Robert Louis StevensonRobert Louis Stevenson is one of Britain's greatest authors. His writings have been enjoyed by countless people since he masterfully penned them. Stevenson uses characterization, imagery, and conflict to keep his readers captivated through his works in Treasure Island, Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, and Kidnapped.Robert Louis Stevenson was born on November 13, 1850, in Scotland. Being the only son of a famous civil engineer, Stevenson was supposed to carry on the family tradition, but this went against his wishes for his life. From an early age he showed a desire to write and, although he could not read until the age of seven or eight, he composed stories and dedicated them to his parents and nanny. Stevenson was not raised by the most caring parents and received most of his teenage advice from his nurse. Throughout his childhood, the nurse cared for him and instilled in him the Christian beliefs that undoubtedly shaped his novels. The nurse read passages from the Bible to him during his periods of bed rest, because he was a sick child, and these daily readings instilled in him a love of stories. Although he was a sick child, he managed to receive a decent education through study, tutoring and the efforts of his nurse and was able to enroll at the University of Edinburgh at the age of 17 years old. Having lived in Edinburgh all his life, he was amazed by the duality of the city. The stark contrast not only between the wealth but also between the people living in the two distinct sections fueled his fascination with duality itself and led him to write one of his most famous books. While at the University of Edinburgh, his father demanded that he study engineering, but Stevenson did not get... middle of paper ......Jekyll and Mr. Hyde . London: Longman, Green and Co., 1886. Print.Senior, John. “Treasure Island.” Edocere.org. Internet. April 3, 2011. Gates, Barbara. “The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde.” Victorianweb.com n. page. Internet. April 3, 2011. McMillan, Eric. “19th Century Thriller.” Editoric.com (2003): n. page. Internet. April 3, 2011. Works Cited Stevenson, Robert. Treasure Island. London: Castle and Company, 1883. Print.Stevenson, Robert. Kidnapped. London: Castle and Company, 1886. Print. Stevenson, Robert. Strange case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. London: Longman, Green and Co., 1886. Print.Senior, John. “Treasure Island.” Edocere.org. Internet. April 3, 2011. Gates, Barbara. “The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde.” Victorianweb.com n. page. Internet. April 3, 2011. McMillan, Eric. “19th Century Thriller.” Editoric.com (2003): n. page. Internet. April 3 2011.