Essays in the Art of Writing by Robert Louis Stevenson

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About this eBook

Author Stevenson, Robert Louis, 1850-1894
Title Essays in the Art of Writing
Note Reading ease score: 58.0 (10th to 12th grade). Somewhat difficult to read.
Contents On some technical elements of style in literature -- The morality of the profession of letters -- Books which have influenced me -- A note on realism -- My first book: "Treasure Island" -- The genesis of "The master of Ballantrae" -- Preface to "The master of Ballantrae".
Credits Transcribed from the 1905 Chatto & Windus edition by David Price
Summary "Essays in the Art of Writing" by Robert Louis Stevenson is a collection of essays written in the late 19th century. This work explores various facets of the writing process and the nature of literature, emphasizing the significance of style, the moral responsibilities of authors, and personal reflections on influential works. Each essay examines different elements that contribute to effective writing, with Stevenson drawing from his own experiences and the broader context of literary tradition. The opening portion of the text begins with Stevenson's deliberation on the technical elements of literary style. He suggests that exploring the mechanics of art can sometimes spoil its magic, yet he endeavours to dissect the craft of writing systematically. He underscores the importance of word choice and the structure of sentences, likening literature to an architectural endeavor where the writer must create with fixed linguistic blocks. Furthermore, Stevenson shares his perspective on the dual nature of art as both representative and autonomous, emphasising that true literary elegance involves a thoughtful blend of rhythm, style, and substantive meaning. This initial exploration showcases Stevenson's authority on the subject while inviting readers into a thoughtful examination of the art of writing. (This is an automatically generated summary.)
Language English
LoC Class PR: Language and Literatures: English literature
Subject Literature -- History and criticism
Subject Authorship
Subject Stevenson, Robert Louis, 1850-1894 -- Authorship
Category Text
EBook-No. 492
Release Date
Most Recently Updated Oct 16, 2012
Copyright Status Public domain in the USA.
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