Have finally got around to reading this classic, and I can see why it became popular. It's a fast-moving boy's own adventure; a popcorn read of pirates and stolen booty. "Rollicking" is probably the best word. Long John Silver is I suppose the book's greatest legacy, though I found him singularly unpleasant in all respects and was, frankly, sorry that he didn't die. Far more interesting to me were Dr. Livesey and Captain Smollett. (I quite understand the Captain retiring after this voyage of dangerous loons, having soured of sailing for life. It's the sensible action of a sensible man.)

Glad I've read it, but will probably only read it the once.