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. 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.

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By Constance Briscoe

"Ugly" by Constance Briscoe is a powerful memoir that delves into the author's harrowing journey through childhood abuse, discrimination, and resilience. Briscoe vividly recounts her turbulent upbringing in a broken home, navigating racism and neglect with unwavering determination. Through her raw and unflinching storytelling, she sheds light on the insidious impact of trauma and the enduring strength of the human spirit. "Ugly" is a testament to the triumph of hope over adversity, offering a poignant and courageous exploration of one woman's quest for healing and self-acceptance.

GB. Hodder and Stoughton. 2006. 443p.

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Robert Drewe

Aged six, Robert Drewe moved with his family from Melbourne to Perth, the world's most isolated city – and proud of it. This sun-baked coast was innocently proud, too, of its tranquillity and friendliness.

Then a man he knew murdered a boy he also knew. The murderer randomly killed eight strangers – variously shooting, strangling, stabbing, bludgeoning and hacking his victims and running them down with cars – an innocent Perth was changed forever.

In the middle-class suburbs which were the killer's main stalking grounds, the mysterious murders created widespread anxiety and instant local myth. 'The murders and their aftermath have both intrigued me and weighed heavily on me for three decades. To try to make sense of this time and place, and of my own childhood and adolescence, I had, finally, to write about it.'

The result is The Shark Net, a vibrant and haunting memoir that reaches beyond the dark recesses of murder and chaos to encompass their ordinary suburban backdrop.

London. Penguin. 2001. 343p.

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Booker T. Washington

"Up from Slavery" is a powerful autobiography written by Booker T. Washington, a prominent African American leader and educator. In this compelling book, Washington shares the story of his incredible journey from his childhood as an enslaved person to becoming a leading figure in the fight for racial equality and education.

Through his personal narrative, Washington provides valuable insights into the challenges and triumphs faced by African Americans during the post-Civil War era. His determination, resilience, and commitment to education serve as an inspiration to all readers.

"Up from Slavery" not only chronicles Washington's life but also offers a profound reflection on the importance of perseverance, hard work, and the pursuit of knowledge in overcoming adversity. This autobiography is a timeless classic that continues to resonate with readers and remains an essential read for anyone interested in American history and the ongoing struggle for equality.

Protect Gutenberg. The Outlook Magazine. 1900. 198p.

USED BOOK. MAY CONTAIN MARK-UP.

FROM THE PROLOGUE: “ Three passions, simple but overwhelmingly strong, have governed my life: the longing for love, the search for knowledge, and unbearable pity for the suffering of mankind. These passions, like great winds, have blown me hither and thither, in a wayward course, over a deep ocean of anguish, reaching to the very verge of despair. I have sought love, first, because it brings ecstasy ecstasy so great that I would often have sacrificed all the rest of life for a few hours of this joy. I have sought it, next, because it relieves loneliness--that ter- rible loneliness in which one shivering consciousness looks over the rim of the world into the cold unfathomable lifeless abyss. I have sought it, finally, because ni the union of love I have seen, in a mystic miniature, the prefiguring vision of the heaven that saints and poets have imagined. This is what I sought, and though it might seem too good for human life, this is what--at last I- have found. With equal passion I have sought knowledge…”

London. George Allen And Unwin Ltd. 1967. 240p.

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By Le Ly Hayslip with Jay Warts

FROM THE COVER: “-Le Ly Hayslip was just twelve years old when U.S. helicopters landed in her tiny village in central Vietnam. As the government and Viet Cong troops ravaged the area, both sides recruited children as spies and saboteurs. Le Ly was one of those chil- dren. Before the age of sixteen, she had suffered near starvation, imprisonment, and the deaths of beloved family members--but miraculously found the strength to keep going, ultimately fleeing to the United States. Almost twenty years after her escape, she returned to the devastated country and loved ones she'd left behind. Scenes of this joyous reunion are interwoven with the brutal war years, creating an extraordinary portrait of the nation, then and now--and of one courageous woman who held fast to her faith in humanity. First published in 1989, When Heaven and Earth Changed Places was hailed as an instant classic. Now, more than two decades later, this indispensable memoir continues to be one of our most important accounts of a conflict we must never forget.

NY. Anchor. 2017. (1989). 460p.

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Selected and Edited with an Introduction by L. Jesse Lemisch

FROM THE INTRODUCTION: “In the following pages we meet the many-sided Franklin. We see him through his own eyes and sometimes through the eyes ofothers: bis wife, his son, Abigail Adams, fellow-scientist Joseph Priestley, to name a few. H e is father, son, brother, husband, lover; he is scientist,in- ventor,educator, diplomat, propagandist, politician, hu- morist; he reveals his own ambition and advises us on the way to wealth and in the art of conversation; he explains his religion and tells us how he did good. Franklin introduces himself to us in his Memoirs- as he always called his autobiography. We meet him at the punchbowl where, from time to time, he steps aside from the ball to hurriedly relate his reminiscences. He comes to aquiet corner of the halland speaks candidly, but he is still dressed for a public ball. He tells us the truth but is careful to keep his distance: "Let all Men know thee, but no man know thee thoroughly," said Poor Richard…”

NY. Signet Classic. 1961.

By Harry King . As told to and edited by Bill Chambliss

FROM THE INTRODUCTION: “From approximately 1910 until 1960 Harry King lived a life of crime. For the better part ofthose years he was a professional thief specializing in safe-cracking. This is his story. Through it we are provided a glimpse into a life style, a philosophy and a pattern of living that is ordinarily obscured from our vision. By coming to grips with Harry's life we learn a great deal more about America, Law, Order and Being.”

NY. Harper & Row. 1972. 186p. USED BOOK. MAY CONTAIN MARK-UP

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 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 Agatha Christie

Agatha Christie began to write this book in April 1950; she finished it some fifteen years later when she was seventy-five years old. Any book written over so long a period must contain certain repetitions and in­consistencies and these have been tidied up under the watchful and sympathetic eye of her daughter Rosa­lind. Nothing of importance has been omitted, however: so, substantially, this is the autobiography as she would have wished it to appear. She ended it when she was seventy-five because, as she put it, “it seems the right moment to stop. Because, as far as life is concerned, that is all there is to say.”

NY. Ballantine Books. 1977. 660p.

By Thomas Furlong.

Late Chief of the Secret Service of the Missouri Pacific Railway, known as the Gould System; the Allegheny Valley Railway of Pennsylvania, and first Chief of Police of Oil City, Pa. 35 real detective stories, hitherto unpublished facts connected with some of Mr. Furlong's greatest cases—Other interesting incidents of his long and strenuous career which really began on September 14, 1862, when he was detailed from his company, (Co. G., 1st Pennsylvania Rifles, better known as the Pennsylvania Bucktails) for special service.

Harrow and Heston Classic Reprint. (ca. 1870) 284 pages.

By A Ticket-of-Leave Man.

Or Revelations Concerning Convicts and Convict Prisons, by A Ticket-of-Leave Man. “It is hoped that these pages may be read with interest, not only as a truthful record of Convict Life, but also as a contribution towards Convict-Prison Reform. The writer has at least one qualification entitling him to express an opinion on this important subject: he writes — alas! — from personal experience. Many names which would have added confirmation to the facts recited, have for obvious reasons been omitted. “

London: Wyman & Sons, 1879. 252p.