By George Meredith. Designed and Edited with an Introduction by Colin Heston.

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

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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)

The Depot Master by Joseph C. Lincoln is a warm and humorous novel set in the fictional Cape Cod town of East Harniss. The story centers on Captain Solomon Berry, affectionately known as Cap’n Sol, who serves as the depot master—a position that places him at the heart of the town’s daily life and gossip. Cap’n Sol is a retired sea captain with a strong sense of justice, a dry wit, and a deep affection for his community. His role at the depot brings him into contact with a wide array of townspeople, each with their own quirks and stories, and he often finds himself drawn into their personal dramas and schemes.

The arrival of Ruth Nelson, a young and talented artist seeking refuge from a troubled past, introduces a romantic and emotional thread to the narrative. Ruth’s presence stirs both admiration and suspicion among the townsfolk, and Cap’n Sol becomes her unlikely protector and confidant. As Ruth tries to rebuild her life, she must navigate the challenges of small-town scrutiny and the lingering shadows of her history. Meanwhile, Cap’n Sol finds himself at odds with Mr. Williams, a wealthy and manipulative figure whose ambitions threaten the harmony of East Harniss. Their conflict becomes a central tension in the story, highlighting themes of integrity, community, and the quiet heroism of standing up for what is right.

Lincoln populates the novel with a rich cast of secondary characters, including the eccentric Mr. Simeon Phinney, whose sign advertises a bewildering array of services, and the ever-curious townspeople who gather at the depot not just for mail, but for news and camaraderie. The novel’s episodic structure allows for a series of vignettes that together paint a vivid portrait of Cape Cod life, filled with humor, sentiment, and a deep appreciation for the everyday struggles and triumphs of ordinary people.

Through Cap’n Sol’s steady presence and moral compass, The Depot Master celebrates the values of kindness, resilience, and community spirit. Lincoln’s storytelling, rich in local color and dialect, offers a nostalgic and uplifting glimpse into a world where decency and compassion quietly shape the course of lives.

Read-Me.Org Inc. New York-Philadelphia-Australia. 2025. p.173p.

By  Robert Louis Stevenson and Lloyd Osbourne, Edited by Colin Heston.

“The Ebb-Tide: A Trio and Quartette” is a dark, psychologically complex novella co-written by Robert Louis Stevenson and his stepson Lloyd Osbourne, first published in 1894. Included in Volume XIX of the Swanston Edition of Stevenson’s collected works, this tale marks one of the final literary efforts of Stevenson’s life and reflects his mature style—gritty, morally ambiguous, and deeply engaged with the human condition.

Set in the South Pacific, a region Stevenson had come to know intimately during his later years, The Ebb-Tide follows three disgraced and destitute Europeans—Herrick, Davis, and Huish—who find themselves stranded in Tahiti. When they are offered the chance to captain a cargo schooner, the Farallone, they seize the opportunity, only to discover that the ship is carrying a mysterious and morally troubling cargo. Their journey soon spirals into a tale of greed, betrayal, and existential crisis, culminating in a confrontation with Attwater, a charismatic and enigmatic missionary who lives alone on a remote island.

The novella is notable for its psychological depth and moral complexity. Each character represents a different facet of human weakness—cowardice, cruelty, and self-deception—and Stevenson explores how these traits play out under the pressures of isolation and lawlessness. The tropical setting, far from being idyllic, becomes a backdrop for moral decay and spiritual reckoning. The story’s title, The Ebb-Tide, metaphorically suggests the retreat of moral certainty and the erosion of personal integrity.

Stylistically, the work is lean and intense, with Stevenson’s prose sharpened by his collaboration with Osbourne. The narrative is driven by suspense and philosophical inquiry, raising questions about redemption, colonialism, and the nature of evil. It is often seen as a companion piece to Stevenson’s earlier South Seas fiction, such as The Beach of Falesá, but it is darker and more introspective in tone.

The Swanston Edition provides this novella with critical annotations and historical context, situating it within Stevenson’s broader literary and biographical trajectory. As one of his final works, The Ebb-Tide offers a powerful and unsettling vision of the human soul adrift—both literally and morally—on the margins of empire and civilization.

Read-Me.Org Inc. Australia-New York-Philadelphia. 2025. 216p.

By Rolf Boldrewood

In "The Last Chance: A Tale of the Golden West," readers are transported to the rugged landscapes of the Wild West during the height of the Gold Rush. Follow the gripping journey of a diverse cast of characters as they navigate the treacherous frontier in search of fortune, redemption, and a place to call home. Filled with heart-pounding action, intricate plot twists, and poignant moments of human connection, this novel captures the essence of resilience and the unyielding spirit of the pioneers who dared to chase their dreams in the untamed wilderness. "The Last Chance" is a compelling narrative that explores the triumphs and tragedies of the human experience against the backdrop of a defining era in American history.

Macmillan, 1905, 402 pages