By R. L. Stevenson. Edited by Colin Heston

“A Footnote to History” is a powerful and politically charged historical narrative by Robert Louis Stevenson, first published in 1892 and included in the Swanston Edition, Volume XVII. This work stands apart from Stevenson’s more widely known fiction by offering a firsthand account of the complex and often tragic political turmoil in Samoa during the late 19th century—a conflict in which Stevenson himself became deeply involved.

Written during Stevenson’s residence in the South Pacific, the book chronicles the events between 1882 and 1890, a period marked by intense rivalry among Germany, Britain, and the United States for control over the Samoan Islands. These imperial powers, each supporting different local factions, contributed to a prolonged and destabilizing civil conflict. Stevenson, living in Vailima on the island of Upolu, witnessed the unfolding crisis and used his literary voice to document and critique the actions of foreign governments and their representatives.

The narrative is both historical and personal. Stevenson combines detailed political analysis with vivid descriptions of the people, landscapes, and cultural dynamics of Samoa. He portrays the Samoan chiefs and communities with empathy and respect, while sharply criticizing the incompetence, arrogance, and moral failures of the colonial powers. His tone is often impassioned, reflecting his frustration with the injustices he observed and his desire to influence public opinion in Europe and America.

“A Footnote to History” is notable for its journalistic clarity, moral urgency, and literary elegance. It is not merely a chronicle of events but a reflection on the broader consequences of imperialism and the human cost of political ambition. Stevenson’s involvement in Samoan affairs—both as an observer and as an advocate—gives the work a rare authenticity and immediacy.

The Swanston Edition presents this important text with scholarly annotations and historical context, situating it within Stevenson’s broader body of work and the geopolitical realities of the time. As both a historical document and a literary achievement, A Footnote to History remains a compelling and insightful exploration of colonial entanglements and the responsibilities of witness.

By R. L. Stevenson. Edited by Colin Heston

The Amateur Emigrant" by Robert Louis Stevenson is a vivid and personal account of his journey from Scotland to America in 1879. The narrative is divided into two parts: "From the Clyde to Sandy Hook" and "Across the Plains."

In the first part, Stevenson describes his experiences aboard the emigrant ship, the S.S. Devonia. He provides a detailed portrayal of the ship's conditions, the diverse group of passengers, and the challenges they face during the voyage. Stevenson's keen observations and empathetic nature shine through as he captures the hardships, camaraderie, and resilience of the emigrants. His writing brings to life the cramped quarters, the monotonous diet, and the various personalities he encounters, offering a poignant glimpse into the lives of those seeking a new beginning in America.

The second part of the narrative, "Across the Plains," recounts Stevenson's overland journey from New York to California. Traveling by train, he continues to document his experiences and the people he meets along the way. Stevenson reflects on the vast landscapes, the cultural differences, and the sense of adventure that permeates the journey. His writing is marked by a blend of humor, insight, and a deep appreciation for the human spirit.

Read-Me.Org Inc. Australia. 2025. 234p.

Image assisted by CoPilot

By Robert Louis Stevenson.

An Inland Voyage, the lead story in Volume 1of the works of  Robert Louis Stevenson, is a travel narrative, chronicling his canoe journey with his friend Sir Walter Simpson through the rivers and canals of Belgium and northern France in 1876. The book is Stevenson's first published work and is written in a richly descriptive and reflective style that blends travelogue with personal observation and cultural commentary. Their journey follows a winding path along the River Oise and other waterways, taking them through quaint villages, farmlands, and forested regions of a rural Europe that was rapidly changing. Underlying the travel narrative is a strong romantic sensibility—an admiration for the slow rhythm of river travel, a yearning for solitude and contemplation, and a quiet rebellion against the industrialized world. The voyage becomes not just a geographical journey, but a philosophical one as Stevenson muses on freedom, idleness, companionship, and the pleasures of the open road (or water).

While not a work of drama or high adventure, An Inland Voyage is valued for its lyrical style, gentle wit, and the early glimpse it offers into Stevenson’s literary voice. It also prefigures themes that would recur in his later works: a fascination with journeying, a sensitivity to character and setting, and a subtle questioning of societal norms. Overall, An Inland Voyage is a charming and meditative account that blends lighthearted anecdotes with deeper reflection, portraying a world both tranquil and quietly profound through Stevenson’s perceptive and poetic eye.

Underlying the travel narrative is a strong romantic sensibility—an admiration for the slow rhythm of river travel, a yearning for solitude and contemplation, and a quiet rebellion against the industrialized world. The voyage becomes not just a geographical journey, but a philosophical one as Stevenson muses on freedom, idleness, companionship, and the pleasures of the open road (or water). While not a work of drama or high adventure, An Inland Voyage is valued for its lyrical style, gentle wit, and the early glimpse it offers into Stevenson’s literary voice. It also prefigures themes that would recur in his later works: a fascination with journeying, a sensitivity to character and setting, and a subtle questioning of societal norms.

Other works in this volume include Travels with a Donkey, A Mountain Town in France, and Edinburgh Picturesque Notes.

Read-Me.Org Inc. Australia. 2025 . 220p.

By Adolph Caso

Beccarias little book, On Crimes and Punishments, was so influential that many nations of Europe changed parts of their constitutions while the author was still alive. In America of the revolutionary period, the little book was more influential than any other single book, its spirit incorporated in documents such as the Declarations of Cause and of Independence, the Constitution, and the Bill of Rights. John Adams quoted from it as early as 1768; later, the same Adams quotes Beccaria in both English and in Italian. Jefferson made extensive usage of the book, as did many other prominent Americans of this period. It may be a surprise to many students and historians alike that Beccaria’s little book was published in America long before any book of men such as Voltaire, Rousseau, and Montesquieu, to name just a few.

Boston Branden Press Publishers, 1975, 279p.

By Joy Elmer Morgan

To be a good father, mother, brother, sister, or friend; To be a dependable, faithful, and skilled worker in home, school, field, factory, or office; To be an intelligent, honest, useful, and loyal citizen, with faith in God and love of fellowman; To recognize the brotherhood of man and to five by the Golden Rule— These are the aspirations that have brought happiness and achievement to the America we all love. These are the aspirations that must help us find our way to new glory and grace in the midst of worldwide change. A great civilization must have its roots in the soil of the past and its branches reaching to the stars of the future. Otherwise it lacks the experience and motive necessary for noble achievement in the present. Has the nation lost its way? Let it return again to the faith of its youth. This faith is found at its best in the lives and writings of great leaders who have quickened and purified the national spirit.

National Council for the Social Studies, 1968, 417p.