By Guy Boothby (Author), Colin Heston (Introduction)

An Aristocratic Conspiracy. A Vile Betrayal. A Life Erased in the Shadows of Europe.

Lord Carminster is not a typical Peer. He is an intellectual, an artist, and a recluse who prefers painting in Vienna to the hunting fields of England. After four years abroad, he returns to the stately Carminster Park with a new wife, only to find the beautiful estate smothered by a historic fog.

This homecoming, thick with tension, is only the beginning of a nightmare.

Within days, the "Stolen Peer" becomes the victim of a sophisticated conspiracy. Abducted and drugged on his own lands, Lord Carminster is spirited away on a desolate railway and held captive on a yacht, while his identity and family honour are stolen by his enemies. Back in London, the clubs are rife with scandal, systematically dismantling his reputation until even his friends question his existence.

This definitive new edition, based on the complete text of the original 1906 edition, is the ultimate classic Victorian thriller. It has been meticulously processed to:

• Remove all background noise and aged artifacts for superior readability.

• Preserve the original 19th-century British English spelling.

• Offer the first-ever 6 x 9 inch trade edition.

If you love the gothic suspense of Wilkie Collins or the master-criminals of early espionage fiction, discover why Guy Boothby (1867–1905) was one of the defining architects of the modern thriller. Experience The Kidnapped Lord (formerly known as A Stolen Peer) exactly as a contemporary audience would have: as a gripping, cutting-edge exploration of how easily a life of privilege can be erased in the shadows of the British Empire..Read-Me.Org Inc.

New York-Philadelphia-Australia. 2026. 182 p.

By Dick Donovan (Author), Colin Heston (Introduction)

Step into the shadowed world of Victorian crime, where deception is an art, identity is a weapon, and justice depends on the sharpest of minds.

The Great Diamond Frauds and Other Criminal Mysteries by Dick Donovan brings together a gripping collection of true-to-life detective stories drawn from the golden age of early criminal investigation. These tales follow the exploits of a seasoned investigator navigating a society where elegance and corruption often walk hand in hand.

At the heart of the volume is the astonishing case of the Great Diamond Frauds—a brilliantly orchestrated swindle involving forged identities, counterfeit jewels, and a criminal network bold enough to prey upon the highest levels of society. From there, the collection unfolds into a series of equally compelling mysteries: cunning cardsharpers operating on railway lines, tragic tales of love and law entangled, and elaborate schemes that expose the vulnerabilities of both wealth and respectability.

What sets Donovan’s work apart is its striking realism. These are not merely puzzles to be solved, but vivid reconstructions of crime as it was lived and pursued in the nineteenth century. With a keen eye for human psychology and a deep understanding of investigative method, Donovan reveals how criminals think—and how they are ultimately brought to justice.

Rich in atmosphere and historical detail, this collection will appeal to readers of classic detective fiction, true crime enthusiasts, and anyone fascinated by the origins of modern policing. It is a window into a world where the stakes are high, the disguises are convincing, and the truth is never quite what it seems.

Carefully restored and presented as a Read-Me.Org classic edition, this volume preserves the integrity of the original texts while making them accessible to contemporary readers. For readers of Sherlock Holmes, true crime history, and classic Victorian mystery

..Read-Me.Org Inc. New York-Philadelphia-Australia. 2026. 269 p.

By Dick Donovan (Author), Colin Heston (Introduction)

From the shadowed corridors of imperial power to the hidden networks of revolution and intrigue, The Russian Assassin and Other Bond-Like Stories by Dick Donovan delivers a gripping collection of high-stakes crime fiction that bridges the worlds of classic detection and early espionage.

At the heart of this volume is the unforgettable tale of Egor Treskin—a hunted man, a political exile, and an avenger forged by injustice. When a powerful Russian official is assassinated under mysterious circumstances, the pursuit that follows stretches across borders, drawing in spies, informants, and detectives in a tense international manhunt. But as the truth unfolds, the question becomes unavoidable: is Treskin a cold-blooded killer, or the product of a brutal and oppressive system?

Surrounding this powerful opening narrative are a series of equally compelling stories—ingenious schemes, daring conspiracies, and criminal plots that hinge on deception, chance, and razor-sharp intelligence. Donovan’s storytelling combines vivid atmosphere with tightly constructed mysteries, while anticipating the global intrigue and psychological complexity that would later define modern spy fiction.

Written at a time when political unrest, anarchist movements, and international surveillance were reshaping the nature of crime, these stories feel strikingly contemporary. Disguises, coded messages, secret alliances, and relentless pursuit drive narratives that move from the streets of Britain to the shadowy machinery of foreign powers.

This Read-Me.Org edition, introduced by Graeme R. Newman, brings together these thrilling and thought-provoking tales in a carefully prepared modern format. It preserves the energy of Donovan’s original storytelling while highlighting its lasting relevance to readers of crime, history, and espionage fiction.

For fans of classic detectives, early spy thrillers, and authors like Arthur Conan Doyle and Edgar Wallace, The Russian Assassin and Other Bond-Like Stories offers a rare and compelling glimpse into the origins of modern crime fiction—where justice is uncertain, motives are complex, and danger is never far from view.

A classic collection of intrigue, intelligence, and international suspense.

.Read-Me.Org Inc. New York-Philadelphia-Australia. 2026. 269 p.

By Dick Donovan (Author), Colin Heston (Introduction)

From the shadowed corridors of imperial power to the hidden networks of revolution and intrigue, The Russian Assassin and Other Bond-Like Stories by Dick Donovan delivers a gripping collection of high-stakes crime fiction that bridges the worlds of classic detection and early espionage.

At the heart of this volume is the unforgettable tale of Egor Treskin—a hunted man, a political exile, and an avenger forged by injustice. When a powerful Russian official is assassinated under mysterious circumstances, the pursuit that follows stretches across borders, drawing in spies, informants, and detectives in a tense international manhunt. But as the truth unfolds, the question becomes unavoidable: is Treskin a cold-blooded killer, or the product of a brutal and oppressive system?

Surrounding this powerful opening narrative are a series of equally compelling stories—ingenious schemes, daring conspiracies, and criminal plots that hinge on deception, chance, and razor-sharp intelligence. Donovan’s storytelling combines vivid atmosphere with tightly constructed mysteries, while anticipating the global intrigue and psychological complexity that would later define modern spy fiction.

Written at a time when political unrest, anarchist movements, and international surveillance were reshaping the nature of crime, these stories feel strikingly contemporary. Disguises, coded messages, secret alliances, and relentless pursuit drive narratives that move from the streets of Britain to the shadowy machinery of foreign powers.

This Read-Me.Org edition, introduced by Graeme R. Newman, brings together these thrilling and thought-provoking tales in a carefully prepared modern format. It preserves the energy of Donovan’s original storytelling while highlighting its lasting relevance to readers of crime, history, and espionage fiction.

For fans of classic detectives, early spy thrillers, and authors like Arthur Conan Doyle and Edgar Wallace, The Russian Assassin and Other Bond-Like Stories offers a rare and compelling glimpse into the origins of modern crime fiction—where justice is uncertain, motives are complex, and danger is never far from view.

A classic collection of intrigue, intelligence, and international suspense.

.Read-Me.Org Inc. New York-Philadelphia-Australia. 2026. 269 p.

By Dick Donovan. Introduction by Graeme R. Newman

A brilliant mind. A new way of solving crime. A detective unlike any other.

In The Criminologist as Detective, Victorian master storyteller Dick Donovan introduces Fabian Field—a daring and unconventional investigator who challenges the limits of traditional policing. At a time when Scotland Yard relies on routine methods and rigid procedures, Field brings something radically different to the pursuit of justice: psychological insight, analytical daring, and a fearless willingness to follow reason wherever it leads.

This collection of gripping detective stories showcases some of Field’s most remarkable cases, from the sensational disappearance of a wealthy heiress to chilling murders concealed behind layers of deception. Each mystery unfolds with vivid drama, but what sets these stories apart is their intellectual edge. Field does not simply gather clues—he interprets human behavior, exposes hidden motives, and reconstructs crime through logic, intuition, and bold inference.

Blending suspense with early criminological thinking, Donovan’s stories anticipate the modern detective genre while retaining the atmosphere and richness of late nineteenth-century fiction. Here, crime is not merely a puzzle to be solved, but a window into the complexities of human nature—greed, ambition, fear, and betrayal.

This new Read-Me.Org edition, introduced by Graeme R. Newman, brings these classic tales to contemporary readers in a carefully prepared and accessible form, preserving their original energy while highlighting their lasting significance.

For readers of Sherlock Holmes, Edgar Wallace, and classic detective fiction, The Criminologist as Detective offers a compelling journey into the origins of modern crime-solving—where reason triumphs, perception sharpens, and every case is a battle of minds.

A classic reborn for a new generation of readers.

.Read-Me.Org Inc. New York-Philadelphia-Australia. 2026. 273 p.

by Dick Donovan (Author), Colin Heston (Introduction)

See all formats and editions

In an age before forensic certainty and tidy solutions, crime was a shadowy affair—driven by passion, greed, jealousy, and chance. In Mysteries of Death and Poison, Dick Donovan—one of the great pioneers of detective fiction—invites readers into a world where truth is elusive and justice is never guaranteed.

These gripping tales range from domestic intrigue to international adventure, from quiet drawing rooms to perilous frontiers. A young woman vanishes into scandal and suspicion. A death by poison defies explanation. A secret, buried in the wreckage of empire, threatens to surface with deadly consequences. Across each story, Donovan’s investigators confront not only cunning criminals, but the deeper uncertainties of human motive and moral responsibility.

Unlike the neatly solved puzzles of later detective fiction, these mysteries resist easy answers. Evidence is incomplete, witnesses unreliable, and the line between guilt and innocence dangerously blurred. The result is a collection that is as unsettling as it is compelling—where the question is not merely who committed the crime, but whether the truth can ever be fully known.

Vivid, atmospheric, and remarkably modern in its psychological insight, Mysteries of Death and Poison reveals the origins of the detective genre while challenging its assumptions. These are stories that linger—haunting in their ambiguity, and unforgettable in their portrayal of a world where justice is uncertain and danger is never far from the surface

.Read-Me.Org Inc. New York-Philadelphia-Australia. 2026. 273 p.

by Dick Donovan (Author), Graeme Newman (Introduction)

Long before the age of international spies, high-tech surveillance, and cinematic intrigue, there was the detective—patient, methodical, and relentless in the pursuit of truth.

Before 007 brings together a powerful collection of classic crime stories from the late Victorian era, drawn from A Detective’s Triumphs and In the Grip of the Law. These tales capture the origins of modern detective fiction, where every clue matters, every motive counts, and justice depends not on force, but on reason.

In these pages, readers will encounter murders concealed by cunning, thefts executed with precision, and criminals undone by the smallest of details—a footprint, a gesture, a forgotten inconsistency. The detectives who pursue them rely not on gadgets or spectacle, but on observation, logic, and experience. Their world is one of gaslit streets, quiet drawing rooms, and hidden dangers beneath respectable society.

This new edition has been carefully modernized for today’s reader. Language has been streamlined, structure clarified, and pacing refined—while preserving the distinctive voice and atmosphere of the original texts. The result is a collection that reads with clarity and immediacy, yet retains the depth and character of its time.

More than historical curiosities, these stories reveal the foundations of the modern whodunnit. The techniques, tensions, and narrative strategies that define contemporary crime fiction are already present here in their earliest form.

For readers of classic mysteries, criminology, and detective fiction—from Sherlock Holmes to modern thrillers—Before 007offers a compelling return to where it all began.

Step into the world of detection—before the spy, before the spectacle—when solving the crime was the story.

Read-Me.Org Inc. New York-Philadelphia-Australia. 2026. 272 p.

by Dick Donovan (Author), Colin Heston (Introduction)

Investigating Terror – More Stories of Dick Donovan gathers a wide-ranging collection of late Victorian crime and mystery tales in which detection merges with dread and rational inquiry confronts the unknown. In these stories, investigation is never merely the solving of a puzzle; it is an encounter with uncertainty, where crime, psychology, and the uncanny are tightly entwined.

From the eerie Edinburgh mystery of The Clue of the Dead Hand to the unsettling medical case of The Woman with the ‘Oily Eyes’, Donovan leads readers through gripping narratives told by detectives, physicians, and eyewitnesses. Presented through layered forms—official records, personal testimonies, and recovered papers—these stories achieve a striking sense of immediacy while deepening their atmosphere of unease. Whether confronting spectral legends, violent crimes, or inexplicable events, Donovan’s investigators move through worlds in which logic alone cannot fully account for what they encounter.

Spanning settings from Britain to continental Europe and beyond, these tales reveal a writer of remarkable versatility and imaginative reach. Rich in suspense, gothic tension, and psychological insight, they anticipate many of the themes of modern crime and horror fiction while retaining the vivid drama of their time.

This edition is enhanced by a substantial introduction by Colin Heston, which situates Donovan’s work within the broader evolution of detective and terror fiction and explores its continuing relevance for contemporary readers. Together, the stories and introduction offer both a compelling reading experience and a deeper understanding of a formative moment in the history of crime literature.

For readers of classic mysteries, gothic fiction, and early detective stories, Investigating Terror is an essential rediscovery—where every investigation opens onto something darker, and every answer leads further into the unknown.

Read-Me.Org Inc. New York-Philadelphia-Australia. 2026. 248 p.

By G. K. Chesterton

In the fog-shrouded heart of Edwardian London, a secret war is being waged—not just with bombs, but with beliefs. Gabriel Syme, a poet turned undercover policeman, successfully infiltrates the dreaded Central Anarchist Council, a shadowy group of seven men named for the days of the week. Taking his seat as "Thursday," Syme prepares for a deadly game of cat and mouse, only to find himself trapped in a reality that is unraveling at the seams.

In this metaphysical "nightmare," nothing is as it seems. Beneath every mask lies another, and every conspirator hides a secret more baffling than the last. As the chase moves from the city streets to a phantasmagoric countryside, Syme must confront the ultimate enigma: the massive, jovial, and terrifying President Sunday. Is Sunday the world’s greatest destroyer, or its ultimate protector?

G.K. Chesterton’s masterpiece is a riotous, mind-bending journey that transforms a political thriller into a profound celebration of the divine paradox. Brimming with wit and wonder, it remains a timeless defense of sanity in a world that often feels like a dream.

Read-Me.Org Inc. New York-Philadelphia-Australia. 2026. 170p.

by Guy Boothby (Author), Colin Heston (Introduction)

To step into the world of Guy Boothby is to step into a whirlwind. At the turn of the 20th century, few authors could match Boothby's sheer velocity. A man who famously dictated his novels into a phonograph to keep pace with his imagination, Boothby was the architect of the "sensation novel," bridging the gap between the gothic mysteries of the past and the fast-paced thrillers of the future. This volume brings together two of his most gripping works: My Strangest Case and The Red Rat's Daughter. While different in setting, they share the quintessential Boothby hallmarks—exotic locales, high-stakes intrigue, and the relentless pursuit of justice (or survival).

The George Fairfax Mystery: My Strangest Case
In My Strangest Case, we are introduced to George Fairfax, a detective who stands in the long shadow of Sherlock Holmes but operates with a flair all his own. Originally published at the dawn of the 1900s, this story takes the reader from the high society of London to the rugged landscapes of the East. It is more than a simple whodunit; it is a globe-trotting adventure that explores the consequences of a long-hidden secret. Boothby’s talent for atmosphere ensures that the mystery feels as much a part of the environment as the characters themselves.

Intrigue in the East: The Red Rat's Daughter
The Red Rat's Daughter showcases Boothby’s obsession with the "Far East" and the political tensions of the era. Set against the backdrop of imperial Russia and the vast Siberian frontier, it is a tale of romance entangled with international conspiracy. The title itself—alluding to the mysterious "Red Rat"—promises a level of melodrama that Boothby delivers in spades. It captures a specific moment in literary history when the world felt both dangerously large and increasingly interconnected.
Why Boothby Matters Today
Reading Guy Boothby in the 21st century offers more than just nostalgia. It provides a window into the Victorian psyche:

• The Pace: Boothby’s narrative drive is modern; he rarely lets a chapter end without a hook.

• The Scope: He was an early pioneer of the "international thriller," refusing to keep his protagonists tethered to English soil.

• The Style: His prose is unapologetically bold, designed to entertain the masses of the Edwardian era.

Whether you are a devotee of classic detective fiction or a newcomer to the "sensation" genre, these two novels represent a master storyteller at the height of his powers. Turn the page and prepare for a journey that spans continents and decades.

Read-Me.Org Inc. New York-Philadelphia-Australia. 2026. 350p.

By Guy Boothby. Introduction by Colin Heston

This volume brings together some of the most imaginative and high-stakes narratives from the pen of Guy Boothby, a writer who reigned as one of the most popular masters of the Victorian "shocker." At a time when the British Empire was at its zenith and the possibilities of modern technology were just beginning to fire the public imagination, Boothby crafted stories that blended geopolitical intrigue with the dark, uncharted corners of the globe.

The centerpiece of this collection, The Kidnapped President (1902), catapults the reader into a world of political conspiracy and daring maritime adventure. Set against the backdrop of a South American revolution, the story follows the audacious abduction of a head of state and the relentless pursuit that follows. Boothby’s personal history as a world traveler is evident here; his descriptions of the sea and the desperate maneuvers of those living on the edge of the law carry an authenticity that few of his contemporaries could match. It is a quintessential example of the "international thriller" before the genre had even fully formed, exploring themes of loyalty, power, and the high price of political ambition.
In A Crime of the Under-Seas (1905), Boothby pivots toward a more localized but no less intense mystery. This narrative delves into the treacherous world of pearl fishing and the cutthroat competition of the maritime trade. When a valuable discovery is marred by a calculated crime, the story becomes a tense examination of greed and the lengths to which men will go when they believe they are beyond the reach of land-based authorities. It serves as a perfect companion to the broader political scope of The Kidnapped President, focusing instead on the gritty, high-stakes reality of those who make their living on the ocean's floor.

Rounding out this edition is a selection of Boothby’s shorter fiction, which highlights his versatility as a storyteller. From eerie tales of the supernatural to sharp, punchy vignettes of colonial life, these stories demonstrate the narrative economy that made him a favorite of the era's leading magazines. Whether he is exploring a haunted family legacy or a clever piece of detective work, Boothby’s prose remains relentlessly paced, always keeping the reader’s curiosity at a fever pitch.
Together, these works offer a vivid window into the anxieties and fascinations of the early 20th century. Guy Boothby understood that his audience craved both the thrill of the unknown and the satisfaction of a justice served, and in this collection, he delivers both with his trademark energy. From the corridors of power to the depths of the sea, this volume invites you to rediscover a pioneer of the thriller genre at the height of his creative powers.

Read-Me.Org Inc. New York-Philadelphia-Australia. 2026. 200p.

by Guuy Boothby (Author), Colin Heston (Introduction)

In this combined edition, readers are presented with two quintessential examples of the late Victorian "shocker" from the pen of Guy Boothby, a writer who defined the era’s taste for fast-paced, sensational mystery. The first novel in this volume, The Mystery of the Clasped Hands, originally published in 1901 by F.V. White & Co., serves as a dark exploration of the macabre and the forensic. The story begins with a truly visceral hook: a wedding gift that contains the severed, preserved hands of a woman. It is a classic example of the Victorian obsession with reputation and the legal system, as the protagonist, Godfrey Tring, finds himself trapped in a web of circumstantial evidence. Boothby expertly depicts how quickly a gentleman’s life can be dismantled by a single accusation, making the legal system itself a source of mounting dread. This work highlights Boothby's skill in using sensational artifacts to drive a plot that forces the reader to question whether innocence alone is enough to survive a vengeful conspiracy.
Published just a year later in 1902, The Childerbridge Mystery shifts the focus toward the "sins of the father" trope and the intersection of colonial wealth and domestic stability. When wealthy Australian squatter William Standerton returns to England to establish himself at Childerbridge Manor, he brings with him a fortune that carries the shadow of his past. The mystery is not merely a puzzle of logic but a psychological examination of how the "New World" of the colonies—often viewed by Victorians as a place of lawless opportunity—inevitably catches up with the refined "Old World" of the English gentry. Boothby uses the tranquil setting of a country estate to highlight the tension between a man’s desire for a respectable future and the inescapable reach of his history.
Bound together, these two novels illustrate the common threads of Boothby’s literary legacy: the fragility of social identity, the weight of previous associations, and a relentless narrative pace that bridges the gap between 19th-century Gothic horror and the structured detective fiction of the 20th century. Whether dealing with a grisly forensic artifact or a haunted family legacy, Boothby provided his audience with a perfect blend of the familiar and the shocking. This edition serves as a testament to a writer who, though often overlooked today, once stood as a master of the mystery genre, capturing the collective anxieties of a world on the brink of change.

By Guy Boothby

The Beautiful White Devil (1896) by Guy Boothby stands as one of the most vivid artifacts of the fin-de-siècle adventure boom, a moment when popular fiction fused imperial restlessness, criminal romance, and the growing public appetite for charismatic anti-heroes. Boothby, already known for his flair for exotic atmospheres and high-velocity plotting, crafted in this novel a figure who upends the moral architecture of late-Victorian adventure: a brilliant, elusive woman outlaw who commands the seas with a mixture of theatrical bravado, disciplined intelligence, and a distinctly modern sensibility about power.

The novel’s pacing is unmistakably Boothby’s—rapid, cinematic, and unembarrassed in its desire to enthrall—but what gives The Beautiful White Devil enduring interest is its central inversion. Instead of the conventional male pirate-captain or gentleman-adventurer, Boothby builds his drama around a woman whose audacity challenges the gender codes of the 1890s. She is both a product of her age and a challenge to it, exploiting the cracks in a world structured by empire, commerce, and male authority. Her crimes unsettle not simply because they are daring, but because they are executed with a level of strategic clarity usually reserved, in Victorian fiction, for men. Even today, she reads less like a stock villain and more like the prototype of the morally ambiguous mastermind—an ancestor of the elegant thief, the tactical vigilante, and the charismatic rogue.

For modern readers, this fusion of high adventure and gender subversion gives the novel a surprisingly contemporary resonance. Boothby captures the anxieties and fascinations of an empire confronting its own vulnerabilities: the fragility of control over distant seas, the shifting status of women within public life, and the ambiguity of heroism in a world where law, power, and personal justice do not always align. The tension between official authority and individual agency—especially when wielded by someone who is not expected, in the Victorian imagination, to possess it—feels strikingly current in an age that still debates the ethics of resistance, the allure of transgression, and the politics of criminality.

As a narrative artifact for a modern edition, The Beautiful White Devil is more than an adventure story; it is a window into the performative spectacle of crime at the turn of the century and a reminder of how popular fiction often anticipates social transformation before “serious” literature acknowledges it. Boothby’s tale, with its blend of romance, danger, and social provocation, remains a compelling example of how the adventure novel can reveal the shadows and ambitions of the culture that produced it.

Read-Me.Org Inc. New York-Philadelphia-Australia. 2026. 216p.

By Edgar Wallace. Introduction by Colin Heston

In Silinski – Master Criminal, Wallace constructs the titular character not as a creature of impulse, but as a precursor to the modern white-collar sociopath, defined by what can be termed "organized intellect." Unlike the flamboyant villains of Gothic tradition, Silinski’s power is derived from his mastery of systems—legal, financial, and social. He treats crime as a rigorous administrative discipline, employing a level of detachment that mirrors the very corporate structures he seeks to exploit. This intellectualization of villainy creates a chilling paradox: Silinski is most dangerous when he is at his most rational. Wallace highlights this by contrasting the frantic, reactive energy of the police with Silinski’s own glacial composure. His "mastery" is not merely a matter of successful theft, but of an informational asymmetry where he remains several steps ahead of the law by treating the world as a chessboard of predictable variables. Consequently, the tension of the novel arises not from the "whodunnit" element, but from the terrifying efficiency of a mind that has completely divorced morality from logic.
The conclusion of the narrative solidifies the "super-criminal" archetype not as a mere antagonist, but as a necessary mirror to the evolution of the modern state. By weaving together the threads of bureaucratic mastery and economic manipulation, Wallace posits that the transition of the criminal from the physical to the cerebral reflects a broader societal shift toward abstraction. Silinski represents the dark potential of the burgeoning 20th century: the realization that true power is no longer found in the strength of one's arm, but in the reach of one's influence over the systems that sustain public life. As the novel draws to its close, the resolution of the plot serves as a pyrrhic victory for the law, acknowledging that while one man may be stopped, the systemic vulnerabilities he exposed remain inherent to the fabric of global society. Ultimately, Silinski – Master Criminalstands as a definitive exploration of the modern villain, suggesting that in an age of complexity, the most profound threat to order is the very intelligence required to maintain it.

Read-Me.Org Inc. New York-Philadelphia-Australia. 2026. 188p.

Three Plays By Henry Becque. Translated From The French With An Introduction By Freeman Tilden. Preface by Colin Heston.

To enter the world of Henry Becque is to step into a theater stripped of its finery. As we present these three plays—”The Vultures”, “The Woman of Paris”, and “The Merry-Go-Round”—it is essential to recognize the revolutionary "brutal strength" Becque required to "knock over the idols of romance" that dominated the 19th-century stage.

Freeman Tilden’s introduction serves as a vigorous defense of Becque as the pioneer of realism. Tilden correctly identifies Becque as a "revolutionist" who flouted the "happy ending" and the rigid traditions of dramatists like Sardou. He eloquently describes Becque’s vision of a stage representing the "dramatic commonplaces of every-day life" rather than the "sentimental nonsense" of the era.

However, a modern critique of Tilden’s introduction reveals two areas where his analysis might be expanded:

First, “The Nature of the "Cruel Theatre": Tilden focuses heavily on the “structural” revolution—the five-act drama and the rejection of mystery-driven plots. While he mentions Becque’s "militant" social ideas, he arguably underplays the psychological darkness of the "cruel theatre". Becque did not just want realism; he wanted truth to go "defiantly bare," revealing a world where "vultures" (lawyers, partners, and creditors) wait for a man to die before descending on his family.

Second, “The Gender Perspective:” Tilden notes that Becque voiced "the protest of women against the prejudice that kept them from earning a decent livelihood". Yet, in his discussion of “The Woman of Paris” (“La Parisienne”), Tilden remains somewhat focused on the "naughty triangle" and the prosaic nature of adultery. A modern critique would emphasize that Becque’s women are often forced into moral compromises not by choice, but by a "bureaucratic system" that offers them only parasitism or ruin.

Despite these nuances, Tilden’s assertion remains true: Becque was the "wedge that opened the way for realism". He cleared the ground for Ibsen and the modernists by proving that a play could be "clear without being obvious" and that everyday existence held enough surprises for a master of stagecraft.

In this collection, readers will witness the "unexpectedly striking" scenes that puzzled 19th-century critics—from the savage dinner of the concierges in “The Prodigal Son” to the cold-blooded notary Bourdon in “The Vultures”. We invite you to experience the "cruel theatre" in its purest form: a mirror held up to the "marvellous dramatic commonplaces" of our own human struggle.

New York. Mitchell Kennerley. 1913. Read-Me.Org Inc. New York-Philadelphia-Australia. 2026. 267p.

By Walter Besant. Introduction by Colin Heston.

First published in 1893, The Ivory Gate stands among the late novels of Walter Besant, a writer whose career was defined by a sustained engagement with the moral, social, and psychological pressures of modern urban life. Appearing at the close of the Victorian era, the novel reflects both Besant’s long-standing commitment to social realism and his increasing interest in the interior life of the individual—especially the fragile boundary between aspiration and illusion.
The title itself announces the book’s governing metaphor. In classical and medieval literature, the “ivory gate” is the passage through which false dreams pass into waking life, as opposed to the gate of horn, from which true dreams emerge. Besant adapts this image to late-nineteenth-century conditions, using it to explore the seductive power of unrealized hopes, romantic delusions, and social fantasies that shape—and often distort—human conduct. The novel is less concerned with overt villainy than with self-deception: the quiet, persistent capacity of individuals to misread their circumstances and to substitute imagined futures for lived realities.
For modern readers, the novel remains strikingly relevant. Its exploration of illusion, self-fashioning, and the tension between inner fantasy and external reality resonates with contemporary concerns about identity, expectation, and social pressure. While its Victorian idiom and moral framework are firmly rooted in the nineteenth century, its psychological insights anticipate later treatments of self-deception and emotional displacement.
This new edition invites readers to reconsider The Ivory Gate not simply as a period piece, but as a thoughtful and understated meditation on the human tendency to live in dreams of our own making. In tracing the quiet tragedies that arise when those dreams eclipse judgment, Besant offers a work of enduring moral seriousness—one that illuminates both the anxieties of his age and the persistent vulnerabilities of our own.

A READ-ME.ORG CLASSIC REPRINT. New York-Philadelphia-Australia. 2025. 321p.

By Bram Stoker

Bram Stoker's Dracula, first published in 1897, remains one of the most iconic and influential novels in the Gothic literary tradition. More than a simple horror story, Dracula is a rich tapestry of Victorian anxieties, cultural tensions, and symbolic complexity. Through its epistolary structure and vivid characters, the novel explores themes of modernity versus antiquity, sexuality and repression, imperialism, and the supernatural. It is a work that not only defined the vampire genre but also reflected the fears and fascinations of its time.

The late 19th century was a period of profound transformation in Britain. The Industrial Revolution had ushered in an age of technological innovation and scientific progress, while the British Empire stood at the height of its global influence. Yet beneath this veneer of confidence lay deep-seated anxieties about degeneration, foreign invasion, and the erosion of traditional values. Dracula captures these tensions through its central antagonist, Count Dracula, a foreign aristocrat who threatens the sanctity of British society. His arrival in England symbolizes a reverse colonization, where the East invades the West, challenging notions of cultural superiority and national security.

Stoker’s use of the epistolary format—comprising diaries, letters, newspaper articles, and ship logs—serves to ground the supernatural elements of the story in a framework of realism and documentation. This narrative technique reflects the Victorian obsession with empirical evidence and rationality, even as the characters confront a force that defies scientific explanation. The juxtaposition of modern tools such as typewriters and phonographs with ancient folklore and religious symbols underscores the novel’s central conflict between progress and the past.

One of the most compelling aspects of Dracula is its exploration of sexuality and repression. Victorian society was marked by strict moral codes, particularly regarding gender roles and sexual behavior. The novel subverts these norms through the seductive and transgressive nature of vampirism. Characters like Lucy Westenra and Mina Harker become battlegrounds for these tensions, as their encounters with Dracula blur the lines between victimhood and desire. The act of bloodsucking, laden with erotic undertones, becomes a metaphor for the loss of innocence and the threat of moral corruption.

Religion plays a crucial role in the narrative, often positioned as the ultimate defense against the vampire’s evil. Crucifixes, holy water, and sacred rites are employed alongside scientific reasoning, suggesting a synthesis of faith and logic in the fight against darkness. This duality reflects the Victorian struggle to reconcile religious belief with the rise of secularism and scientific thought.

Dracula also engages with the theme of identity and duality. Count Dracula himself embodies contradictions: he is both man and monster, aristocrat and predator, host and parasite. His ability to transform into animals and control the elements adds to his mystique and reinforces his role as a symbol of the uncanny. The characters who oppose him—Jonathan Harker, Van Helsing, Dr. Seward, and others—represent various facets of Victorian society, from legal and medical professions to religious authority, united in their mission to restore order.

The legacy of Dracula is vast and enduring. It established many of the conventions of vampire fiction and inspired countless adaptations across literature, film, and popular culture. Count Dracula has become a cultural archetype, embodying both fear and fascination. The novel’s rich symbolism and thematic depth continue to invite critical analysis, from psychoanalytic and feminist readings to postcolonial and queer interpretations.

In conclusion, Bram Stoker’s Dracula is far more than a tale of terror. It is a mirror reflecting the complexities of its time, a narrative that intertwines the rational and the irrational, the modern and the ancient, the sacred and the profane. Its enduring power lies in its ability to evoke fear while provoking thought, making it a masterpiece of Gothic literature and a cornerstone of cultural history.

Read-Me.Org Inc. New York-Philadelphia-Australia. 2025. 284p.

By R. L. Stevenson. Edited by Colin Heston

"Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde" is a novella by Robert Louis Stevenson, first published in 1886. The story explores the duality of human nature through the character of Dr. Henry Jekyll, a respected scientist who creates a potion that transforms him into the sinister and violent Mr. Edward Hyde. As Hyde, Jekyll indulges in immoral acts without fear of social repercussions. The narrative delves into themes of identity, morality, and the struggle between good and evil within the human soul. The novella is renowned for its suspenseful and gothic atmosphere, as well as its profound psychological insights.
In addition to Jekyll and Hyde, this volume features a mix of Stevenson’s essays, short stories, and other literary works. The Swanston Edition iis known for its comprehensive and authoritative compilation of Stevenson's oeuvre, providing readers with a deep dive into his diverse literary contributions. Additional stories and writings in this volume include:.
Thrawn Janet. A short story, first published in 1881. Set in a small Scottish village, the tale revolves around the mysterious and eerie events surrounding Janet, an old woman believed to be a witch. The story is narrated by the local minister, who recounts Janet's unsettling behavior and the supernatural occurrences that follow her arrival. The narrative is steeped in gothic elements and explores themes of superstition, fear, and the clash between rationality and the supernatural.
More New Arabian Nights, The Dynamiter. A collection of linked short stories co-written by Robert Louis Stevenson and his wife, Fanny Van de Grift Stevenson. Published in 1885, the stories are set in London and revolve around the adventures of various characters entangled in plots involving dynamite and political intrigue. The collection is a sequel to Stevenson's earlier work "New Arabian Nights" and continues to employ a similar structure of interconnected tales. Themes of adventure, mystery, and social commentary are prevalent throughout the stories.
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. NY-Phila.-Australia. 2025. 193p.

By Robert Louis Stevenson. Edited by Colin Heston

"The New Arabian Nights" by Robert Louis Stevenson is a captivating collection of short stories that showcases his talent for blending adventure, mystery, and humor. Volume 4 of his works includes these tales, which are inspired by the classic "Arabian Nights" but set in contemporary Europe.

The Suicide Club: The collection opens with "The Suicide Club," a trilogy of stories that revolve around Prince Florizel of Bohemia and his loyal companion, Colonel Geraldine. They stumble upon a secret society where members gamble with their lives, seeking an escape from their troubles through death. The stories are filled with suspense, intrigue, and Stevenson's signature wit, as the prince and the colonel navigate dangerous situations to uncover the club's dark secrets.

The Rajah's Diamond: Another notable story is "The Rajah's Diamond," which is divided into four parts. It follows the adventures of a priceless diamond and the various characters who come into possession of it. The diamond's journey leads to a series of thrilling and unexpected events, showcasing Stevenson's ability to weave complex plots and create memorable characters.

Other Stories: The volume also includes other engaging tales such as "The Pavilion on the Links," a story of love, betrayal, and revenge set against the backdrop of a remote Scottish coast, and "A Lodging for the Night," which features the infamous French poet François Villon and his escapades in medieval Paris.

"The New Arabian Nights" is a testament to Stevenson's versatility as a writer. Each story is rich with vivid descriptions, dynamic characters, and a blend of humor and suspense. Stevenson's ability to transport readers to different settings and immerse them in the adventures of his characters makes this collection a delightful and compelling read. Volume 4 of his works highlights Stevenson's skill in crafting engaging narratives that continue to captivate readers with their originality and charm.

Australia. Read-Me.Org. Inc. 2025. 197p.

MAY CONTAIN MARKUP

By Henry James

The Turn of the Screw by Henry James is a classic gothic novella that delves into the realms of psychological horror and suspense. The story follows a governess who is hired to care for two orphaned children at a remote estate in the English countryside. As she begins her duties, she starts to experience strange and eerie occurrences, convinced that the children are under the influence of malevolent spirits.

James masterfully weaves a tale of ambiguity, leaving readers questioning the governess's sanity and the true nature of the entities haunting the children. With its chilling atmosphere, subtle psychological tension, and unsettling ambiguity, The Turn of the Screw is a timeless masterpiece that continues to captivate readers with its haunting narrative and enigmatic characters.

NY. Macmillan. Gutenberg Project. 1898. 107p.