R. M. Ballantyne

Robert Michael Ballantyne

Scottish author of juvenile fiction

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Native name
Born	Robert Michael Ballantyne 24 April 1825 Edinburgh, Scotland
Died	8 February 1894 Rome, Italy
Resting place
Pen name
Nickname
Occupation	Writer
Language
Nationality	Scottish

Robert Michael Ballantyne (24 April 1825 – 8 February 1894) was a Scottish author of juvenile fiction. He was born in Edinburgh, Scotland, and was part of a famous family of printers and publishers. Ballantyne is best known for his adventure story The Coral Island (1858), which inspired later works such as Treasure Island by Robert Louis Stevenson.

Early life

Ballantyne was born in Edinburgh to Alexander Thomson Ballantyne and Anne Randall Scott Grant. He was educated at the Edinburgh Academy and later worked for the Hudson's Bay Company in Canada from 1841 to 1847. His experiences in Canada provided material for his first book, Hudson's Bay: or, Life in the Wilds of North America (1848).

Literary career

Ballantyne began his literary career with the publication of Hudson's Bay: or, Life in the Wilds of North America. He went on to write over 100 books, many of which were aimed at young readers. His works often featured exotic locations and adventurous plots, making them popular among boys.

His most famous work, The Coral Island, tells the story of three boys shipwrecked on a deserted island. The novel was praised for its vivid descriptions and moral lessons. It has been translated into several languages and remains a classic of children's literature.

Later life and death

In his later years, Ballantyne continued to write and travel. He lived in various parts of Europe, including Italy, where he died in Rome on 8 February 1894. He is buried in the Cimitero Acattolico in Rome.

Legacy

Ballantyne's works have had a lasting impact on the genre of juvenile fiction. His adventure stories have inspired generations of young readers and writers. The Coral Island in particular has been adapted into various media, including films and television series.

Selected works

• Hudson's Bay: or, Life in the Wilds of North America (1848)
• The Coral Island (1858)
• The Young Fur Traders (1856)
• The World of Ice (1869)
• The Dog Crusoe and His Master (1860)
• The Gorilla Hunters (1861)

See also

• List of children's literature writers
• Adventure fiction
• Robert Louis Stevenson

External links

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