The Works of Robert Louis Stevenson - Swanston Edition, Vol. 21

"The Works of Robert Louis Stevenson - Swanston Edition, Vol. 21" by Stevenson is a collection of his literary works written in the late 19th century. This volume includes several stories, but notably begins with "The Story of a Lie," featuring the central character Dick Naseby, who is engaged in a complex relationship with both his father and a painter referred to as "The Admiral." The narrative seems to explore themes of love, deception, familial relationships, and the contrasts between social standing and personal identity. The opening of the volume introduces Dick Naseby as a perceptive character in Paris, showcasing his encounters with various personalities, including the dubious painter Peter Van Tromp, known as "The Admiral." Their relationship is marked by a mix of admiration and exploitation. The dynamic shifts when Dick returns home, where tensions with his father arise over a politically charged letter, leading to a rift between them. Dick's complications deepen when he meets Van Tromp's daughter, Esther, stirring feelings of love and loyalty amid a backdrop of familial discontent and social expectations. As events unfold, the clash between personal desires and societal pressures takes center stage, paving the way for further developments in the story. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Robert Louis Stevenson was a Scottish novelist, essayist, poet and travel writer. He is best known for works such as Treasure Island, Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde, Kidnapped and A Child's Garden of Verses.