WEIR OF HERMISTON

A story of murderous bloodshed and a love story, 'Weir of Hermiston' is Stevenson's last novel and his masterpiece. In it he takes up his continuing preoccupation with human duality and the necessity of filial disobedience. He portrays the rivalry between Lord Hermiston, a sardonic and formidable Edinburgh 'hanging judge' and his son Archic, who is banished to the Hermiston estate and the company of women. Stevenson was at work on the novel on the day of his death in 1894, and the story is arrested in mid-flow during a lover's quarrel. This Penguin Classics edition, with a new introduction, glossary and notes by Karl Miller, contains a note of Stevenson's projected conclusion to the novel.
Considered Robert Louis Stevenson's masterpiece, and left unfinished at the time of his death, this novel conveys in theme, style, and tone the power of Stevenson's creative originality. It is set in Edinburgh at the end of the 18th century and reflects the author's fascination with the relationship between father and son and his preoccupation with the battle between good and evil within every man. Includes Stevenson's projected conclusion and draft material.