By Ring W. Gardner (Author), Colin Heston (Preface) Format: Kindle Edition

Round Up gathers together the taut, muscular stories of Ring W. Lardner, a writer whose work bridges the divide between the mythologized West and its harsher, less forgiving realities. In these pages, Lardner is neither sentimental nor nostalgic. He strips the Western narrative to its barest elements, presenting us with a landscape that is both expansive and claustrophobic, and characters who are caught between the lure of freedom and the inevitability of fate.
Lardner’s contribution to the American short story lies in his ability to invest the familiar tropes of frontier life with psychological depth and moral ambiguity. His cowboys and ranchers are not mere archetypes; they are restless souls negotiating loyalty, isolation, and survival in a world where law and justice are provisional at best. The violence in these stories is never gratuitous—it is sudden, often senseless, and always carries a human cost. Lardner understands that the West was not only a place but also an idea, one that promised reinvention yet often delivered ruin.
What sets Lardner apart from many of his contemporaries is his prose: terse, unsentimental, yet charged with a quiet lyricism. His narratives move with the inevitability of a gathering storm, his dialogue as spare as the plains he describes. The result is a body of work that feels astonishingly modern in its refusal of easy resolutions.
In an era when the Western genre risks being dismissed as an artifact of popular culture, Round Up demands reconsideration. These are not mere adventure tales or moral fables. They are stories of a liminal world, where the boundaries between civilization and wilderness, justice and vengeance, myth and memory, blur and collapse. Lardner’s West is not simply the West that was; it is also the West as it continues to haunt the American imagination.

By George Meredith (Author), Colin Heston (Introduction)

Vittoria, published in 1867, is one of George Meredith’s most ambitious historical novels and serves as a sequel to his earlier work Sandra Belloni (originally titled Emilia in England). While Sandra Belloni explored the struggles of an Italian-born heroine within the confines of English provincial society, Vittoria shifts the scene entirely to Italy during one of the most turbulent and significant periods of the 19th century—the Italian Risorgimento, the movement for national unification and independence from foreign rule.
In Vittoria, Meredith combines the personal and the political, weaving a narrative in which the inner development of the heroine, Vittoria, mirrors the aspirations and tumult of the Italian national cause. The novel is set during the events of 1848, a year of revolutionary fervor across Europe, when Italy was in the throes of armed uprisings against Austrian dominance. Through the story of Vittoria, a gifted opera singer who becomes involved in the nationalist struggle, Meredith addresses questions of patriotism, duty, identity, and the costs of freedom. Ultimately, Vittoria is a novel about courage—the courage to defy oppression, to embrace love in the face of danger, and to live a life that is aligned with one’s highest convictions. It is both a stirring narrative of revolution and an enduring meditation on the responsibilities that come with freedom. For readers willing to engage with its intellectual demands, Vittoria offers a richly rewarding experience—a testament to Meredith’s belief that literature should challenge as well as enlighten.

Read-Me.Org Inc. New York-Philadelphia-Australia. 2025. 358p.

By George Meredith (Author), Colin Heston (Introduction)

George Meredith’s “The Egoist” is widely regarded as one of his most accomplished and mature works, combining his characteristic wit, psychological depth, and social critique into a sharp and satirical narrative. Published in 1879, this novel represents a pinnacle in Meredith’s literary philosophy—his commitment to using fiction not merely as entertainment but as a vehicle for exploring human character, societal expectations, and the subtle dynamics of personal relationships. In many ways, “The Egoist” functions both as a comedy of manners and as a profound psychological study, holding a mirror up to the follies and vanities of Victorian society.
At the heart of “The Egoist” lies a central theme that preoccupied Meredith throughout his literary career: the tension between individual selfhood and the demands of others—particularly within the confines of marriage and social conventions. The story revolves around Sir Willoughby Patterne, a wealthy and charming yet profoundly self-absorbed gentleman, whose narcissism forms the axis upon which the novel’s drama turns. Meredith describes him as a man who regards others merely as extensions of his own identity, whose self-love blinds him to the autonomy, desires, and inner lives of those around him. Willoughby’s egoism is not the mere arrogance or pride commonly depicted in fiction but is an all-encompassing psychological state—a subtle, insidious failure of empathy and moral imagination.
In conclusion, “The Egoist” is more than a satire of a single narcissistic man; it is a brilliant dissection of the subtle forces that govern human relationships. Through its precise psychological characterization, sharp wit, and philosophical depth, the novel transcends its Victorian context to speak to enduring questions about identity, autonomy, and the ethical demands of living among others. Its challenge to readers remains as relevant today as it was in 1879: to recognize, confront, and transcend the egoisms that so often distort both personal and social life.
Read-Me.Org Inc. New York-Philadelphia-Australia. 2025. 441p..

By George Meredith. Designed and Edited with an Introduction by Colin Heston.

Sandra Belloni, first published in 1864 under the title Emilia in England, occupies a distinctive place in the literary corpus of George Meredith. It represents one of his earliest extended efforts to merge the comic novel with a more pointed social critique, a technique that would become a hallmark of his mature style. This novel, rich in subtle irony and psychological insight, grapples with the tensions between individuality and conformity, art and social convention, and the constraints of class and gender in Victorian England. At its heart, it is a narrative about a young woman of Italian descent, Emilia Belloni, whose musical gifts and unorthodox spirit clash with the expectations of the rigid English society into which she is thrust.

Meredith uses Emilia’s character not merely as a protagonist but as a symbolic figure—an embodiment of passionate sincerity, artistic freedom, and the disruptive power of the outsider. Emilia’s foreignness is not just ethnic; it is deeply cultural and emotional. Her instincts are governed by feeling and a commitment to truth, which repeatedly brings her into conflict with the carefully cultivated hypocrisies and social facades of the English middle and upper classes. Through her, Meredith examines the ways in which English society suppresses emotional authenticity in favor of propriety and self-interest.

In reading Sandra Belloni today, one encounters not only a portrait of Victorian society in all its contradictions but also an enduring exploration of the universal struggle between the self and society, between the voice that seeks to sing freely and the forces that would silence it. It is a novel that resonates beyond its historical moment, inviting readers to reflect on the costs and necessities of remaining true to oneself in the face of overwhelming pressure to conform.

Read-Me.Org Inc. New York-Philadelphia-Australia. 2025. 318p.

By George Meredith (Author), Colin Heston (Introduction)

At the heart of One of Our Conquerors is the story of Victor Radnor, a self-made, successful businessman who embodies the energies of commercial Victorian England. Victor is a man of formidable charm, ambition, and benevolence, yet he is ensnared in a socially precarious position due to his relationship with his beloved partner, Nataly, with whom he has lived for years as husband and wife without formal marriage. Their union, socially illegitimate though personally devoted, becomes the focal point for much of the novel’s tension. Victor’s desire to legitimize their relationship and secure a respectable position for their daughter Nesta in society serves as the narrative’s driving conflict.
Meredith, ever the ironist, does not present Victor uncritically. Victor is a man of immense energy, imagination, and generosity, but also prone to illusions—particularly about the power of charm, wealth, and personal will to override the deeper currents of social judgment. His belief that society can be bent to his personal desires reflects both the optimism of the self-made man and the hubris that often accompanies unchecked ambition. In this sense, the title One of Our Conquerors carries a double edge: it acknowledges Victor’s triumphs in commerce and his conquest of circumstances but also points to the broader critique of conquest itself—whether in business, society, or personal relationships.
One of Our Conquerors is a profound exploration of the tensions between private morality and public life, between individual will and social constraint, and between the old moral orders and the emerging complexities of modernity. It challenges readers to consider the costs of social conformity, the meaning of success, and the possibilities for human integrity in a world increasingly driven by commerce, appearance, and social performance. As with Meredith’s other major works, it is a novel whose rewards are commensurate with the patience and thoughtfulness brought to it—a work that continues to resonate with readers interested in the enduring struggles between the personal and the public, the ideal and the real.

Read-Me.Org Inc. New York-Philadelphia-Australia. 2025. 291p.

By George Meredith (Author), Colin Heston (Introduction)

Evan Harrington, first published in 1861, represents a crucial early milestone in the literary career of George Meredith. While not as formally experimental or philosophically dense as his later masterpieces like The Egoist or Beauchamp’s Career, this novel nonetheless displays in fully developed form the sharp social satire, psychological acuity, and probing concern with class, identity, and social performance that would become hallmarks of Meredith’s mature work. More overtly comedic than much of his later fiction, Evan Harrington occupies a unique place in his canon as both a sparkling social comedy and a pointed critique of the hypocrisies embedded within Victorian class structures.
At its most basic level, Evan Harrington is a novel about a young man’s struggle with the question of identity — specifically, the tension between his personal merit and the social stigma attached to his family’s occupation. Evan is the son of Melchisedec Harrington, an exceedingly proud and flamboyant tailor whose death leaves his family facing financial and social crisis. Although Evan has received a gentleman’s education and possesses the manners and intellect of the upper classes, he is forced to reckon with the fact that in the rigidly stratified world of mid-19th century England, the mere fact of being “the tailor’s son” is enough to exclude him from the ranks of polite society.
Evan Harrington remains a vital and compelling work not only because it provides insight into Meredith’s literary evolution but also because its central concerns continue to resonate. The tension between personal integrity and social expectation, the arbitrariness of class distinctions, and the enduring question of what it means to live authentically within a society structured by appearances — these remain pressing questions in any era.
In sum, Evan Harrington is both a sparkling social comedy and a profound moral fable. It combines the pleasures of sharp character portraits, witty dialogue, and romantic intrigue with a serious exploration of identity, class, and the painful comedy of human vanity. It is a work that delights the reader while also challenging them to reflect on the enduring absurdities of social life and the courage it takes to live truthfully in the face of them. As such, it stands as a worthy introduction to the genius of George Meredith and a foundational text within the broader tradition of the Victorian social novel.

Read-Me.Org Inc. New York-Philadelphia-Australia. 2025. 332p.

By George Meredith (Author), Colin Heston (Introduction)

Diana of the Crossways, first published in 1885, represents a pivotal achievement in George Meredith’s literary career. It stands apart not merely as his most commercially successful novel during his lifetime but as a mature and sophisticated exploration of some of the most pressing social, psychological, and philosophical dilemmas of the Victorian age. This novel synthesizes his longstanding thematic concerns—gender relations, the constraints of marriage, the struggle for individual autonomy, and the social mechanisms of hypocrisy and surveillance—into a narrative that is at once accessible, profoundly ironic, and deeply analytical.
At its center is the figure of Diana Merion Warwick, a woman of exceptional beauty, intellect, and vivacity, whose struggle is emblematic of the tensions between the individual, particularly the intellectually aspiring woman, and a society structured to suppress her independence. Diana’s trajectory is not merely the story of a woman’s personal fate but a dramatization of the larger structural impediments to female agency in a patriarchal world that equates female virtue with silence, obedience, and domestic confinement.
The novel’s contemporary relevance is striking. Its exploration of gendered power dynamics, the politics of reputation, the policing of women’s voices, and the ethical failures of institutions built on inequality continues to resonate with modern readers. It anticipates many of the concerns that would later be taken up by feminist literary critics, particularly in its portrayal of how systemic power operates through language, marriage, and social surveillance.
Diana of the Crossways thus stands not merely as a compelling work of Victorian fiction but as a profound literary experiment in social critique, psychological realism, and moral philosophy. It is a novel that challenges the reader to think deeply about the structures of power that govern intimate relationships and public life, and about the costs of pursuing truth and autonomy in a world designed to punish those who do. Through its combination of narrative wit, philosophical depth, and emotional intensity, it remains one of George Meredith’s most enduring and significant achievements.

Read-Me.Org Inc. New York-Philadelphia-Australia. 2025. 275p.

By George Meredith. Introduction by Colin Heston

When An Amazing Marriage was published in 1895, George Meredith stood at the summit of his literary career, celebrated as one of the most intellectually formidable and stylistically daring novelists of the Victorian age. By this time, Meredith had forged a reputation for works that combined psychological subtlety, social satire, and philosophical inquiry, appealing more to the discerning literary elite than to the broader Victorian reading public. An Amazing Marriage emerges as one of his last full-length novels and, fittingly, revisits many of the themes that had preoccupied him throughout his life—gender relations, the institution of marriage, the constraints of social conventions, and the inner lives of women.

The very title, An Amazing Marriage, signals Meredith's ironic stance toward the Victorian ideal of marriage. Rather than a romantic or sentimental union, marriage is often portrayed in his works as a contested arena, where conflicting expectations, social pressures, and personal ambitions collide. In this novel, Meredith offers a biting critique of the marital conventions of his era, presenting a union that is both remarkable and troubling in its complexity.
Although An Amazing Marriage is less frequently read today than Meredith’s earlier masterpieces, it remains a vital document of the tensions that defined late-Victorian society. Its psychological acuity, progressive gender politics, and sharp critique of social hypocrisy retain their resonance in the modern era, where debates about marriage, gender roles, and personal autonomy continue to evolve.
For contemporary readers, the novel offers both a window into the anxieties of the past and a mirror reflecting the enduring challenges of balancing love, freedom, and social expectation. Aminta’s journey toward self-realization, with all its attendant risks and uncertainties, anticipates the narratives of countless women in the century that followed.

Read-Me.Org Inc. New York-Philadelphia-Australia. 2025. 213p.

By George Meredith. Designed and Edited with an Introduction by Colin Heston.

More than any other of his novels, Beauchamp’s Career embodies Meredith’s philosophical worldview: that the highest human calling is the continual pursuit of greater consciousness. For Meredith, the “Comic Spirit” serves as an ethical guide—illuminating human folly, deflating pretension, and inviting self-correction through laughter rather than dogma.

Yet Beauchamp, ironically, lacks the flexibility of the Comic Spirit. He is too earnest, too driven by absolute convictions, to fully participate in the comic self-awareness that Meredith idealizes. In this sense, Beauchamp is both a hero and a warning: a figure of immense moral courage whose tragedy lies in his refusal to accept that the world operates not by ideals but by compromises.

While Beauchamp’s Career was never Meredith’s most popular work during his lifetime, it has come to be recognized as one of his most ambitious and profound novels. Its examination of the dilemmas of idealism, political integrity, and personal sacrifice remains strikingly relevant in an era of political polarization and disillusionment.

The novel speaks to anyone who has struggled with the tension between moral conviction and the messy realities of human society. Its insights into the nature of political life—the seductions of populism, the compromises demanded by coalition, the frustrations of advocacy in an indifferent world—resonate just as powerfully now as they did in the 19th century. Beauchamp’s Career stands as one of George Meredith’s greatest achievements: a work that challenges as much as it enlightens, a moral and political fable wrapped in the ironic garb of the Victorian social novel. It demands much of its readers—patience, attentiveness, and a willingness to engage with ambiguity—but it rewards that effort with a deeply moving meditation on the costs and the dignity of living according to one’s principles.

In an age when the struggle between ideals and pragmatism remains as urgent as ever, Beauchamp’s Career offers both a mirror and a guide—one that reflects the frailty of human institutions, but also the enduring power of conscience.

Read-Me.Org Inc. New York-Philadelphia-Australia. 2025. 383p.

By Alexander K. McClure (Author), Colin Heston (Introduction)

Abe’s Yarns and Stories, edited by Alexander K. McClure and first published in 1901 by the International Publishing Company, is a unique and enduring contribution to the cultural memory of Abraham Lincoln. Rather than a conventional biography, this volume presents Lincoln through the lens of his own storytelling—anecdotes, jokes, parables, and recollections that he used to communicate, persuade, and connect with people from all walks of life. The book is both a literary and historical artifact, capturing the essence of Lincoln’s personality and the oral tradition that helped shape his public image. McClure, a journalist and political figure who knew Lincoln personally, compiled this collection not only to entertain but to preserve the wit and wisdom of a man whose humor was as integral to his leadership as his moral conviction.
What makes Abe’s Yarns and Stories particularly compelling is its blend of folklore and fact. While some of the anecdotes may be apocryphal or embellished, they reflect the way Lincoln was remembered and revered by those who knew him and those who came after. The book thus serves as a bridge between history and myth, illustrating how Lincoln’s legacy was shaped not only by his deeds but by the stories told about him. McClure’s editorial voice is respectful and admiring, but he allows Lincoln’s own words and the voices of his contemporaries to take center stage. The result is a portrait that is intimate, humanizing, and deeply American. His rich self-education and his storytelling formed the foundation of a presidency that not only preserved the Union but also reshaped the American identity. They allowed him to lead not just with policy, but with wisdom and heart—qualities that continue to define his legacy.

Read-Me.Org Inc. New York-Philadelphia-Australia. 2025. 360p.

By Joseph Crosby Lincoln . Designed and Edited with an Introduction by Colin Heston

Joseph C. Lincoln's 1920 novel The Portygee holds a unique place in his body of work. Known for his warm-hearted Cape Cod tales celebrating small-town life, moral decency, and New England character, Lincoln here expands his focus to address questions of heritage, identity, and belonging in a changing America. While retaining the gentle humor and richly textured settings that made him popular with early 20th-century readers, The Portygee engages more directly with themes of cultural difference and assimilation—offering a nuanced portrayal of prejudice, generational misunderstanding, and the search for personal integrity.

The novel’s title refers to the derogatory local slang for “Portuguese,” used to identify individuals of Portuguese descent who had settled along the Massachusetts coast in significant numbers by the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Through this lens, Lincoln examines not only the resilience of the American immigrant but also the sometimes unspoken tensions that lie beneath the surface of even the most tight-knit communities. It is a story of collision—between old and new, native and newcomer, tradition and ambition.

Read-Me.Org Inc. New York-Philadelphia-Australia. 2025. 262p.

By Joseph C. Lincoln (Author), Colin Heston (Introduction)

Cy Whittaker’s Place by Joseph C. Lincoln is a humorous and heartwarming novel set in the fictional Cape Cod town of Bayport. The story follows Captain Cy Whittaker, a former sea captain who returns to his hometown after years of sailing and making his fortune. Having left Bayport as a young man with no intention of coming back, Cy finds himself drawn back to the familiar shores and the old homestead, now in disrepair and known locally as “the Cy Whittaker place.” With no surviving relatives and a reputation to rebuild, Cy sets out to reestablish himself in the community, bringing with him a mix of worldly wisdom, dry wit, and a generous heart.

As Cy settles into life on land, he becomes involved in the town’s affairs, often clashing with local politics and social expectations. His unconventional ways and blunt honesty both amuse and unsettle the townspeople, but over time, his integrity and kindness win them over. A central thread of the story involves Cy’s guardianship of a young boy, whose presence brings new purpose and emotional depth to his life. The novel also features a romantic subplot, as Cy navigates the complexities of rekindled relationships and new affections, all while trying to do right by those around him.

Lincoln populates the novel with a colorful cast of Cape Cod characters, including the meticulous town clerk Asaph Tidditt, the meddling but well-meaning neighbors, and the ever-watchful townsfolk who provide a steady stream of gossip and commentary. The narrative is rich with regional dialect, local color, and the gentle humor that characterizes Lincoln’s work. Through Cy’s journey, the novel explores themes of redemption, community, and the enduring value of home and belonging. With its blend of comedy, sentiment, and social observation, Cy Whittaker’s Place offers a nostalgic and uplifting portrait of small-town life and the quiet heroism of an ordinary man determined to make a difference.

Read-Me.Org Inc. New York-Philadelphia-Australia. 2025. 200 p.

By Joseph C. Lincoln (Author), Colin Heston (Introduction)

The Depot Master by Joseph C. Lincoln is a warm and humorous novel set in the fictional Cape Cod town of East Harniss. The story centers on Captain Solomon Berry, affectionately known as Cap’n Sol, who serves as the depot master—a position that places him at the heart of the town’s daily life and gossip. Cap’n Sol is a retired sea captain with a strong sense of justice, a dry wit, and a deep affection for his community. His role at the depot brings him into contact with a wide array of townspeople, each with their own quirks and stories, and he often finds himself drawn into their personal dramas and schemes.

The arrival of Ruth Nelson, a young and talented artist seeking refuge from a troubled past, introduces a romantic and emotional thread to the narrative. Ruth’s presence stirs both admiration and suspicion among the townsfolk, and Cap’n Sol becomes her unlikely protector and confidant. As Ruth tries to rebuild her life, she must navigate the challenges of small-town scrutiny and the lingering shadows of her history. Meanwhile, Cap’n Sol finds himself at odds with Mr. Williams, a wealthy and manipulative figure whose ambitions threaten the harmony of East Harniss. Their conflict becomes a central tension in the story, highlighting themes of integrity, community, and the quiet heroism of standing up for what is right.

Lincoln populates the novel with a rich cast of secondary characters, including the eccentric Mr. Simeon Phinney, whose sign advertises a bewildering array of services, and the ever-curious townspeople who gather at the depot not just for mail, but for news and camaraderie. The novel’s episodic structure allows for a series of vignettes that together paint a vivid portrait of Cape Cod life, filled with humor, sentiment, and a deep appreciation for the everyday struggles and triumphs of ordinary people.

Through Cap’n Sol’s steady presence and moral compass, The Depot Master celebrates the values of kindness, resilience, and community spirit. Lincoln’s storytelling, rich in local color and dialect, offers a nostalgic and uplifting glimpse into a world where decency and compassion quietly shape the course of lives.

Read-Me.Org Inc. New York-Philadelphia-Australia. 2025. p.173p.

By Joseph C. Lincloln. Introduction by Colin Heston.

Cap’n Dan’s Daughter* by Joseph C. Lincoln is a heartwarming and humorous novel set in the fictional Cape Cod town of Trumet. The story follows Captain Dan Dott, a retired sea captain who now runs a struggling dry goods store, and his family, particularly his ambitious wife Serena and their clever daughter Gertrude. Captain Dan is a simple, good-natured man who finds himself increasingly overwhelmed by the pressures of domestic life and the social aspirations of his wife, who is determined to elevate the family’s status in the community. Serena’s ambitions are fueled when the family receives news of an inheritance from a wealthy relative, which she sees as their ticket to a more refined and prominent lifestyle.

As Serena pushes the family into a more genteel social circle, she becomes increasingly controlling and obsessed with appearances, dragging Captain Dan along with her plans despite his discomfort. Gertrude, however, sees through the pretensions and recognizes the strain it places on her father. She devises a clever plan to gently undermine her mother’s social climbing and restore a sense of balance and authenticity to their lives. Her scheme, while well-intentioned, nearly backfires, leading to a series of misunderstandings and comic situations that test the family’s unity and resilience.

Throughout the novel, Lincoln’s affection for Cape Cod and its people shines through. He populates the story with colorful local characters and infuses the narrative with regional dialect, humor, and a deep sense of place. The novel explores themes of family loyalty, the tension between tradition and change, and the importance of staying true to oneself. In the end, the Dott family comes to a deeper understanding of what truly matters, finding contentment not in wealth or social standing, but in love, honesty, and the enduring bonds of family.

Read-Me.Org Inc. New York-Philadelphia-Australia. 2025. 222p.

By  Robert Louis Stevenson and Lloyd Osbourne, Edited by Colin Heston.

“The Ebb-Tide: A Trio and Quartette” is a dark, psychologically complex novella co-written by Robert Louis Stevenson and his stepson Lloyd Osbourne, first published in 1894. Included in Volume XIX of the Swanston Edition of Stevenson’s collected works, this tale marks one of the final literary efforts of Stevenson’s life and reflects his mature style—gritty, morally ambiguous, and deeply engaged with the human condition.

Set in the South Pacific, a region Stevenson had come to know intimately during his later years, The Ebb-Tide follows three disgraced and destitute Europeans—Herrick, Davis, and Huish—who find themselves stranded in Tahiti. When they are offered the chance to captain a cargo schooner, the Farallone, they seize the opportunity, only to discover that the ship is carrying a mysterious and morally troubling cargo. Their journey soon spirals into a tale of greed, betrayal, and existential crisis, culminating in a confrontation with Attwater, a charismatic and enigmatic missionary who lives alone on a remote island.

The novella is notable for its psychological depth and moral complexity. Each character represents a different facet of human weakness—cowardice, cruelty, and self-deception—and Stevenson explores how these traits play out under the pressures of isolation and lawlessness. The tropical setting, far from being idyllic, becomes a backdrop for moral decay and spiritual reckoning. The story’s title, The Ebb-Tide, metaphorically suggests the retreat of moral certainty and the erosion of personal integrity.

Stylistically, the work is lean and intense, with Stevenson’s prose sharpened by his collaboration with Osbourne. The narrative is driven by suspense and philosophical inquiry, raising questions about redemption, colonialism, and the nature of evil. It is often seen as a companion piece to Stevenson’s earlier South Seas fiction, such as The Beach of Falesá, but it is darker and more introspective in tone.

The Swanston Edition provides this novella with critical annotations and historical context, situating it within Stevenson’s broader literary and biographical trajectory. As one of his final works, The Ebb-Tide offers a powerful and unsettling vision of the human soul adrift—both literally and morally—on the margins of empire and civilization.

Read-Me.Org Inc. Australia-New York-Philadelphia. 2025. 216p.

By R.L. STEVENSON and W.E. HENLEY

“Deacon Brodie, or The Double Life” is a compelling historical drama co-written by Robert Louis Stevensonand William Ernest Henley, included in the Swanston Edition, Volume XV, which collects their collaborative dramatic works. This play dramatizes the real-life story of William Brodie, a respected Edinburgh cabinetmaker and city councillor by day, and a cunning burglar by night—whose double life ultimately led to his downfall and execution in 1788.

Set in 18th-century Edinburgh, the play explores themes of duality, deception, morality, and social hypocrisy, echoing many of the psychological and philosophical concerns that would later appear in Stevenson’s more famous work, Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. Brodie is portrayed as a man torn between his public persona and private vices, embodying the tension between outward respectability and inner corruption.

The drama unfolds with a rich cast of characters, including Brodie’s criminal associates, his family, and the lawmen who pursue him. The dialogue, shaped by Henley’s theatrical sensibilities and Stevenson’s narrative flair, is sharp and evocative, blending suspense with moments of dark humor and emotional intensity. The structure of the play builds steadily toward Brodie’s exposure and tragic end, offering a powerful commentary on the dangers of living a life divided by conflicting identities.

The Swanston Edition presents this work with scholarly attention to detail, including editorial notes and historical context that illuminate the real events behind the drama and the creative collaboration between Stevenson and Henley. As part of their broader dramatic output, Deacon Brodie stands out for its psychological depth and historical resonance, making it a significant contribution to late Victorian theatre and a fascinating study in character and consequence..

Read-Me.Org Inc. New York-Philadelphia-Australia. 2025. 176p.

By Robert Louis Stevenson. Edited by Colin Heston

A Child’s Garden of Verses is a celebrated collection of poetry by Robert Louis Stevenson, first published in 1885. This volume, part of the Swanston Edition—a comprehensive and scholarly presentation of Stevenson’s works—appears as Volume XIV in the series, offering readers a carefully curated and historically contextualized version of this beloved classic.

The collection contains over 60 poems that reflect the world through the eyes of a child. Stevenson explores themes such as play, imagination, solitude, illness, and the natural world, capturing the emotional and intellectual landscape of childhood with remarkable sensitivity and lyrical grace. Poems like “My Shadow,” “The Land of Nod,” and “Bed in Summer” have become enduring favorites, celebrated for their rhythm, simplicity, and universal appeal.

The Swanston Edition enhances the reading experience with thoughtful editorial notes, biographical context, and period-appropriate formatting, making it ideal for literary scholars, collectors, and general readers alike. This edition not only preserves the charm and innocence of Stevenson’s verse but also situates it within the broader scope of his literary legacy.

By Robert Louis Stevenson (Author), LLoyd Osbourne (Author), Colin Heston (Editor)

The Wrecker, co-written by Robert Louis Stevenson and his stepson Lloyd Osbourne, is a globe-trotting mystery and adventure novel centered around the mysterious fate of a derelict ship found in the South Seas. The story follows Loudon Dodd, an idealistic artist turned reluctant adventurer, as he unravels the secrets of the wrecked ship Currency Lass. Combining elements of detective fiction, satire, and romance, the novel explores themes of ambition, identity, and the illusion of fortune. Set against a backdrop of San Francisco, Paris, and the Pacific Islands, it presents a vivid and at times ironic portrait of late 19th-century capitalist enterprise and artistic struggle. This novel is taken from The Works of Robert Louis Stevenson VOL. XIII. This volume has been carefully edited and redesigned by Colin Heston, renowned novelist and story writer, to make the book more comprehensible to the present-day reader.

Read-Me.Org Inc. New York-Australia-Philadelphia. 2025. 269p.

By Robert Louis Stevenson:. Edited by Colin Heston

The Master of Ballantrae is a dark historical novel by Robert Louis Stevenson, set during the Jacobite rising of 1745. It tells the story of two brothers—noble and dutiful Henry Durie and his charming but treacherous elder brother James, the Master of Ballantrae—whose rivalry leads to betrayal, vengeance, and tragedy. Narrated by the loyal steward Ephraim Mackellar, the novel explores themes of family loyalty, pride, and the destructive power of ambition, set against a backdrop that spans Scotland, America, and India. With its psychological depth and moral complexity, the book stands as one of Stevenson’s most powerful works.

Read-Me.Org. Inc. Australia, New York, Philadelphia. 2025. 171p.

By R.L. Stevenson. Edited by Colin Heston.

The Works of Robert Louis Stevenson: Volume X presents two of Stevenson’s most engaging narratives in one timeless edition. In Kidnapped, follow young David Balfour on a perilous journey through betrayal, abduction, and rebellion in 18th-century Scotland—a gripping tale of adventure, identity, and justice. Paired with The Misadventures of John Nicholson, a sharply witty story of folly and redemption, this volume showcases Stevenson’s unmatched storytelling range. A must-have for lovers of classic literature, this Swanston Edition reprint brings together drama, danger, and Stevenson’s signature charm..

Read-Me.Org Inc. 2025. 214p.