By William H. Herndon (Author), Jesse W. Weik (Author), Colin Heston (Editor)

Abraham Lincoln: The True Story of a Great Life, Volume 2 by William H. Herndon and Jesse W. Weik continues the intimate and revealing portrait of Lincoln’s life, focusing on his political rise, personal struggles, and moral convictions. This volume delves into Lincoln’s early legal and political career in Illinois, his evolving views on slavery, and his growing prominence within the newly formed Republican Party. Herndon, who knew Lincoln personally, offers firsthand insights into Lincoln’s character, including his honesty, wit, and deep empathy. The narrative explores Lincoln’s debates with Stephen A. Douglas, his election to the presidency, and the immense pressures he faced as the nation moved toward civil war. The authors emphasize Lincoln’s internal conflicts, his sense of duty, and his unwavering commitment to preserving the Union. Through letters, speeches, and personal anecdotes, the book presents Lincoln not as a distant icon but as a complex, thoughtful man shaped by hardship and driven by principle. Volume 2 concludes with reflections on Lincoln’s leadership during the early years of the Civil War, setting the stage for the final chapters of his life and legacy.

Read-Me.Org Inc. New York-Philadelphia-Australia. 2025. 220p.

By William H. Herndon (Author), Jesse W. Weik (Author), Colin Heston (Editor)

Abraham Lincoln: The True Story of a Great Life, Volume 1 by William H. Herndon and Jesse W. Weik is a deeply personal and detailed biography that explores the early life and character development of Abraham Lincoln. Written by Herndon, Lincoln’s former law partner, and Weik, a collaborator and researcher, the book offers a unique insider’s perspective on Lincoln’s formative years. It begins with an exploration of Lincoln’s ancestry and family background, emphasizing the hardships and humble circumstances that shaped his upbringing. The narrative delves into his childhood in Kentucky and Indiana, highlighting his early education, intellectual curiosity, and moral development. The authors portray Lincoln as a self-made man whose values were forged through personal struggle, rural labor, and a relentless pursuit of knowledge. The book also reflects on the influence of his mother, Nancy Hanks, and other key figures in his early life. Through anecdotes, letters, and recollections, the biography paints a vivid picture of Lincoln’s growth from a frontier boy into a thoughtful, principled young man destined for greatness. The tone is both reverent and analytical, aiming to present Lincoln not as a mythic figure, but as a real human being shaped by his environment and experiences.

Read-Me.Org Inc. New York-Philadelphia-Australia. 2025. 256p.

By Gilbert E. Roe . Preface By Colin Heston

This book is, at its heart, a constitutional and civic indictment—a sharp rebuke of a legal system which, in Roe's view, had drifted from its republican moorings and embraced a kind of conservative absolutism in the guise of judicial interpretation. It is a work of advocacy, history, and democratic theory. Roe's central thesis is unambiguous: the American judiciary, and especially the federal courts, had evolved into a quasi-aristocratic institution, usurping powers not granted by the Constitution and resisting the popular will under the pretense of legal finality.

Our Judicial Oligarchy is a courageous and principled statement from a time when democratic ideals were under pressure from concentrated power—whether corporate, financial, or judicial. Its enduring relevance lies in its challenge to all Americans: to ensure that no institution, no matter how cloaked in legality or tradition, becomes so removed from the people that it ceases to serve them.

In rereading Roe today, we find not only a vivid picture of Progressive Era politics, but a warning and a reminder—that constitutional democracy requires not just good laws and courts, but an active and informed citizenry unwilling to surrender sovereignty to any oligarchy, judicial or otherwise.

 Read-Me.Org Inc. New York-Philadelphia-Australia. 2025. p. 111.

By Edward Payson Powell. Edited by Colin Heston

In Nullification and Secession in the United States: A History of the Six Attempts During the First Century of the Republic, Edward Payson Powell undertakes an ambitious and far-reaching examination of one of the most fraught and recurring themes in American political development: the idea that individual states possess the legal or moral authority to nullify federal law or withdraw from the Union altogether. Written at the close of the 19th century and first published in 1897, Powell’s work reflects both the urgency of historical clarification in the aftermath of the Civil War and the enduring philosophical contest over the balance between federal power and state sovereignty.

This volume is not merely a chronicle of constitutional crises; it is a sustained meditation on the challenges of national unity in a country designed as a federation of semi-autonomous states. Powell, a journalist, historian, and keen observer of American public life, assembles a carefully documented history of six separate episodes where nullification or secession was proposed, debated, or attempted—beginning with the earliest murmurings under the Articles of Confederation and culminating in the cataclysm of the Confederate rebellion. His purpose is not only to recount these events but to interpret them, to understand the motivations behind them, and to identify the forces—legal, ideological, economic, and sectional—that allowed the American Union to survive repeated assaults on its coherence.

Nullification and Secession in the United States is more than a chronological account of rebellion and reaction; it is a civic education, a warning, and a testament. Edward Payson Powell offers readers both a panoramic view of American political development and a moral argument for the sanctity of national unity. In an age when the bonds of Union had been sorely tested, he reaffirms that the survival of the Republic has depended not only on laws and courts but on the ongoing negotiation between principle and compromise, autonomy and allegiance.

For modern readers—historians, political thinkers, and citizens alike—Powell’s work remains a rich and valuable resource. It shows that the story of America has never been one of perfect consensus, but of persistent debate and, ultimately, a shared determination to hold the states together in common purpose. Few books of its era so skillfully combine historical scholarship with constitutional insight, and few provide as clear a window into the recurring crises that have shaped—and tested—the idea of the United States itself.

Read-Me.Org Inc. Australia, New York & Philadelphia. 2025. 230p.

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

“The Letters of Robert Louis Stevenson, Parts I–VI”, collected in Volume XXIII of the Swanston Edition of his works, is a monumental compilation that offers an unparalleled window into the life, mind, and literary career of Robert Louis Stevenson. Spanning from his youth in Edinburgh to his final years in Samoa, this extensive selection of personal correspondence reveals Stevenson not only as a master of fiction but also as a deeply thoughtful, humorous, and emotionally expressive individual.

The collection was edited by Sidney Colvin, a close friend, literary confidant, and one of Stevenson’s most important biographers. Colvin’s editorial work is central to the volume’s enduring value. His careful selection, chronological arrangement, and insightful annotations provide essential context for understanding the letters and the life they illuminate. Colvin’s introductions to each section help guide the reader through Stevenson’s evolving circumstances—his health struggles, travels, relationships, and creative milestones—while preserving the spontaneity and charm of Stevenson’s original voice.

The letters themselves are addressed to a wide range of correspondents: family members, friends, fellow writers, publishers, and admirers. They cover a broad spectrum of topics, including Stevenson’s literary projects, philosophical musings, personal hardships, and his impressions of the many places he lived and visited—from Scotland and France to California, the Marquesas, and Samoa. Through these letters, readers witness the development of Stevenson’s literary style, his reflections on fame and failure, and his deepening engagement with moral and political questions.

What makes this collection especially compelling is Stevenson’s natural gift for storytelling and self-expression, which shines through even in his most casual notes. His letters are often witty, lyrical, and poignant, filled with vivid imagery and emotional candor. They reveal a man of great sensitivity and intellect, whose personal struggles with illness and exile were matched by a profound curiosity about the world and a commitment to his craft. “The Letters of Robert Louis Stevenson” is an essential volume for anyone interested in Victorian literature, epistolary writing, or the life of one of the 19th century’s most beloved authors. It offers a deeply human portrait of Stevenson—by turns playful, philosophical, and profound—and stands as a testament to the enduring power of personal correspondence as a form of literary art.

The Swanston Edition, with Colvin’s editorial guidance, presents these letters not only as historical documents but as a literary achievement in their own right. The annotations and biographical notes enrich the reader’s understanding of Stevenson’s relationships and the broader cultural and historical context in which he lived and wrote.

Read-Me.Org Inc. New York-Philadelphia-Australia. 2025. 264p.

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 (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 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 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 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.

By Joy Elmer Morgan

To be a good father, mother, brother, sister, or friend; To be a dependable, faithful, and skilled worker in home, school, field, factory, or office; To be an intelligent, honest, useful, and loyal citizen, with faith in God and love of fellowman; To recognize the brotherhood of man and to five by the Golden Rule— These are the aspirations that have brought happiness and achievement to the America we all love. These are the aspirations that must help us find our way to new glory and grace in the midst of worldwide change. A great civilization must have its roots in the soil of the past and its branches reaching to the stars of the future. Otherwise it lacks the experience and motive necessary for noble achievement in the present. Has the nation lost its way? Let it return again to the faith of its youth. This faith is found at its best in the lives and writings of great leaders who have quickened and purified the national spirit.

National Council for the Social Studies, 1968, 417p.