
Transcribed from the 1905 Chatto & Windus edition by David Price, email ccx074@pglaf.org
I. THE AMATEUR EMIGRANT - To ROBERT ALAN MOWBRAY STEVENSON
II. COCKERMOUTH AND KESWICK A FRAGMENT 1871
III. AN AUTUMN EFFECT 1875
IV. A WINTER’S WALK IN CARRICK AND GALLOWAY A FRAGMENT 1876
V. FOREST NOTES 1875–6 - ON THE PLAIN
VI. A MOUNTAIN TOWN IN FRANCE A FRAGMENT 1879
VII. RANDOM MEMORIES: ROSA QUO LOCORUM
VIII. THE IDEAL HOUSE
IX. DAVOS IN WINTER
In these vivid sketches, Stevenson invites listeners aboard a late‑Victorian steamship bound for New York, describing the cramped second cabin that sits like a quiet island amid the bustling steerage. His eye catches the mix of nervous passengers, the clatter of tin dishes and the chill that binds strangers together, while his humor softens the harsher realities of emigration. The narrative folds personal observation with gentle social commentary, offering a snapshot of a world in transit.
Beyond the Atlantic crossing, the collection drifts through Scottish valleys, Alpine towns, and winter mountains, each essay a short, lyrical wander through landscape and memory. Stevenson's prose balances crisp description with reflective pauses, drawing listeners into the scent of pine forests, the hum of a bustling market, and the quiet of a snowy hillside. The result is a travelogue that feels both intimate and expansive, perfect for anyone who loves to explore places through the turn of a keen, observant voice.
Language
en
Duration
~6 hours (384K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Release date
1996-08-01
Rights
Public domain in the USA.

1850–1894
Beloved for stories of adventure and divided selves, this Scottish writer created classics that still feel lively, strange, and full of momentum. His work ranges from pirate quests to dark psychological fiction, with a gift for making big ideas feel like gripping tales.
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