"The story I have to tell is still going on as I write [....] it is a piece of contemporary history in the most exact sense." -Robert Louis Stevenson, A Footnote to History (1887) A Footnote to History: Eight Years of Trouble in Samoa (1887), by Robert Louis Stevenson, describes 10 years (from 1882 to 1892) in the history of a civil war that Stevenson became involved with after moving to Samoa. During this conflict, three colonial powers-America, Germany, and Britain-battled for control of Samoa with the indigenous factions that struggled to preserve their ancient political system. This book is the author's attempt to analyze the "elements of discord" in Samoa, giving his writing the realism of front-line journalism.

Robert Louis Stevenson wrote a nonfiction book titled "A Footnote to History: Eight Years of Trouble in Samoa," which was released in 1892. The political unrest and battles that took place in Samoa in the late 1800s are described in great depth in the book. During this time, a group of islands in the South Pacific called Samoa became the center of geopolitical disputes between Western countries, especially the US, Germany, and the UK. Living in Samoa at the time, Stevenson saw firsthand the intricate relationships that arose between the local Samoan people and the foreign forces competing for dominance of the islands. The book examines a number of facets of Samoan politics, society, and culture while highlighting the effects of imperialism and colonialism as well as the independence movement. Stevenson chronicles the abuses meted out to the Samoan people, in addition to opposing group disputes and foreign government intrusions. In addition to providing historical context, "A Footnote to History" critiques Western imperialism and its effects. Stevenson's firsthand observations and comments offer important background information for comprehending the dynamics of colonialism in the Pacific region as well as the complexity of Samoan history.

‘A Footnote to History’ is an account of Colonial abuse in Samoa, the scramble by the US, Germany and Britain so swallow up land with little regard for the native Samoans. Stevenson became deeply ingrained in the local culture, siding squarely with the Samoans against the duplicitous colonials, so much so that he even fought alongside the Samoans to help keep their king in power. It is frontline journalism, Stevenson is in the midst of this conflict and gives incredible account of both the foreign and native discord. His account brings century old events to life and makes for incredible reading. Despite its age, the lessons in this book stand the test of time and deserve to be learned by all. Robert Louis Stevenson (1850-1894), was an author with a formidable legacy. You will be hard pressed to find anyone alive today who has not come across his work in one form or another. The brilliant mind behind ‘Treasure Island’ and the ‘Strange case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde’, has had a profound impact on every aspect of entertainment to this day with his brilliant creations. Despite dealing with ill health all his life he was a prolific traveller, spending his later years in Samoa where he fought vigorously for the rights of the natives, earning their love and respect. R.L Stevenson was a character in his own right, passionate and adventurous, his spirit shines through in his work, from his novels to his travel guides. You simply owe it to yourself to experience his creations, he was a true titan of literature on whose shoulders we all stand.

A Footnote to History: Eight Years of Trouble in Samoa is an 1892 historical non-fiction work by Robert Louis Stevenson describing the contemporary Samoan Civil War. Robert Louis Stevenson arrived in Samoa in 1889 and built a house at Vailima.

Robert Louis Stevenson was one of the greatest authors of the nineteenth century. Stevenson still ranks as one of the most translated authors in history. Classic books such as Treasure Island, Kidnapped, and The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde are still widely read today and have been made into many critically acclaimed films throughout the years. This book is a historical non-fiction book that describes the Samoan Civil War. Stevenson arrived in Samoa in 1889 and built a house at Vailima and quickly became enthralled with the politics governing the region.

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Differentiated book- It has a historical context with research of the time-A Footnote to History, Eight Years of Trouble in Samoa by Robert Louis Stevenson. It is an 1892 non-fiction historical work by Robert Louis Stevenson that describes the contemporary Samoan Civil War.Robert Louis Stevenson arrived in Samoa in 1889 and built a house in Vailima. He quickly became passionately interested and engaged in the concomitant political machinations. These involved the three colonial powers that were fighting for control of Samoa, the United States, Germany, and Great Britain, and the indigenous factions that were fighting to preserve their old political system. The book covers the period from 1882 to 1892.The book served as such a staunch protest against existing conditions that it resulted in the removal of two officials, and Stevenson for a time feared that it would result in his own deportation. When things were finally over, he wrote to Sidney Colvin, who came from a family of distinguished colonial administrators: "I used to think badly of the plumber; but how he shines alongside the politician!"Robert Louis Balfour Stevenson (Edinburgh, Scotland, November 13, 1850-Vailima, near Apia, Samoa, December 3, 1894) was a British novelist, poet, and essayist. His legacy is a vast work that includes travel chronicles, adventure and historical novels, as well as lyrics and essays.