Robert Louis Stevenson's Prayers Written at Vailima [Hardcover]

Robert Louis Stevenson (Author), Catherine Kanner (Author), Penelope Glass (Editor)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0970068905 | ISBN-13: 978-0970068903 | Publication Date: November 2000

Prayers Written at Vailima were the daily prayers written by famous novelist Robert Louis Stevenson ("Kidnapped," "Treasure Island," "A Child's Garden of Verses") for his family and the villagers who visited the Stevensons' Samoan island home. Known to the islanders as "Tusitala," ("Storyteller"), these prayers were read during evening devotions, which were announced by the call of the sea conch. They were collected and first published after Stevenson's death by his wife. The book includes the original, intimate introduction by Mrs. R. L. Stevenson on their life on the island, and a new biographical and literary commentary on the prayers. Artist Catherine Kanner has designed the book with a Polynesian feel, and has created 21 original linoleum cut illustrations for the edition. 2000 Winner of the Rounce & Coffin Award for Excellence in Book Design.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"...[A] newly discovered 'treasure' -- if you pardon the allusion -- of a popular 19th century author..." -- America National Catholic Weekly

"...a lovely book for giving or for keeping by your own bedside." -- NAPRA Review

"Stevenson's Prayers are like the line drawings of...Matisse or Picasso...a lifetime of thought in an economy of expression." -- Barry Menikoff, scholar and leading authority on R.L. Stevenson

Stevenson's 'Prayers' are like the line drawings of a Matisse or Picasso...a lifetime of thought in an economy of expression. -- Barry Menikoff, a leading authority on R.L. Stevenson

About the Author

Scotsman Robert Louis Stevenson is widely considered one of the great English language writers of all time. "Kidnapped," "Treasure Island" and "A Child’s Garden of Verses" are loved by young and old alike. "Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde" is considered a masterpiece of its genre.

Award-winning artist Catherine Kanner’s work has appeared in numerous books, including Michael Crichton’s "Timeline" and "The Town & Country Cookbook," and in many news/magazine publications including The New York Times. The Los Angeles Times, Atlantic Monthly, Sports Illustrated and TV. Guide.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 48 pages
• Publisher: Calamus, LLC (November 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0970068905
• ISBN-13: 978-0970068903
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 5.8 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.6 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,376,191 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars With twenty-one original linoleum-cut illustrations, February 17, 2001

By 

Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Robert Louis Stevenson's Prayers Written at Vailima (Hardcover)

Prayers Written At Vailima is a collection of the daily prayers written by the famous English novelist Robert Louis Stevenson for his family and their Samoan neighbors during his time in the south seas. Also included is an introduction by his wife about their life on the island of Samoa and twenty-one original linoleum-cut illustrations designed with a Polynesian feel buy Catherine Kanner. For Friends: For our absent loved ones we implore thy/loving-kindness. Keep them in life, keep them/in growing honour; and for us, grant that we/remain worthy of their love. For Christ's sake, let/not our beloved blush for us, nor we for them./Grant us but that, and grant us courage to/endure lesser ills unshaken, and to accept death,/loss, and disappointment as it were straws upon/the tide of life.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A beautiful and powerful book, July 22, 2002

By A Customer

This review is from: Robert Louis Stevenson's Prayers Written at Vailima (Hardcover)

This edition of Stevenson's Prayers Written at Vailima is simple, elegant and beautiful. Although Stevenson wrote these Prayers in another place and another time, his words are still relevant to us today. He prays for many of the same things we wish and hope for: friends, family, success and strength. I recommend this book to people of all religions (and even those who are not religious at all). Stevenson expresses his emotions and desires with such clarity and spirit that any reader might identify with and enjoy this remarkable book.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Prayers Written At Vailima, October 7, 2002

By A Customer

This review is from: Robert Louis Stevenson's Prayers Written at Vailima (Hardcover)

Prayers Written At Vailima is a gem. These simple, yet beautifully expressed thoughts was over you like a refreshing shower. They calm the soul and put you in a quiet place of reflection. True spirituality glows in these lovely invocations. In addition this volume is elegantly produced and adds visual and tactile pleasure to the pleasure of the reading.