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

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

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

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

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

By Rolf Boldrewood

Plain Living: A Bush Idyll is a captivating tale that delves into the simple yet profound world of rural life. Written in exquisite detail, the novel follows the journey of Sarah, a young woman who leaves the hustle and bustle of the city to seek solace in the peaceful countryside. As she immerses herself in the beauty of nature and the warmth of community, Sarah discovers a deeper connection to the land and its inhabitants.

Through lyrical prose and vivid descriptions, the author paints a rich portrait of life in the bush, intertwining themes of love, loss, and self-discovery. Plain Living invites readers to slow down, appreciate the small moments, and find joy in the quietude of rural living. A poignant and heartfelt narrative, this book is a celebration of simple pleasures and the enduring spirit of the human heart.

Macmillan, 1898, 316 pages

By Rolf Boldrewood

"A Sydney Side Saxon" is a captivating tale that delves into the complexities of identity, heritage, and belonging. Set against the backdrop of multicultural Sydney, the story follows the protagonist as she navigates the challenges of straddling two worlds—the traditional expectations of her Anglo-Saxon lineage and the vibrant diversity of her Australian upbringing. As she learns to embrace her heritage while forging her own path, readers are taken on a poignant journey of self-discovery and acceptance. With richly drawn characters and evocative storytelling, this novel is a compelling exploration of cultural fusion and the universal quest for understanding one's place in the world.

Heinemann and Balestier, 1891, 96 pages

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By BENJAMIN BRAWLEY

"The Negro in Literature and Art in the United States" by Benjamin Brawley examines the representation and contributions of African Americans in the cultural landscape of America. Originally published in 1918, Brawley’s insightful analysis delves into the portrayal of African Americans in literature and art, highlighting their struggles, achievements, and resilience despite facing systemic racism and discrimination. Through a meticulous exploration of history and artistic expressions, Brawley sheds light on the complexities of race relations and the evolving perceptions of African American identity. A seminal work that continues to resonate today, "The Negro in Literature and Art in the United States" is a compelling read for those interested in understanding the cultural heritage and artistic legacy of African Americans in the United States.

NEW YORK. DUFFIELD & COMPANY. 1921. 147p.

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Danielle Steel

Danielle Steel's 38th novel creates a powerful, moving portrayal of families divided, lives shattered, and a nation torn apart by prejudice during a shameful period in recent American history. On February 19, 1942, President Roosevelt signed Executive Order 9066, giving the military the power to remove Japanese-Americans from their communities at will. Silent Honor tells of Masao Takashimaya and his family, as they fight to stay alive amid the drama of life and death in the internment camp at Tule Lake.

Doubleday. Australia. 1996. 342p.

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MICHAEL CHABON

A “towering, swash-buckling thrill of a book” (Newsweek), hailed as Chabon’s “magnum opus” (The New York Review of Books), The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier & Clay is a triumph of originality, imagination, and storytelling, an exuberant, irresistible novel that begins in New York City in 1939.

A young escape artist and budding magician named Joe Kavalier arrives on the doorstep of his cousin, Sammy Clay. While the long shadow of Hitler falls across Europe, America is happily in thrall to the Golden Age of comic books, and in a distant corner of Brooklyn, Sammy is looking for a way to cash in on the craze. He finds the ideal partner in the aloof, artistically gifted Joe, and together they embark on an adventure that takes them deep into the heart of Manhattan, and the heart of old-fashioned American ambition. From the shared fears, dreams, and desires of two teenage boys, they spin comic book tales of the heroic, fascist-fighting Escapist and the beautiful, mysterious Luna Moth, otherworldly mistress of the night. Climbing from the streets of Brooklyn to the top of the Empire State Building, Joe and Sammy carve out lives, and careers, as vivid as cyan and magenta ink.
 
Spanning continents and eras, this superb book by one of America’s finest writers remains one of the defining novels of our modern American age.

4th ESTATE • London. Harper Collins.. 2010. 634p.

By Rolf Boldrewood

"The Squatter's Dream" is a thought-provoking novel that delves into the complexities of identity, belonging, and the pursuit of the Australian dream. Set against the backdrop of the harsh Australian outback, the story follows the journey of a young squatter named Jack as he grapples with his aspirations for the future and the harsh realities of his present circumstances. Through vivid storytelling and rich character development, this novel challenges readers to question the true meaning of success and the sacrifices one must make to achieve it. "The Squatter's Dream" is a poignant exploration of hope, resilience, and the enduring human spirit in the face of adversity.

Macmillan and Company, 1892, 319 pages

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By Upamanyu Chatterjee

English, August: An Indian Story is a thought-provoking novel that delves into the life and experiences of Agastya Sen, a young Indian civil servant posted in a small town. As Agastya navigates the complexities of his new surroundings, he grapples with issues of identity, culture clash, and personal growth. Through a blend of humor, introspection, and sharp social commentary, the book offers a unique insight into contemporary India and the inner world of its protagonist. A classic in Indian literature, English, August is a compelling exploration of tradition, modernity, and the quest for self-discovery.

Rupa. Faber and Faber. 1990. 305p.

By Herman Melville

From Wikipedia: Moby-Dick; or, The Whale is an 1851 novel by American writer Herman Melville. The book is the sailor Ishmael's narrative of the maniacal quest of Ahab, captain of the whaling ship Pequod, for vengeance against Moby Dick, the giant white sperm whalethat bit off his leg on the ship's previous voyage. A contribution to the literature of the American Renaissance, Moby-Dick was published to mixed reviews, was a commercial failure, and was out of print at the time of the author's death in 1891. Its reputation as a Great American Novel was established only in the 20th century, after the 1919 centennial of its author's birth. William Faulkner said he wished he had written the book himself,[1] and D. H. Lawrence called it "one of the strangest and most wonderful books in the world" and "the greatest book of the sea ever written".[2] Its opening sentence, "Call me Ishmael", is among world literature's most famous.[3]

London. Richard Bentley . 1851. 632p.

By Mark Twain

From Wikipedia: The Prince and the Pauper is a novel by American author Mark Twain. It was first published in 1881 in Canada, before its 1882 publication in the United States.[1] The novel represents Twain's first attempt at historical fiction. Set in 1547, it tells the story of two young boys who were born on the same day and are identical in appearance: Tom Canty, a pauper who lives with his abusive, alcoholic father in Offal Court off Pudding Lane in London, and Edward VI of England, son of Henry VIII of England. Plot: Tom Canty, the youngest son of a very poor family living in Offal Court located in London, has been abused by his father and grandmother, but is encouraged by the local priest, who taught him to read and write. Loitering around the palace gates one day, he sees Edward Tudor, the Prince of Wales. Coming too close in his intense excitement, Tom is caught and nearly beaten by the Royal Guards. However, Edward stops them and invites Tom into his palace chamber. There, the two boys get to know one another and are fascinated by each other's life. They have an uncanny resemblance to each other and learn they were even born on the same day, so they decide to swap clothes “temporarily". The Prince hides an item, which the reader later learns……

By Franz Kafka. Translated by David Wyllie

From Wikipedia: The Trial (German: Der Process,[1] previously Der Proceß, Der Prozeß and Der Prozess) is a novel written by Franz Kafka in 1914 and 1915 and published posthumously on 26 April 1925. One of his best known works, it tells the story of Josef K., a man arrested and prosecuted by a remote, inaccessible authority, with the nature of his crime revealed neither to him nor to the reader. Heavily influenced by Dostoevsky's Crime and Punishment and The Brothers Karamazov, Kafka even went so far as to call Dostoevsky a blood relative.[2] Like Kafka's two other novels, The Castleand Amerika, The Trial was never completed, although it does include a chapter which appears to bring the story to an intentionally abrupt ending.

After Kafka's death in 1924 his friend and literary executor Max Brod edited the text for publication by Verlag Die Schmiede. The original manuscript is held at the Museum of Modern Literature, Marbach am Neckar, Germany. The first English-language translation, by Willa and Edwin Muir, was published in 1937.[3] In 1999, the book was listed in Le Monde's 100 Books of the Century and as No. 2 of the Best German Novels of the Twentieth Century.

Berlin. Verlag Die Schmiede. 1925. 213p. CONTAINS MARK-UP