A Footnote to History is a non-fiction book written by Robert Louis Stevenson, first published in 1892. The book is a travelogue of Stevenson's journey to the South Pacific islands in the late 19th century. It chronicles his experiences and observations of the people, customs, and cultures of the islands, including Samoa, Tahiti, and Hawaii.Stevenson's journey was not just a leisurely trip, but also a mission to investigate the political situation in Samoa, which was in a state of turmoil due to the competing interests of the German, British, and American colonial powers. The book provides a detailed account of the political and social conditions of Samoa at the time, as well as Stevenson's personal interactions with the Samoan people, including his friendship with the chief of the village of Vailima, Tupua Tamasese Lealofi III.In addition to its historical and anthropological significance, A Footnote to History is also notable for its literary style. Stevenson's prose is vivid and evocative, and his descriptions of the natural beauty of the islands are particularly memorable. The book also includes several sketches and illustrations by Stevenson himself, adding to its visual appeal.Overall, A Footnote to History is a fascinating and informative account of a little-known chapter in Pacific history, and a testament to Stevenson's skill as both a writer and a traveler.Apia, the port and mart, is the seat of the political sickness of Samoa. At the foot of a peaked, woody mountain, the coast makes a deep indent, roughly semicircular. In front the barrier reef is broken by the fresh water of the streams; if the swell be from the north, it enters almost without diminution; and the war-ships roll dizzily at their moorings, and along the fringing coral which follows the configuration of the beach, the surf breaks with a continuous uproar.This scarce antiquarian book is a facsimile reprint of the old original and may contain some imperfections such as library marks and notations. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment for protecting, preserving, and promoting the world's literature in affordable, high quality, modern editions, that are true to their original work.
