By Guy Boothby. Introduction by Colin Heston.

In the unforgiving expanse of the Australian outback, where the line between fortune and ruin is as thin as a shadow on the sand, the race for survival is never-ending. Guy Boothby’s pulse-pounding tale follows the odyssey of a man driven by ambition and haunted by the specters of his past, thrust into a world where the elements are as treacherous as the men who inhabit them. From the sweat-soaked cattle runs of the bush to the high-stakes tension of the burgeoning colonial cities, this is a story of grit, reinvention, and the relentless pursuit of a legacy.

As the old world’s certainties crumble in the face of a wild, new frontier, the struggle for dominance becomes a trial of the soul. In a landscape that promises everything to the bold and nothing to the weak, can a man outrun his history, or will the "race of life" ultimately claim him? Boothby, the master of Edwardian adventure, delivers a visceral masterwork of high drama and rugged suspense that captures the raw, beating heart of a continent in the making.

Read-Me.Org Inc. New York-Philadelphia-Australia. 2026. 209p.

By Guy Boothby. Introduction by Colin Heston

This volume brings together some of the most imaginative and high-stakes narratives from the pen of Guy Boothby, a writer who reigned as one of the most popular masters of the Victorian "shocker." At a time when the British Empire was at its zenith and the possibilities of modern technology were just beginning to fire the public imagination, Boothby crafted stories that blended geopolitical intrigue with the dark, uncharted corners of the globe.

The centerpiece of this collection, The Kidnapped President (1902), catapults the reader into a world of political conspiracy and daring maritime adventure. Set against the backdrop of a South American revolution, the story follows the audacious abduction of a head of state and the relentless pursuit that follows. Boothby’s personal history as a world traveler is evident here; his descriptions of the sea and the desperate maneuvers of those living on the edge of the law carry an authenticity that few of his contemporaries could match. It is a quintessential example of the "international thriller" before the genre had even fully formed, exploring themes of loyalty, power, and the high price of political ambition.
In A Crime of the Under-Seas (1905), Boothby pivots toward a more localized but no less intense mystery. This narrative delves into the treacherous world of pearl fishing and the cutthroat competition of the maritime trade. When a valuable discovery is marred by a calculated crime, the story becomes a tense examination of greed and the lengths to which men will go when they believe they are beyond the reach of land-based authorities. It serves as a perfect companion to the broader political scope of The Kidnapped President, focusing instead on the gritty, high-stakes reality of those who make their living on the ocean's floor.

Rounding out this edition is a selection of Boothby’s shorter fiction, which highlights his versatility as a storyteller. From eerie tales of the supernatural to sharp, punchy vignettes of colonial life, these stories demonstrate the narrative economy that made him a favorite of the era's leading magazines. Whether he is exploring a haunted family legacy or a clever piece of detective work, Boothby’s prose remains relentlessly paced, always keeping the reader’s curiosity at a fever pitch.
Together, these works offer a vivid window into the anxieties and fascinations of the early 20th century. Guy Boothby understood that his audience craved both the thrill of the unknown and the satisfaction of a justice served, and in this collection, he delivers both with his trademark energy. From the corridors of power to the depths of the sea, this volume invites you to rediscover a pioneer of the thriller genre at the height of his creative powers.

Read-Me.Org Inc. New York-Philadelphia-Australia. 2026. 200p.

By Guy Boothby

The Beautiful White Devil (1896) by Guy Boothby stands as one of the most vivid artifacts of the fin-de-siècle adventure boom, a moment when popular fiction fused imperial restlessness, criminal romance, and the growing public appetite for charismatic anti-heroes. Boothby, already known for his flair for exotic atmospheres and high-velocity plotting, crafted in this novel a figure who upends the moral architecture of late-Victorian adventure: a brilliant, elusive woman outlaw who commands the seas with a mixture of theatrical bravado, disciplined intelligence, and a distinctly modern sensibility about power.

The novel’s pacing is unmistakably Boothby’s—rapid, cinematic, and unembarrassed in its desire to enthrall—but what gives The Beautiful White Devil enduring interest is its central inversion. Instead of the conventional male pirate-captain or gentleman-adventurer, Boothby builds his drama around a woman whose audacity challenges the gender codes of the 1890s. She is both a product of her age and a challenge to it, exploiting the cracks in a world structured by empire, commerce, and male authority. Her crimes unsettle not simply because they are daring, but because they are executed with a level of strategic clarity usually reserved, in Victorian fiction, for men. Even today, she reads less like a stock villain and more like the prototype of the morally ambiguous mastermind—an ancestor of the elegant thief, the tactical vigilante, and the charismatic rogue.

For modern readers, this fusion of high adventure and gender subversion gives the novel a surprisingly contemporary resonance. Boothby captures the anxieties and fascinations of an empire confronting its own vulnerabilities: the fragility of control over distant seas, the shifting status of women within public life, and the ambiguity of heroism in a world where law, power, and personal justice do not always align. The tension between official authority and individual agency—especially when wielded by someone who is not expected, in the Victorian imagination, to possess it—feels strikingly current in an age that still debates the ethics of resistance, the allure of transgression, and the politics of criminality.

As a narrative artifact for a modern edition, The Beautiful White Devil is more than an adventure story; it is a window into the performative spectacle of crime at the turn of the century and a reminder of how popular fiction often anticipates social transformation before “serious” literature acknowledges it. Boothby’s tale, with its blend of romance, danger, and social provocation, remains a compelling example of how the adventure novel can reveal the shadows and ambitions of the culture that produced it.

Read-Me.Org Inc. New York-Philadelphia-Australia. 2026. 216p.

by Guy Boothby (Author), Colin Heston (Introduction)

In the landscape of late-Victorian sensation fiction, few figures loom as large or as shadow-drenched as Dr. Nikola. Before the world had a definitive supervillain archetype, Guy Boothby introduced a mastermind who combined the cold intellect of Sherlock Holmes with the occult ambitions of a sorcerer. A Bid for Fortune, published in 1895 and often subtitled Dr. Nikola’s Vendetta, marks the debut of this iconic antagonist in a high-stakes adventure that spans the globe, moving restlessly from the dusty streets of Sydney to the high society of London and the secretive corners of the East.
The narrative follows Richard Hatteras, a rugged Australian sailor who finds himself accidentally entangled in a web of international intrigue. Hatteras is a man of action, yet he is fundamentally out of his depth when he crosses paths with the enigmatic Doctor. Nikola is not interested in mere petty theft or local power; he is obsessed with uncovering the ancient secrets of a mysterious Tibetan sect. To achieve his ends, he requires a specific Chinese stick—a relic of immense power—and he proves himself willing to manipulate, kidnap, and destroy anyone standing in his way.
Guy Boothby was a pioneer of the "Yellow Back" thrillers, and in Dr. Nikola, he created a character who fascinated readers as much as he terrified them. Accompanied by a massive, sinister black cat named Apollyon, Nikola is a master of science, hypnotism, and disguise, driven by a personal code that sits entirely outside conventional law. This work is more than a simple chase; it is a quintessential example of the "New Imperial" gothic style, blending the era's anxiety about the unknown with the thrill of global exploration.
Readers should prepare for a narrative that moves at a breakneck pace, as Boothby excels at building atmosphere through his descriptions of Nikola’s cat-like movements and calculated calm. As Hatteras attempts to protect the woman he loves while outmaneuvering a man who seems to see five steps ahead, the audience is invited into a world where the line between science and magic is dangerously thin. It is a story where the hero is constantly shadowed by a man who, as the text suggests, is just as dangerous to have as a friend as he is as an enemy.

Read-Me.Org Inc. New York-Philadelphia-Australia. 2026. 232p.

USED BOOK. MAY CONTAIN MARK-UP

By Norman Lindsay

FROM THE COVER. “This is a very funny book, about a very peculiar pudding. In spite of the word 'magic' in the title,there are no fairies or spells. Only a pudding. Sometimes it was a rich odoriferous steak-and-kidney pudding, sometimes it was boiled jam roll or apple dumpling. All you had to do was whistle twice, turn the pudding round, and you could have whatever you wanted! Indeed, the pudding was such a prize that there were 'professional puddin'-owners' and,alas, 'professional puddin'-thieves'. One of the owners was Sam Sawnoff, whose feet were sitting down while his body was standing (he was a penguin), although Bill was just an ordinary small man with a large hat. The pudding had his own views, and was apt to sing in a very gruff voice… For ages eight to eighty, allowing for brief blind periods now and again in between.”

Middlesex. Penguin. 1918.

USED BOOK. MAY CONTAIN MARK-UP

By E. E. Reynolds

FROM THE PREFACE: “The yarns in this book are all narratives of actual experiences. It is not usually difficult to get the books written by famous explorers, such as Livingstone, and their achievements are also recorded in biographies; but there have been a great many men who have travelled in the lesser known parts of the world without becoming famous. Many of the stories that follow are drawn from the adventures ofsuch minor explorers. One group. of the yarns is about early settlers in the Dominions; these men and women had to endure much hardship while creating new homes, but unfortunately few of themrecorded their experiences.

Oxford University Press. 1953. 160p.

By Tim Winton

"The Shepherd's Hut" is a novel by Australian author Tim Winton, first published in 2018. The story is narrated by Jaxie Clackton, a teenage boy who has run away from his abusive father and finds himself alone in the harsh Western Australian wilderness.

Jaxie is a tough and resourceful character who has learned to survive on his own. He comes across an old shepherd's hut and decides to stay there for a while, hoping to avoid being caught by the authorities who are searching for him.

While he is there, Jaxie meets a strange and reclusive man named Fintan MacGillis, who has been living in the wilderness for many years. Fintan takes Jaxie under his wing and teaches him how to survive in the harsh environment.

As Jaxie and Fintan spend time together, Jaxie begins to open up about his troubled past and the abuse he suffered at the hands of his father. Fintan, in turn, shares his own painful memories and the reasons why he has chosen to live in isolation.

The novel explores themes of survival, redemption, and the healing power of human connection. It also examines the complex relationship between fathers and sons, and the ways in which family history can shape our lives.

Australia. Penguin Random House.

By Frederick J. Thwaites

"They Lived That Spring" is a memoir by Frederick J. Thwaites, published in 1950. It chronicles his experiences as a soldier during World War II, including his training in the British army, his deployment to North Africa and Italy, and his return home after the war.

The book offers a personal account of the struggles and hardships of war, as well as the camaraderie and friendships that can develop in such circumstances. Thwaites' writing style is noted for its clarity and directness, and his descriptions of the landscapes and people he encountered during his military service are particularly vivid.

"They Lived That Spring" has been praised for its honest portrayal of the realities of war, as well as for its engaging and accessible writing style. It provides a unique perspective on the experiences of a soldier in World War II, and offers valuable insights into the impact of war on individuals and society as a whole.

Sydney. F. J. Thwaites. 1946, 330p.

By Patrick White

"The Tree of Man" is a novel by Australian author Patrick White, first published in 1955. The novel tells the story of a couple named Stan and Amy Parker who settle on a small farm in rural New South Wales, Australia, in the early 20th century and raise a family there.

The novel explores the lives of the Parkers and their descendants over several generations, tracing the ways in which they adapt to the changing world around them while remaining rooted in their connection to the land. The novel is known for its vivid descriptions of the Australian landscape and its portrayal of the struggles and triumphs of ordinary people.

"The Tree of Man" is considered one of White's most important works and has been widely praised for its poetic language, its sensitive portrayal of human relationships, and its exploration of the themes of family, identity, and belonging. The novel won the Miles Franklin Award, one of the most prestigious literary prizes in Australia, in 1956.

Melbourne. Penguin. 1984. 463p.

By Patrick White

"Voss" is a novel by Australian author Patrick White, first published in 1957. The novel tells the story of a German explorer named Johann Voss who leads an expedition into the Australian interior in the mid-19th century.

The novel is known for its complex and multi-layered narrative structure, as well as its vivid descriptions of the harsh Australian landscape and the psychological and emotional struggles of its characters. Voss is portrayed as a complex and enigmatic figure, struggling to come to terms with his own identity and his place in the world.

The novel explores a wide range of themes, including the conflict between civilization and wilderness, the struggle for personal identity, and the impact of colonialism on both the colonizers and the colonized. It has been praised for its poetic language, its intricate plot, and its exploration of complex philosophical and psychological themes.

"Voss" is widely regarded as one of the greatest Australian novels of the 20th century, and has been translated into multiple languages. It was awarded the Miles Franklin Award, one of the most prestigious literary prizes in Australia, in 1957.

Sydney Aus. Random House. Vintage. 1957. 462p.

By Miles Franklin

"My Brilliant Career" tells the story of Sybylla, a headstrong young woman living in rural Australia in the late 19th century. She dreams of a life beyond the narrow expectations of her social class and gender, but struggles to reconcile her desire for independence with the pressure to marry and conform to traditional gender roles. The novel is noted for its vivid descriptions of the Australian landscape, as well as its frank depiction of Sybylla's rebellious spirit and the social constraints that limit her opportunities.

"My Career Goes Bung" picks up Sybylla's story several years after the events of the first novel. She has moved to the city and is working as a governess, but continues to struggle with the tension between her desire for independence and the societal pressure to conform to traditional gender roles. The novel continues to explore themes of class, gender, and the limitations imposed on women in turn-of-the-century Australia, and is notable for its witty and irreverent tone.

Both novels are widely regarded as landmarks of Australian literature, and are celebrated for their feminist themes, vivid descriptions of the Australian landscape, and their pioneering portrayal of a young woman's struggle for independence and self-determination. Miles Franklin herself was a pioneering figure in Australian literature and a passionate advocate for women's rights, and the Miles Franklin Literary Award, one of Australia's most prestigious literary prizes, is named in her honor.

Sydney Australia. Harper Collins. 1901 & 1946. 448p

By Phillippa Gregory

NY. Touchstone. 2004. 512p.

"The Queen's Fool" is a historical fiction novel by Philippa Gregory, first published in 2003. The book is set in England in the 16th century, during the reigns of King Henry VIII and Queen Mary I, and tells the story of a young girl named Hannah Green who becomes a servant in the royal court.

Hannah is a gifted "fool," a type of entertainer who uses jokes and acrobatics to amuse the court. She catches the eye of Queen Mary, who takes her under her wing and makes her a trusted confidante. But as Hannah gets caught up in the political machinations of the court, she must navigate dangerous alliances and protect herself from those who would do her harm.

"The Queen's Fool" is a well-researched and engaging work of historical fiction that offers a window into the complex and turbulent world of Tudor England. Gregory's prose is vivid and evocative, and her characters are richly drawn and memorable. The book offers a fresh perspective on well-known historical figures, such as King Henry VIII and Queen Mary I, and provides a compelling glimpse into the lives of the ordinary people who served them.

By D. H. Lawrence

Kangaroo is D. H. Lawrence's eighth novel, set in Australia. He wrote the first draft in just forty-five days while living south of Sydney, in 1922, and revised it three months later in New Mexico. The descriptions of the country are vivid and sympathetic and the book fuses lightly disguised autobiography with an exploration of political ideas at an immensely personal level. Based on a collation of the manuscript, typescripts and first editions, this text of Kangaroo is closest to what Lawrence would have expected to see in print. There is a full textual apparatus of variants, a comprehensive introduction giving the background and history of composition and publication and a summary of contemporary reviewers' opinions. Explanatory notes elucidate the many geographical, political and literary allusions in the text; there are three maps and an appendix detailing Australian locations.

London. Thomas Seltzer Inc. 1923. 367p.

By Jackie French

This is a love song to our nation, told in a single sweeping story

Jed Kelly has finally persuaded her great aunt Nancy to tell the story of her grandparents. The tale that unfolds is one of Australia's greatest romances - that of Clancy of the Overflow, who gave up everything for Rose, the woman he adored, and yet still gained all he'd lost and more.

But Nancy's story is not the history that Jed expects. More tales lurk behind the folklore that surrounds Clancy - the stories of the women hidden in Australia's long history, who forged a nation and whose voices need to be heard.

It is also a story of many kinds of love. Clancy's growing passion for the bush, immortalised in Paterson's poem, which speaks to him in the ripple of the river and the song of the stars, and Nancy's need to pass on her deep understanding of her country.

But perhaps the most moving love story of all is the one that never happened, between Matilda O'Halloran and Clancy of the Overflow. And as Jed brings all of these stories to life in her book, Matilda and Clancy will once again waltz beside the river and the forgotten will be given a new voice.

Australia. Harper Collins Australia. 2019. 446p.

Edited By Aviva Tuffield

Proving that the short story is alive and well in Australia, this eclectic anthology of previously unpublished and uncollected vignettes showcases some of the finest authors from Down Under—from seasoned practitioners to rising and emerging stars of the short story firmament. At once poignant, tender, introspective, and funny, the volume includes a wide variety of genres, from humor and romance to drama and mystery. Capturing whole lives in just a few satisfying pages, this lively compendium is ideal for dipping into and perfect for those seeking inspiration and escape.. This eclectic anthology of new stories showcases some of our finest writers, and proves that the short story is alive and well in Australia.

From seasoned practitioners of the form through to emerging stars of the short-story firmament, New Australian Stories 2 caters for all tastes. There's humour, mystery, drama, and even some delusion and deceit. Ideal for dipping into, and perfect for those seeking inspiration and escape, this collection is designed for your reading pleasure.

Full list of contributors: Debra Adelaide, Claire Aman, Jon Bauer, Melissa Beit, Tegan Bennett Daylight, Tony Birch, Georgia Blain, Patrick Cullen, Sonja Dechian, Brooke Dunnell, Peggy Frew, Julie Gittus, Marion Halligan, Jacinta Halloran, Karen Hitchcock, Anne Jenner, Myfanwy Jones, Lesley Jorgensen, Cate Kennedy, Zane Lovitt, Scott McDermott, Fiona McFarlane, Jane McGown, A.G. McNeil, Susan Midalia, Jennifer Mills, Meg Mundell, Peta Murray, Ruby J. Murray, Mark O'Flynn, Ryan O'Neill, Paddy O'Reilly, Kate Ryan, Emma Schwarcz, Jane Sullivan, Chris Womersley.

Melbourne Scribe. 2009. 339p.