Robert Louis Stevenson, born on November 13, 1850, in Edinburgh, Scotland, was a prolific Scottish novelist, poet, and essayist. He is renowned for classic works such as 'Treasure Island' and 'The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde,' showcasing a wide range of literary genres during his brief two-decade career. Stevenson passed away on December 3, 1894, leaving behind a legacy as one of the most notable writers of the 19th century.