Essays of Robert Louis Stevenson

Excerpt

The text of the following essays is taken from the Thistle Edition of
Stevenson’s Works, published by Charles Scribner’s Sons, in New
York.  I have refrained from selecting any of Stevenson’s formal essays
in literary criticism, and have chosen only those that, while ranking
among his masterpieces in style, reveal his personality, character,
opinions, philosophy, and faith.  In the Introduction, I have
endeavoured to be as brief as possible, merely giving a sketch of his
life, and indicating some of the more notable sides of his literary
achievement; pointing out also the literary school to which these
Essays belong.  A lengthy critical Introduction to a book of this kind
would be an impertinence to the general reader, and a nuisance to a
teacher.  In the Notes, I have aimed at simple explanation and some
extended literary comment.  It is hoped that the general recognition of
Stevenson as an English classic may make this volume useful in school
and college courses, while it is not too much like a textbook to repel
the average reader.  I am indebted to Professor Catterall of Cornell
and to Professor Cross of Yale, and to my brother the Rev. Dryden W.
Phelps, for some assistance in locating references.  W.L.P., YALE
UNIVERSITY, 13 February 1906.