SCRAPS, the full title being Scientific Charles Recalls a Poetic Stevenson, written by Charles Alexander Stevenson, was an idea the author had recalling and correcting some impressions of his cousin Robert Louis Stevenson and of life in Edinburgh and the Scottish Borders, in the 19th century.
Much has been published about RLS as a writer, however here we have a first hand account from his cousin, of the young man, his family, within the context of the environment in which he was brought up. Charles Stevenson provides an intimate and authentic description of this Scottish writer in his early years before he became famous.
In the latter part of his life, Charles Stevenson, despite his failing health, remained determined that the manuscript of his compiled recollections should be completed as a published book.
With the help of his daughter, May (Evelyn Mary Yeoman), he was able to dictate his thoughts, which she would transcribe each day prior to his corrections and amendments. The process ended on Charles’ death in 1950 and it is only now that this project has finally come to fruition.