In the South Seas

In the South Seas is a remarkable blend of autobiography, travel writing, and anthropology. In 1888, Robert Louis Stevenson set out on a two-year tour of the South Sea Islands. Accompanied by his family, he explored a part of the world which was little known or understood by Europeans. An accomplished travel writer, Stevenson kept a detailed journal of the sights and sounds he encountered, and over the next few years fleshed out his own commentary with further historical and cultural research. The result is an engaging account that is both intelligent and compassionate, one which does far better justice to the South Sea Islanders than most accounts of that period.