From "Treasure Island" to "Doctor Jekyll and Mr. Hyde," Robert Louis Stevenson remains a must-read writer. But who really was this Scot who captivated the world with his adventure stories and psychological novels? Let's dive into the biography of this major author.
The Youth of Robert Louis Stevenson: From Edinburgh to Tales of Adventure.
Born in 1850 in the Scottish capital Edinburgh, Robert Louis Stevenson was not only a child of the Victorian era , but also the product of an influential family. His father, Thomas Stevenson, was a renowned civil engineer who specialized in the design of lighthouses. His mother, Margaret Balfour, also came from a respectable family. Despite this prestigious background, it was another family figure who had the greatest impact on the young Stevenson's life.
The Influence of Alison Cunningham
Alison Cunningham, nicknamed "Cummy," was Stevenson's nanny and played a central role in his emotional and intellectual upbringing. Not only did she care for him during his fragile childhood marked by health problems, but she also introduced Robert Louis to a world rich in tales and legends. This early exposure to stories of adventure and morality no doubt shaped Stevenson's fertile imagination.
A Childhood between Reality and Imagination
Stevenson showed an early talent for writing. From a young age, he began writing his own stories. He was also an avid reader, delving into works such as "The Arabian Nights." Despite his formal education at the Edinburgh Academy, it was this self-taught exploration that truly fueled his creative genius.
A Family of Contrasts
Stevenson's family was a mixture of contrasts. While his father Thomas was a scientist, Stevenson's mother Margaret and his nurse Alison were more oriented towards literature and spirituality. This mixture of influences no doubt contributed to his talent for combining realistic and fantastical elements in his later works.
Stevenson's Key Works: From Mystery to Adventure
Robert Louis Stevenson left a rich and diverse literary legacy. His works explored a variety of genres, from short stories to adventure novels to travel stories. However, he is best known for three major works that have left their mark on world literature.
Treasure Island: A Classic of Adventure Literature
One of Stevenson's most famous novels is undoubtedly Treasure Island. First published in 1883, the book is often considered the starting point of the modern adventure novel genre. It explores themes of courage, friendship, and of course, the search for treasure. The novel was so influential that it virtually defined the popular image of pirates , with their parrots, wooden legs, and distinctive slang.
Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde: A Psychological Thriller
"Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde" is another iconic work by Stevenson, published in 1886. In this short novel, the author explores the duality of human nature through the story of Dr. Jekyll, a man who develops a potion to separate his good side from his evil side. This book had a profound impact on literature and psychology, and it continues to be studied as a complex work on identity and morality.
Travel with a Donkey in the Cévennes: The Pleasure of Travel
Less well-known but equally important is his "Travels with a Donkey in the Cevennes," a travelogue published in 1879. In it, Stevenson recounts his 12-day journey through the Cevennes Mountains, accompanied by a donkey named Modestine. The book is as much a meditation on solitude and adventure as it is a picturesque travelogue.
Robert Louis Stevenson and Steampunk: An Unexpected Connection
Stevenson's Impact on the Steampunk Genre
Robert Louis Stevenson, though primarily associated with the adventure and mystery genres, has also left his mark on the world of steampunk. His work, imbued with Victorian motifs, intricate machinery, and scientific exploration, often serves as a backdrop for the steampunk universe.
Steampunk Elements in Stevenson's Works
Take for example "Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde." This story deals with human duality and the impact of unethical science, central themes in steampunk. The use of potions, secret laboratories, and metaphysical transformations show an undeniable connection to the aesthetics and concerns of steampunk.
Stevenson and the Machine
In the world of steampunk , machines and inventions often play a crucial role. Stevenson, the son of an engineer, had a fascination with mechanics and technology. This fascination is reflected in his works where elements of engineering and science are often interwoven into the narrative.
Stevenson's Steampunk Legacy
Stevenson's novels, with their Victorian settings, fascination with technology, and exploration of moral and ethical themes, have influenced many modern steampunk authors. The genre itself borrows elements from his works to create complex worlds where machine and humanity coexist, sometimes in conflict.
Stevenson's Legacy: A Man of Many Talents
Robert Louis Stevenson is not just a novelist; he is much more than that. Whether as an essayist, author of short story collections, or even a traveler, he has left an indelible mark on the literary and cultural landscape.
A Thoughtful Essayist
Stevenson was also an essayist who contributed to cultural and social debates of his time. His writing style was both forceful and nuanced, allowing him to reach a wide audience. His articles and essays often explored profound issues, from social problems to aspects of the human condition, establishing his reputation as a thinker as well as a writer.
Author of Short Story Collections
In addition to his novels, Stevenson was also a master of the short story format. His short story collections such as "The Island Wake" and "The Silverado Squatters" have been praised for their ingenuity and originality. In these stories, he often explored themes of good and evil, adventure and identity.
The Adventurous Traveler
Stevenson was also an intrepid traveller, which is reflected in his work "Travels with a Donkey in the Cevennes". His travel accounts, often written in a lively and picturesque style, captured the essence of the places he visited, from Scotland to Samoa, and enriched his palette as a writer.
A Diverse Heritage
Not only do his works continue to be read today, but they are also studied in academic contexts and adapted into other media. Stevenson left a diverse legacy that extends far beyond his most famous novels.
Fragile Health and the Final Journey: Stevenson's Battle with Illness
Health, a Constant Issue
Since his birth in Edinburgh, Robert Louis Stevenson's health has always been a source of concern. Throughout his life, he suffered from various health problems that often prevented him from living like everyone else. However, this never stopped him in his creative drive.
In Search of a Favorable Climate
Faced with his recurring health problems, Stevenson was often in search of a climate that could improve his condition. This journey for well-being took him to several places, from the United States to France, via Grez-sur-Loing, a small French village. He finally found a suitable place in Samoa, an archipelago located in the South Pacific with a tropical climate.
The Last Stop: Vailima, Samoa
In Samoa, Stevenson purchased an estate he called "Vailima." He spent the last years of his life in this peaceful place, continuing to write and be involved in the local community. Despite his poor health, Stevenson was active and well-liked by the locals, who nicknamed him "Tusitala," which means "storyteller" in Samoan.
A Productive End of Life
Even under these conditions, Stevenson never stopped writing. It was there that he composed some of his most memorable works and it was also there that he died, leaving behind a priceless collection of manuscripts, notes and letters.
Robert Louis Stevenson, much more than just a Scottish writer, is a true pillar in the literary world and, by extension, in the steampunk genre. His tales full of adventure, mystery and ethical questions continue to fascinate everyone, from readers to painters seeking to capture the essence of his stories. Although he did not live long enough to see the rise of steampunk, his influence is palpable in every page of this literary genre.
So why not add a few of his novels to your personal collection? You will discover not only a window into a distant past but also an inexhaustible source of inspiration for modern literary genres, including steampunk.