Wrote in English · 1850–1894
Robert Louis Stevenson
2 books in the original English, with a translation beside each.
Robert Louis Stevenson was a Scottish novelist, essayist, poet, and travel writer born in Edinburgh in 1850. He is best known for his adventure novels, including Treasure Island and Kidnapped, as well as the psychological novella Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde. Despite suffering from serious bronchial trouble throughout his life, he wrote prolifically and traveled widely, eventually settling in Samoa where his work shifted toward darker realism. He died in 1894 at the age of forty-four.
Stevenson’s works remain in general acclaim today, ranking him among the most translated authors in the world. His writing is celebrated for its vivid storytelling and engaging characters, such as Long John Silver. His poetry collection A Child's Garden of Verses also endures as a classic. His ability to blend romance, adventure, and moral complexity has secured his place in literary history, appealing to readers who enjoy rich narratives and memorable settings.
Reading Robert Louis Stevenson in translation
On Paralelo, you read Stevenson’s original English alongside a translation in German, Spanish, French, Portuguese, or Italian, aligned phrase by phrase. His prose is clear and narrative-driven, making it accessible. Start with The strange case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, the shortest book at about 116 minutes. Its concise length and focused plot make it an ideal first read. Treasure Island is longer, taking about 312 minutes, and is available in German. Stevenson’s style features descriptive passages and dialogue that will feel familiar in English, helping you grasp the new language gradually. The original text serves as your anchor, allowing you to learn vocabulary and structure through context. This approach lets you enjoy the story while building your skills in the target language efficiently.
Profile written with AI from Wikipedia and Wikidata · Biography: Wikipedia · Portrait: Wikimedia Commons
- Born
- 1850Edinburgh
- Died
- 1894Vailima
- Wrote in
- English
- On Paralelo
- 2 titles
- Shortest read
- 116 minThe strange case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde
Where to start with Robert Louis Stevenson
Shortest first- 01
The strange case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde
"The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde" by Robert Louis Stevenson is a Gothic horror novella published in 1886.
Read a passage free →EN · PASSAGE“He never told you,” cried Mr. Hyde, with a flush of anger.
DE„Das hat er Ihnen nie gesagt“, rief Mr.
- 02
Treasure Island
"Treasure Island" by Robert Louis Stevenson is an adventure novel published in 1883. When young Jim Hawkins discovers a mysterious treasure map in a dead pirate's sea chest, he sets sail with a crew…
Read a passage free →EN · PASSAGE“Trelawney,” said the doctor, “I’ll go with you; and I’ll go bail for it, so will Jim, and be a credit to the undertaking.
DE„Trelawney“, sagte der Doktor, „ich werde mit Ihnen gehen; und ich gehe dafür in die Haftung, so wie Jim, und werde der Unternehmung zur Ehre gereichen.
Reading Robert Louis Stevenson in English
Which Robert Louis Stevenson book should I read first?
The strange case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. At about 116 minutes it is the shortest of the 2 titles on Paralelo, so it is the quickest way in.
Can I read Robert Louis Stevenson in English with a translation beside it for free?
Yes. A passage from every title is free to read without an account, and a free account opens the whole book, with a translation aligned to the original phrase by phrase.
Are the books by Robert Louis Stevenson in the public domain?
Yes. Robert Louis Stevenson died in 1894, and the texts on Paralelo come from Project Gutenberg’s public-domain editions.