Robert Louis Stevenson Books

Robert Louis Stevenson is best known as the author of Treasure Island, the pirate adventure that gave the world Long John Silver and the map marked with an X, though Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde runs a close second in fame. For more of Scotland's literary heritage, our Scottish Books collection is worth exploring too.

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Robert Louis Stevenson Books: adventure, horror and a born storyteller

“Fifteen men on the dead man's chest— Yo-ho-ho, and a bottle of rum!”

— Robert Louis Stevenson, in Treasure Island

Stevenson wrote across almost every genre he tried, from pirate adventure in Treasure Island and gothic horror in Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde, to a coming-of-age adventure through the Highlands in Kidnapped, and genuine travel writing drawn from his own journeys across Europe. Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde shows just how fast he could work: the plot came to him so vividly in a nightmare that his wife woke him mid-dream, only for him to complain she'd interrupted 'a fine bogey tale'. He wrote a full draft in three days, burned it, and wrote the whole thing again from scratch just as quickly, driven partly by money worries he later admitted openly. The result became one of the most influential horror stories ever written, and gave the English language a phrase, a 'Jekyll and Hyde', that still describes anyone with two very different sides.

Our Robert Louis Stevenson collection spans his adventure novels and travel writing alongside biographies, essays, poetry and his collected letters, in a range of vintage and antique printings.

Each edition is individually photographed and described, with condition noted clearly in the listing so you always know what you're buying.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Robert Louis Stevenson books do you have in our collection?

Our Robert Louis Stevenson collection covers his adventure novels and travel writing alongside biographies, essays, poetry and his collected letters, in a range of vintage and antique printings.

What is Robert Louis Stevenson's most famous book?

Treasure Island is generally considered his most famous work, followed closely by Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde. Kidnapped, his adventure novel set in the Scottish Highlands, is also among his most widely read.

Do you have first edition or rare Robert Louis Stevenson books?

Genuine first editions of Stevenson's work are highly sought after and don't come up often. When we do have one, it will be clearly dated and described in the listing.

What makes a Robert Louis Stevenson book collectable?

Early printings, first editions and fine original bindings all add real value, and Stevenson's huge popularity in his own lifetime means many attractive Victorian and Edwardian editions survive. Condition and completeness matter too, especially for illustrated or multi-volume sets.

Can you tell me how much my Robert Louis Stevenson book is worth?

We're not able to offer formal valuations, but we're always happy to take a look and share our thoughts if you're curious about a book you own.

How do you describe the condition of these books?

We photograph each book closely so you can see its binding, pages and any wear before you buy. Condition varies from copy to copy, and anything worth knowing is noted clearly in the listing.

Would a Robert Louis Stevenson book make a good gift?

Yes, a good edition of Kidnapped, Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde, or one of his travel books makes a thoughtful gift for anyone who loves classic adventure fiction or has Scottish roots. If you're gift shopping more broadly, our Scottish Book Gifts collection is worth a browse too.

Do you ship Robert Louis Stevenson books internationally?

We ship internationally, with free UK shipping on orders over £50.

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