Shortlised for the Saltire Society Non Fiction Book of the Year Award
Almost every adult and child is familiar with his Treasure Island, but few know that Robert Louis Stevenson lived out his last years on an equally remote island, which was squabbled over by colonial powers much as Captain Flint's treasure was contested by the mongrel crew of the Hispaniola.
In 1890 Stevenson settled in Upolu, an island in Samoa, after two years sailing round the South Pacific. He was given a Samoan name and became a fierce critic of the interference of Germany, Britain and the U.S.A. in Samoan affairs - a stance that earned him Oscar Wilde's sneers, and brought him into conflict with the Colonial Office, who regarded him as a menace and even threatened him with expulsion from the island.
Joseph Farrell's pioneering study of Stevenson's twilight years stands apart from previous biographies by giving as much weight to the Samoa and the Samoans - their culture, their manners, their history - as to the life and work of the man himself. For it is only by examining the full complexity of Samoa and the political situation it faced as the nineteenth century gave way to the twentieth, that Stevenson's lasting and generous contribution to its cause can be appreciated.
"synopsis" may belong to another edition of this title.
Joseph Farrell is Emeritus Professor at the University of Strathclyde. His books include a cultural history of Sicily and biographies of Dario Fo and Leonardo Sciascia. He is also a renowned translator from the Italian, whose translations include works by Leonardo Sciascia, Vincenzo Consolo, Dario Fo and Valerio Varesi. He lives in Glasgow.
By adeptly detailing colonial politics in which Stevenson intervened, Farrell takes us well beyond the image of the romantic exile in Robert Louis Stevenson in Samoa.―Christine Bold, T.L.S.
By adeptly detailing colonial politics in which Stevenson intervened, Farrell takes us well beyond the image of the romantic exile in Robert Louise Stevenson in Samoa.―T.L.S.
Scholarly, engaging and deeply thoughtful, Joseph Farrell's account of Stevenson's last four years in Samoa has the feel of an instant classic in studies of the writer. The Navigator Islands had fascinated Stevenson for years, but when he went to live there in 1890, frail and famous, the realities of life in on the margins of his own culture, language and society changed him forever. Rarely can a place and a writer have had so much effect on each other: Joseph Farrell's brilliant study takes us further into this fascinating relationship than ever before.
Marvellously done, thanks to the lively fair-mindedness of Farrell's excellent prose. Vivid, scholarly, informative, but above all a really good read.
Joseph Farrell's is the best book I have seen on Stevenson's years in Samoa, the most enviable of any writer's ever. Farrell is fair to both his sunburnt Bohemianism and his unremitting hard work.
Farrell provides a welcome service by offering us the fascinating story of Stevenson's last great roll with the dice.―Spectator.
Farrell provides a welcome service by offering us the fascinating story of Stevenson's last great roll with the dice.―Peter Carty, Spectator.
A bracing amalgam of history, biography and travel . . . Farrell has done his compatriot proud.―Ian Thomson, Financial Times.
A warm and intelligent account of the novelist's life and work in his last years in the South Seas.―Catholic Herald Books of the Year
A very profound examination of Stevenson's Samoa in light of current and present ideologies.―Glasgow Herald.
"About this title" may belong to another edition of this title.
FREE shipping within U.S.A.
Destination, rates & speedsUS$ 5.54 shipping from United Kingdom to U.S.A.
Destination, rates & speedsSeller: Blue Vase Books, Interlochen, MI, U.S.A.
Condition: good. The item shows wear from consistent use, but it remains in good condition and works perfectly. All pages and cover are intact including the dust cover, if applicable . Spine may show signs of wear. Pages may include limited notes and highlighting. May NOT include discs, access code or other supplemental materials. Seller Inventory # BVV.1848668813.G
Quantity: 1 available
Seller: Bookoutlet1, Easley, SC, U.S.A.
Condition: Very Good. Great shape! Has a publisher remainder mark. paperback Used - Very Good 2019. Seller Inventory # IM-10172785
Quantity: 1 available
Seller: WorldofBooks, Goring-By-Sea, WS, United Kingdom
Paperback. Condition: Very Good. The book has been read, but is in excellent condition. Pages are intact and not marred by notes or highlighting. The spine remains undamaged. Seller Inventory # GOR010311428
Quantity: 1 available
Seller: PBShop.store UK, Fairford, GLOS, United Kingdom
PAP. Condition: New. New Book. Shipped from UK. Established seller since 2000. Seller Inventory # HU-9781848668812
Quantity: 10 available
Seller: Majestic Books, Hounslow, United Kingdom
Condition: New. pp. 336. Seller Inventory # 385818153
Quantity: 3 available
Seller: Revaluation Books, Exeter, United Kingdom
Paperback. Condition: Brand New. reprint edition. 336 pages. 7.72x5.00x0.87 inches. In Stock. Seller Inventory # __1848668813
Quantity: 1 available
Seller: Kennys Bookstore, Olney, MD, U.S.A.
Condition: New. 2019. Reprint. Paperback. . . . . . Books ship from the US and Ireland. Seller Inventory # V9781848668812
Quantity: 10 available
Seller: Kennys Bookshop and Art Galleries Ltd., Galway, GY, Ireland
Condition: New. 2019. Reprint. Paperback. . . . . . Seller Inventory # V9781848668812
Quantity: 10 available
Seller: Books Puddle, New York, NY, U.S.A.
Condition: New. pp. 336. Seller Inventory # 26378053110
Quantity: 3 available
Seller: Brit Books, Milton Keynes, United Kingdom
Paperback. Condition: Used; Very Good. ***Simply Brit*** Welcome to our online used book store, where affordability meets great quality. Dive into a world of captivating reads without breaking the bank. We take pride in offering a wide selection of used books, from classics to hidden gems, ensuring there is something for every literary palate. All orders are shipped within 24 hours and our lightning fast-delivery within 48 hours coupled with our prompt customer service ensures a smooth journey from ordering to delivery. Discover the joy of reading with us, your trusted source for affordable books that do not compromise on quality. Seller Inventory # 4082438
Quantity: 1 available