The first illustrated edition of Treasure Island, according to Swearingen, was actually published in America in mid-February, 1884 (Boston: Roberts Brothers), with four illustrations by the artist F. The eventual publisher was Cassell and Company of London, who published the first book version of Treasure Island in 1883, but without illustration. I suppose I may at least hope for eight pic’s? I aspire after ten or twelve. It will be from 75 to 80,000 words and with anything like half good pictures, it should sell. Two months later, in November 1881, he again writes to Henley, and expresses a desire for illustration for a book version of the story: “In five weeks, six at the latest, I should have a complete proof of Treasure Island. I feel pretty sure the Sea Cook will do to reprint, and bring something decent at that”. When I’m done with Young Folks, I’ll try Routledge or some one.

He writes in the same letter: “I’ll make this boys’ book business pay but I have to make a beginning. However, even before this publication, he was thinking about book publication. Young Folks published Treasure Island in 17 weekly instalments from 1 October 1881 to 28 January 1882. I don’t get illustrated-a blessing that’s the price I have to pay for my copyright”.

a page of 450 words that’s not noble, is it? But I have my copyright safe. Stevenson does not seem to have been concerned about this he writes to Henley in September 1881, “The terms are £2, 10s. Unusually for a Young Folks story, Treasure Island only received one illustration, most likely because of Stevenson’s relative lack of fame. As Roger Swearingen records, Young Folks actually received complaints about the story in its original form and unlike The Black Arrow (1883), it did nothing to raise the paper’s circulation. In fact, despite its current fame and enduring popularity, Treasure Island did not make Stevenson a household name. Consequently, Stevenson was always interested in the illustration of his work, not only for the commercial benefits of increased circulation, but also for their artistic merit in entertaining his readers. This was as true at the end of the nineteenth century as it is today. However, a major part of popular literature is how it intersects with popular visual culture. Stevenson was consciously writing popular fiction for a popular audience, which has been well documented by recent literary criticism. Wyeth’s famous illustrations in the 1930s, through to Walt Disney’s various adaptations, from the definitively influential 1950 version starring Robert Newton version to 2002’s Treasure Planet. There have been many posthumous illustrative treatments and cinematic adaptations of Stevenson’s most famous work, Treasure Island, from N.C.

Treasure island first edition