevenson, the renowned literary critic Walter Alexander Raleigh delves into the life and works of one of the most influential writers of the nineteenth century. With meticulous research and a deep understanding of Stevenson's literary genius, Raleigh offers readers an engaging and enlightening exploration of the man behind classics such as "Treasure Island" and "Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde."

Raleigh's prose is clear and elegant, effortlessly transporting readers to the various stages of Stevenson's life, from his troubled childhood in Scotland to his adventurous travels across Europe and the South Pacific. By seamlessly intertwining biographical details with close analysis of Stevenson's works, Raleigh creates a comprehensive portrait of the author as both a person and an artist.

One of the book's greatest strengths lies in Raleigh's ability to unravel the complexities of Stevenson's dual nature. By highlighting the parallels between the themes and characters in his literature and the events and relationships in his own life, Raleigh illuminates the deep-seated conflicts and contradictions that shaped Stevenson's creative output. It becomes apparent that through his writing, Stevenson sought to reconcile the opposing forces within himself, leading to the creation of characters grappling with their own inner demons, much like the author himself.

Furthermore, Raleigh's exploration of Stevenson's travels is a captivating journey in its own right. Through vivid descriptions and historical context, readers are transported to the exotic locales that Stevenson frequented, from the rugged landscapes of Scotland to the idyllic islands of the Pacific. Raleigh's meticulous research and attention to detail provide readers with a rich understanding of how these places shaped Stevenson's imagination and inspired the settings and themes found in his literary works.

Despite its strengths, the book occasionally falters in its organization. The transitions between chapters and themes can feel abrupt at times, causing a slight disruption to the flow of the narrative. Nonetheless, this minor flaw is quickly overshadowed by Raleigh's insightful analysis and compelling storytelling style.

In conclusion, Walter Alexander Raleigh's biography of Robert Louis Stevenson is a must-read for anyone interested in literature, biography, or the intersections between a writer's life and their art. By delving into the essence of Stevenson's work and exploring the many facets of his life, Raleigh presents a comprehensive and captivating portrait of a literary master. Through this insightful book, readers gain a deeper appreciation for Stevenson's enduring legacy and the profound impact he had on the literary world.

First Page:

ROBERT LOUIS STEVENSON

BY WALTER RALEIGH

PROFESSOR OF ENGLISH LITERATURE IN THE UNIVERSITY OF OXFORD AUTHOR OF 'STYLE,' 'MILTON,' 'WORDSWORTH,' ETC.

FOURTH IMPRESSION

LONDON EDWARD ARNOLD 41 & 43 MADDOX STREET, BOND STREET, W. 1906

THE GREATER PART OF THIS ESSAY WAS GIVEN AS A LECTURE AT THE ROYAL INSTITUTION ON THE 17TH OF MAY 1895

ROBERT LOUIS STEVENSON

When a popular writer dies, the question it has become the fashion with a nervous generation to ask is the question, 'Will he live?' There was no idler question, none more hopelessly impossible and unprofitable to answer. It is one of the many vanities of criticism to promise immortality to the authors that it praises, to patronise a writer with the assurance that our great grandchildren, whose time and tastes are thus frivolously mortgaged, will read his works with delight. But 'there is no antidote against the opium of time, which temporally considereth all things: our fathers find their graves in our short memories, and sadly tell us how we may be buried in our survivors.' Let us make sure that our sons will care for Homer before we pledge a more distant generation to a newer cult.

Nevertheless, without handling the prickly question of literary immortality, it is easy to recognise that the literary reputation of Robert Louis Stevenson is made of good stuff... Continue reading book >>

Genres for this book
Biography
Literature

eBook links
Wikipedia – Walter Alexander Raleigh
Wikipedia – Robert Louis Stevenson

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