The Land of Story-Books

Name: The Land of Story-Books
Author: Robert Louis Stevenson

The poem explores the imaginative world of a child who, while the parents engage in mundane activities, retreats into a realm of adventure and fantasy. The child envisions a vibrant landscape filled with forests, rivers, and wild animals, drawing inspiration from stories read. This imaginative play transforms the ordinary living room into a vast wilderness where the child becomes a hunter or scout, navigating through a world of make-believe. As the evening progresses, the child creates a narrative where they are part of a larger adventure, interacting with characters and scenarios from various tales. The imagery evokes a sense of freedom and exploration, contrasting the child's solitary play with the adult world of conversation and routine. The child’s journey through this imaginative land is both a form of escapism and a celebration of creativity, highlighting the importance of storytelling in childhood. Ultimately, the poem concludes with the child reluctantly returning to reality, yet cherishing the memories of the adventures experienced in the land of stories. This reflects the enduring impact of literature and imagination on a child's development, emphasizing the joy and wonder found in storytelling.

By Robert Louis Stevenson · First published 1885 · Genre: Children's Literature, Fantasy, Poetry · 240 words

First lines

At evening when the lamp is lit, Around the fire my parents sit; They sit at home and talk and sing, And do not play at anything.

Now, with my little gun, I crawl All in the dark along the wall, And follow round the forest track Away behind the sofa back.

There, in the night, where none can spy, All in my hunter's camp I lie, And play at books that I have read Till it is time to go to bed.

These are the hills, these are the woods, These are my starry solitudes; And there the river by whose brink The roaring lions come to drink.

What this Textopian page supports

The Land of Story-Books is listed on Textopian as a poem by Robert Louis Stevenson, dated 1885 CE.

This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.

Work type: Poem
Author: Robert Louis Stevenson
Date: 1885 CE
Language: English
Genres: Children's Literature, Fantasy, Poetry, Adventure, Nostalgia
Length: 240 words
Structure: 1 section, 6 paragraphs
Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)

Good citation fit

Work identity for The Land of Story-Books by Robert Louis Stevenson
Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Discussion starters

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How does this poem by Robert Louis Stevenson fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
Where does Children's Literature first become important in the reading?

Similar titles

Genres

Children's Literature — The poem captures the imagination and playfulness typical of children's literature, focusing on a child's perspective and adventures.
Fantasy — The themes of imaginary worlds and adventures reflect elements of fantasy, as the child envisions a land filled with stories and adventures.
Poetry — The work is written in verse, employing rhythm and imagery characteristic of poetry.
Adventure — The narrative involves exploration and adventure, as the child imagines himself in various roles and settings.