The Works of Robert Louis Stevenson - Swanston Edition, Vol. 16

"The Works of Robert Louis Stevenson - Swanston Edition, Vol. 16" by Robert Louis Stevenson is a collection of essays and memoirs offering a window into the author's family history during the 1800s. The essays explore the Stevenson family tree, focusing on ancestors in Scotland who worked as engineers, and blends personal stories with historical background to paint a picture of their lives. The book starts by looking at the Stevenson name and its importance in Scotland, highlighting the family's work and challenges, especially in engineering. It moves on to discuss Robert Stevenson's great-grandfather and his siblings, sharing details about their businesses, early family life, and the mix of sadness and strength that defined the Stevenson family. The overall tone suggests the importance of understanding where you come from and how family history shapes who you are, highlighting the personal strengths and struggles of its members. It is presented as a story of legacy and how the past shapes the present.