Robert Louis Stevenson Songs Of Travel And Other Verses
If you are a fan of poetry, then you must have heard about Robert Louis Stevenson's "Songs of Travel and Other Verses." This collection of poems was published in 1900 and is a tribute to Stevenson's love for travel and exploration. Through his poems, he captures the essence of his journey and the beauty of the natural world that surrounds him. Let's delve deeper into this remarkable work of literature and discover why it continues to inspire and captivate readers to this day.
The Life and Works of Robert Louis Stevenson
Robert Louis Stevenson was a Scottish author, poet, and travel writer who lived from 1850 to 1894. He is best known for his novels "Treasure Island," "Kidnapped," and "Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde." However, Stevenson was not just a writer of fiction. He also wrote poetry throughout his life, which was not as well-known as his novels.
"Songs of Travel and Other Verses" is a collection of some of Stevenson's most significant works, compiled and published after his death. The collection includes 38 poems that Stevenson wrote over the course of his life. Most of the poems revolve around his travels and adventures, which were a significant part of his life.
The Themes in "Songs of Travel and Other Verses"
The themes in "Songs of Travel and Other Verses" reflect Stevenson's love for travel, nature, and the beauty of the world. His poems convey his deep admiration for the different places he visited and the people he met along the way. He also writes about his longing for home and the challenges he faced on his travels.
In "The Vagabond," Stevenson writes about his love for travel:
"Give to me the life I love,Let the lave go by me,Give the jolly heaven aboveAnd the byway nigh me."
In "Youth and Love," he writes about the passage of time and how it affects his perception of the world:
"But all the while I sit and thinkOf times there were before,I listen for returning feetAnd voices at the door."
The Impact of "Songs of Travel and Other Verses"
"Songs of Travel and Other Verses" is widely regarded as one of Stevenson's greatest works. It has been praised for its simplicity and beauty, as well as its ability to capture the essence of life and the natural world. Many people have found solace and inspiration in its pages, and it continues to be read and enjoyed today.
Several of the poems in "Songs of Travel and Other Verses" have been set to music, including "I Will Make You Brooches" and "In Dreams Begins Responsibility." The collection has also been referenced in other works of literature, such as Kazuo Ishiguro's "The Remains of the Day."
Conclusion
Robert Louis Stevenson's "Songs of Travel and Other Verses" is a testament to his love for travel and the beauty of the natural world. Through his poetry, he captures the essence of his journey, his longing for home, and the challenges he faced along the way. The collection continues to inspire and captivate readers to this day, and its impact on literature cannot be overstated.