Treasure Island (Dover Thrift Editions) Review
Treasure Island is one of those books that is thought of as a boy's book, a classic that nonetheless is designed for the youth that craves adventure. As such, it delivers, but that is not the only reason one should read this classic. The appeal is present for the fully grown man, if not woman. In fact, there is hardly a woman character in the novel, and though Robert Louis Stevenson had contributions from others in the writing of it, women were conspicuously absent in the influence, contributions primarily coming from his stepson and his father.
It is evident from the novel that Stevenson's description of the landscape does not mesh well with something from the Caribbean, but possibly something from California (which he visited -- in pursuit of a certain married woman, which he later married himself), with the inclusion of trees that can only be described as Redwoods. He does not really say where the island lies, in any case. The story goes that Stevenson drew the island first, then the story was developed later, influenced by other stories by such as Washington Irving.
This is an adventure that is a beautiful version of escapist literature from an imaginative writer, and though Stevenson was obviously influenced by others, his tale has influenced more modern tales, such as "Pirates of the Caribbean," theme song and all. I think women may enjoy the tale, as well, but on the whole, this is a story for boys and men, especially ones in search of a worthy adventure of the mind.
As a little quibble, on page 179, I noticed a place in the Penguin paperback version where it says "tail trees" rather than "tall trees," and it was not simply a printing imperfection, but an outright error. Still, the Penguin version has many extras...an introduction by a scholar, an essay at the end by Stevenson on the writing of the book, and a section from Washington Irving's "Tales of a Traveller," which influenced the beginning of "Treasure Island."
Treasure Island (Dover Thrift Editions) Overview
Heady tale of a treasure map, a perilous sea journey across the Spanish Main, a mutiny led by the infamous Long John Silver and a lethal scramble for buried treasure as seen through the eyes of cabin boy Jim Hawkins. An action-packed adventure story that will hypnotize young readers and entertain older ones.
Treasure Island (Dover Thrift Editions) Specifications
Climb aboard for the swashbuckling adventure of a lifetime. Treasure Islandhas enthralled (and caused slight seasickness) for decades. The names Long John Silver and Jim Hawkins are destined to remain pieces of folklore for as long as children want to read Robert Louis Stevenson's most famous book. With it's dastardly plot and motley crew of rogues and villains, it seems unlikely that children will ever say no to this timeless classic. --Naomi Gesinger
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Customer Reviews
A SWASHBUCKLING GOOD READ. - George E. Dawson - Whittier, California United States
"...and sail away...laden with crimes and riches."--page 232
Robert Louis Stevenson was first and foremost a terrific, and very entertaining, storyteller; and `Treasure Island,' a much-deserved classic, is a page-turner of an adventure story.
Recommendation: Very highly recommended; especially for children, regardless of their age.
Quick Service in Great Condition! - fsabino -
I got my order the day AFTER I ordered it! The book was in wonderful condition for a used book. I couldn't be happier!
Treasure Island (Stepping Stone) - Mrs. A -
I teach students with special needs. Stepping Stone books give me modified classic literature that stays fairly close to the original text. This allows my students to focus more on comprehension skills, and less on "getting through the book". Treasure Island is a favorite combined with an overabundance of "pirating" activities that for a brief period of time my students get to become pirates. Comprehension soars. It is the best!
*** Product Information and Prices Stored: Sep 18, 2010 04:00:07
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