Robert Louis Stevenson was born in Edinburgh on the 13 November 1850. He studied at Edinburgh University and also qualified as a lawyer. He travelled extensively in Europe and began his writing career during these years. He also met his future wife, Fanny, in France in 1876.They were married in 1880. In 1883 he published Treasure Island to great acclaim. Kidnapped and 'Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde' were both published in 1886. Problems with his health meant that Stevenson frequently travelled in the warmer climates of the South Seas. He died in Samoa on 3 December 1894.
It stands as one of Robert Louis Stevenson's most compelling works - it was one of the author's favourites, and his affection for his central characters is unmistakable - and is a novel you want to press on people, knowing they'll love it -- Ian Rankin * Guardian * Generations of readers have been enthralled by his tale of the gauche young David, orphaned at 17, who is plunged into a life of danger and excitement... His rescue by the daredevil Jacobite Alan Breck Stewart, their bloody battle with the crew of the Covenant and shipwreck on rocks off the west coast isle of Earraid are among the most exciting scenes penned by a Scots author * Daily Mail * Anyone who has read Kidnapped knows that Robert Louis Stevenson was a marvellously powerful storyteller as well as a great stylist * Daily Telegraph * It's a pacy, twisting story that appeals to all ages and across classes and cultures. It's a tale of friendship in adversity, and a coming-of-age story -- Ian Rankin * Guardian * This really inspired me. I read it when I was young but still think it's great. Forget the Booker Prize, storytelling is what I love and this is storytelling at its best -- M. C. Beaton * Daily Express *