O. E. Rølvaag, Preface by Colin Heston.

The struggle of the immigrant is often told through the lens of triumph—of cities built and fortunes made—but in O. E. Rølvaag’s Giants in the Earth, we are invited into a far more intimate and devastating arena: the psychological and spiritual cost of taming a wilderness. First published in Norwegian in 1924 as I de dage and later meticulously translated into English by Lincoln Colcord in collaboration with the author, this novel remains the definitive epic of the American prairie. It is not merely a story of farming; it is a saga of the human psyche stretched to its breaking point against an indifferent landscape.
At the heart of the narrative lies a profound dichotomy between the two protagonists, Per Hansa and Beret. Per Hansa embodies the archetype of the pioneer, fueled by a restless, creative energy that views the desolate plains of South Dakota not as a wasteland, but as a kingdom waiting to be claimed. To him, the "Giants" are physical obstacles to be conquered through grit and vision. Conversely, Beret represents the tragic reality of displacement. She is haunted by the Great Plain, a space so vast and empty that she feels God cannot find her there. For Beret, the "Giants" are the invisible, malevolent forces of the Earth itself, punishing those who dare to disturb its ancient, heavy silence.
The English version of Giants in the Earth is a rare literary achievement born of a unique partnership. Lincoln Colcord, a writer of the sea, found a common language with Rølvaag, a writer of the "sea of grass." Their collaboration ensured that the stark, rhythmic beauty of Rølvaag’s Norwegian—steeped in biblical cadence and Old World folklore—was preserved for an English-speaking audience. Colcord understood that the oceanic quality of the prairie was more than a metaphor; it was a physical reality where the winds howling across the Dakota territory carried the same weight and terror as a North Atlantic gale.
Rølvaag does not romanticize the pioneer experience. He documents the relentless succession of plagues—locusts, blizzards, and the suffocating loneliness of the sod house—forcing the reader to confront the sobering question of what is lost when a culture uproots itself. While Per Hansa builds the physical foundations of a new nation, Beret bears the burden of the cultural and emotional cost. Her descent into religious melancholy serves as a poignant reminder that while the land may be conquered, the soul is often the casualty of that conquest. She famously remarks that the Great Plain drinks the blood of Christian men and is never satisfied.
Nearly a century since its translation, Giants in the Earth stands as a pillar of American literature because it refuses to offer easy answers. It is a masterpiece of realism and a haunting work of the imagination that captures the birth of a modern identity forged in a crucible of isolation. As you turn these pages, you are witnessing a history that is as much about the internal landscape of the mind as it is about the external map of the frontier.

Read-Me.Org Inc. New York-Philadelphia-Australia. 2026. 373p.

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. Designed and Edited with an Introduction by Colin Heston

The Adventures of Harry Richmond, first published in serial form between 1870 and 1871, then in full in 1871, occupies a fascinating place in the evolution of the English novel. A heady mixture of picaresque adventure, coming-of-age narrative, satire, romance, and psychological study, it is one of George Meredith’s most ambitious works. Beneath its surface as a lively and sometimes eccentric tale of a young man’s escapades lies an intricate meditation on the construction of identity, the conflict between appearance and reality, and the profound influence of family, class, and society. These themes connect the novel powerfully to concerns that dominate modern fiction.

At its core, Harry Richmond examines how identity is not simply inherited but assembled—through choice, resistance, deception, and chance. Harry Richmond is born into a web of conflicting influences: his father, Roy Richmond, is a charming but unscrupulous social climber whose life revolves around maintaining appearances and manipulating social structures; his grandfather, Squire Beltham, represents a rigid, landed English respectability that is both moralistic and emotionally cold. Caught between these poles, Harry’s life becomes a journey to define himself outside the narrow confines of these competing legacies.

Read-Me.Org Inc. New York-Philadelphia-Australia. 2025. 355p.

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)

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

In Shavings, published in 1918 at the peak of his literary success, Joseph C. Lincoln again turns his familiar eye and pen toward Cape Cod—its people, its rhythms, and its moral heart. Like much of Lincoln’s fiction, this novel offers more than light entertainment; it is a nuanced exploration of human decency, community obligation, and emotional transformation, wrapped in a quietly humorous and affectionately drawn setting.
Set in the fictional village of East Wellmouth, Shavings centers on a seemingly unremarkable character: a middle-aged man named Lemuel “Shavings” Keziah, a gentle and eccentric resident who works as a handyman and caretaker of sorts at the local ship-chandlery. What begins as a portrait of a quiet, solitary man becomes a deeper meditation on compassion, guardianship, and the power of unassuming kindness to transform lives. In this novel, Lincoln refines his formula of New England coastal fiction, combining rich local detail, deft character sketches, and moral clarity in a story that both reflects and transcends its setting.
The title Shavings is rich in metaphor. At the surface level, it refers to wood shavings—fragments trimmed away in the process of building or shaping. But on a deeper level, it suggests themes of smallness, modesty, and the overlooked. Lemuel Keziah is, like his namesake shavings, a figure that most would pass over without a second thought. He is plain, odd, physically unimposing, and considered somewhat simple by his neighbors. Yet within that uncarved block of humility lies a figure of enormous quiet integrity, and Lincoln’s triumph is in showing how such a man can become a pillar of his community and a redeemer in the lives of others.
Lincoln gives us a novel that blends humility with heart, modesty with moral insight. It is a story of redemption through quiet persistence, of fatherhood without blood, and of character tested not by fame or fortune but by the daily demands of decency. For those who cherish gentle fiction with real emotional weight, Shavings is a touchstone. It evokes a vanished New England but leaves in its place timeless lessons on love, trust, and the power of doing good without seeking reward. In Lemuel Keziah, Lincoln offers a model of quiet heroism whose relevance has only grown with time.

Read-Me.Org Inc. New York-Philadelphia-Australia. 2025. 229p.

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. Designed and Edited with an Introduction by Colin Heston

Published in 1921, Galusha the Magnificent stands as one of Joseph Crosby Lincoln’s most beloved and subtly humorous novels—a story that embodies the author’s signature blend of small-town Cape Cod charm, gently satirical social commentary, and richly drawn characters. Lincoln, often hailed as the “Bard of Cape Cod,” built a prolific career chronicling the lives, habits, and quirks of New England coastal communities. In Galusha the Magnificent, he brings his literary artistry to full bloom by offering readers a delightfully incongruous protagonist: a mild-mannered, absent-minded biblical archaeologist who finds himself entangled in the practical and parochial dramas of a fictional Cape Cod town.

Like many of Lincoln’s novels, Galusha the Magnificent is set in a fictional Cape Cod village—in this case, the town of Trumet. Lincoln’s Trumet is a lovingly detailed and recognizable composite of real Cape Cod communities, built upon generations of seafaring traditions, strong social cohesion, and a lively sense of local identity. For Lincoln, setting is never mere background. The Cape Cod environment—with its salt air, white churches, general stores, and crusty locals—serves as a character in its own right. Trumet is where the genteel values of Old New England meet the changing modern world of the early 20th century, and this dynamic tension is what fuels the plot and humor of the book.

Read-Me.Org Inc. New York-Philadelphia-Australia. 2025. 272p.

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 George Eliot. Introduction by Colin Heston

Step into the rich tapestry of Renaissance Florence with George Eliot's Romola, a novel that masterfully intertwines politics, religion, philosophy, and personal transformation. Originally published as a serial in The Cornhill Magazine from July 1862 to August 1863, and later in three volumes by Smith, Elder & Co., Romola stands as one of Eliot's most ambitious and intellectually rich works..

In this special edition, Colin Heston provides a compelling introduction that sets the stage for Eliot's intricate narrative. Heston's introduction delves into the historical and cultural backdrop of late 15th-century Florence, a city undergoing dramatic transformation following the death of Lorenzo de’ Medici and the rise of the Dominican friar Girolamo Savonarola. Heston highlights how Eliot's profound historical research and deep psychological insight bring to life the ideological conflicts and moral questions faced by the protagonists.

Follow the journey of Romola de’ Bardi, the daughter of a blind scholar, as she navigates personal disillusionment and societal upheaval. Raised in an environment that reveres knowledge and classical learning, Romola's path becomes entangled with Tito Melema, a charming but opportunistic Greek scholar. As Romola evolves from a passive intellectual companion to an active agent of change, she becomes a symbol of ethical steadfastness and selfless service.

Eliot's Romola engages with themes of reform, idealism, and the struggles of the human soul against the tides of history. Through Savonarola's rise and fall, Eliot examines the dangers and possibilities of ideological purity, raising questions about the balance between faith, reason, and pragmatism. The novel suggests that while individuals are often caught within the larger movements of history, personal choices and moral convictions can shape the course of one's life. Reflecting Eliot's engagement with historical materialism, moral idealism, and the complexities of human character, Romola is deeply philosophical. Heston's introduction underscores the novel's ambitious scope, feminist undertones, and philosophical depth, making it a significant achievement in historical fiction.

For those willing to immerse themselves in its complex narrative, Romola offers a rewarding exploration of human character set against one of the most fascinating periods of European history. This edition, enriched by Colin Heston's insightful introduction, invites readers to experience Eliot's remarkable ability to illuminate the past while grappling with timeless questions of morality, identity, and social responsibility.

Read-Me.Org Inc. 2025. 411p.

By George Meredith

This book, first published in 1859, is a novel that explores the complexities of human nature and the consequences of rigid educational systems. The story centers around Sir Austin Feverel, who devises a strict educational plan known as "the System" to raise his son, Richard, in isolation from the corrupting influences of society. Despite Sir Austin's efforts, Richard falls in love with Lucy Desborough, a girl of lower social standing, leading to a series of tragic events. The novel delves into themes of love, passion, and the limitations of authoritarian control, offering a critical examination of contemporary attitudes toward education and sexuality.

Meredith's work is notable for its rich psychological analysis and lyrical prose, significantly contributing to Victorian literature. The novel's exploration of the father-son relationship and the impact of societal expectations on individual lives is both poignant and thought-provoking. "The Ordeal of Richard Feverel" was controversial at the time of its publication, with some readers finding its content prurient, leading to its ban by leading lending libraries. Despite this, it has endured as a classic, praised for its depth and literary merit.

First published by Chapman & Hall in a three-volume set. 1859. This edition Read-Me.Org Inc. 2025. 320p.

By George Eliot

"Middlemarch" by George Eliot is a richly woven tapestry of life in a provincial English town during the early 19th century. The novel delves into the lives, ambitions, and struggles of its diverse cast of characters, exploring themes of marriage, idealism, political reform, and the pursuit of personal fulfillment. At its heart is Dorothea Brooke, an intelligent and idealistic young woman whose aspirations for a meaningful life lead her into a complex marriage with the much older scholar, Edward Casaubon. Alongside Dorothea's story, the novel follows the fortunes of other key figures, such as the ambitious but flawed doctor Tertius Lydgate, the charming and morally ambiguous Will Ladislaw, and the steadfast yet troubled banker, Nicholas Bulstrode. Through its intricate plot and deep psychological insight, "Middlemarch" offers a profound commentary on the social and political issues of the time, while also providing timeless reflections on human nature and relationships.

• "Middlemarch" is celebrated for its intricate narrative and profound exploration of social, political, and personal themes.

• The novel features rich and complex characters, such as Dorothea Brooke and Tertius Lydgate, who reflect societal struggles and limitations.

• Eliot's work provides a detailed social and political commentary on 19th-century England, addressing issues like the Reform Bill of 1832 and the impact of industrialization.

• The themes of personal fulfillment, societal expectations, and moral integrity are timeless and resonate with readers across generations.

• Despite its length and complexity, "Middlemarch" remains relevant for its exploration of social issues, influence on modern writers, and significance in feminist literary criticism.

First published in eight installments between 1871 and 1872 by William Blackwood and Sons. This edition Read-Me.Org Inc. 2025. 690p.

By George Eliot

Step into the richly woven tapestry of Victorian society with George Eliot's final and most ambitious novel, "Daniel Deronda." Published in 1876, this literary gem explores profound themes of identity, cultural heritage, and moral growth, making it a timeless classic that continues to resonate with readers today.

"Daniel Deronda" masterfully intertwines the lives of two compelling characters: Daniel Deronda and Gwendolen Harleth. Daniel, a compassionate and introspective young man of uncertain parentage, embarks on a journey of self-discovery that leads him to embrace his Jewish heritage. His quest for identity and purpose is both poignant and inspiring, reflecting the universal human search for belonging.

Gwendolen Harleth, on the other hand, is a beautiful but self-centered woman whose life takes a dramatic turn when she marries the cruel and manipulative Henleigh Grandcourt. Her journey from vanity and ambition to moral awakening and redemption is a powerful narrative of personal growth and transformation. Through Gwendolen's struggles, Eliot critiques the societal constraints placed on women and explores the possibilities of moral and personal redemption.

Eliot's writing is renowned for its deep psychological insight and realism, and "Daniel Deronda" is no exception. The novel is rich with symbolism that adds depth to its themes and character development. Water, for instance, symbolizes cleansing and rebirth, particularly in Gwendolen's storyline. Jewelry represents power, control, and submission, while stage performance reflects the theme of appearance versus reality.

"Daniel Deronda" is not just a story of individual journeys; it is also a critique of Victorian society. Eliot highlights the limitations and hypocrisies of societal conventions, particularly those related to gender and class. Her characters frequently struggle against these constraints, seeking to find their own paths and to act according to their moral convictions rather than societal expectations.

As George Eliot's final novel, "Daniel Deronda" represents the culmination of her literary career. Its innovative approach to character development and engagement with cultural and social issues have influenced countless writers and continue to inspire readers. Eliot's emphasis on empathy, integrity, and the importance of understanding individual circumstances offers valuable insights into the complexities of human behavior and ethical decision-making.

First published in 1876. William Blackwood and Sons in London released the book in eight parts from February to September of that year. This novel was the last one Eliot completed and is notable for its exploration of Victorian society and its sympathetic portrayal of Jewish proto-Zionist ideas. 591p.

USED BOOK. MAY CONTAIN MARK-IP

By Robert Graves

“The troublesome reign of Tiberius Claudius Caesar, emperor of the Romans (born 10 b.c., died a.d. 54), as described by himself; also his murder at the hands of the notorious agrippin a (mother of the emperor nero) and his subsequent deification, as described by others.”

NY. Vintage Random House. 1962. 584p.

USED BOOK. MAY CONTAIN MARK-UP

By Irving Stone

FROM THE COVER: “Set in the days of the deadly Borgias, the warring popes and the mighty Medicis, this is the truly great novel of Michelangelo, his lifelong friendships, his passionate loves and his unquenchable genius. ….

"Irving Stone has painted the portrait of a supreme craftsman, one of the most versatile artists of all time, and he has also laid before us a cyclorama of one of the world's most astounding ages." New York Times

NY. Fontana books. 1970. 786p.

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By Max Byrd

FROM THE COVER: “It is 1784, and Jefferson, the newly appointed American ambassador to the court of Louis XVI and Marie-Antoinette, has just arrived in Paris-a city adrift in intrigue, upheaval, and temptation that will challenge his principles, incite his passions, and change Thomas Jefferson forever.... Through the eyes of his impressionable young secretary, William Short, we watch as the future president builds his dream of an America with fellow patriots John Adams and Ben Franklin, and as he struggles between political ambition and an unexpected crisis of the heart with a woman who has the power to destroy him. And we discover-behind the face the complex Virginian shows the world -an enigmatic statesman who fights for individual liberty even as he keeps slaves, who champions free will even as he denies it to his daughters, and who holds men to the highest standards of honor-even as he embarks on a shadowy double life of his own.”

"A Novel To Be Admired And Enjoyed,The Best Fictionalized Life Of Jefferson Yet!' -Jack McLaughlin,

NY. Bantam. 1994. 470p.

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By Hilary Mantel

FROM CHAPTER 1:

“So now get up."

Felled, dazed, silent, he has fallen; knocked full length on the cobbles of the yard. His head turns sideways; his eyes are turned toward the gate, as if someone might arrive to help him out. One blow, properly placed, could i kill him now. Blood from the gash on his head--which was his father's first effort is trickling across his face. Add to this, his left eye is blinded; but if he squints sideways, with his right eye he can see that the stitching of his father's boot is unraveling. The twine has sprung clear of the leather, and a hard knot in it has caught his eyebrow and opened another cut.”

NY. Henry Holt and Company. 2009. 548p.

By Jorge Luis Borges

From the cover: ". unquestionably the most brilliant South American writing today. . .one of the genuine prose talents of our pe- riod. Written with a classical economy of means and under the control of a mind of wide culture and deep sensitivity, his stories will continue echoing in the minds of his readers as do those of Franz Kafka." -Herald Tribune Books

NY. Grove Press. 1962. 164p. USED BOOK. CONTAINS MARK-UP.