Treasure Island for the first time is a great and uncomplicated pleasure for a reader of any age. One of the classic adventure stories in English, published first in 1881, Stevenson's novel transcends its time and genre and remains today not only a page-turner but also an engaging portrayal of personality and conflict. Treasure Island, once described as a "boys' book," appeals now not to boys alone but to anyone who likes exciting, believable, non-stop action and colorful characters in an exotic setting.