The Black Arrow: A Tale of Two Roses

The Black Arrow: A Tale of the Two Roses is an 1888 novel by Robert Louis Stevenson. It is both a historical adventure novel and a romance novel. The Black Arrow tells the story of Richard (Dick) Shelton during the Wars of the Roses: how he becomes a knight, rescues his lady Joanna Sedley, and obtains justice for the murder of his father, Sir Harry Shelton. Outlaws in Tunstall Forest organized by Ellis Duckworth, whose weapon and calling card is a black arrow, cause Dick to suspect that his guardian Sir Daniel Brackley and his retainers are responsible for his father's murder.

Robert Louis Stevenson (1850-1894) was a seminal Scottish writer known for his prolific output of adventure novels, essays, and poetry during the late 19th century. Born into a family of lighthouse engineers, Stevenson initially followed in their professional footsteps, but his poor health and literary inclinations led him to pursue a career in writing. His experiences traveling, especially to France and California, deeply influenced his work. Stevenson first gained literary acclaim with 'Treasure Island' (1883), a classic of young adult adventure literature. He further established his reputation with 'Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde' (1886), a novella exploring the duality of human nature. 'The Black Arrow: A Tale of the Two Roses' (1888) is another testament to Stevenson's storytelling prowess, embedding a historical adventure narrative within the context of the Wars of the Roses. This work exemplifies his fluid narrative style and richly drawn characters, while also illuminating Stevenson's versatility in traversing both fictitious landscapes and historical settings. Stevenson's literary style, marked by lively dialogue and vivid descriptions, has cemented his reputation as a master storyteller capable of weaving immersive tales that have enchanted readers for generations. He passed away in Samoa, having sought out a climate more forgiving for his health, leaving behind a legacy that has influenced a great number of adventure and mystery writers who followed.