Rowland Evans Robinson (1833-1900) was a distinguished American author and illustrator, known for his engagement with the rural life and landscapes of Vermont. Born into a Quaker family in Ferrisburgh, Vermont, Robinson's upbringing amid the natural splendor of the New England countryside deeply influenced his later works. A farmer by trade, his intimate familiarity with the land and its denizens lent authenticity to his literary endeavors. 'Vermont: A Study of Independence' embodies Robinson's reflective and observant nature. It is a vivid articulation of Vermont's character, exploring its culture, politics, and the fierce independence of its people through both prose and artwork. His literary style often merged detailed natural observation with a gentle humor, revealing the idiosyncrasies of rural life in the 19th century. Robinson's works contribute significantly to the American regional realist tradition, rendering him a literary figure of note in the annals of American letters. His legacy endures as an astute chronicler of the Yankee spirit and the evocative Vermont landscape.