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. 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 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 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  Robert Louis Stevenson. Edited by Colin Heston

“The Story of a Lie” is one of Cs earliest works of fiction, first published in 1879 and later included in Volume XXI of the Swanston Edition of his collected works. Though lesser known than his major novels, this short novella is a significant piece in Stevenson’s literary development, showcasing his early experimentation with moral themes, psychological conflict, and narrative form.

The story centers on Dick Naseby, a young man of artistic temperament and idealistic values, who becomes entangled in a web of deception involving his friend Edward Langham and Langham’s romantic interest, Esther Warriston. Langham, a man of weak character and social ambition, fabricates a noble identity to win Esther’s affection. Dick, initially complicit in the lie out of loyalty, soon finds himself morally compromised and emotionally conflicted as the consequences of the deception unfold.

At its core, The Story of a Lie is a moral fable—a study of how even well-intentioned falsehoods can spiral into destructive outcomes. Stevenson explores the psychological burden of dishonesty, the tension between personal integrity and social expectation, and the painful awakening that often accompanies disillusionment. The narrative is compact but layered, with Stevenson’s characteristic wit and insight into human nature already evident.

Stylistically, the novella reflects Stevenson’s early prose—elegant, precise, and tinged with irony. Though the plot is relatively simple, the emotional and ethical dilemmas faced by the characters give the story depth and resonance. It also anticipates themes that would recur in Stevenson’s later works, such as dual identity, moral ambiguity, and the conflict between appearance and reality. Though not as widely read as Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde or Treasure Island, “The Story of a Lie” remains a compelling and thought-provoking piece, valuable for its literary craftsmanship and its exploration of timeless ethical questions.

The Swanston Edition presents The Story of a Lie with scholarly annotations and contextual commentary, situating it within Stevenson’s broader literary career and the Victorian literary landscape. As part of Volume XXI, it is accompanied by other shorter works and essays, offering readers a fuller view of Stevenson’s range and evolution as a writer. Other works included in this volume are: Olalla, A Fragment, Heathercat, The Great North Road, The Young Chevalier, and Fables  .

Read-Me.Org Inc. New York-Australia-Philadelphia. 2025. 190p.

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.

MAY CONTAIN MARKUP

Linda La Plante

When the body of a young woman is discovered close to a highway service station, Detective Inspector Anna Travis is brought on to the team of investigators by her former lover and boss, Detective Chief Superintendent Langton. As more evidence is uncovered, the team realizes that they are contending with a triple murder investigation—and no suspect.

But then a murderer Anna helped arrest years ago makes contact from prison. Cameron Welsh insists that he can help track down the killer, but he will divulge his secrets only to Anna herself. Does he really have an insight into another criminal’s mind, or is he merely intent on getting into hers?

The team soon realizes that they are dealing with a killer whose deviousness has enabled him to commit horrific crimes, yet remain undetected for years. As the case draws to a close, Welsh’s obsession for Anna fuels a terrifying rage that will have disastrous consequences for Anna, who finds herself staring into the face of a desperate personal tragedy.

London. by Simon & Schuster. 2011. 490p.

MAY CONTAIN MARKUP

HENRY JAMES.

In the first volume of "The Wings of the Dove," readers are introduced to a compelling story of love, desire, and betrayal set in the lavish backdrop of Victorian England. The novel follows the intertwined lives of Kate Croy, a young woman from a modest background with ambitious aspirations, and Merton Densher, a struggling journalist with his own dreams of success.

As their forbidden romance blossoms, the couple becomes entangled in a web of deceit and manipulation orchestrated by Kate's wealthy, dying aunt, Milly Theale. In a bid to secure her financial future, Kate schemes to have Merton woo and marry Milly, whose immense fortune could provide them with the means to live out their desires.

Henry James masterfully weaves a tale of moral complexity and emotional turmoil, exploring the depths of human ambition and the consequences of selfishness. As the characters navigate the intricacies of love and wealth, readers are drawn into a world where the allure of power and possessions threatens to overshadow the purity of the heart.

Volume I of "The Wings of the Dove" sets the stage for a riveting narrative that will captivate readers with its rich character development and profound exploration of the human spirit. Henry James's exquisite prose and keen observations make this classic novel a timeless masterpiece that continues to resonate with audiences today.

NEW YORK. CHARLES SCRIBNER'S SONS. 1902. 318.

By Jill Suzanne Smith

During the late nineteenth century the city of Berlin developed such a reputation for lawlessness and sexual licentiousness that it came to be known as the "Whore of Babylon." Out of this reputation for debauchery grew an unusually rich discourse around prostitution. In Berlin Coquette, Jill Suzanne Smith shows how this discourse transcended the usual clichés about prostitutes and actually explored complex visions of alternative moralities or sexual countercultures including the "New Morality" articulated by feminist radicals, lesbian love, and the "New Woman." Combining extensive archival research with close readings of a broad spectrum of texts and images from the late Wilhelmine and Weimar periods, Smith recovers a surprising array of productive discussions about extramarital sexuality, women’s financial autonomy, and respectability. She highlights in particular the figure of the cocotte (Kokotte), a specific type of prostitute who capitalized on the illusion of respectable or upstanding womanhood and therefore confounded easy categorization. By exploring the semantic connections between the figure of the cocotte and the act of flirtation (of being coquette), Smith’s work presents flirtation as a type of social interaction through which both prostitutes and non-prostitutes in Imperial and Weimar Berlin could express extramarital sexual desire and agency.

Ithaca, NY: Cornell University Press and Cornell University Library, 2013. 237p

By Neema Parvini

This ground-breaking study fearlessly combines latest research in evolutionary psychology, historical scholarship and philosophy to answer a question that has eluded critics for centuries: what is Shakespeare’s moral vision?

Edinburgh: Edinburgh University Press, 2018. 353p.

By The Author Of "Grumbling Tommy," Etc.

Late 19th century morality story for young persons.

London: S. W. Partridge & Co. 1884. 110p. USED BOOK

By Susanna Lee.

The cynical but kind-hearted detective is the soul of the classic hard-boiled story, that chronicle of world-weary urban pessimism. In Hard-Boiled Crime Fiction and the Decline of Moral Authority, Susanna Lee argues that this fiction functions as a measure for individual responsibility in the modern world and that it demonstrates the enduring status of individual conscience across a variety of cultural crises. In this major rethinking of the hard-boiled genre, Lee suggests that, whether in Los Angeles, New York, or Paris, the hard-boiled detective is the guardian of individual moral authority and the embodiment of ideals in a corrupt environment. Lee traces the history of the hard-boiled detective through the twentieth century and on both sides of the Atlantic (France and the United States), tying the idea of morality to the character model in nuanced, multifaceted ways. When the heroic model devolves, the very conceptual validity of individual moral authority can seem to devolve as well. Hard-Boiled Crime Fiction and the Decline of Moral Authority charts the evolution of that character model of the hard-boiled hero, the mid-century deterioration of his exemplarity, and twenty-first-century endeavors to resuscitate the accountable hero. The history of hard-boiled crime fiction tells nothing less than the story of individual autonomy and accountability in modern Western culture.

Columbus, OH: Ohio State University Press, 2016. 248p.