Robert Louis Stevenson was born in Edinburgh on 13 November 1850.
His father, along with his grandfather Robert and uncles, Alan and David, were leading lighthouse designers and engineers.
Stevenson intended to follow in his father’s footsteps in the family business. However, after enrolling at the University of Edinburgh at the age of 17, it was clear that he had little interest in the family profession or his studies in engineering. His father, although disappointed, accepted his decision to read law instead.
Despite being called to the bar in 1875, Stevenson chose not to practise, instead deciding to focus his efforts on his writing, which he had greatly developed during his time at the University.
His thirst for adventure led him to travel all around the world and fed into the stories that he would eventually write.