Father Damien: An Open Letter to the Reverend Dr. Hyde of Honolulu

Published in 1890, 'Father Damien: An Open Letter to the Reverend Dr. Hyde of Honolulu' is a passionate defense by Robert Louis Stevenson of Father Damien, a missionary who dedicated his life to leprosy patients on Molokai. In this open letter, Stevenson confronts Reverend Dr. Hyde's disparaging remarks about Damien, arguing against the portrayal of Damien as seeking personal glory. Instead, Stevenson highlights Damien's selfless commitment and the gratitude he earned from those he served, presenting him as a flawed yet noble figure deserving of recognition as a true hero.