ROBERT LOUIS STEVENSON

In this work, subtitled ``Teller of Tales,'' readers learn what an incredibly romantic life Stevenson led. Born and raised in the harsh weather and gorgeous scenery of Scotland, he was a sickly child and, as an adult, often ill. In spite of his poor health, he traveled widely in Europe, the US, and the Pacific; lived in exotic places; and wrote like one possessed. Most romantic of all, he endured an arduous journey from Scotland to California to be with the older, married woman he loved (and eventually wed). He died at age 44 on his estate in Samoa, where the Samoans called him Tusitala, Teller of Tales. Gherman (E.B. White, 1992, etc.) tells a fine tale herself, making Stevenson and his world vivid to readers. (b&w photos, notes, bibliography, index) (Biography. 8-12)