"Treasure Island" is Robert Louis Stevenson's novel about a young boy, Jim Hawkins, who follows a treasure map to discover a long-lost treasure. But, he was not alone. This book briefly explores the history of Stevenson's "Treasure Island" as Barry Clifford searches for the truth behind the legends of Captain Kidd and Treasure Island.
Joined in his adventures by a crew of mysterious strangers, Jim sets off in the Hispaniola in search of Captain Flint's hidden treasure. Squire Trelawney and Doctor Livesey also join the adventure, but Jim learns that the crew is planning to mutiny and take the treasure for themselves.
In the end, Jim Hawkins discovers his treasure and leaves Treasure Island, accompanied by his loyal comrades. He had survived despite the dangers from the pirates and the elements, and he is rewarded with riches. But, where does all this adventure and intrigue come from? What is real about the characters and the setting? And, how did Stevenson write such an intriguing novel?
The Creation of the Tale
Written at a pace of one chapter a day, Stevenson drew extensively from established writings about pirates. In his effort to create such a fantastic adventure novel, Stevenson admitted to borrowing or being influenced by the bits and pieces of characters and plot elements from Daniel Defoe's "Robinson Crusoe," Captain Marryat's "Masterman Ready," and Washington Irving's "Tales of a Traveler."
In the end, Jim Hawkins discovers his treasure and leaves Treasure Island, accompanied by his loyal comrades. He had survived despite the dangers from the pirates and the elements, and he is rewarded with riches. But, where does all this adventure and intrigue come from? What is real about the characters and the setting? And, how did Stevenson write such an intriguing novel?
The Creation of the Tale
Written at a pace of one chapter a day, Stevenson drew extensively from established writings about pirates. In his effort to create such a fantastic adventure novel, Stevenson admitted to borrowing or being influenced by the bits and pieces of characters and plot elements from Daniel Defoe's "Robinson Crusoe," Captain Marryat's "Masterman Ready," and Washington Irving's "Tales of a Traveler."
With real-life pirate stories, he adds spice to the tale of a young boy in search of treasure. And, he also drew from his own experience on islands, which was extensive. Compiling fact and fiction, Stevenson added in his own love of adventure and passion for intrigue. He taps into the deep-set desire to discover that treasure map and the buried treasure.
Beyond Treasure Island
Clifford explores more than just the fictional history of the place that resembles Treasure Island. Hidden amidst the legends of pirates and the maps of treasure, he believes there are more concrete artifacts to be discovered--if only one looks in the right place. And, that's why he returns to Treasure Island.
This book is about Captain Kidd and piracy. It's about the search for a literature of the pirates and what these figures have come to mean. But the book is also a discovery of human nature, of how easy it is to lose one's way. In the end, there are always more mysteries. The treasures are still out there--waiting to be discovered!
Beyond Treasure Island
Clifford explores more than just the fictional history of the place that resembles Treasure Island. Hidden amidst the legends of pirates and the maps of treasure, he believes there are more concrete artifacts to be discovered--if only one looks in the right place. And, that's why he returns to Treasure Island.
This book is about Captain Kidd and piracy. It's about the search for a literature of the pirates and what these figures have come to mean. But the book is also a discovery of human nature, of how easy it is to lose one's way. In the end, there are always more mysteries. The treasures are still out there--waiting to be discovered!
