# Treasure Island

> 1883 novel by the Scottish author Robert Louis Stevenson

**Wikidata**: [Q185118](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q185118)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Treasure_Island)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/treasure-island

Here is the structured knowledge entry for *Treasure Island*:

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## Summary
*Treasure Island* is an 1883 novel by the Scottish author Robert Louis Stevenson, widely regarded as a classic of adventure fiction. The story follows young Jim Hawkins as he discovers a treasure map and becomes entangled in a quest for buried gold, led by the cunning pirate Long John Silver. The novel is celebrated for its vivid characters, thrilling plot, and exploration of themes of greed, loyalty, and survival.

## Key Facts
- **Author**: Robert Louis Stevenson (Scottish novelist and poet, 1850–1894).
- **Publication Date**: November 14, 1883.
- **Genre**: Adventure fiction, Gothic literature.
- **Country of Origin**: United Kingdom.
- **Notable Characters**: Long John Silver, Jim Hawkins, Captain Flint, Billy Bones, Dr. Livesey, Squire Trelawney.
- **Inspiration**: Based on Stevenson’s experiences in the Caribbean and his fascination with pirate lore.
- **Literary Significance**: Often studied in schools and adapted into films, plays, and other media.
- **Wikidata ID**: Q185118.
- **ISBN**: 978-0091849505 (Scribner’s edition).
- **Gutenberg Project ID**: 120.
- **Open Library ID**: OL24034W.
- **Goodreads ID**: 107813.
- **Google Knowledge Graph ID**: /m/016gg_.

## FAQs
**What is the central conflict in *Treasure Island*?**
The novel revolves around Jim Hawkins’ discovery of Captain Flint’s treasure map and his subsequent struggle to reclaim the buried gold from the ruthless pirate Long John Silver. The conflict explores themes of greed, betrayal, and the moral complexities of adventure.

**Who are the main characters in *Treasure Island*?**
The key characters include Jim Hawkins (the protagonist), Long John Silver (the cunning pirate), Captain Flint (the deceased treasure hunter), Billy Bones (the loyal first mate), Dr. Livesey (the ship’s doctor), and Squire Trelawney (Jim’s uncle).

**What inspired Robert Louis Stevenson to write *Treasure Island*?**
Stevenson drew inspiration from his experiences in the Caribbean, his fascination with pirate lore, and the historical accounts of real-life pirates like Captain Flint. He also based the novel on his own adventures and encounters with seafaring men.

**How has *Treasure Island* been adapted into other media?**
The novel has been adapted into numerous films, television series, stage plays, and audiobooks. Notable adaptations include Disney’s 1950 animated film and the 1990 miniseries starring Christian Bale.

**What themes does *Treasure Island* explore?**
The novel examines themes of greed, loyalty, survival, and the moral dilemmas faced by its characters. It also critiques the corrupting influence of wealth and the dangers of unchecked ambition.

## Why It Matters
*Treasure Island* is a cornerstone of adventure literature, influencing generations of writers and readers. Its vivid portrayal of pirate life, complex characters, and thrilling plot has made it a staple of children’s and young adult literature. The novel’s exploration of moral ambiguity and the consequences of greed continues to resonate with readers. Additionally, its enduring popularity has led to numerous adaptations, ensuring its legacy in film, television, and theater. As a classic of world literature, *Treasure Island* remains a vital text for understanding the human experience and the allure of adventure.

## Notable For
- Being one of the most widely read and adapted adventure novels of the 19th century.
- Introducing the iconic character of Long John Silver, a memorable and complex pirate.
- Serving as a foundational text in the adventure fiction genre.
- Inspiring numerous film, television, and theatrical adaptations.
- Exploring timeless themes of greed, loyalty, and survival.
- Being a key work in Robert Louis Stevenson’s literary canon.

## Body
### Literary Context
*Treasure Island* was written by Robert Louis Stevenson, a Scottish author known for his contributions to adventure fiction, Gothic literature, and children’s literature. The novel was published on November 14, 1883, and quickly gained popularity for its engaging narrative and memorable characters. Stevenson drew inspiration from his own experiences in the Caribbean and his fascination with pirate lore, which he based on historical accounts and his own adventures.

### Plot and Characters
The story follows Jim Hawkins, a young boy who discovers a treasure map belonging to the late Captain Flint. The map leads him and his companions to the island of Treasure Island, where they encounter the ruthless pirate Long John Silver and his crew. The central conflict revolves around Jim’s struggle to reclaim the treasure from Silver, who is determined to keep it for himself. Key characters include:
- **Long John Silver**: The cunning and ruthless pirate leader.
- **Jim Hawkins**: The protagonist and treasure hunter.
- **Captain Flint**: The deceased treasure hunter whose map Jim discovers.
- **Billy Bones**: Silver’s loyal first mate.
- **Dr. Livesey**: The ship’s doctor.
- **Squire Trelawney**: Jim’s uncle.

### Themes and Influences
*Treasure Island* explores themes of greed, loyalty, and survival. The novel critiques the corrupting influence of wealth and the dangers of unchecked ambition. Stevenson’s portrayal of pirate life is based on historical accounts and his own experiences, adding authenticity to the story. The novel’s exploration of moral ambiguity and the consequences of greed continues to resonate with readers.

### Adaptations and Legacy
The novel has been adapted into numerous films, television series, stage plays, and audiobooks. Notable adaptations include Disney’s 1950 animated film and the 1990 miniseries starring Christian Bale. These adaptations have helped to preserve and popularize the story, ensuring its legacy in popular culture. *Treasure Island* remains a vital text for understanding the human experience and the allure of adventure, influencing generations of writers and readers.

### Technical Details
- **ISBN**: 978-0091849505 (Scribner’s edition).
- **Gutenberg Project ID**: 120.
- **Open Library ID**: OL24034W.
- **Goodreads ID**: 107813.
- **Google Knowledge Graph ID**: /m/016gg_.

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## References

1. Treasure Island | WorldCat.org. WorldCat
2. Virtual International Authority File
3. BnF authorities
4. [Treasure Island Published. Information Britain](https://information-britain.co.uk/famdates.php?id=1160)
5. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
6. [Treasure Island by Robert Louis Stevenson | Open Library](https://openlibrary.org/works/OL24034W/Treasure_Island?edition=key%3A/books/OL38609123M)
7. BBC Things
8. Encyclopædia Britannica Online
9. [Source](https://blogs.loc.gov/loc/2025/12/literary-maps-your-imaginary-guide-to-famous-fictional-places/)
10. [Source](https://wolnelektury.pl/katalog/lektura/wyspa-skarbow/)
11. Quora
12. [Treasure Island | Literawiki | Fandom](https://literature.fandom.com/wiki/Treasure_Island)
13. Goodreads
14. Virtual Study of Theatre Institute