By  Robert Louis Stevenson. Edited by Sidney Colvin and Colin Heston

“The Letters of Robert Louis Stevenson, Parts XI–XIV”, collected in Volume XXV of the Swanston Edition of Stevenson’s works, brings to a close one of the most remarkable collections of literary correspondence in the English language. Edited with meticulous care and deep personal insight by Sidney Colvin, this final volume continues the chronicle of Stevenson’s life through his own words, offering readers a profound and intimate view of the author’s final years and enduring legacy.

These concluding parts of Stevenson’s letters span the last phase of his life, primarily focused on his time in Samoa, where he had settled permanently in 1890. Despite his ongoing battle with chronic illness, Stevenson remained intellectually and creatively active, producing some of his most mature and reflective work. His letters from this period are rich in philosophical insight, literary commentary, and political observation, particularly concerning the colonial tensions in the South Pacific and his advocacy for the Samoan people.

The correspondence in this volume is addressed to a wide and varied circle: family members, literary peers, publishers, and political figures. These letters reveal a man who, though physically isolated, remained deeply engaged with the world. They are filled with Stevenson’s characteristic wit, warmth, and eloquence, but also with a growing sense of urgency and introspection as he approached the end of his life.

Sidney Colvin’s editorial contributions are especially valuable in this volume. As Stevenson’s close friend and literary executor, Colvin provides detailed introductions, annotations, and contextual commentary that illuminate the personal and historical background of each letter. His work ensures that readers not only follow the narrative of Stevenson’s life but also understand the broader cultural and political forces at play during this period.

The Swanston Edition presents these letters with scholarly precision and literary sensitivity, making Volume XXV an essential resource for anyone interested in Stevenson’s life, Victorian literature, or the art of letter writing. The collection as a whole—spanning Volumes XXIII to XXV—offers a comprehensive and deeply human portrait of Stevenson, capturing his evolution from a restless young writer to a mature and morally engaged literary figure.

“The Letters of Robert Louis Stevenson, Parts XI–XIV” is more than a conclusion to a correspondence—it is a culmination of a life lived with passion, intellect, and integrity. Through these final letters, Stevenson’s voice continues to resonate, offering insight, inspiration, and a lasting connection to one of literature’s most enduring spirits.

Read-Me.Org Inc. New York-Philadelphia-Australia. 2025. 296p.

By Robert Louis Stevenson. Edited by Sidney Colvin and Colin Heston

“The Letters of Robert Louis Stevenson, Parts VII–X”, collected in Volume XXIV of the Swanston Edition of Stevenson’s works, continues the extensive and illuminating correspondence begun in Volume XXIII. Edited with scholarly care and personal insight by Sidney Colvin—Stevenson’s close friend, literary executor, and biographer—this volume brings readers deeper into the final and most prolific years of Stevenson’s life, offering a vivid and intimate portrait of the author as both a public figure and a private man.

These later letters, written primarily during Stevenson’s residence in the South Pacific, particularly in Samoa, reflect a period of creative intensity, political engagement, and personal reflection. They reveal Stevenson not only as a master of prose but also as a keen observer of colonial politics, a devoted family man, and a figure of growing international literary stature. His correspondence from this time is rich with commentary on his ongoing literary projects—including The Ebb-Tide, St. Ives, and Weir of Hermiston—as well as his thoughts on morality, justice, and the responsibilities of the writer.

The letters are addressed to a wide range of recipients: family members, literary peers, publishers, and political figures. They are filled with Stevenson’s characteristic wit, warmth, and eloquence, but also with moments of vulnerability and philosophical depth. His reflections on illness, exile, and mortality are especially poignant, as he continued to write and correspond despite the increasing toll of his chronic health conditions.

Sidney Colvin’s editorial work is essential to the value of this collection. His introductions to each section, along with detailed footnotes and contextual commentary, provide readers with the necessary background to fully appreciate the historical and personal significance of the letters. Colvin’s close relationship with Stevenson lends the edition a unique authority and emotional resonance, as he was not only a literary scholar but also a trusted confidant of the author.

“The Letters of Robert Louis Stevenson, Parts VII–X” is more than a supplement to his published fiction—it is a living document of a writer’s mind and spirit, capturing the voice of Stevenson in all its complexity: humorous, passionate, reflective, and profoundly human.

The Swanston Edition presents these letters with scholarly rigor and literary sensitivity, making them an indispensable resource for students, researchers, and admirers of Stevenson’s work. Together with Volume XXIII, this volume completes one of the most comprehensive and engaging collections of literary correspondence from the Victorian era.

Read-Me.Org Inc. New York-Philadelphia-Australia. 2025. p.279p.

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 H. V. Morton (Author), Graeme R. Newman (Introduction)

H. V. Morton’s “In Search of England” is a captivating travelogue that chronicles his journey through the English countryside, exploring its history, legends, and landscapes. Morton visits various towns and villages, delving into their unique stories and cultural heritage. He vividly describes encounters with locals, historical sites, and the natural beauty of places like Glastonbury, Dartmoor, and Tintagel. The book is rich with anecdotes, historical insights, and Morton’s reflections on the enduring charm and mystery of England, making it a delightful read for those interested in the nation’s past and its picturesque scenery. Themes of the book may be categorized as follows:

• Local characters and culture

• Living English history

• Poignant and memorable experiences

• Not without humor

• Art of the Travelogue

The original publisher was Methuen & Co. Ltd. on June 2, 1927. The current version by Read-Me.Org Inc. 2025. 340p.

The four volumes of Thomas Paine's writings, edited by Moncure Daniel Conway, offer a comprehensive collection of Paine's influential works. Here's a brief summary of each volume:

1. Volume 1 includes early political writings, such as Common Sense and The American Crisis. These works were pivotal in inspiring American colonists to seek independence from Britain. Paine's clear and persuasive arguments helped galvanize public opinion in favor of the revolutionary cause[1].

2. Volume 2 focuses on Paine's writings during the French Revolution. It includes "Rights of Man," in which Paine defends the Revolution and argues for natural rights and democratic government. His critiques of monarchy and advocacy for social reforms are central themes.

3. Volume 3 contains Paine's religious and philosophical writings, most notably "The Age of Reason." In this work, Paine critiques organized religion and promotes deism, emphasizing reason and scientific inquiry over religious dogma.

4. Volume 4: This final volume includes Paine's later political and social writings, such as "Agrarian Justice." In it, Paine discusses economic inequality and proposes a form of social security funded by a landowner tax. The volume also includes various letters and essays on political and social issues.

These volumes collectively showcase Paine's profound impact on political thought and his enduring legacy as a champion of liberty, equality, and reason.

John Bunyan (1628-1688) was a prolific English writer and preacher, best known for his allegorical works that reflect his deep Christian faith and experiences. Here's an overview of some of his most notable works:

1. The Pilgrim's Progress: This is Bunyan's most famous work, an allegory of a Christian's journey from the "City of Destruction" to the "Celestial City." It is divided into two parts, following the protagonist, Christian, and later his wife, Christiana.

2. Grace Abounding to the Chief of Sinners: This autobiographical work details Bunyan's spiritual journey and conversion, offering a candid look at his inner struggles and ultimate redemption.

3. The Holy War: Another allegory, this book depicts the battle for the town of Mansoul, representing the human soul, between Shaddai (God) and Diabolus (Satan).

4. The Life and Death of Mr. Badman: This work is a companion to The Pilgrim's Progress, presenting a contrasting narrative of a wicked man's life and the consequences of his sinful actions.

5. The Heavenly Footman: A treatise encouraging Christians to persevere in their faith and strive for spiritual goals, using the metaphor of a race.

6. The Barren Fig Tree: This work explores the Bible parable of the barren fig tree, emphasizing the importance of repentance and bearing spiritual fruit.

Bunyan's writings are characterized by vivid imagery, deep theological insights, and practical applications for Christian living. They have had a lasting impact on Christian literature and continue to be widely read and studied.

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Complied by Jane Sinclair

The document is an excerpt from“The Works of William Carleton, Volume I,”which includes multiple novels such as“Willy Reilly,” “Farnborough the Miser,” “The Black Baronet; or, The Chronicles of Bally train,”and“The Evil Eye; or, The Black Spectre.”The Specific section provided focuses on“Willy Reilly,”detailing the initial chapters where the protagonist, Willy Reilly, saves Squire Folliard from the Red Rapparee, leading to a developing relationship with Folliard’s daughter, Helen, also known as the Colleen Bawn. The narrative explores themes of love, loyalty, religious conflict, and intrigue, set against the backdrop of rural Ireland In “Willy Reilly,” Squire Folliard and his servant Andy Cumm is key lose their way in a foggy moor and encounter the Red Rapparee, who threatens to kill them. Willy Reilly intervenes and saves them, leading to his introduction to Helen Folliard. Despite the religious and social barriers, Reilly and Helen develop a mutual affection. However, Sir Robert Whitecraft, a suitor of Helen, manipulates Mr. Folliard against Reilly, leading to tension and conflict. Helen declares her love for Reilly, defying her father’s wishes and Sir Robert's Schemes. The narrative hints at future challenges and dangers for Reilly and Helen due to their love and the surrounding political and social tensions.

P.F. Collier, 1881, 638 pages

By ALICE WILLARD SOLENBERGER

This book is a detailed study of 1,000 homeless men in Chicago, conducted by Alice Willard Solenberger. It examines their physical conditions, causes of homelessness, and social remedies early in the 20th century.. Solenberger applied charity organization methods to homeless men, similar to those used for families, to understand and address their needs more effectively.. The study highlights the inadequate treatment of homeless men and suggests that personalized, in-depth approaches can lead to better outcomes and contains extensive raw data and information. Finally, it emphasizes the need for better laws and facilities to support homeless individuals and reduce vagrancy.

NY. Russell Sage Foundation. 1911. 397p.

By Thomas Clarkson

This book details the efforts and challenges faced by Thomas Clarkson and others in the abolition of the African slave trade by the British Parliament from 1768 to 1807. Clarkson traveled extensively to gather evidence against the slave trade, facing significant difficulties and opposition. Various committees were formed across the UK to support the abolition cause, including those in Poole, Bristol, and Manchester. The committee published numerous works to educate and mobilize public opinion against the slave trade.

British Parliament. Read-Me.Org Classic Reprint. 2024 (1808). 592p.

By Thomas Clarkson

This book provides a detailed history of the abolition of the African slave trade by the British Parliament, highlighting the significant figures and events involved. It mentions influential individuals like Granville Sharp, William Pitt, and Charles James Fox, who played crucial roles in the abolition movement, outlines the various challenges faced by abolitionists ,and the extensive efforts made to gather evidence and support for the cause.The role of Christianity in promoting the abolition of the slave trade and improving moral conditions is discussed.

British Parliament. Read-Me.Org. classic reprint. 2024 ( 1808). 580p.

Edited By William Gervase Clarence-Smith

Over a million slaves were exported from Indian Ocean and Red Sea ports in Eastern Africa during the 19th century, with millions more moved within the continent[. The slave trade expanded significantly in the 19th century, driven by demand for labor in the western Indian Ocean and improved maritime security. Slaves were used in various roles, including laborers, concubines, eunuchs, and administrators, with significant numbers employed in agriculture, urban economies, and domestic roles.: The nature and scale of slavery varied across regions, with some areas like Zanzibar and Pemba having plantation systems similar to the New World, while others had more subsistence-based servitude.

FRANK CASS AND COMPANY LIMITED. Gainsborough House, Gainsborough Road, London. 1989. 228p.

BY GEORGE PADMORE

The document details the severe exploitation and oppression of Negro workers across various regions, including British, French, Belgian, Portuguese, Spanish, and Italian Africa. It discusses the conditions of black slaves in the United States, the West Indies, and Latin America, highlighting the brutal realities of slavery and its lasting impacts. The book describes the awakening and revolutionary movements among Negro workers in different regions, emphasizing their struggles for freedom and better living conditions, and outlines the role of imperialist powers in exploiting Negro workers and the economic and social challenges faced by these communities under imperialist rule.

R.I.L.U. Magazine for the International Union Committee of Negro Workers London, 1931. 125p.

By Audrey Fisch

"American Slaves in Victorian England" by Audrey Fisch sheds light on the often overlooked history of American slaves who found themselves in England during the Victorian era. Through meticulous research and compelling narratives, Fisch explores the experiences, challenges, and triumphs of these individuals as they navigated a society far from home. This book provides a thought-provoking glimpse into a lesser-known aspect of both American and British history, offering a fresh perspective on the complexities of race, identity, and freedom in the 19th century.

Cambridge University Press, 2000, 139 pages

By Bruce Davis

This is the first comprehensive study of the history and evolution of American indecent exposure laws. The study informs a critical analysis of the role of courts as custos morum, or custodian of the morals. It contains a detailed constitutional analysis of legal management of morality.

The laws are a cornerstone of government regulation of morals, with roots tracing back to seventeenth century English and American cases, laws, and regulations. The state interests protected by indecent exposure laws focus on deterring public behaviors contrary to prevailing moral order and protecting the public from offense or alarm. As moral authority has shifted away from Christianity, the moral authority supporting maintenance of moral order have diminished and fragmented, leaving nuisance as the main justification. Most state statutes now define indecent exposure in terms of audience reaction, reflecting this dependence on nuisance theory. Supreme Court trends have weakened even this justification, raising questions about the viability of current indecent exposure laws.

Despite their fundamental role in moral regulation, indecent exposure laws have received little academic, political, or legal scrutiny. This analysis elucidates their origins, history, and effects, informing development of more effective policies on managing sexuality and nudity. The history of indecent exposure laws also provides insights into managing morals and church-state relations in secular societies. Legal, social, and political trends have created multiple complex jurisprudential dilemmas, exposing the laws to potential constitutional challenges based on the Establishment Clause, free exercise of religion, free speech, privacy, autonomy, overbreadth and vagueness, viewpoint restrictions, content-based restrictions, prior restraints, and equal protection precedent and doctrines. Changes in indecent exposure laws are likely but their costs and benefits remain unclear.

The book chronicles the origins and evolution of courts as custodian of morals. Aspects of Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health abortion case decided in 2023 suggest that this regime may be nearing an end. Competing moral authorities are contributing to a worsening crisis in moral jurisprudence. The book proposes a public policy framework more aligned with our maturing Constitution that may be better suited to current conditions, based on an empirical approach to legal management of morals in a pluralistic liberal democracy.

New York. Read-Me.Org Inc. 2024. 313p.

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by Rev. William Wright.

The text discusses the state of slavery at the Cape of Good Hope, detailing the author's observations and experiences during his ten-year residence there. It mentions various laws and ordinances related to slavery at the Cape, including Lord Charles Somerset's Proclamation of 1823 and the Consolidated Order in Council for the Crown Colonies, dated February 2, 1830. The author also references efforts towards ameliorating enactments and the potential for a scheme for the extinction of slavery by the colonists themselves.

John Rodwell, London. 1831. Reprinted in 1969 by Negro Universities Press,., New York. 116p.

MAY CONTAIN MARKUP

BY WILLIAM LAW MATHIESON

This book provides an overview of the historical context and the measures taken to end the slave trade, emphasizing Great Britain's pivotal role and the international efforts to suppress this inhumane practice. It highlights the efforts to abolish the slave trade and the challenges faced, with reference to treaties with Spain and Portugal and describes Sierra Leone's significance as a base for anti-slavery operations and its challenges.

New York. OCTAGON BOOKS. INC.1967.

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Sir REGINALD COUPLAND

The book begins with a reference to James Stephen, a significant figure in the British anti-slavery movement.  Authored by Sir Reginald Coupland, the book provides a historical account of the British anti-slavery movement, with a new introduction by J. D. Fage.  The text delves into the origins and development of slavery, its practice in ancient civilizations, and the eventual involvement of Europe and America in the African slave trade. It discusses the moral implications of slavery and the economic factors that led to the rise of the slave trade, particularly in relation to the colonization of the Americas, thus setting the stage for a detailed exploration of the British efforts to abolish slavery and the slave trade.

FRANK CASS & CO LTD LONDON. 1933. 273p.

By Rajan Khatiwoda

The main ambition of this book lies in a detailed analysis of the formation and enforcement of Nepal’s Mulukī Ain of 1854, specifically focusing on the provisions regarding homicide within the Mulukī Ains of 1854 and 1870. This study also examines contemporaneous legal records, revealing the complexities of the Ain’s implementation. The articles on homicide serve as a microcosm illustrating the broader evolution of Nepal’s legal code, which departed from outdated punishments like genital mutilation and introduced fines and imprisonment instead. Still, the innovations introduced into the Ain of 1854 were not uniformly progressive. The Ain in its various stages of development thus showcases the complex ways in which legal systems inevitably undergo transformation.

Heidelberg: Heidelberg University Publishing (heiUP), 2024. 439p.

By Oscar Vilhena Vieira

In 2013, Brazil faced political and social upheaval, amid widescale public protests over economic challenges and startling revelations of corruption in the Operation Car Wash investigation. The crisis led to a presidential impeachment and the election of a far-right politician, Jair Bolsonaro, in 2018.

In a new book, “Battle of Powers,” Oscar Vilhena Vieira examines the historical and institutional context of this tumultuous period in recent Brazilian history. In doing so, he offers a reminder of the dangers extremist political movements pose for the rule of law in Brazil and elsewhere, and the importance of constitutional barriers to contain authoritarian cycles. The book also demonstrates how the failure of a government to deliver basic public goods can gradually erode democratic culture and open opportunities for political movements that are less willing to accept institutional constraints on executive power.

Wilson Center and FGV Sao Paulo Law School, 2024