By George Meredith (Author), Colin Heston (Introduction) Format: Kindle Edition

George Meredith’s poetry stands as one of the most intellectually challenging and idiosyncratic contributions to Victorian literature. Published in 1888 by Macmillan and Co., The Poetry of George Meredith collects his poetic output into a single volume, offering readers a comprehensive view of a body of work that was often overshadowed by his accomplishments as a novelist. While Meredith’s fiction earned him widespread recognition during his lifetime, his poetry was a more private, cerebral pursuit—revered by literary peers but frequently misunderstood or overlooked by the broader reading public.
To approach Meredith’s poetry is to enter a realm where language serves not merely as ornament but as a crucible for thought. His verse rejects the lush musicality and emotional immediacy typical of many of his contemporaries in favor of a dense, elliptical style that demands intellectual engagement. Meredith himself was acutely aware of how unconventional his poetic voice was, famously describing his work as being written for those “whose heads are used to thinking.” His lines often eschew smoothness for compression, sacrificing surface harmony in pursuit of precision, depth, and psychological or philosophical insight.

Read-Me.Org Inc. New York-Philadelphia-Australia. 2025. 501p.

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 George Eliot (author) and Colin Heston (AI assisted editor)

This book is a substory of Tom and Maggie Tulliver featured in Eliot's "The Mill on the Floss". (1860) Tom and Maggie are the children of Mr. and Mrs. Tulliver, who own and operate Dorlcote Mill near the fictional town of St. Ogg's. From an early age, the siblings exhibit starkly different temperaments and aspirations. Tom, the elder of the two, is pragmatic, responsible, and somewhat rigid in his moral outlook. He possesses a strong sense of duty and loyalty to his family but is also unforgiving and often harsh in his judgments. He takes after his father in his belief in tradition and financial security, and he grows into a young man deeply committed to restoring the family's honor after they suffer economic ruin.

Maggie, in contrast, is deeply emotional, imaginative, and intellectually curious. She is an ardent reader with a keen mind and an inclination toward philosophical reflection. However, her passionate nature and nonconformist tendencies put her at odds with the rigid expectations of her time, particularly regarding women's roles in society. Throughout the novel, Maggie struggles with her desire for personal fulfillment while also yearning for familial love and acceptance. Her deep affection for her brother is a defining aspect of her character, yet it is also a source of great pain, as Tom's strict moral code and inability to understand her inner struggles create tension and estrangement between them. George Eliot's portrayal of Tom and Maggie Tulliver is remarkable for its depth and psychological complexity. Through them, she explores the difficulties of familial duty, the limitations imposed by rigid social structures, and the yearning for personal freedom. Their story, filled with moments of tenderness, misunderstanding, and ultimate reconciliation, continues to resonate with readers, making *The Mill on the Floss* one of Eliot's most enduring and emotionally powerful works.

Read-Me.Org Inc. 2015. 80p.

By George Eliot. Introduction by Colin Heston.

Discover the timeless classic Silas Marner by George Eliot, a heartwarming tale of redemption and the transformative power of love. Follow the journey of Silas Marner, a reclusive weaver whose life is turned upside down when he loses his treasured gold and finds an unexpected treasure in a golden-haired child named Eppie. Set in the quaint village of Raveloe, this novel beautifully explores themes of community, isolation, and the true meaning of wealth and happiness. With richly developed characters and a compelling narrative, Silas Marner is a story that will captivate and inspire readers of all ages.

First published in 1861 by William Blackwood and Sons. This edition Read-Me.Org Inc. 2025.149p.

By Joseph Lincoln

Set against the picturesque backdrop of Cape Cod, this enchanting novel introduces you to Judson Green, a lovable and eccentric character whose antics and adventures are as unpredictable as the tides. Judson, with his peculiar habits and endearing personality, becomes the heart and soul of his small coastal town. His interactions with the townsfolk, each with their own unique quirks, create a tapestry of humor, warmth, and genuine human connection. As you turn the pages, you'll find yourself laughing at Judson's comical escapades, feeling the warmth of his friendships, and rooting for him as he faces life's challenges with unwavering optimism. The story beautifully captures the essence of community spirit, the importance of kindness, and the simple joys that make life meaningful.

"Queer Judson" is more than just a tale of one man's journey; it's a celebration of the human spirit, filled with rich descriptions of Cape Cod's scenic beauty and the vibrant lives of its inhabitants. This timeless classic is perfect for readers who cherish heartwarming stories and unforgettable characters.

First published in 1925 by D. Appleton and Company.. This edition Read-Me.Org Inc. 2025.

By John Bunyan. Introduction by Colin Heston Paperback

The Pilgrim’s Progress (1678) by John Bunyan is a Christian allegory that narrates the spiritual journey of a man named Christian as he seeks salvation. Leaving his home in the City of Destruction, he embarks on a perilous pilgrimage to the Celestial City, guided by faith and the teachings of the Bible. Along the way, he encounters various symbolic figures and places, such as Evangelist, who sets him on the right path; the Slough of Despond, representing despair; Vanity Fair, a place of worldly temptation; and Giant Despair, who imprisons him in Doubting Castle. The novel, written in accessible yet vivid prose, reflects Bunyan’s Puritan theology and explores themes of sin, redemption, and perseverance. Though primarily a religious work, it is also a compelling adventure story that has captivated readers for centuries. While some view its moral instruction as rigid, it remains one of the most influential and widely read books in English literature. This version contains an introduction by Colin Heston, who assesses its effect on subsequent modern-day authors, especially its religious significance, allegorical style, and theological critiques.

Read-Me.Org Inc. 2025. 133p.

By George Eliot

e lives of siblings Tom and Maggie Tulliver. Their story unfolds against the backdrop of Dorlcote Mill, their family's ancestral home and livelihood. From childhood to adulthood, Tom and Maggie navigate the complexities of familial duty, societal expectations, and personal aspirations. Maggie Tulliver, with her intelligence, emotional depth, and yearning for a life beyond the provincial confines, emerges as one of literature's most compelling heroines. Her struggles against the rigid gender roles of her time and her passionate quest for self-identity resonate deeply with readers. Tom, her pragmatic and duty-bound brother, often finds himself at odds with Maggie's impulsive nature, creating a dynamic and poignant sibling relationship.

George Eliot's masterful storytelling is evident in her rich character development and psychological insight. She delves into the inner lives of her characters, offering a nuanced portrayal of their motivations and conflicts. The novel's themes of duty, loyalty, and the constraints imposed by society are explored with empathy and realism, making it a powerful critique of the social structures of the time. "The Mill on the Floss" also reflects the broader economic and social changes of the 19th century. The Tulliver family's financial troubles, brought about by Mr. Tulliver's imprudent business decisions, mirror the uncertainties faced by many during the period of industrialization. Eliot's vivid depiction of rural life and the impact of modernization adds depth to the narrative, making it relevant to contemporary readers.

This novel is not just a story of personal and familial struggles but also a meditation on the forces of fate and the resilience of the human spirit. The tragic climax, marked by a devastating flood, underscores the novel's themes of loss, redemption, and the inexorable flow of life. Immerse yourself in "The Mill on the Floss," a literary masterpiece that continues to captivate and inspire readers with its timeless exploration of human nature and society. Whether you're a long-time fan of George Eliot or discovering her work for the first time, this novel promises a rich and rewarding reading experience.

First published on April 4, 1860 by William Blackwood and Sons. This edition by Read-Me.Org Inc. 2025.. 367p.

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

"Adam Bede," written by George Eliot, is a novel set in the rural community of Hayslope in 1799. The story revolves around Adam Bede, a diligent and morally upright carpenter, who is in love with Hetty Sorrel, a beautiful but superficial dairymaid. Hetty, however, is infatuated with Captain Arthur Donnithorne, the charming but irresponsible grandson of the local squire. The novel explores the complexities of their relationships and the repercussions of their actions.

Adam Bede is characterized by his integrity and strong moral principles, while Hetty's beauty and naivety lead her into a tragic situation. Arthur Donnithorne's seduction of Hetty sets off a chain of events that profoundly affect all the characters involved. Dinah Morris, a Methodist preacher and Hetty's cousin, provides spiritual and moral guidance throughout the story.

The novel is notable for its detailed depiction of rural life, rich character development, and exploration of social and ethical issues. George Eliot's writing is praised for its realism and psychological depth, making "Adam Bede" a significant work in Victorian literature. The narrative delves into themes of love, morality, and social change, offering a poignant and insightful look at human nature and society.

Adam Bede was first published in three volumes on 1 February 1859 by William Blackwood and Sons in Edinburgh and London. The novel was an immediate success, going through multiple editions within the first year. A second edition was released in March 1859, followed by a one-volume edition in 1862. The book was published anonymously at first, but George Eliot’s identity was soon revealed, further increasing public interest in the novel. This version was published by Read-Me.Org. 2025. 427p.

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by George Eliot

“Brother Jacob” is a satirical short story by George Eliot that follows the ambitions of David Faux, a confectioner who seeks wealth and respectability through deception. His plans are complicated by his intellectually disabled brother, Jacob, whose presence ultimately exposes David’s hypocrisy and selfishness. The story critiques vanity and self-delusion with irony and humor.

“Scenes of Clerical Life” is Eliot’s first published work, a collection of three novellas—”The Sad Fortunes of the Reverend Amos Barton,” “Mr. Gilfil's Love-Story,” and “Janet's Repentance.” Each explores the struggles and moral dilemmas of clergymen and those around them in rural England, highlighting themes of duty, sacrifice, and redemption. These stories offer a compassionate yet realistic portrayal of human nature and the social challenges of the time.

Brother Jacob was first published in 1864 as part of The Cornhill Magazine and later included in a collection with The Lifted Veil in 1878.. Scenes of Clerical Life was originally serialized in Blackwood’s Edinburgh Magazine between January and November 1857. It was later published as a three-volume book in 1858. This collection marked George Eliot’s debut as a fiction writer. This book was published by Read-Me.Org 2025. 346p.

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