I have read a little of Stevenson's early background, and there was a hint of the spoiled son of a rich father dabbling in writing. But from this collection of early short stories (up to about the time of Treasure Island's publication) it is clear that the man could write, and also that he worked hard at his writing. He was no dilettante.
What was interesting is the fact that Stevenson didn't start with his own "voice" - he is trying multiple different voices throughout this volume.
But, at the end, the writing is still a little patchy - this is more interesting as a study of the development of a writer than it is an enjoyment of a final, polished product.
Read September 2013. ( )