The Works of Robert Louis Stevenson - Swanston Edition, Vol. 21

The opening tale plunges listeners into the mind of Dick Naseby, a sharp‑eyed Parisian wanderer who treats every encounter as a living study. His philosophy blends the curiosity of a scientist with the imagination of an artist, turning ordinary conversations into vivid portraits of desire, ambition and the small dramas that drive humanity. When Naseby meets the enigmatic Peter Van Tromp—once a celebrated painter now reduced to a far‑flung exile—their exchange sets a tone of both wit and unease, hinting at hidden motives and the thin line between truth and deception.

Beyond the introductory sketch, this volume gathers a rich assortment of Stevenson's shorter works, each a compact adventure that ranges from sea‑bound intrigue to playful fables. The stories unfold with equal parts humor and insight, inviting listeners to explore the quirks of character, the twists of fate, and the timeless allure of a well‑told lie.