A Footnote to History: Eight Years of Trouble in Samoa
| Company type | Book |
|---|---|
| Industry | Publishing |
| Founded | 1892 |
| Founder | Robert Louis Stevenson |
| Products | Historical non-fiction book |
A Footnote to History: Eight Years of Trouble in Samoa is a historical non-fiction publication from 1892 authored by Scottish-born writer Robert Louis Stevenson, which examines the ongoing Samoan Civil War during that era.
Stevenson settled in Samoa in 1889, making his home at Vailima, and became actively engaged in the complex political conflicts involving the three dominant foreign powers—the United States, Germany, and Britain—alongside the native Samoan groups. The narrative spans the period between 1882 and 1892.
This book delivers a pointed analysis of the existing circumstances, resulting in the dismissal of two officials and sparking fears regarding Stevenson's possible expulsion. Once hostilities diminished, he corresponded with Sidney Colvin, commenting on governance: "I used to think meanly of the plumber; but how he shines beside the politician!"
A review from that time praised Stevenson's ability to work within the limits of factual reporting: