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HISTORICAL FICTION

THE WHOLE TRUTH, EVEN WHEN IT HURTS

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St. Ives: Being the Adventures of a French Prisoner in England: Vol. 20. The Works of R. L. Stevenson.

By R. L. Stevenson. Edited by Colin Heston.

“St. Ives: Being the Adventures of a French Prisoner in England” is an unfinished historical romance by Robert Louis Stevenson, posthumously Vol. XX published and included in Volume XX of the Swanston Edition of his collected works. Begun in 1893 during Stevenson’s final years in Samoa, the novel was left incomplete at his death in 1894 and later finished by Arthur Quiller-Couch, a respected British writer and editor.

Set during the Napoleonic Wars, St. Ives follows the escapades of Viscomte Anne de Keroual de St. Ives, a dashing and witty French officer who is captured and imprisoned in Scotland. The novel opens with his internment at Edinburgh Castle, from which he eventually escapes, embarking on a series of adventures across the British countryside. Along the way, he encounters a colorful cast of characters, including fellow prisoners, eccentric aristocrats, and a romantic interest, Flora Gilchrist, whose loyalty and courage become central to the story.

Thematically, St. Ives explores identity, honor, and the absurdities of war, all delivered with Stevenson’s characteristic blend of humor, irony, and narrative flair. The protagonist’s aristocratic pride and gallant demeanor are frequently tested by the unpredictable circumstances of exile and captivity, offering a light-hearted yet insightful commentary on the nature of heroism and national rivalry.

Although the novel remains incomplete in Stevenson’s hand—he wrote approximately thirty chapters before his death—Quiller-Couch’s continuation, based on Stevenson’s notes and stylistic cues, brings the story to a satisfying conclusion. The transition between authors is handled with care, though literary scholars often distinguish between the two parts in terms of tone and polish.

The Swanston Edition presents St. Ives with critical apparatus, including editorial notes and historical context, allowing readers to appreciate both the literary qualities of the work and the circumstances of its creation. As a late work, it reflects Stevenson’s enduring fascination with adventure, character, and the interplay between personal freedom and historical forces.

“St. Ives” stands as a testament to Stevenson’s narrative gifts and his ability to infuse even unfinished tales with charm, wit, and enduring appeal. It offers a unique glimpse into the author’s creative process and remains a valuable piece of his literary legacy.

This volume has been carefully edited and redesigned by Colin Heston, a renowned novelist and storyteller, to make the book more enjoyable and comprehensible to the modern reader.

Read-Me.Org Inc. Australia-New York-Philadelphia. 2025. 245p.

The Black Arrow: A Tale of the Two Roses

By R. L. Stevenson. Edited by Colin Heston

"The Black Arrow: A Tale of the Two Roses" is a historical adventure novel by Robert Louis Stevenson, first published in 1888. Set during the tumultuous period of the Wars of the Roses in 15th-century England, the story follows the young protagonist, Richard Shelton. Richard is caught in the conflict between the houses of York and Lancaster, and his journey is marked by themes of loyalty, betrayal, and revenge. The novel begins with Richard discovering that his guardian, Sir Daniel Brackley, is involved in treacherous activities. As Richard seeks justice for his father's murder, he joins forces with a band of outlaws known as the Black Arrow. The leader of the outlaws, John Amend-All, becomes a key ally in Richard's quest. Throughout the narrative, Richard faces numerous challenges, including battles, escapes, and romantic entanglements with Joanna Sedley, a young woman disguised as a boy. Stevenson's vivid descriptions and fast-paced plot make "The Black Arrow" a captivating read. The novel seamlessly combines elements of adventure, romance, and historical fiction, offering readers a thrilling portrayal of medieval England and its intricate political landscape.

Volume VIII of the Swanston Edition of "The Works of Robert Louis Stevenson" continues to showcase Stevenson's literary versatility. This volume typically includes a mix of his essays, short stories, and other writings, reflecting his wide-ranging interests and talents. The Swanston Edition is renowned for its comprehensive and authoritative compilation of Stevenson's works, providing readers with an in-depth exploration of his literary contributions. Each volume in this series highlights Stevenson's ability to engage readers with his storytelling prowess across various genres and styles. This volume has been carefully edited and redesigned by Colin Heston, a renowned novelist and storyteller, to make the book more enjoyable and comprehensible to the modern reader.

Read-Me.Org Inc. New York, Philadelphia, Australia. 2025. 178p.

Prince Otto

by Robert Louis Stevenson (Author), Colin Heston (Editor)

Volume VII of the Swanston Edition of "The Works of Robert Louis Stevenson" continues to present a diverse collection of Stevenson's literary output. This volume typically includes a mix of his essays, short stories, and other writings, reflecting his wide-ranging interests and talents. The lead piece, "Prince Otto", was first published in 1885. The story is set in the fictional Germanic principality of Grünewald and follows the titular character, Prince Otto Johann Friedrich. Otto is a well-meaning but somewhat ineffectual ruler, whose reign is marked by political intrigue and personal dilemmas. The novel explores themes of power, responsibility, and personal growth as Otto grapples with his duties as a prince and his relationships with those around him, including his wife, Princess Seraphina, and his scheming ministers. "Prince Otto" is notable for its blend of romance, adventure, and political satire, showcasing Stevenson's versatility as a writer.

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.

Cross of St. George

MAY C ONTAIN MARKUP

ALEXANDER KENT

In "Cross of St. George," readers are transported back to the turbulent times of World War II, where espionage, sacrifice, and courage intertwine to shape the fate of nations. Set against the backdrop of Nazi-occupied France, the novel follows the journey of a brave young resistance fighter, Catherine Dubois, whose unwavering determination is put to the ultimate test when she is tasked with a dangerous mission that could change the course of the war. As Catherine navigates the treacherous landscape of wartime espionage, she must grapple with complex moral dilemmas, betrayal, and the ever-present threat of discovery. With meticulous historical detail and a gripping narrative, "Cross of St. George" is a compelling tale of heroism, love, and the enduring power of the human spirit in the face of overwhelming adversity.

London. Arrow Books. 1996. 340p.

Hitler's Niece

USED BOOK. MAY CONTAIN MARK-UP

By Ron Hansen

"Scrupulously researched. Hansen's informed interpretation of events makes convincing, if melancholy, reading." -Boston Sunday Globe

"A novel that reads like history." -Austin American-Statesman,

"A carefully crafted and distinctly macabre work of fiction." -Village Voice

"Hansen has written a convincing novel that is provocative, disturbing, and illuminating." -Raleigh News & Observer

"Hansen is a fearless storyteller. . .. [He] creates a savagely human portrait of Hitler. . .. [Hitler's Niece] reads, like all good books, as a vehicle for the writer's obsession--an intelligent, haunting, an‹ oddly devotional exploration of the unimaginable Hitler in love. -BookForum

NY. Perennial. 1999. 321p.

Claudius the god and his wife Messalina

USED BOOK. MAY CONTAIN MARK-IP

By Robert Graves

“The troublesome reign of Tiberius Claudius Caesar, emperor of the Romans (born 10 b.c., died a.d. 54), as described by himself; also his murder at the hands of the notorious agrippin a (mother of the emperor nero) and his subsequent deification, as described by others.”

NY. Vintage Random House. 1962. 584p.

Jefferson: A Novel

USED BOOK. MAY CONTAIN MARK-UP

By Max Byrd

FROM THE COVER: “It is 1784, and Jefferson, the newly appointed American ambassador to the court of Louis XVI and Marie-Antoinette, has just arrived in Paris-a city adrift in intrigue, upheaval, and temptation that will challenge his principles, incite his passions, and change Thomas Jefferson forever.... Through the eyes of his impressionable young secretary, William Short, we watch as the future president builds his dream of an America with fellow patriots John Adams and Ben Franklin, and as he struggles between political ambition and an unexpected crisis of the heart with a woman who has the power to destroy him. And we discover-behind the face the complex Virginian shows the world -an enigmatic statesman who fights for individual liberty even as he keeps slaves, who champions free will even as he denies it to his daughters, and who holds men to the highest standards of honor-even as he embarks on a shadowy double life of his own.”

"A Novel To Be Admired And Enjoyed,The Best Fictionalized Life Of Jefferson Yet!' -Jack McLaughlin,

NY. Bantam. 1994. 470p.

Wolf Hall: A Novel

USED BOOK. MAY CONTAIN MARK-UP

By Hilary Mantel

FROM CHAPTER 1:

“So now get up."

Felled, dazed, silent, he has fallen; knocked full length on the cobbles of the yard. His head turns sideways; his eyes are turned toward the gate, as if someone might arrive to help him out. One blow, properly placed, could i kill him now. Blood from the gash on his head--which was his father's first effort is trickling across his face. Add to this, his left eye is blinded; but if he squints sideways, with his right eye he can see that the stitching of his father's boot is unraveling. The twine has sprung clear of the leather, and a hard knot in it has caught his eyebrow and opened another cut.”

NY. Henry Holt and Company. 2009. 548p.

The Song Of Achilles

By Madeline Miller

FROM USA TODAY: “"It takes a truly gifted writer to make a song this old feel this beauti- fully new. What's startling about this sharply written, cleverly reimagined, enormously promising debut novel from Madeline Miller is how fresh and moving her take on the tale is--how she has managed to bring Achilles and his companion Patroclus to life in our time without removing them from their own."

NY. Harper Collins. 2012. 426p. USED BOOK. CONTAINS MARK-UP

Coonardoo

By Katharine Susannah Prichard

From the jacket: No writer has painted a more vivid picture of the tragic meeting of primi­tive and civilized humanity than Katharine Susannah Prichard in Coonardoo. First published in 1929, this remarkable novel has become an Australian classic, as moving in its deli­cate portraiture of an aboriginal girl as it is revealing in its authentic know­ledge of the outback scene in north­western Australia. The little black girl Coonardoo and the boy Hugh are childhood play­mates, and the relationship that gradually develops from their early bond is compelling and disastrous. Coonardoo has her tribal partner; Hugh, the station-owner, must marry. This drama is played out in the deserts and cattle country of the north­west, a cruel story redeemed by the poetic quality-of Coonardoo and her devotion to the man whose race dealt so harshly with hers.

Melbourne. Angus and Robertson. 1929.