Tales and Parables by Stevenson

Robert Louis Stevenson wrote the now-famous story of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde in 1886. By that time, he was already the author of «Treasure Island» — a novel that brought him worldwide fame. The writer's new masterpiece became a vivid example of the emerging science fiction genre. The success of this tale was incredible — it was printed both in the Old and New Worlds. Other works of Stevenson included in this collection are no less interesting: «The Suicide Club», «The Diamond of the Raj», «The Adventures of John Nicholson». Stevenson's first literary experiences were travel notes that he began writing after obtaining a law degree. However, Stevenson's true talent was revealed when he delved into adventure novels. Their adventurous plots, deep knowledge of English history, and his native Scotland, combined with the subtle psychological development of characters, made these works incredibly engaging to read.

However, Stevenson's fate could have turned out differently. The father of the future writer was an engineer. He wanted his son to become a specialist in lighthouse construction, and Robert began to receive an engineering education at the University of Edinburgh. In 1871, when the young man was only 21 years old, he even received a silver medal for developing a new design for a lighthouse flashing light. However, around the same time, Robert fell in love with a charming singer from a night cabaret and wanted to marry her. His father was categorically against it. This quarrel led Robert to abandon engineering, acquire a profession in law, and take up writing.

Stevenson did not have robust health from childhood. Doctors suspected him of having tuberculosis. In search of a more suitable climate, the already well-known writer made a long sea cruise with his family across the seas of Southeast Asia on a yacht he acquired, finally settling in Upolu — one of the Samoan islands. There, in his wooden house, he suddenly passed away from a stroke on December 3, 1894, at the age of only 44.

This collection of the writer's tales is adorned with expressive illustrations by several British artists. Among them are the famous British illustrator of the late 19th – early 20th century Edmund Joseph Sullivan, the well-known American artist who received the Pulitzer Prize for his works in the early 20th century, Charles McCauley, as well as the honorary member of the American Watercolor Society William Hennessy. Special attention should be paid to the modern style illustrations for Stevenson's short fables-parables. They were created by E.R. Herman in 1914 for an edition of only 105 copies.