Author : Richard Woodhead
Publisher : Luath Press Limited
ISBN 13 :
Total Pages : 230 pages
Book Rating : 4.3/5 (91 download)
Book Synopsis The Strange Case of R.L. Stevenson by : Richard Woodhead
Download or read book The Strange Case of R.L. Stevenson written by Richard Woodhead and published by Luath Press Limited. This book was released on 2001 with total page 230 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: A consultant physician for 22 years with a strong interest in Robert Louis Stevenson's life and work, Richard Woodhead was intrigued by the questions raised by the references to his symptoms. The assumption that he suffered from consumption - the diagnosis of the day - is challenged here. Consumption (tuberculosis), a scourge of nineteenth century society, it was regarded as severely debilitating if not a death sentence. Dr Woodhead examines how Stevenson's life was affected by his illness and his perception of it. This fictional work puts words into the mouths of five doctors who treated RLS at different periods of his adult life. Though these doctors existed in real-life, little is documented of their private conversations with RLS. However everything Dr Woodhead postulates could have occurred within the known framework of RLS's life. Detailed use of Stevenson's own writing adds authenticity to the views espoused in the book. RLS's writing continues to compel readers today. The fact that he did much of his writing while confined to his sick-bed is fascinating. What illness could have contributed to his creativity?