The Mind of Robert Louis Stevenson. Selected Essays, Letters and Prayers. D. by Roger Ricklefs

The Mind of Robert Louis Stevenson, edited by Roger Ricklefs, was compiled to synthesize the diverse facets of Stevenson's literary and spiritual output. The volume draws together a curated selection of his essays, private letters, and prayers, aiming to provide a comprehensive look at the internal motivations and philosophical outlook that underpinned his more famous works of fiction. It serves as an intimate portrait of a writer often better known for his adventure narratives than for his introspective theological and moral reflections.

The design of this collection reflects the scholarly intent of Ricklefs, focusing on clarity and accessibility for readers interested in the intellectual history of the late Victorian era. By organizing Stevenson's personal writings alongside his more formal essays, the book invites a deeper engagement with the author’s humanist values and his struggle with chronic illness. Upon its release, it was well received as a useful resource for students and enthusiasts of Stevenson who sought to move beyond the surface of his popular adventure tales and into the complexities of his personal character.