The Robert Louis Stevenson Library
Books & Literature
About
Welcome, dear listener, to The Robert Louis Stevenson Library, a quiet harbour for those who delight in tales of adventure, mystery, and the curious turns of the human heart. Within these walls you will find the works of Robert Louis Stevenson read in full, chapter by chapter. Here are voyages to distant islands, encounters with rogues and gentlemen, and reflections upon that strange duality which resides in every soul. Whether you come for pirates and buried treasure, for the foggy streets of London, or for the wild hills of Scotland, take a chair by the fire and listen awhile. For every book is a journey, and every journey begins with the turning of a page.
Episodes
- Travels with a Donkey in the Cevennes - The Heart of the Country
In
- Travels with a Donkey in the Cevennes - In the Valley of the Mimente
The traveller finds a resting spot in the Mimente valley, experiencing a quiet night and encountering a fellow traveller whose words inspire reflection on religious conviction.
- Travels with a Donkey in the Cevennes - Florac
The traveller reaches Florac, noting its charm and history connected to the Camisard wars. He observes the peaceful coexistence of different religious groups and reflects on human virtues.
- Travels with a Donkey in the Cevennes - In the Valley of the Tarn
The episode details a journey through the valley of the Tarn, highlighting the natural beauty with chestnut trees and the gentle encounters with local people, offering a view into the region's enduring spirit.
- Travels with a Donkey in the Cevennes - Pont de Montvert
The traveller arrives at Pont de Montvert, observing the town's Sunday activities and a resident named Clarisse. He recounts the historical conflict between François de Langlade du Chayla and the Camisards in the Cevennes.
- Travels with a Donkey in the Cevennes - Across the Lozère
The traveller ascends the Lozère mountains, reflecting on the history of Camisard rebellions, before descending into a valley where past conflicts blend with present-day peace.
- Travels with a Donkey in the Cevennes - A Night Among the Pines
A night spent alone among pines inspires reflections on freedom and solitude. The episode describes the gentle companionship of nature's nocturnal life, including an ass and a passerby.
- Travels with a Donkey in the Cevennes - Across the Goulet
This episode follows Robert Louis Stevenson and his donkey Modestine as they travel through varied landscapes, including woods and villages. They face a challenge with the donkey's stubbornness on a steep shortcut over the mountain of La G…
- Travels with a Donkey in the Cevennes - The Boarders
The narrator encounters diverse boarders at a remote monastery. Evenings are filled with discussions on politics and religion, highlighting the contrasts between personal faith and the fervor of others.
- Travels with a Donkey in the Cevennes - The Monks
This episode explores the Robert Louis Stevenson Library's 'Travels with a Donkey in the Cevennes - The Monks'. It covers the author's reception by monks at a retreat, noting their blend of ritual, labor, and cheerfulness, and reflecting o…
- Travels with a Donkey in the Cevennes - Father Apollinaris
The narrator approaches the Trappist monastery of Our Lady of the Snows with awe and superstition, meeting the kindly Father Apollinaris. Despite initial hesitation, he is welcomed inside with his donkey and belongings, marking a passage i…
- Travels with a Donkey in the Cevennes - Cheylard and Luc
The traveler describes humble villages in the bleak highlands and acknowledges the weariness of his donkey, Modestine, and the journey itself. Despite simple hospitality from inns, the harsh environment emphasizes the reality of solitary t…
- Travels with a Donkey in the Cevennes - A Camp in the Dark
This episode recounts a traveller's difficult journey through moor and marsh towards Le Cheylard l'Évéque, facing challenging weather and finding unexpected refuge in a forest.
- Travels with a Donkey in the Cevennes - I Have a Goad
In this episode, the author recounts staying at a humble inn in Bouchet St. Nicholas, where the innkeeper gifts him a goad. The journey continues through autumnal landscapes into the region of Gévaudan.
- Travels with a Donkey in the Cevennes - The Green Donkey-Driver
The episode details a challenging journey with a stubborn donkey, Modestine, through the Cevennes mountains. It covers the traveller's testing of patience and kindness, advice from a local peasant on donkey-driving, and the growing solitud…
- Travels with a Donkey in the Cevennes - The Donkey, the Pack and the Pack-Saddle
The episode covers the author's reception in a politically charged mountain town, his invention of a sleeping-sack, and his selection of a donkey named Modestine. Early challenges with packing are highlighted.
- Travels with a Donkey in the Cevennes - A Mountain Town in France
This episode of The Robert Louis Stevenson Library explores the French mountain town of Le Monastier and its inhabitants, focusing on their customs, struggles, and the surrounding landscape. It delves into the lives of local lace-makers an…
- The Wrecker Epilogue
The Robert Louis Stevenson Library presents 'The Wrecker Epilogue,' where the narrator recounts the scattered fates of Carthew and companions, detailing their fortunes and global journeys.
- The Wrecker Chapter 25 - A Bad Bargain, part 2
In Chapter 25, part 2 of 'The Wrecker,' a crew attempts a fake wreck to escape danger and seeks refuge on a warship. The narrative explores themes of suspicion, hope, art, memory, and destiny.
- The Wrecker Chapter 25 - A Bad Bargain, part 1
Chapter 25, Part 1 of 'The Wrecker' details the crew's struggle with guilt and loss after a violent event. As they face an uncertain voyage, a distant ship offers potential hope or peril.
- The Wrecker Chapter 24 - A Hard Bargain
In Chapter 24 of The Wrecker, a brig offers rescue to castaways. The price of passage is steep, straining tempers and loyalty, and leading to a violent encounter with desperate reckonings.
- The Wrecker Chapter 23 - The Budget of the 'Currency Lass', part 2
In Chapter 23 of The Wrecker, the crew of the 'Currency Lass' is stranded on a reef after a storm. They face harsh conditions, dwindling hope, and the dilemma of their treasure as they await potential rescue.
- The Wrecker Chapter 23 - The Budget of the 'Currency Lass', part 1
Chapter 23 of The Wrecker follows the schooner 'Currency Lass' as it leaves Sydney. Despite its poor condition and limited supplies, the cheerful crew embarks on a hopeful trading voyage.
- The Wrecker Chapter 22 - The Remittance Man, part 2
In chapter 22 of The Wrecker, titled 'The Remittance Man, part 2,' two gentlemen return from island adventures and plan a speculative trading venture. Their discussions involve seafarers, colonial characters, and the implications of past c…
- The Wrecker Chapter 22 - The Remittance Man, part 1
Chapter 22 of The Wrecker, Part 1, details the life of Norris Carthew, focusing on his sensitive indifference and artistic pursuits, followed by his exile to Sydney where he finds redemption and pride in labor.
- The Wrecker Chapter 21 - Face to Face
In The Wrecker, Chapter 21, the narrator encounters Stennis and Madden in Barbizon. A shared meal in Madden's studio uncovers layers of history and mystery between them.
- The Wrecker Chapter 20 - Stallbridge-Le-Carthew
Chapter 20 of The Wrecker follows a traveller to Stallbridge-le-Carthew, a grand estate steeped in sorrow. An unexpected clue found on postage stamps offers a glimmer of hope.
- The Wrecker Chapter 19 - Travels with a Shyster, part 2
Chapter 19 of The Wrecker details the uneasy journey of a troubled man and a stranger through England. Their companionship is strained by gathering despair and hints of madness.
- The Wrecker Chapter 19 - Travels with a Shyster, part 1
Chapter 19 of The Wrecker details the narrator’s experiences in San Francisco, involving the Flying Scud and the disbarred lawyer Bellairs. The episode touches upon themes of ambition, intrigue, literature, and human frailty.
- The Wrecker Chapter 18 - Cross Questions and Crooked Answers
In Chapter 18 of The Wrecker, the narrator encounters Jim in San Francisco amidst business failure and personal troubles. Revelations about a disastrous venture and a burned ship emerge, alongside a letter offering a chance at fortune.
- The Wrecker Chapter 17 - Light From the Man of War
In Honolulu's harbour, the narrator encounters a naval officer and doctor aboard the Tempest who possess knowledge of the Flying Scud shipwreck and Mr. Carthew. Their guarded conversation suggests a complex and somber reality behind the wr…
- The Wrecker Chapter 16 - In Which I Turn Smuggler, and the Captain Casuist
Chapter 16 of The Wrecker details the narrator's turn to smuggling due to financial ruin. He grapples with loyalty, risk, and conscience, confiding in the captain as they face perilous choices at sea.
- The Wrecker Chapter 15 - The Cargo of the 'Flying Scud'
In Chapter 15 of 'The Wrecker,' the narrator and Captain Nares search the wreck of the 'Flying Scud' for opium, battling exhaustion and mutiny. They confront the island's mysteries and ponder the fate of those connected to the ship.
- The Wrecker Chapter 14 - The Cabin of the 'Flying Scud'
In Chapter 14 of 'The Wrecker,' titled 'The Cabin of the 'Flying Scud',' two individuals dismantle a sunken ship. They discover perplexing cargo and documents that suggest a deeper mystery involving the ship's crew and captain.
- The Wrecker Chapter 13 - The Island and the Wreck
Chapter 13 of The Wrecker finds the crew arriving at a coral island and exploring the derelict wreck of the Flying Scud. They uncover evidence that suggests the mariner's tale may not be as straightforward as it seems.
- The Wrecker Chapter 12 - The 'Nora Creina'
This episode covers Chapter 12 of 'The Wrecker,' detailing a schooner's voyage through the South Seas. It describes the captain's character, the challenging weather, and the crew's approach to an island with a mysterious wreck.
- The Wrecker Chapter 11 - In Which Jim and I Take Different Ways
Chapter 11 of The Wrecker details the bustling preparations for a voyage aboard the Norah Creina, including the taking of a new command and the consummation of a marriage.
- The Wrecker Chapter 10 - In Which the Crew Vanish, part 2
In Chapter 10, Part 2 of 'The Wrecker,' the narrator and Pinkerton investigate the mysterious disappearance of the crew, following leads through various places and offices. Despite facing obstacles, they continue their determined search.
- The Wrecker Chapter 10 - In Which the Crew Vanish, part 1
In San Francisco, the narrator encounters a lawyer and client, uncovering suspicions about a sale and a ship's cargo. Plans are made for a risky venture.
- The Wrecker Chapter 9 - The Wreck of the 'Flying Scud'
Chapter 9 of 'The Wrecker' describes the wreck of the British brig 'Flying Scud' and the subsequent auction for its salvage rights in San Francisco. The narrator and Pinkerton observe the unfolding events, hinting at hidden motives and pot…
- The Wrecker Chapter 8 - Faces on the City Front
Chapter 8 of The Wrecker follows a stranger's exploration of San Francisco, where he meets various characters and hears stories of a ship's crew's plight, leading to an encounter with a fearful captain.
- The Wrecker Chapter 7 - Irons in the Fire, part 2
In Chapter 7, Part 2 of 'The Wrecker,' the narrator manages picnics and a silver mine investment. The episode explores deepening friendships and future aspirations connecting California and Paris.
- The Wrecker Chapter 7 - Irons in the Fire, part 1
This episode covers Pinkerton's diverse business dealings in San Francisco, exploring themes of ambition and honesty, while Dodd takes on the management of a Sunday excursion.
- The Wrecker Chapter 6 - In Which I Go West
Chapter 6 of The Wrecker finds the narrator returning home to familial obligations and financial woes. He then travels west, where his friend Pinkerton involves him in an unexpected theatrical situation.
- The Wrecker Chapter 5 - In Which I am Down on My Luck in Paris
In Paris, the narrator of 'The Wrecker' Chapter 5 endures poverty, losing his studio, friend, and fortune. Despite dismissive artists and empty meals, he maintains hope, resolves to face the future honorably, and bids farewell to his past.
- The Wrecker Chapter 4 - In Which I Experience Extremes of Fortune
Chapter 4 of 'The Wrecker' details the narrator's fall from fortune and his struggles as an artist in Paris, alongside his loyal friend Pinkerton. They navigate the city's culture and confront the challenges of an artistic career.
- The Wrecker Chapter 3 - To Introduce Mr. Pinkerton
In Chapter 3 of 'The Wrecker,' the narrator encounters the spirited young American, Mr. Pinkerton. Their shared artistic pursuits in Paris lead to both bonding and awkwardness as they navigate their developing acquaintance.
- The Wrecker Chapter 2 - Roussillon Wine
In "The Wrecker Chapter 2 - Roussillon Wine," a young American artist's journey takes him from his Scottish relatives to the bohemian atmosphere of Paris. An encounter over wine in a unique hotel introduces him to a mysterious lady whose p…
- The Wrecker Chapter 1 - A Sound Commercial Education
This episode recounts a young man's stern commercial education and the curious, ruthless amusements at a 19th-century trading academy. A new prospect blending art and family ambition offers a path away from ledgers to sculpture.
- The Wrecker Preface
This episode presents the preface to 'The Wrecker,' setting a mysterious and adventurous tone. The description evokes a sense of expectancy and sea-whispered secrets.