Robert Louis Stevenson (1850–1894) was a Scottish novelist, poet, travel writer, and essayist. He was a celebrity during his lifetime for works like “Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde” and “Treasure Island.” Now he is one o f the most translated authors in the world. “Lay Morals and Other Papers” is a wonderful collection of essays including works like “Father Damien,” “The Pentland Rising,” “The Day After To-morrow,” and “The Great North Road.”