Robert Louis Stevenson
Robert Louis Stevenson, (1850-94). Scottish poet and novelist, best known for his adventure stories, such as Treasure Island (1881) and Kidnapped (1886). He studied law and engineering before turning to literature in 1873. His reputation was made with Treasure Island and Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde (1886). He also wrote travel books, literary essays, and poetry. Frequently ill, he travelled throughout Europe and the US, hoping to improve his health. He sailed for the South Seas in 1888 and settled at Vailima in Samoa, where he spent the last five years of his life. During his short time in the Pacific Islands Stevenson became greatly interested in their affairs, and in 1892 wrote A Footnote to History about them.
