The Novels and Tales of Robert Louis Stevenson Volume 23 (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1900 Excerpt: ...now, timidly begin to retrim your feathers for a little self-laudation, and trot out this misdespised novelette as not the worst of your performances. I read the album extracts with sincere interest; but l regret that you spared to give the paper more development; and I conceive that you might do a great deal worse than expand each of its paragraphs into an essay or sketch, the excuse being in each case '880 your personal intercourse; the bulk, when that would not be sufficient, to be made up from their own works and stories. Three at least--Menken, Yelverton, and Keeler--could not fail of a vivid human interest. Let me press upon you this plan; should any document be wanted from Europe, let me offer my services to procure it. I am persuaded that there is stuff in the idea. Are you coming over again to see me some day soon? I keep returning, and now hand over fist, from the realms of Hades: I saw that gentleman between the eyes, and fear him less after each visit. Only Charon, and his rough boatmanship, I somewhat fear. I have a desire to write some verses for your album; so, if you will give me the entry among your gods, goddesses, and godlets, there will be nothing wanting but the Muse. I think of the verses like Mark Twain; sometimes I wish fulsomely to belaud you; sometimes to insult your city and fellow citizens; sometimes to sit down quietly, with the slender reed, and troll a few staves of Panic ecstasy--but fy fy as my ancestors observed, the last is too easy for a man of my feet and inches. At least, Stoddard, you now see that, although so costive, when I once begin I am a copious letter-writer. l thank you, and au revoir. Robert Louis Stevenson. To Sidney Colvin san Francisco, May, 1880. My Dear Colvin, --It is a long while since I have heard fro...