By George Meredith (Author)

Set in an imaginary Oriental landscape, The Shaving of Shagpat follows the humble barber Shibli Bagarag, who embarks on an epic quest to perform the symbolic and dangerous act of shaving Shagpat—a powerful figure whose enchanted, unshorn hair represents the tyranny of falsehood and delusion over the minds of men. The narrative is populated with genies, enchantresses, magical cities, and perilous tasks, weaving a tapestry of adventure that operates on both the literal and allegorical planes. At first glance, The Shaving of Shagpat appears to be a whimsical fantasy—an exotic romance filled with the familiar trappings of Eastern fable. Yet beneath the surface lies a sophisticated commentary on the nature of truth, illusion, and the moral evolution of the individual. Meredith uses the framework of fantasy not merely to entertain but to craft a parable about the necessity of intellectual courage and the struggle for personal enlightenment.

For contemporary readers, the book remains a fascinating artifact of literary daring—a playful yet profound reminder that the struggle against illusion, whether in the form of personal vanity or societal falsehood, is both eternal and essential. In The Shaving of Shagpat, Meredith offers not only an enchanting fable but also an enduring meditation on the human condition.

Read-Me.Org Inc. New York-Philadelphia-Australia. 2025. 242p.

By Rudyard Kipling

FROM THE COVER: "Once upon a Time O Best Beloved," and so begins one of the best loved and most respected collections of stories for children, Rudyard Kipling's Just So Stories. This edition includes the author's own unique illustrations. Kipling's bold linear fantasies, in the style of art nouveau, as well as his attention to realistic detail, create an intriguing and strikingly different interpretation. The first tale, "How the Whale Got Its Throat," a tall tale of a big whale, sets the tone for these wild "venturesome adventures," to use Kipling's words. One glance at the table of contents will reveal that the Just So Stories appeal most to inquisitive and fantasy-loving minds. These are stories which tell us of the Time of Very Beginnings;…”

London. Crown Publishers.. 1978. Originally published 1937. 211p. USED BOOK

By Patrick White

"The Aunt's Story" is a novel written by Patrick White, an Australian author who was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1973. It was first published in 1948 and is considered one of White's most significant works.

The novel follows the character of Theodora Goodman, a woman who feels out of place in her conventional middle-class Australian upbringing. She travels to Europe to find a sense of purpose and belonging, but struggles to find her place in the world. The story is told through a series of interconnected vignettes, exploring Theodora's inner thoughts and perceptions of the world around her.

"The Aunt's Story" is noted for its lyrical and poetic writing style, as well as its exploration of themes such as identity, self-discovery, and the search for meaning in life. The novel is also notable for its use of symbolism and metaphor, which are used to explore Theodora's psychological journey.

Mitcham, Austalia. Penguin. 1953

By Bryce Courtenay

"The Potato Factory" is a novel written by Bryce Courtenay, an Australian author. It was published in 1995 and is the first book in a trilogy, followed by "Tommo & Hawk" and "Solomon's Song".

The novel is set in the mid-19th century and follows the life of Ikey Solomon, a notorious London criminal who is arrested and transported to Australia. There, he becomes involved in the potato trade, opening a factory to process and export potatoes to England.

The story also focuses on the relationship between Ikey and his wife, Hannah, who remains in London and eventually joins him in Australia. It explores the themes of survival, redemption, and the struggle for power and control.

Penguin Random House. 1995. 696p.