Robert Louis Stevenson

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. CONTENTS PREFACE AND DEDICATION Heredity and Antecedents Childhood Boyhood and College Days As I First Knew Him His Home Life His Choice of a Literary Life and His Early Books Wanderings in Search of Health His Marriage and Friendships His Essays and Verses His Stories His Life in Samoa His Death His Life-Work ROBERT LOUIS STEVENSON HEREDITY AND ANTECEDENTS 'These are thy works, O father, these thy crown, Whether on high the air be pure they shine Along the yellowing sunset, and all night Among the unnumbered stars of God they shine. Or whether fogs arise, and far and wide The low sea-level drown—each finds a tongue, And all night long the tolling bell resounds. So shine so toll till night be overpast, Till the stars vanish, till the sun return, And in the haven rides the fleet at last.' — R. L. Stevenson. In no country in the world is heredity more respected than in Scotland, and her hard-working sons freely acknowledge the debt they owe, for…