Ånge bibliotek

The 'Vailima Letters' is Robert Louis Stevenson laid bare. It collects his correspondence with his friend and literary critic Sidney Colvin, from the years 1890–1894. This was when Stevenson was living in Samoa, still writing novels but becoming increasingly unwell.

Stevenson writes about his creative processes and his various sicknesses. He also details Samoa’s state of unrest-—due to both tribal civil war and the creeping influence of European colonisers. This insightful collection is a treasure trove for bookworms and history buffs alike.



Robert Louis Stevenson (1850–1894) was a Scottish novelist, poet and travel writer. Born in Edinburgh, he suffered from severe health issues for most of his life. Despite this, he still managed to produce some of the century’s most famous stories. These include the classic adventure "Treasure Island" and the horror novella "The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde".

Stevenson’s last years were spent on the Samoan island of Upolo, where he became an advocate for Samoan rights. He died in his home of a brain haemorrhage and was buried on the island’s Mount Vaea.