Stevenson, Robert Louis: - Scottish novelist, poet, essayist, and travel writer Robert Louis Stevenson is well renowned for his classic fiction books, which include "Treasure Island," "Kidnapped," and "Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde." Stevenson, who was born in Edinburgh, Scotland, was supposed to become a lighthouse engineer because his family was in the business, but he chose to follow his love of books instead. Essays and travelogues marked the beginning of Stevenson's writing career, but it was his young reader adventure books, such as "Treasure Island" (1883) and "Kidnapped" (1886), that brought him global recognition. These books have endured as children's literary classics because of their compelling stories, colorful characters, and engrossing locations. Stevenson battled ill health most of his life, yet he was nevertheless a prolific writer who created books that have enthralled readers for decades. He now holds a permanent position as one of the finest writers of the 19th century thanks to his literary accomplishments.