By Boris Johnson

From chapter 1: “Still they come, surging towards me across the bridge. On they march in sun, wind, rain, snow and sleet. Almost every morning I cycle past them in rank after heaving rank as they emerge from London Bridge station and tramp tramp tramp up and along the broad 239-metre pavement that leads over the river and towards their places of work. It feels as if I am reviewing an honourable regiment of yomping commuters, and as I pass them down the bus-rutted tarmac there is the occasional eyes-left moment and I will be greeted with a smile or perhaps a cheery four-letter cry.

NY. Riverhead Books. Penguin. 2012. 394p. USED BOOK. MAY CONTAIN MARK-UP

By David Howarth

From the opening passage: “At ten to six in the morning of the 21st of October 1805, off Cape Trafalgar in the south of Spain, Napoleon's French and Spanish fleet was sighted against the dawn sky, and men in the British fleet who were not on watch swarmed up on deck to look.

It was a beautiful autumn morning, clear under a hazy sky, with a breeze from the west-north-west so light that the sea was scarcely ruffled. The British ships, in line ahead, were sailing slowly north, and rolling in a long Atlantic swell. Some had names that were famous already, and some became famous that day: Victory, Royal Sovereign, Temeraire, Dread- nought, Revenge, Colossus, Ajax, Euryalus, Bellerophon - twenty-seven sail of the line in al, and four frigates. But they were a sight so familiar that nobody spared them a glance, except the officers of the watch on each of the quarterdecks, whose duty was to keep their own ship in station. Everyone else watched the lightening horizon. For more than two years of tedious patrol, summer and winter, blockading Napoleon's ports, the horizon at every dawn had been empty. Now, in eager anticipation, they counted the distant enemy sail: twenty, twenty-five, thirty - thirty-three of them, and frigates among them, a column five miles long, standing south for the Strait of Gibraltar.

There were seventeen thousand men in the British fleet….”

London. Collins. 1969. 165p. USED BOOK. MAY CONTAIN MARK-UP.

Selected And Edited With An Introduction By A. S. P. Woodhouse

From the Preface by A. D. Lindsay: “I commend the book, so completed, to all who wish to be able to give a reason for their democratic faith, and wish it could be read so as to stop the mouths and pens of those who produce facile refutations of the fundamental idea s of democracy. These ideas, liberty, equality and fraternity, if divorced from the religious context in which they belong, become cheap and shallow and easy of refutation. Those who will take the trouble to get behind the theological language of these documents will see how profound those democratic ideas are, how real and concrete and recurring is the situation which gives rise to them; and will see the tension there must always be between them so long as they are alive.”

London: J. M. Dent & Sons Ltd. 1951. 617p. USED BOOK. MAY CONTAIN MARK-UP

By Daniel Defoe. Illustrated by Lynn Ward

From Wikipedia: “Robinson Crusoe[a] (/ˈkruːsoʊ/) is a novel by Daniel Defoe, first published on 25 April 1719. The first edition credited the work's protagonist Robinson Crusoe as its author, leading many readers to believe he was a real person and the book a travelogue of true incidents.[2]

Epistolary, confessional, and didactic in form, the book is presented as an autobiography of the title character (whose birth name is Robinson Kreutznaer) – a castaway who spends 28 years on a remote tropical desert island near the coasts of Venezuela and Trinidad, roughly resembling Tobago,[3][4] encountering cannibals, captives, and mutineers before being rescued. The story has been thought to be based on the life of Alexander Selkirk, a Scottish castaway who lived for four years on a Pacific island called "Más a Tierra" (now part of Chile) which was renamed Robinson Crusoe Island in 1966.[5]: 23–24 

Despite its simple narrative style, Robinson Crusoe was well received in the literary world and is often credited as marking the beginning of realistic fiction as a literary genre. It is generally seen as a contender for the first English novel.[6] Before the end of 1719, the book had already run through four editions, and it has gone on to become one of the most widely published books in history, spawning so many imitations, not only in literature but also in film, television, and radio, that its name is used to define a genre, the Robinsonade.

Grosset and Dunlap. 1946 372p. . USED BOOK.

By Paul White

A colonial idealization of African life written especially to impress young minds.

FROM THE COVER: “As in former volumes in the series. not the least part of the attraction of this book is the contribution made to its pages by the Africans themselves. The reactions of the Wagogo people of the Central Plains of Tanganyika, with their strong sense of humour and their flair for seeing parables in the everyday happenings of life, provide a fascination of their own. In addition to new acquaintances, we find here our old friends Daudi, the Head Dispenser, Sechelela, Perisi and Mwendwa, the nurses, Kefa, Sila and Samson, the dressers, and last, but by no means least, James, who always insists on calling himself "Ward Sister.”

London: The Paternoster Press. 1952. 127p. USED BOOK

By Ishmael Beah

The first chapter: There were all kinds of stories told about the war that made it sound as fi it was happening in a faraway and different land. It wasn't until refugees started passing through our town that we began to see that it was actually taking place in our country. Families who had walked hundreds of miles told how relatives had been killed and their houses burned. Some people felt sorry for them and offered them places to stay, but most of the refugees refused, because they said the war would eventually reach our town. The children of these families wouldn't look at us, and they jumped at the sound of chopping wood or as stones landed on the tin roofs flung by children hunting birds with slingshots. The adults among these children from the war zones would be lost in their thoughts during conversations with the elders of my town. Apart from their fatigue and malnourishment, it was evident they had seen something that plagued their minds, something that we would refuse to accept if they told us al of it.

NY. Farrar, Straus and Giroux. 2007. 256p.. USED BOOK. CONTAINS MARK-UP

Edited by Tim Causer

Among the vast body of manuscripts composed and collected by the philosopher and reformer Jeremy Bentham (1748 - 1832), held by UCL Library's Special Collections, is the earliest Australian convict narrative, Memorandoms by James Martin. This document also happens to be the only extant first-hand account of the most well-known, and most mythologized, escape from Australia by transported convicts. On the night of 28 March 1791, James Martin, William and Mary Bryant and their two infant children, and six other male convicts, stole the colony's fishing boat and sailed out of Sydney Harbour. Within ten weeks they had reached Kupang in West Timor, having, in an amazing feat of endurance, travelled over 3,000 miles (c. 5,000) kilometres) in an open boat. There they passed themselves off as the survivors of a shipwreck, a ruse which-initially, at least-fooled their Dutch hosts. This new edition of the Memorandoms includes full colour reproductions of the original manuscripts, making available for the first time this hugely important document, alongside a transcript with commentary describing the events and key characters. The book also features a scholarly introduction which examines their escape and early convict absconding in New South Wales more generally, and, drawing on primary records, presents new research which sheds light on the fate of the escapees after they reached Kupang. The introduction also assesses the voluminous literature on this most famous escape, and critically examines the myths and fictions created around it and the escapees, myths which have gone unchallenged for far too long. Finally, the introduction briefly discusses Jeremy Bentham's views on convict transportation and their enduring impact. [Show full item record]

London: UCL Press, 2017. 204p.

By Mark Twain

From Wikipedia: The Innocents Abroad, or The New Pilgrims' Progress is a travel book by American author Mark Twain. Published in 1869, it humorously chronicles what Twain called his "Great Pleasure Excursion" on board the chartered steamship Quaker City (formerly USS Quaker City) through Europe and the Holy Land with a group of American travelers in 1867. The five-month voyage included numerous side trips on land. The book, which sometimes appears with the subtitle "The New Pilgrim's Progress", became the best-selling of Twain's works during his lifetime,[2] as well as one of the best-selling travel books of all time.[3]

American Publishing Company. 1869[1]. 674p.

By Charles Dickens. With 8 Illustrations By Marcus Stone, R.A.

From Wikipedia; “Pictures from Italy is a travelogue by Charles Dickens, written in 1846. The book reveals the concerns of its author as he presents, according to Kate Flint, the country "like a chaotic magic-lantern show, fascinated both by the spectacle it offers, and by himself as spectator…”

London Chapman & Hall, Ltd. 1913. 200p.

By Jill Ker Conway

"The Road from Coorain" is a memoir written by Jill Ker Conway, first published in 1989. The book tells the story of Conway's upbringing on a remote sheep farm in the Australian outback, and her journey to become an acclaimed historian, feminist, and academic leader.

Conway's childhood on the Coorain farm was both idyllic and challenging. She learned to love the vast, untamed landscape of the Australian bush, and to appreciate the hard work and self-reliance that were necessary for survival in such a harsh environment. At the same time, however, she struggled to find her place in a world that was often hostile to women and to intellectual curiosity.

Despite these challenges, Conway was determined to pursue her dreams of education and self-improvement. She attended the University of Sydney, where she discovered a passion for history, and went on to earn a scholarship to study at Harvard University in the United States. Over the course of her career, she became a respected scholar of Australian history, a dedicated advocate for women's rights, and a pioneering academic leader.

NY. Vintage. 1990. 238p.

By Alba Donati. Trans. Elena Pala.

"Diary of a Tuscan Bookshop" is a memoir by British author and bookshop owner, Nicky Pellegrino, published in 2017. The book tells the story of Pellegrino's journey as she moves from London to a small Tuscan village to open a bookshop, and her experiences as she adapts to life in Italy.

Throughout the book, Pellegrino shares her love of books and her passion for sharing that love with others. She writes about the challenges of opening a bookshop in a small, rural community, and the joys and frustrations of running a business in a foreign country. She also writes about her relationships with the people in her village, and how she came to appreciate the slower pace of life in Italy.

The book is a celebration of the simple pleasures of life, such as good food, good books, and good company. Pellegrino's writing is warm and engaging, and she paints a vivid picture of life in Tuscany, with its stunning scenery, rich culture, and vibrant community.

London, Weidenfeld and Nicolson. 2022. 197p.

By Sidney Poitier

"Life Beyond Measure: Letters to my Great-Granddaughter" is a memoir by Sidney Poitier, published in 2008. The book is a series of letters that Poitier wrote to his great-granddaughter, Ayele, sharing his experiences, values, and wisdom.

In the book, Poitier shares stories from his childhood in the Bahamas and his struggles as a young actor in New York City. He also reflects on his roles in groundbreaking films such as "To Sir, with Love" and "Guess Who's Coming to Dinner," which dealt with issues of race and social justice.

Throughout the book, Poitier shares his beliefs in the power of education, hard work, and empathy, as well as the importance of taking responsibility for one's actions and treating others with kindness and respect. He also writes about his deep love for his family and his belief in the importance of maintaining strong familial bonds.

"Life Beyond Measure" is a deeply personal and reflective work that offers readers a glimpse into the life and values of one of Hollywood's most iconic actors. Poitier's writing is thoughtful and introspective, and his insights into life, family, and the human experience are both inspiring and insightful.

London. Simon and Schuster. 2008. 307p.

By Kate Grenville

When The Secret River—a novel about frontier violence in early Australia—appeared in 2005, it became an instant best seller and garnered publicity for its unflinching look at Australia’s notorious history. It has since been published all over the world and translated into twenty languages. Grenville’s next novel, The Lieutenant, continued her exploration of Australia’s first settlement and again, caused controversy for its bold view of her homeland’s beginnings. Sarah Thornhill brings this acclaimed trilogy to an emotionally explosive conclusion.

Sarah is the youngest daughter of William Thornhill, the pioneer at the center of The Secret River. Unknown to Sarah, her father—an ex-convict from London—has built his fortune on the blood of Aboriginal people. With a fine stone house and plenty of money, Thornhill is a man who has reinvented himself. As he tells his daughter, he “never looks back,” and Sarah grows up learning not to ask about the past. Instead, her eyes are on handsome Jack Langland, whom she’s loved since she was a child. Their romance seems idyllic, but the ugly secret in Sarah’s family is poised to ambush them both.

As she did with The Secret River, Grenville once again digs into her own family history to tell a story about the past that still resonates today. Driven by the captivating voice of the illiterate Sarah—at once headstrong, sympathetic, curious, and refreshingly honest—this is an unforgettable portrait of a passionate woman caught up in a historical moment that’s left an indelible mark on the present.

Melbourne. Text Publishing. 2011. 301p.

By Ian Braybrook

Ian Braybrook was a radio broadcaster in Central Victoria for many years. His childhood and early teen years are far removed from the "glamour" of that job.

Ian's family was desperately poor and the early death of his father had a far-reaching effect on his life. By the age of thirteen, when he got his fi rst job, he had lived in twenty homes and changed schools ten times.

His story moves from Daylesford, Trentham and Blackwood districts in the Central Highlands to East Gippsland, South Gippsland, the Western District and the Riverina of NSW. His many jobs included a telegram boy, farm hand, builders and general labourer, storeman, shift worker, fruit picker, shearing shed wool presser and truck driver. Along the way he was homeless, suffered two potentially fatal illnesses, experienced violent abuse and suffered a sexual assault.

Written originally for family, the story proved to be of far wider interest. The adventures and misadventures crammed into the first eighteen years of Ian's life provide an important record of the way life was for some in the depression and post-depression era.

Castlemaine Vic. Marilyn Bennet Publishing. 2018. 286p.

By   Charles Darwin

Edited By Charles W Eliot. From the Preface: “The Voyage of the *Beagle’ has been by far the most im­portant event in my life, and has determined my whole career. ... I have always felt that I owe to the voyage the first real training or education of my mind; I was led to attend closely to several branches of natural history, and thus my powers of observation were improved, though they were always fairly developed. . . .”

“The above various special studies were, however, of no im­portance compared with the habit of energetic industry and of concentrated attention to whatever I was engaged in, which I then acquired. Everything about which I thought or read was made to bear directly on what I had seen or was likely to see; and this habit of mind was continued during the five years of the voyage. I feel sure that it was this training which has en­abled me to do whatever I have done in science.”

NY. P F Collier & Son. 1843. 517p. .

By Alan Greenspan

“This book is in part a detective story. After 9/11 I knew, if I needed further reinforcement, that we are living in a new world—the world of a global capitalist economy that is vastly more flexible, resilient, open, self-correcting, and fast-changing than it was even a quarter century earlier. It’s a world that presents us with enormous new possibilities but also enormous new chal­lenges. The Age of Turbulence is my attempt to understand the nature of this new world: how we got here, what were living through, and what lies over the horizon, for good and for ill. Where possible, I convey my understanding in the context of my own experiences. I do this out of a sense of responsibil­ity to the historical record, and so that readers will know where I’m coming from. The book is therefore divided into halves: the first half is my effort to retrace the arc of my learning curve, and the second half is a more objective effort to use this as the foundation on which to erect a conceptual framework for understanding the new global economy. Along the way I explore critical elements of this emerging global environment: the principles of governing it; the vast energy infrastructure that powers it; the global financial imbalances and dramatic shifts in world demographics that threaten it; and, despite its unquestioned success, the chronic concern over the justice of the distribution of its rewards. Finally, I bring together what we can reasonably conjecture about the makeup of the world economy in 2030.”

NY. Penguin. 2007. 561p.

By Hilary McLaughlin-Stonham.

On the streetcars of New Orleans 1830s-Present. This study chronologically surveys segregation on the streetcars from the antebellum period in which black stereotypes and justification for segregation were formed. The paternalistic nature of white supremacy is considered and how this was gradually replaced with an unassailable white supremacist atmosphere that often restricted the actions of whites, as well as blacks, and the effect that this had on urban transport. Streetcars became the 'theatres' for black resistance throughout the era and this survey considers the symbolic part they played in civil rights up to the present day.

Liverpool University Press (2020) 272 pages.

By Anthony Comstock.

Or, how the people are deceived and robbed, and youth corrupted. My object is to expose the multitudinous schemes and devices of the sharper to deceive and rob the unwary and credulous through the mails; to warn honest and simple-minded persons ; to shield our youth from debauching and corrupting influences ; to arouse a public sentiment against the vampires who are casting deadly poison into the fountain of moral purity in the children ; and at the same time expose to public indignation the infidels and liberals who defend these moral cancer-planters.

New York: J.H. Brown, 1880. 576p.

By Alexandra Ganser.

The book traces the construction and function of the pirate in transatlantic American literature from the late 17th century to the Civil War, exploring in what ways the cultural imaginary teased out the pirate’s ambivalent potential as a figure of both identification and Othering, and how it has been used to negotiate ideas of legitimacy. The study recasts piracy as a discursive category moving in a continuum between the propagation of (post-)colonial adventure and accumulation on the one hand and critical commentary on exploitation and oppression on the other. Reading piracy narratives as symptomatic of various crisis scenarios in the US context, the book examines how the pirate was imbued with (de)legitimatory meaning during such periods in both elite and popular texts.

Cham: Springer Nature, 2020. 302p.

By J. W. Buel.

An authentic and thrilling history of the most noted bandits of ancient or modern times, An authentic and thrilling history of the most noted bandits of ancient or modern times, The Younger Brothers, Jesse And Frank James, and their Comrades in Crime. Compiled from reliable sources only and containing the latest facts in regard to these celebrated outlaws.

Historical Publishing Company. (1881) 416 pages.