'An Inland Voyage' frontispiece

This is a frontispiece from Robert Louis Stevenson's 'An Inland Voyage', illustrated by Walter Crane. One of his earliest published works, the book details his canoe trip through France and Belgium in 1876 accompanied by his friend Sir Walter Grindlay Simpson.

In the background of the scene, you can see Stevenson and Simpson in their canoes. Throughout the tale, Stevenson is referred to as 'Arethusa' and Simpson referred to as 'Cigarette': these names appear on the scroll at the bottom of the page.

The figure in the forefront is Pan, the river-god who is notorious for causing problems for travellers.

[Shelfmark ABS.1.81.102]