Prayers Written at Vailima
📘 About This Book
Prayers written at Vailima by Robert Louis Stevenson. This book is a reproduction of the original book published in 1900 and may have some imperfections such as marks or hand-written notes.
📖 Summary
Prayers Written at Vailima offers readers a deeply intimate look into the spiritual inner life of the celebrated author Robert Louis Stevenson during his final years on the island of Samoa. Composed at his hilltop estate of Vailima around the turn of the twentieth century, this collection reflects a profound shift in Stevenson's perspective as he grappled with isolation, failing health, and the exotic, often overwhelming beauty of the South Pacific. While Stevenson is universally renowned for his swashbuckling adventure novels and fantastical tales, these devotional writings reveal a very different side of the writer: a man engaged in daily, humble conversation with the divine. The text serves not only as a personal spiritual journal but also as a window into the communal life Stevenson built with his household in Samoa, where he often gathered his servants and family for evening prayers. Through this short yet potent volume, readers are invited to witness a master craftsman of English prose turning his literary talents inward, shaping petitions and expressions of gratitude that are as remarkable for their stylistic grace as they are for their emotional honesty. The modern edition preserves the historical flavor of the original 1900 publication, ensuring that contemporary readers receive the text with all the authentic character, and occasional endearing imperfections, of a cherished heirloom. Rather than offering rigid theological dogmas or heavy-nosed moralizing, Stevenson's prayers focus on universal human struggles. He addresses the burden of daily toil, the difficulty of maintaining patience in the face of suffering, the necessity of kindness, and the pursuit of courage when the future is uncertain. The prayers read like poetry, balancing a profound sense of humility with an unyielding affirmation of life's inherent goodness. For admirers of Stevenson's fiction, this collection provides an essential missing puzzle piece, shedding light on the personal philosophy that sustained him through his physical decline. For general readers seeking solace, inspiration, or a model for contemplative reflection, the book remains a timeless companion. It reminds us that literature and spirituality are often deeply intertwined, and that the written word can be used as a vessel to anchor the soul against the shifting tides of mortal existence. As a historical artifact, the text also captures a poignant chapter in the biography of a beloved author who found peace and purpose on a distant shore, leaving behind a legacy of faith and hope that continues to resonate across generations.
🎯 Key Lessons
⚖️ Pros & Cons
✅ Pros
Offers a rare glimpse into Robert Louis Stevenson's private spiritual life.
Features beautifully crafted prose and poetic language.
Serves as a concise and accessible read.
Preserves the historical charm of the original 1900 publication.
⚠️ Cons
The very short page count may leave readers wanting more content.
Reproduction marks and hand-written notes might not appeal to every reader.
✍️ About the Author
Robert Louis Stevenson (1850-1894) was a Scottish author known for adventure classics including 'Treasure Island' and 'Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde'.
View all books →❓ FAQ
Who wrote Prayers Written at Vailima? +
The book was written by the renowned author Robert Louis Stevenson.
When were these prayers originally written? +
They were composed during Stevenson's final years at his Vailima estate in Samoa around the turn of the twentieth century.
What is the primary genre of this book? +
It falls under general non-fiction, specifically spiritual reflections and personal writings.
How many pages are in this edition? +
This particular edition spans 34 pages.
Does the book contain any historical imperfections? +
Yes, as a reproduction of the original 1900 publication, it may feature minor marks or hand-written notes.
