Roger Swearingen discusses the life and work of Robert Louis Stevenson (1850-1894) and recounts the circumstances of his discovery of Stevenson’s first published work of fiction, the previously unknown story “An Old Song.” Swearingen highlights the diversity of Stevenson’s work, asserting that his output goes beyond the adventure stories for which he is chiefly known. The interview also focuses on Stevenson’s literary influences and his importance as a literary critic.
At the time of this interview, Swearingen was professor of English at the University of California, Davis.
This edition of Soundings was conducted by Wayne J. Pond.
