An apology for idlers, and other essays
Jul 2023 · Good Press
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39
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About this ebook
Robert Louis Stevenson's 'An apology for idlers, and other essays' is a collection of thought-provoking essays that delve into the societal perception of idleness and the importance of leisure. Published in 1881, this book exemplifies Stevenson's keen observational skills and insightful commentary on human nature. The literary style of this work is characterized by its witty and engaging prose, which makes it both enjoyable to read and intellectually stimulating. Through his essays, Stevenson invites readers to reflect on the value of relaxation and non-conformity in a world obsessed with productivity. Robert Louis Stevenson, a Scottish novelist and travel writer, drew inspiration for this book from his own experiences and observations of society. Stevenson's adventurous spirit and unconventional lifestyle gave him a unique perspective on the concept of idleness, which he explores in depth in this collection of essays. His personal struggles with illness also influenced his views on the importance of leisure and self-care. I recommend 'An apology for idlers, and other essays' to readers who are interested in philosophical reflections on work-life balance, as well as fans of Stevenson's other works. This book offers a refreshing perspective on idleness and leisure, challenging readers to reconsider their own attitudes towards productivity and relaxation.
About the author
Novelist, poet, and essayist Robert Louis Stevenson was born in Edinburgh, Scotland. A sickly child, Stevenson was an invalid for part of his childhood and remained in ill health throughout his life. He began studying engineering at Edinburgh University but soon switched to law. His true inclination, however, was for writing. For several years after completing his studies, Stevenson traveled on the Continent, gathering ideas for his writing. His Inland Voyage (1878) and Travels with a Donkey (1878) describe some of his experiences there. A variety of essays and short stories followed, most of which were published in magazines. It was with the publication of Treasure Island in 1883, however, that Stevenson achieved wide recognition and fame. This was followed by his most successful adventure story, Kidnapped, which appeared in 1886. With stories such as Treasure Island and Kidnapped, Stevenson revived Daniel Defoe's novel of romantic adventure, adding to it psychological analysis. While these stories and others, such as David Balfour and The Master of Ballantrae (1889), are stories of adventure, they are at the same time fine studies of character. The Master of Ballantrae, in particular, is a study of evil character, and this study is taken even further in The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde (1886). In 1887 Stevenson and his wife, Fanny, went to the United States, first to the health spas of Saranac Lake, New York, and then on to the West Coast. From there they set out for the South Seas in 1889. Except for one trip to Sidney, Australia, Stevenson spent the remainder of his life on the island of Samoa with his devoted wife and stepson. While there he wrote The Wrecker (1892), Island Nights Entertainments (1893), and Catriona (1893), a sequel to Kidnapped. He also worked on St. Ives and The Weir of Hermiston, which many consider to be his masterpiece. He died suddenly of apoplexy, leaving both of these works unfinished. Both were published posthumously; St. Ives was completed by Sir Arthur Quiller-Couch, and The Weir of Hermiston was published unfinished. Stevenson was buried on Samoa, an island he had come to love very much. Although Stevenson's novels are perhaps more accomplished, his short stories are also vivid and memorable. All show his power of invention, his command of the macabre and the eerie, and the psychological depth of his characterization.
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