Essays in the Art of Writing Robert Louis Stevenson examines the techniques of writing, and gives insights into the writing of ""Treasure Island"" and ""The Master of Ballantrae."" CONTENTS On Some Technical Elements of Style in Literature, The Morality of the Profession of Letters, Books Which Have Influenced Me, A Note On Realism, My First Book: ""Treasure Island,"" The Genesis of ""The Master of Ballantrae"" Robert Louis Stevenson Stevenson's life was almost as adventurous as the stories he created. He spent much of it as a traveler, writing about his exploits in such exemplary travel books as TRAVELS WITH A DONKEY IN THE CEVENNES. He studied law but never practiced he always wanted to write, and gave himself what amounted to a writing course, studying and copying the style and techniques of his favorite writers. His attempts paid off: his first published novel, TREASURE ISLAND, brought him money and fame
