Robert Louis Stevenson

An old sailor, calling himself "the captain" real name "Billy" Bones comes to lodge at the Admiral Benbow Inn on the west English coast during the mid-1700s, paying Bob the innkeeper's son, Jim Hawkins, a few pennies to keep a lookout for a one-legged "seafaring man". A seaman with intact legs shows up, frightening Billy who drinks far too much rum into a stroke, and Billy tells Jim that his former shipmates covet the contents of his sea chest. After a visit from yet another man, Billy has another stroke and dies; Jim and his mother (his father has also died just a few days before) unlock the sea chest, finding some money, a journal, and a map. The local physician, Dr. Livesey, deduces that the map is of an island where a deceased pirate Captain Flint buried a vast treasure. The district squire, Trelawney, proposes buying a ship and going after the treasure, taking Livesey as ship's doctor and Jim as cabin boy. Treasure Island is an adventure novel by Scottish author Robert Louis Stevenson, narrating a tale of "buccaneers and buried gold". First published as a book on 23 May 1883, it was originally serialized in the children's magazine Young Folks between 1881 and 1882 under the title Treasure Island or, the mutiny of the Hispaniola with Stevenson adopting the pseudonym Captain George North. Traditionally considered a coming-of-age story, Treasure Island is a tale noted for its atmosphere, characters and action, and also as a wry commentary on the ambiguity of morality - as seen in Long John Silver - unusual for children's literature. It is one of the most frequently dramatized of all novels. The influence of Treasure Island on popular perceptions of pirates is enormous, including such elements as treasure maps marked with an "X", schooners, the Black Spot, tropical islands, and one-legged seamen bearing parrots on their shoulders.

Treasure Island

'Fifteen men on the dead man's chest - Yo-ho-ho, and a bottle of rum!' All hands on deck for the swashbuckling adventure of a lifetime! Treasure Island has captivated children for decades and remains Robert Louis Stevenson's most famous book. With the legendary Long John Silver leading a mutinous pirate crew, children won't want to miss the boat on this classic tale of treasure and treachery.

Loved pirates as a kid, and Black Sails is one of my favourite shows, so I thought it was about time to read it, after sitting on my shelf for a few years. Wonderfully written with moments of absolute joy. Captain Smollett was simply bad-ass on a different level. No difficulties what so ever of understanding why it is such a classic

Hogne 

CLASSIC FICTION. Treasure Island, by Robert Louis Stevenson, is an exciting adventure story in which a young boy, Jim Hawkins, recounts his hunt for buried treasure and his fight with pirates led by the one-legged Long John Silver and his famous parrot, Captain Flint. This title is part of a wonderful new series that offers a quick way into a range of exciting stories. Fast-moving and accessible, each story is a shortened, dramatically illustrated version of the classic novel, which loses none of the strength and flavour of the original. Retold rather than abridged. Ages 9+.

Tobias V. Langhoff

I continue my plan to read classics that defined popular culture. Earlier this summer I read Dracula, and now this book, which created the modern romantic view of the pirates at sea. Like most other such classics, this one surprised me with how good it was. (Also, like most other classics, I mostly listened to this as an audiobook. I whole-heartedly recommend Neil Hunt’s narration, which is fantastic.)

The story is an action-filled romp, a fish-out-of-sea story (or, I guess, the opposite: land-crab-at-sea?), a Bildungsroman about a kid who finds himself at the mercy of old, washed-up pirates – including the archetype of many other literary pirates, Long John Silver – looking for buried treasure on a deserted island. Mutinies, maroonings, duplicity, Black Spots, X marks the spot – this book has it all. A short but thrilling read, straight forward and great fun.

I don't know what it is, but something in me has just always adored pirate stories and adventures on the high seas, and Treasure Island was the quintessential pirate adventure. I really loved it, RLS has a way with words, I thought his writing sounded very poetic.

On top of all that, I listened to the audible drama version of the story which had a phenomenal cast and made the story extremely immersive. Highly recommended.

Half a star lost because I wish it were longer and that we got a little bit of a romance somewhere, but honestly it's not a bad story without those things, that's my preferences

Emma Lechner

I don't know what it is, but something in me has just always adored pirate stories and adventures on the high seas, and Treasure Island was the quintessential pirate adventure. I really loved it, RLS has a way with words, I thought his writing sounded very poetic.

On top of all that, I listened to the audible drama version of the story which had a phenomenal cast and made the story extremely immersive. Highly recommended.

Half a star lost because I wish it were longer and that we got a little bit of a romance somewhere, but honestly it's not a bad story without those things, that's my preferences

altlovesbooks

...what blood and sorrow, what good ships scuttled on the deep, what brave men walking the plank blindfold, what shot of cannon, what shame and lies and cruelty, perhaps no man alive could tell.

Entertaining and surprisingly complex for an adventure book originally intended for a teenage audience. I had a lot of fun with this one, because pirates are always fun. I don't care who you are.

Wynter

Eh, Treasure Island was okay at most. I certainly liked it more as a kid. Actually it took me like two days to read the last 30 pages and that says something. Maybe because I was already familiar with the plot, or the Long John Silver twist, or with Ben Gunn and the fate of the treasure, once the action moved to the Skeleton Island, things got a bit boring for me.

One of the best-loved adventure stories ever written, Treasure Island's timeless tale of pirates, lost treasure maps, mutiny and derring-do has appealed to generations of readers ever since Robert Louis Stevenson penned it in 1881 with the claim: If this don’t fetch the kids, why, they have gone rotten since my day. But more than just a children’s classic, the novel is considered to be one of the greatest feats of storytelling in the English language, with characters such as the unforgettable Long John Silver becoming part of the cultural consciousness. Treasure Island is a coming-of-age story that will captivate both adults and children for as long as stories are told.

Anja Hansen

Not as amazing as The Muppet Treasure Island, but still a great read.
It also increased my need for more pirate books.

It was a bit fast paced, but it's not like I can give the writer any critic😂.

Carmen Neveling

When young Jim Hawkins finds a packet in Captain Flint's sea chest, he could not know that the map inside it would lead him to unimaginable treasure. Shipping as cabin boy on the Hispaniola, he sails with Squire Trelawney, Captain Smollet, Dr. Livesey, the sinister Long John Silver and a frightening crew to Treasure Island. There, mutiny, murder and mayhem lead to a thrilling climax

Tried to read this twice as a kid but could never quite get into it; very glad I finally gave it another shot because it really is an excellent story. The plot is cleverly laid out with twists and turns, there's no shortage of exciting action, and I was very impressed with the characters. Most of them are fairly simple and static but all distinct and none over-exaggerated in their single-dimension; the frank and level-headed Dr. Livesey, the foolish but well-meaning Squire Trelawney, the sensible Capt. Smollet, the impulsive Jim, and of course the duplicitous, self-serving Long John Silver. It's not a very original opinion but Silver really is the book's standout character; but he shouldn't overshadow the other characters or the book's other good qualities either. Very good yarn.

Tuck

While going through the possessions of a deceased guest who owed them money, the mistress of the inn and her son find a treasure map that leads them to a pirate's fortune.

Robert Louis Stevenson ; with a new introduction by Patrick Scott.

Gillian Rose

I was already familiar with the story and a little shocked that there weren't more surprises. It's amazing that the adaptations I've seen (albeit with Muppets and steampunk) have actually gotten the book right. A fun adventure!

Jacalyn Boggs

In my childhood I read Treasure Island and enjoyed it immensely. Reading it along with my kids this much has given me a new appreciation for the classics, though I think that every time I reread something of this calibur.

The beautiful language combines with a strong story that sweeps the reader into a tale of pirates, treasure, and adventure.

While I enjoyed the book, I did not enjoy it as much as I hoped. I think that with so much going on surrounding the Pirates of the Carribean movie, it just did not thrill me. My boys, however, tore right through it!

Maybe in another time and another place I can reread Treasure Island with zeal as my children did. Even if you tire of the pirate hubbub, reread Treasure Island. Sing with the sailors, look for that cache of gold, hit the high seas! You will not regret, and neither do I!

Treasure Island is a perfect story for boys and those that love the sea. It fit well into our study of oceans in homeschool, and I hope you will take the time to revisit a classic. They just don't teach authors the craft that Stevenson so eloquently and masterfully commands.

--Lady O

'Treasure Island' is an enduring adventure tale for all time and one of the most frequently dramatized of all novels. A defining work of its genre, the swashbuckling, coming-of-age story of pirates, sea battles and a quest for buried treasure begins with the passing of an old sea captain. Young Jim Hawkins has no idea what lies in store just across the horizon. With the old captain's map in hand, he soon finds himself part of a motley crew that sails in search of the buried treasure. However, the charismatic and villainous Long John Silver has other plans, and Jim must step up to save the ship, his friends and the treasure.

I was in Edinburgh, Scotland, and they had this cute little bookshop with clothbound editions of books, so of course I had to get one: blue with a glittering ship sailing over silver seas, Treasure Island. 

The story was ok, I felt like it was very repetitive with the mutiny part, they went from trusting the cook, to not trusting and back again. I also didn't think there was a lot of depth to the story. What I did like were the little things that Pirates of the Caribbean took and put in their movies, they were fun moments of recognition. 

I do really like the cover though, so it was worth it in the end :).

Laura

I was in Edinburgh, Scotland, and they had this cute little bookshop with clothbound editions of books, so of course I had to get one: blue with a glittering ship sailing over silver seas, Treasure Island. 

The story was ok, I felt like it was very repetitive with the mutiny part, they went from trusting the cook, to not trusting and back again. I also didn't think there was a lot of depth to the story. What I did like were the little things that Pirates of the Caribbean took and put in their movies, they were fun moments of recognition. 

I do really like the cover though, so it was worth it in the end :).



Kirsten Simkiss

This book is certainly a classic. The pirate story genre would not be the same without this story, as it easily set the bar for all pirate stories to come in the years following it. This book made a lot of the tropes for other stories to follow after. 

However, it is also nearing 150 years old. I'm not much of one to enjoy classics as I find the writing often doesn't age well. This, unfortunately, is no exception. While not outright offensive like some classics (thank goodness), the pace of the story is a bit lacking I found - particularly after they reach the island. I found this strange because that's really where all of the action happens, but nonetheless it failed to hold my attention after they'd reached Treasure Island.

This was a first time read for me, so I can safely say that it was worth reading once. I'll be hanging onto my illustrated copy for now, but this might be one I don't often reread.

Megan

I had wanted to reread this book for awhile cause it’s a classic and I didn’t remember it. It was good but I wouldn’t reread it again lol

Kay Jamieson

This just wasnt really my speed, but it was obviously well written, and a great adventure to be told. ;o)

When Jim Hawkins discovers a dead man's map it's not long before he's off to sea in search of distant treasure. But it seems trouble boarded the ship with him, in the shape of the ship's cook, Long John Silver, who is leading a mutinous band of pirates who want the treasure for themselves and will do anything to get it.

Sian Wadey

I've been wanting to read Treasure Island for ages, ever since another class read it at school. Then I watched the most recent adaptation on Sky in January and absolutely loved it. Unfortunately, I think watching the TV show lessened the book for me slightly.
First of all, it was very easy to read, a lot easier than I expected. Books written in this time period can often be complicated with an unfamiliar vocabulary and out of date speech. But this wasn't the case for Treasure Island. 
The story itself is brilliant, a good old-fashioned pirate story, with brilliant characters, especially the eccentric Long John Silver. Some of the other crew members got a bit muddled in my brain but the main characters were very memorable and easily distinguishable. For me, Eddie Izzard was the only person I saw as Silver. 
Overall, it was a good book, but I wish I hadn't known the ending. I spent ages waiting for the next event, waiting for the introduction of another character, and that took the joy out of it a bit.

Complete and Unabridged (Puffin Classics)

Celeste Richardson

In the words of Italo Calvino, “a classic is a book that has never finished saying what it has to say.” These are stories that have stood the test of time, that communicate a thought or weave a tell that has touched deeply a multitude, and continues to do so decades and centuries after its inception. But that doesn’t mean that every single “classic” work of literature will strike a cord with anyone who picks it up. Unfortunately, this book is now an example of that in my life.

I wanted so badly to love Treasure Island. Here is a tale of pirates and buried treasure and gun fights and a young boy named Jim Hawkins who seems to be the center of everything. Here is the origin of Long John Silver, one of the most famous pirates in literature. This novel is one of the ultimate classic adventure stories. And yet, I couldn’t connect with Stevenson’s writing at all. For such a small book, it seemed to drag on forever, with little resolution. I just couldn’t make myself care. Jim Hawkins annoyed me, with his propensity for getting into trouble that somehow ends up saving the day. For a tale of piracy and mutiny, everything Jim “stumbled” into and out of seemed awfully convenient to me. The most three dimensional character in the book was Silver, who I’m pretty sure Stevenson never meant for his readers to like. Every single scene in the book also felt overblown to me, too fraught with emotion compared to the circumstance. I guess it just struck me as overly dramatic, like a literary soap opera from a bygone era.

While this story didn’t speak to me, that doesn’t mean it was a bad book. Classics just tend to be hit-or-miss, and though it was a miss for me, I know plenty of people who absolutely loved it. The wonderful thing about books is that we all read them differently. So don’t let me experience deter you. It just might draw you in! 

For more of my reviews, as well as my own fiction and thoughts on life, check out my blog, Celestial Musings.

Barbara Williford

What a fun little read! Full of pirating adventure, intrigue and buried treasure.

Grace O'Callaghan

*1.5 ⭐️

I honestly don’t know if I have the energy to review this book. After really enjoying The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde, I thought I would definitely enjoy this one. But I was very wrong indeed.

I did listen to the audiobook and that may have contributed to some of my distaste. Perhaps I wasn’t paying attention enough? But I don’t think this was why I didn’t like it as I generally have an easy time with not getting distracted whilst listening to audiobooks.

There were so many characters to keep track of that I ultimately cared for none of them.
The writing wasn’t particularly enjoyable and I just found myself so confused throughout.

Basically, I found this book completely boring that I can’t even give it a proper review. I gave the book 1.5 stars instead of 1 to acknowledge that it has influenced a great deal of pirate fiction, so I’ll give it that and nothing else.

L'isola del tesoro

Asia B.

Natalie Sypeck 

Had to read this for my children’s lit. class so it wasn’t a book I ever would have picked up on my own. I’m not a big fan of pirate stories or classics, so no big surprise I wasn’t overly impressed.

Nitin Khanna

Good story. It's a classic and well worth reading... I enjoyed it as a child but I have a feeling you can pick it up any time in your life... :)

Elize van Heerden

We have all watched almost every single adaption of this book, my personal favourite will always be Treasure Planet. I am so glad I finally got to the original. The story was even more gripping and felt like I was transported onto the ship with young Jim.

Zoe Stanford

I couldn’t remember if I’d read this as a child or if I just had the sort of general knowledge you’d expect about a book this famous, but as I read I clearly remembered reading it quite some years ago and got a nice dose of nostalgia. It really is a great children’s book!

Sonia Flores

Es un libro bien ligero. Con un ritmo que lleva al lector a querer embarcarse en esta aventura tanto como los personajes de la historia. Tiene mucho sobre lealtad, amistad, valentía, honestidad y también sobre lo contrario a todo esto, llevando al protagonista a aprender las diferencias entre el bien y el mal.
Tenemos al ambiguo John Silver, que un momento es el afable cocinero, y al siguiente se convierte en un traidor, un peligroso pirata capaz de cualquier cosa. Este, entre los demás íntegros personajes que desarrollan cierta relación con Jim, se embarcan en una travesía inolvidable llena de peligros y que de alguna manera enseña a todos sobre el honor y muchos otros valores a medida que el joven Hawkins va dejando atrás la vida infantil para madurar conforme van sucediendo cosas a su alrededor.

Treasure Island

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