By Robert Louis Stevenson

In the South Seas” is a richly detailed and deeply reflective travel narrative by Robert Louis Stevenson, compiled from his journals and letters during his extensive travels across the Pacific Islands between 1888 and 1890. Published posthumously in 1896 and included in Volume XVIII of the Swanston Edition of his collected works, this volume offers a unique blend of ethnography, personal observation, and philosophical inquiry, capturing Stevenson’s fascination with the cultures, landscapes, and colonial dynamics of the South Pacific.

The book is divided into several sections, each focusing on a different island group, including the Marquesas, Paumotus (Tuamotus), and the Gilberts, as well as Samoa, where Stevenson eventually settled. Through vivid prose and a keenly observant eye, Stevenson documents the customs, beliefs, and social structures of the islanders, often contrasting them with the encroaching influence of European colonialism and missionary activity. His tone is both empathetic and critical—he admires the resilience and richness of Polynesian cultures while lamenting the disruptions caused by foreign intervention.

What distinguishes In the South Seas is Stevenson’s humanistic approach. Unlike many travel writers of his time, he does not exoticize or patronize the people he encounters. Instead, he seeks to understand them on their own terms, often engaging in thoughtful reflections on cultural relativism, mortality, and the nature of civilization. His writing is infused with a sense of moral responsibility and personal transformation, shaped by his own experiences of illness, displacement, and a growing disillusionment with Western imperialism.

The Swanston Edition presents this work with scholarly annotations and editorial context, highlighting its significance within Stevenson’s oeuvre and its contribution to travel literature and cultural history. It also situates the text within the broader framework of 19th-century colonial discourse, offering modern readers a critical lens through which to appreciate Stevenson’s nuanced and often progressive perspectives.

“In the South Seas” is not only a travelogue but also a meditation on identity, belonging, and the complexities of cross-cultural encounter. It remains a vital and thought-provoking work for readers interested in Pacific history, postcolonial studies, and the literary legacy of one of Scotland’s most celebrated authors.

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 James A. Williamson

The book “A Short History of British Expansion” by James A. Williamson provides a comprehensive overview of the British Empire’s growth and development, focusing on key historical events, policies, and figures that shaped its expansion. The fourth edition,published in 1958, includes revisions and extensions to cover events up to the end of 1952.

Industrial and Agricultural Revolutions (1783-1870):The effects of the American secession and the Industrial Revolution,including advancements in oceanic trade, factory enterprise, and transport. The Agricultural Revolution’s impact on increased output and enclosures.

Population Growth: Diverse views on the social effects of the revolutions.oSignificant growth in British and Irish populations and 19th-century emigration.

Fundamental Ideas:oShifts in national outlook pre-and post-1870.oThe rise of free trade, influenced by Adam Smith’s“Wealth of Nations,”andthe Manchester School’s economic reforms.

Oceanic Expansion:oExploration of the Pacific and improvements in shipping and navigation.oKey voyages by Cook, Vancouver, and others, and the impact of theNapoleonic Wars on colonial policies.

Great Britain and Latin America: The emancipation of Spanish colonies and the opening of China and Japan. Changes in oceanic trade and the development of new trades like tea, rice,and jute.

Colonial Administration: Changes in colonial governance post-American secession.oThe rise of Radical imperialists and the Manchester School’s influence on free trade and colonial self-government.

Macmillan, 1967, 391 pages