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.

Compiled By Joseph N. Moreau.

"Testimonials to the Merits of Thomas Paine" is a compilation authored by Joseph N. Moreau, first published in 1861. This work gathers various testimonials and commendations from notable figures, highlighting the significant impact of Thomas Paine's writings, such as "Common Sense," "The Crisis," "Rights of Man," "English System of Finance," and "Age of Reason." The collection aims to underscore Paine's contributions to political thought and his influence on revolutionary movements. In recent years, this historical work has been reprinted by publishers like Hansebooks, ensuring its continued availability to those interested in Paine's enduring legacy.

The\is 1874 edition is dedicated to Rev. M.D. Conway of Cincinnati, Ohio, recognizing him as the first clergyman to publicly defend Paine's reputation from the pulpit. This dedication underscores Moreau's intent to rehabilitate Paine's image, which had been tarnished due to his critiques of organized religion and his radical political views.

Beyond this compilation, specific details about Moreau's life and other works remain scarce. His contribution through this volume, however, reflects a 19th-century effort to acknowledge and preserve Thomas Paine's legacy in political thought and advocacy for individual rights.

Read-Me.Org Inc. 2025. 88p.

By George Gibbs

"Hero Tales of Our Navy" by George Gibbs, also known as "Pike & Cutlass: Hero Tales of Our Navy," is a captivating historical account written in the late 19th century. This book recounts the thrilling stories of American naval heroes and significant naval battles from the early maritime history of the United States. Gibbs focuses particularly on the exploits of John Paul Jones and other notable figures, celebrating their bravery, cunning, and adventurous spirit during critical moments of American naval warfare. Through engaging narratives, readers are introduced to the audacious actions of John Paul Jones, including his daring mission to disrupt British forces and his successful infiltration of the town of Whitehaven. The book captures the essence of naval heroism, showcasing exceptional leadership and tactical prowess in the face of adversity. "Hero Tales of Our Navy" is a must-read for history enthusiasts and anyone interested in the valor and adventures of America's naval warriors.
"Hero Tales of Our Navy" by George Gibbs, also known as "Pike & Cutlass: Hero Tales of Our Navy," was first published in 1900 by J.B. Lippincott Company in Philadelphia and London. Read-Me.Org Inc. 2025. 317p.

By Thomas Paine

Thomas Paine's Political Writings Volumes 1 and 2 are a comprehensive collection of his most influential works, reflecting his pivotal role in the American and French Revolutions. These volumes include seminal texts such as Common Sense, The Rights of Man, and The Age of Reason, among others.

Volume 1 primarily covers Paine's early writings, including his famous pamphlet Common Sense, which powerfully argued for American independence from Britain. This volume also includes his series of essays titled The American Crisis, written during the Revolutionary War to inspire the American troops.

Volume 2 continues with Paine's later works, focusing on his contributions to political philosophy and his advocacy for social reforms. This volume includes The Rights of Man, in which Paine defends the French Revolution and argues for natural rights and democratic government. It also features The Age of Reason, in which Paine critiques organized religion and promotes deism.

Together, these volumes offer a thorough insight into Paine's revolutionary ideas and his enduring impact on political thought.

Thomas Paine's writings are rich with several recurring themes that reflect his revolutionary spirit and commitment to social justice. Here are some of the main themes:

1. Liberty and Independence: Paine passionately advocated for the independence of the American colonies from British rule. In "Common Sense," he argued that it was both a natural right and a practical necessity for the colonies to break free from British tyranny.

2. Rights of Man: Paine believed in the inherent rights of individuals. In "The Rights of Man," he defended the French Revolution and argued that all men are born with natural rights that should be protected by governments.

3. Democracy and Republicanism: Paine was a strong proponent of democratic principles and republican forms of government. He believed that governments should be based on the consent of the governed and that hereditary monarchy was an unjust and outdated system.

4. Social Justice and Equality: Paine's writings often touched on issues of social justice and economic equality. He advocated for progressive taxation, social welfare programs, and the abolition of slavery.

5. Reason and Secularism: In "The Age of Reason," Paine critiqued organized religion and promoted deism, emphasizing the importance of reason and scientific inquiry over religious dogma.

6. Revolution and Change: Paine saw revolution as a necessary means to achieve political and social change. He believed that oppressive systems should be overthrown to establish more just and equitable societies.

These themes collectively highlight Paine's vision for a world where individuals are free, equal, and governed by rational and just principles.

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.