The Ebb-Tide (1894) is a novel by Robert Louis Stevenson and Lloyd
Osbourne. Published the year of Stevenson's death from tuberculosis, the
last of three collaborations between the legendary Scottish storyteller
and his stepson is a story of adventure, friendship, and greed. Although
less popular than other titles in Stevenson's body of work, the novel
has been recognized for its pointed critique of British and American
imperialism in the South Pacific. Tossed by the waves of fate, three
beggars frequent the ports of Tahiti in search of money and food for
survival. When a merchant schooner devastated by smallpox docks at
Papeete in need of new officers, the only men willing to take the job
are Davis, Herrick, and Huish. A former sea captain, Davis takes charge
of the vessel filled with crates of champagne, but soon the men find
their cargo too tempting to leave untested. As the crew descends into
drunkenness, Huish-the only beggar born into poverty, the only one among
them who understands the value of a job-takes control of the schooner.
As they near their final destination, as the men begin to worry about
the missing cargo and lack of food, a plot to overthrow the officers
takes form. With a beautifully designed cover and professionally typeset
manuscript, this edition of Robert Louis Stevenson and Lloyd Osbourne's
The Ebb-Tide is a classic work of adventure fiction reimagined for
modern readers.