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)

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

Cap’n Eri by Joseph C. Lincoln is a lighthearted and endearing novel set in a small Cape Cod town, where three retired sea captains—Eri, Jerry, and Perez—live together in a somewhat chaotic but good-natured bachelor household. As they grow older, they begin to realize that their domestic arrangements are becoming increasingly unmanageable, especially when it comes to cooking and housekeeping. The trio decides that the best solution is to find a housekeeper, but their plan takes an unexpected turn when they conclude that the most efficient way to secure one is for one of them to get married. This leads to a humorous and sometimes awkward series of events as they attempt to find a suitable bride through a matrimonial advertisement.

The story unfolds with a mix of comedic misunderstandings, heartfelt moments, and the gentle satire of small-town life. When a woman named Mrs. Snow responds to the ad and arrives in town, the captains are thrown into a whirlwind of adjustments and surprises. Mrs. Snow is not quite what they expected, and her presence begins to shift the dynamics of the household in unexpected ways. Meanwhile, a subplot involving a young man named John Brown and his romantic interest in a local girl adds a layer of youthful energy and emotional depth to the narrative.

Lincoln’s portrayal of Cape Cod life is rich with regional dialect, local color, and a deep affection for the traditions and quirks of the community. The novel is not just a comedy of manners but also a reflection on aging, companionship, and the importance of human connection. Through the humorous escapades of the three captains and the evolving relationships among the characters, Cap’n Eri offers a warm and nostalgic glimpse into a bygone era, celebrating the resilience and kindness of ordinary people navigating life’s changes together.

This edition has been reformatted, designed, abridged and annotated  by renowned novelist and story writer Colin Heston to remove errors and other distracting content that occurred in the original edition, making the book more accessible for the present day reader..

Read-Me.Org Inc. New York-Philadelphia-Australia. 2025. 179 p.