By Robert Louis Stevenson

In the South Seas” is a richly detailed and deeply reflective travel narrative by Robert Louis Stevenson, compiled from his journals and letters during his extensive travels across the Pacific Islands between 1888 and 1890. Published posthumously in 1896 and included in Volume XVIII of the Swanston Edition of his collected works, this volume offers a unique blend of ethnography, personal observation, and philosophical inquiry, capturing Stevenson’s fascination with the cultures, landscapes, and colonial dynamics of the South Pacific.

The book is divided into several sections, each focusing on a different island group, including the Marquesas, Paumotus (Tuamotus), and the Gilberts, as well as Samoa, where Stevenson eventually settled. Through vivid prose and a keenly observant eye, Stevenson documents the customs, beliefs, and social structures of the islanders, often contrasting them with the encroaching influence of European colonialism and missionary activity. His tone is both empathetic and critical—he admires the resilience and richness of Polynesian cultures while lamenting the disruptions caused by foreign intervention.

What distinguishes In the South Seas is Stevenson’s humanistic approach. Unlike many travel writers of his time, he does not exoticize or patronize the people he encounters. Instead, he seeks to understand them on their own terms, often engaging in thoughtful reflections on cultural relativism, mortality, and the nature of civilization. His writing is infused with a sense of moral responsibility and personal transformation, shaped by his own experiences of illness, displacement, and a growing disillusionment with Western imperialism.

The Swanston Edition presents this work with scholarly annotations and editorial context, highlighting its significance within Stevenson’s oeuvre and its contribution to travel literature and cultural history. It also situates the text within the broader framework of 19th-century colonial discourse, offering modern readers a critical lens through which to appreciate Stevenson’s nuanced and often progressive perspectives.

“In the South Seas” is not only a travelogue but also a meditation on identity, belonging, and the complexities of cross-cultural encounter. It remains a vital and thought-provoking work for readers interested in Pacific history, postcolonial studies, and the literary legacy of one of Scotland’s most celebrated authors.

By R. L. Stevenson. Edited by Colin Heston

“A Footnote to History” is a powerful and politically charged historical narrative by Robert Louis Stevenson, first published in 1892 and included in the Swanston Edition, Volume XVII. This work stands apart from Stevenson’s more widely known fiction by offering a firsthand account of the complex and often tragic political turmoil in Samoa during the late 19th century—a conflict in which Stevenson himself became deeply involved.

Written during Stevenson’s residence in the South Pacific, the book chronicles the events between 1882 and 1890, a period marked by intense rivalry among Germany, Britain, and the United States for control over the Samoan Islands. These imperial powers, each supporting different local factions, contributed to a prolonged and destabilizing civil conflict. Stevenson, living in Vailima on the island of Upolu, witnessed the unfolding crisis and used his literary voice to document and critique the actions of foreign governments and their representatives.

The narrative is both historical and personal. Stevenson combines detailed political analysis with vivid descriptions of the people, landscapes, and cultural dynamics of Samoa. He portrays the Samoan chiefs and communities with empathy and respect, while sharply criticizing the incompetence, arrogance, and moral failures of the colonial powers. His tone is often impassioned, reflecting his frustration with the injustices he observed and his desire to influence public opinion in Europe and America.

“A Footnote to History” is notable for its journalistic clarity, moral urgency, and literary elegance. It is not merely a chronicle of events but a reflection on the broader consequences of imperialism and the human cost of political ambition. Stevenson’s involvement in Samoan affairs—both as an observer and as an advocate—gives the work a rare authenticity and immediacy.

The Swanston Edition presents this important text with scholarly annotations and historical context, situating it within Stevenson’s broader body of work and the geopolitical realities of the time. As both a historical document and a literary achievement, A Footnote to History remains a compelling and insightful exploration of colonial entanglements and the responsibilities of witness.

By Robert Louis Stevenson. Edited by Colin Heston

“Records of a Family of Engineers” is a unique and deeply personal work by Robert Louis Stevenson, chronicling the remarkable legacy of his own family—particularly his grandfather, Robert Stevenson, and father, Thomas Stevenson—who were among the most influential civil engineers in 19th-century Scotland. This volume, presented as Volume XVI of the Swanston Edition, offers a rare blend of biography, historical narrative, and technical insight, all rendered in Stevenson’s elegant and reflective prose.

The book focuses primarily on the life and work of Robert Stevenson (1772–1850), the pioneering engineer best known for designing and constructing the Bell Rock Lighthouse, one of the greatest engineering feats of its time. Through a series of vivid sketches and recollections, Stevenson documents the challenges, triumphs, and innovations that defined his grandfather’s career, including perilous sea work, the development of lighthouse technology, and the broader evolution of maritime safety in the British Isles.

What sets this work apart is its intimate perspective. Stevenson writes not only as a literary figure but as a descendant and observer of a family tradition steeped in precision, discipline, and public service. His narrative is rich with technical detail, yet always accessible, offering insights into the tools, methods, and philosophies that shaped early civil engineering. At the same time, he reflects on the moral and emotional dimensions of his forebears’ work—their courage, perseverance, and sense of duty.

The Swanston Edition enhances this text with scholarly annotations, historical context, and careful editorial work, making it an invaluable resource for readers interested in the history of engineering, Scottish heritage, and Stevenson’s broader literary output. It stands as both a tribute to a family legacy and a meditation on the intersection of science, craftsmanship, and human endeavor.

Read-Me.Org Inc. New York-Philadelphia-Australia. 2025. 292p.

By ROBERT LOUIS STEVENSON (Author), Colin Heston (Editor)
"Memories and Portraits" is a collection of essays by Robert Louis Stevenson, first published in 1887. This work offers a deeply personal glimpse into Stevenson's life, thoughts, and experiences. The essays are reflective and autobiographical, covering a range of topics from his childhood memories to his observations on life and literature.
In "Memories and Portraits," Stevenson shares intimate recollections of his upbringing in Scotland, his family, and the people who influenced him. The essays are characterized by their warmth, humor, and keen insight into human nature. Stevenson writes about his early education, his adventures and travels, and his reflections on the craft of writing. The collection also includes portraits of notable figures in his life, providing readers with a rich tapestry of his personal and professional world.
The essays in "Memories and Portraits" are celebrated for their eloquent prose and the way they capture the essence of Stevenson's character and philosophy. This collection is a testament to his literary talent and his ability to connect with readers on a deeply personal level.
The Works of Robert Louis Stevenson, Swanston Edition, Volume IX
Volume IX of the Swanston Edition of "The Works of Robert Louis Stevenson" continues to present a diverse array of Stevenson's writings. This volume typically includes a mix of his essays, short stories, and other literary works, reflecting his wide-ranging interests and talents. The Swanston Edition is renowned for its comprehensive and authoritative compilation of Stevenson's oeuvre, providing readers with an in-depth exploration of his literary contributions. Each volume in this series highlights Stevenson's versatility as a writer, showcasing his ability to engage readers 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. NY-Phila-Australia. 2025. 197p.

By R. L. Stevenson. Edited by Colin Heston

The Amateur Emigrant" by Robert Louis Stevenson is a vivid and personal account of his journey from Scotland to America in 1879. The narrative is divided into two parts: "From the Clyde to Sandy Hook" and "Across the Plains."

In the first part, Stevenson describes his experiences aboard the emigrant ship, the S.S. Devonia. He provides a detailed portrayal of the ship's conditions, the diverse group of passengers, and the challenges they face during the voyage. Stevenson's keen observations and empathetic nature shine through as he captures the hardships, camaraderie, and resilience of the emigrants. His writing brings to life the cramped quarters, the monotonous diet, and the various personalities he encounters, offering a poignant glimpse into the lives of those seeking a new beginning in America.

The second part of the narrative, "Across the Plains," recounts Stevenson's overland journey from New York to California. Traveling by train, he continues to document his experiences and the people he meets along the way. Stevenson reflects on the vast landscapes, the cultural differences, and the sense of adventure that permeates the journey. His writing is marked by a blend of humor, insight, and a deep appreciation for the human spirit.

Read-Me.Org Inc. Australia. 2025. 234p.

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By Robert Louis Stevenson.

An Inland Voyage, the lead story in Volume 1of the works of  Robert Louis Stevenson, is a travel narrative, chronicling his canoe journey with his friend Sir Walter Simpson through the rivers and canals of Belgium and northern France in 1876. The book is Stevenson's first published work and is written in a richly descriptive and reflective style that blends travelogue with personal observation and cultural commentary. Their journey follows a winding path along the River Oise and other waterways, taking them through quaint villages, farmlands, and forested regions of a rural Europe that was rapidly changing. Underlying the travel narrative is a strong romantic sensibility—an admiration for the slow rhythm of river travel, a yearning for solitude and contemplation, and a quiet rebellion against the industrialized world. The voyage becomes not just a geographical journey, but a philosophical one as Stevenson muses on freedom, idleness, companionship, and the pleasures of the open road (or water).

While not a work of drama or high adventure, An Inland Voyage is valued for its lyrical style, gentle wit, and the early glimpse it offers into Stevenson’s literary voice. It also prefigures themes that would recur in his later works: a fascination with journeying, a sensitivity to character and setting, and a subtle questioning of societal norms. Overall, An Inland Voyage is a charming and meditative account that blends lighthearted anecdotes with deeper reflection, portraying a world both tranquil and quietly profound through Stevenson’s perceptive and poetic eye.

Underlying the travel narrative is a strong romantic sensibility—an admiration for the slow rhythm of river travel, a yearning for solitude and contemplation, and a quiet rebellion against the industrialized world. The voyage becomes not just a geographical journey, but a philosophical one as Stevenson muses on freedom, idleness, companionship, and the pleasures of the open road (or water). While not a work of drama or high adventure, An Inland Voyage is valued for its lyrical style, gentle wit, and the early glimpse it offers into Stevenson’s literary voice. It also prefigures themes that would recur in his later works: a fascination with journeying, a sensitivity to character and setting, and a subtle questioning of societal norms.

Other works in this volume include Travels with a Donkey, A Mountain Town in France, and Edinburgh Picturesque Notes.

Read-Me.Org Inc. Australia. 2025 . 220p.

By Francis Bacon with an Introduction by Oliphant Smeaton

Francis Bacon, Baron Verulam and Viscount St Albans, was bom at York House, Strand, on 22nd January the younger son, by his second wife, of Sir Nicholas Bacon. Eord Keeper of the Great Seal. Almost from birth Francis was a delicate child, and suffered from prolonged ill health, a circumstance to “which some biographers have attributed the gravity of manner even in youth characteristic of him. Probably it was due rather to his intense absorption, even in early childhood, in studies commonly assigned to youths considerably his seniors. Though his earlier boyhood is almost a blank to us, save that he spent it between the family residence in London, situated near the present Strand and the Thames, and the country seat, yet we obtain interesting light upon the facts of his career when he emerges from the domestic seclusion of home to proceed in his thirteenth year with his brother

LONDON J. M. DENT & SONS LTD: NEW YORK E. P. DUTTON & CO INC, 1561-1626, 221p.

By William Law Mathieson

This is a continuation of " British Slavery and its Abolition, 1823-1838,” which was published in 1926, and the work would have appeared earlier if my attention had not been diverted to the slave trade. From the dates it will be seen that I have confined myself to the first eleven years of emancipation, which constitute its initial phase. The Sugar Act of 1846 had the same effect on the agriculture of the West Indian colonies as had the Corn Act of the same year on the agriculture of the home country; and the new regime was not permanently established till the planters had lost both the main supports of their former system—their slaves and their monopoly of the home market. In other words, the period is marked off by two crises, opening with the crisis of emancipation and closing with that of free trade. The Sugar Act, which provided for the gradual scaling down of protection, was revised in 1848, and was not secured against further alteration till the resistance to it in Jamaica and British Guiana had been abandoned in 1849.

Octagon Books, 1967, 253 pages

By Desha Denton

"Appeal to Americans: Republic Reforms" by Desha Denton, published in 1925 , is a thought - provoking work that proposes a series of reforms aimed at revitalizing the American republic. The book outlines ten major reforms and six ty suggestions designed to address various aspects of governance and societal issues [1] . Topics covered include Congress reform, jud icial reform, election reform, and constitutional reform [1] . Denton emphasizes the need for Americans to wake up to the challenges f acing their nation and take active steps to restore its vigor and integrity [1] .

Desha Denton, 1925, 371p.

By Adolph Caso

Beccarias little book, On Crimes and Punishments, was so influential that many nations of Europe changed parts of their constitutions while the author was still alive. In America of the revolutionary period, the little book was more influential than any other single book, its spirit incorporated in documents such as the Declarations of Cause and of Independence, the Constitution, and the Bill of Rights. John Adams quoted from it as early as 1768; later, the same Adams quotes Beccaria in both English and in Italian. Jefferson made extensive usage of the book, as did many other prominent Americans of this period. It may be a surprise to many students and historians alike that Beccaria’s little book was published in America long before any book of men such as Voltaire, Rousseau, and Montesquieu, to name just a few.

Boston Branden Press Publishers, 1975, 279p.

By Leonard V. Harrison and Elizabeth Laine

Nature of Study: The book, "After Repeal," by Leonard V. Harrison and Elizabeth Laine, examines the administration of liquor control in the U.S. post-Prohibition, focusing on the effectiveness of various systems and policies.

Federal and State Roles: It discusses the roles of federal and state governments in liquor control, including licensing systems, state monopolies, and taxation.

Administrative Challenges: The study highlights the administrative challenges in liquor control, emphasizing the need for efficient management and the impact of local and state cooperation.

Revenue and Enforcement: It provides detailed analysis on revenue generation from liquor taxes and the enforcement efforts against illegal liquor activities.

Harper & Brothers Publisher, 1936, 316p.

By Leonard E. Read

In this work dedicated to the memory of Frederic Bastiat (1801-1850), Leonard E. Read explores an array of themes such as the sources of human progress, the political consequences of not thinking for one’s self, and finding what is right and wrong. Bastiat’s first rule, Read states, was obedience to conscience before all else. Bastiat worked to advance concepts that were wildly unpopular in his native France but did not give up in his pursuit of what he thought was right. In this way, Leonard E. Read advances Frederic Bastiat’s tradition and legacy by highlighting these matters and applying them to the importance of individual liberty.

The Foundation for Economic Education Irvington-On-Hudson, New York, 1968, 129p.

By Paul D. Hines & Leslie Woods

"A Guide to Human Rights Education" by Paul D. Hines and Leslie Wood, published in 1969 , is a comprehensive resource designed to integrate human rights concepts into social studies curricula at elementary and secondary levels . The guide emphasizes the importance of universal human rights and provides historical context, from Hammurabi's Code to post - World War II developments [1] . It includes discussions on key human right s documents, the role of the United Nations, and practical strategies for educators to promote human rights awareness in the classroom

National Council For The Social Studies, 1969, 151p.

By F. A. Hayek

From the $700 billion bailout of the banking industry to president Barack Obama’s $787 billion stimulus package to the highly controversial passage of federal health-care reform, conservatives and concerned citizens alike have grown increasingly fearful of big government. Enter Nobel Prize–winning economist and political theorist F. A. Hayek, whose passionate warning against empowering states with greater economic control, The Road to Serfdom, became an overnight sensation last summer when it was endorsed by Glenn Beck. The book has since sold over 150,000 copies.

University of Chicago Press, Apr 1, 2011, 569 pages

By Joshua D. Freilitch and Graeme R. Newman

The first series of the International Library of Criminology, Criminal Justice and Penology has established itself as a major research resource by bringing together the most significant journal essays in contemporary criminology, criminal justice and penology. The series made available to researchers, teachers and students an extensive range of essays which are indispensable for obtaining an overview of the latest theories and findings in this fast changing subject. Indeed the rapid growth of interesting scholarly work in the field has created a demand for a second series which like the first consists of volumes dealing with criminological schools and theories as well as with approaches to particular areas of crime criminal justice and penology. Each volume is edited by a recognised authority who has selected twenty or so of the best journal articles in the field of their special competence and provided an informative introduction giving a summary of the field and the relevance of the articles chosen. The original pagination is retained for ease of reference. The difficulties of keeping on top of the steadily growing literature in criminology are complicated by the many disciplines from which its theories and findings are drawn (sociology, law, sociology of law, psychology, psychiatry, philosophy and economics are the most obvious). The development of new specialisms with their own journals (policing, victimology, mediation) as well as the debates between rival schools of thought (feminist criminology, left realism, critical criminology, abolitionism etc.) make necessary overviews that offer syntheses of the state of the art.

Ashgate, 2007, 510p.

By Jeese O. Stutman

It was only after an active experience of eighteen years in research and correctional work, in more or less intimate contact with not less than 50,000 convicts of all classes, young and old, male and female, felons and misdemeanants, of many races, mental conditions and degrees of criminality, that the writer was willing to compile his findings on the nature of the work he has been attempting to perform. Many able and comprehensive articles have appeared from time to time on sporadic phases of criminology and correctional methods; but seldom has any prison manager undertaken to present a concise statement of the philosophy and practice of modern methods.

Macmillan, 1926, 419 pages

By Horace B. English and Ava C. English

A Guide to Usage, for Readers and Writers in the Fields of Psychology, Psychoanalysis, Psychiatry, Education, Guidance, and Social Work.

Longmans, Green and Co.

By Temple Grandin PhD, Margaret M. Scariano

A true story that is both uniquely moving and exceptionally inspiring, Emergence is the first-hand account of a courageous autistic woman who beat the odds and cured herself. As a child, Temple Grandin was forced to leave her "normal" school and enroll in a school for autistic children. This searingly honest account captures the isolation and fears suffered by autistics and their families and the quiet strength of one woman who insisted on a miracle.

Grand Central Publishing, Sep 1, 1996, 184 pages

Edited by Wender Bell and Walter E. Freeman

This book is the result of the twelfth annual convention of the International Studies Association which was held March 17-20, 1970, in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Although we have subsequently asked a few additional people to contribute, most of the chapters were prepared for and presented at several sessions of the ISA convention, the participants having been invited and the panels organized by William J. Foltz and Leo Kuper, in addition to the editors.

Our theme was “Ethnicity in Nation-Building, Regional Integration, and International Conflict,” and our discussions turned out to be among those happy intellectual occasions when a deep, common interest in a given subject matter washes away disciplinary distinctions. This was especially important because we are an interdisciplinary group composed of political scientists, sociologists, historians, community developers, anthropologists, and planners.

We were also gladdened by the sun, sand, and sea of the Caribbean and we all owe much for the pleasant surroundings, both physical and intellectual, to theProgram Officers—Basil A. Ince, Fred W. Riggs, and Luis Vega. After the conference, the idea of bringing these papers together in a published volume was encouraged by Norman D. Palmer, Richard C. Snyder, and John E. Turner.

We wish to thank Lorraine Estra, of Yale University, and Kay McClellan Richard Gold, and Carol Gold, all of Pennsylvania State University, for editorial assistance. The first editor also wishes to thank the National Science Foundation for a grant (GS-2637) under which he was able to take the time to work on this volume.

AGE PUBLICATIONS LTD, 1974, 381p.

By Elberty Dengan Thomas

China is the only existing independent nation that can claim to have been a contemporary of the great empires of antiquity— Egypt, Assyria, and Babylon. To these great powers, however, she apparently owed nothing. Shut in on the west by the loftiest mountains in the world, protected on the north by the deserts of Taklamakan and Gobi, and on the east and south by the restless sea, the Chinese people in seclusion developed a civilization that was in nothing inferior to the best that these great empires could show. In the long period of time covered by their history they met with problems similar in character to those encountered by men elsewhere. Dr. Thomas says very truly that “it no longer shocks our habits of thought to assume that man, acting as is his right as a ‘political animal,’ has responded to a given s

NEW YORK: PRENTICE-HALL, Inc. 1927, 332p.