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  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 R. L. Stevenson. Edited by Colin Heston

The Amateur Emigrant" by Robert Louis Stevenson is a vivid and personal account of his journey from Scotland to America in 1879. The narrative is divided into two parts: "From the Clyde to Sandy Hook" and "Across the Plains."

In the first part, Stevenson describes his experiences aboard the emigrant ship, the S.S. Devonia. He provides a detailed portrayal of the ship's conditions, the diverse group of passengers, and the challenges they face during the voyage. Stevenson's keen observations and empathetic nature shine through as he captures the hardships, camaraderie, and resilience of the emigrants. His writing brings to life the cramped quarters, the monotonous diet, and the various personalities he encounters, offering a poignant glimpse into the lives of those seeking a new beginning in America.

The second part of the narrative, "Across the Plains," recounts Stevenson's overland journey from New York to California. Traveling by train, he continues to document his experiences and the people he meets along the way. Stevenson reflects on the vast landscapes, the cultural differences, and the sense of adventure that permeates the journey. His writing is marked by a blend of humor, insight, and a deep appreciation for the human spirit.

Read-Me.Org Inc. Australia. 2025. 234p.

Image assisted by CoPilot

By Robert Louis Stevenson.

An Inland Voyage, the lead story in Volume 1of the works of  Robert Louis Stevenson, is a travel narrative, chronicling his canoe journey with his friend Sir Walter Simpson through the rivers and canals of Belgium and northern France in 1876. The book is Stevenson's first published work and is written in a richly descriptive and reflective style that blends travelogue with personal observation and cultural commentary. Their journey follows a winding path along the River Oise and other waterways, taking them through quaint villages, farmlands, and forested regions of a rural Europe that was rapidly changing. Underlying the travel narrative is a strong romantic sensibility—an admiration for the slow rhythm of river travel, a yearning for solitude and contemplation, and a quiet rebellion against the industrialized world. The voyage becomes not just a geographical journey, but a philosophical one as Stevenson muses on freedom, idleness, companionship, and the pleasures of the open road (or water).

While not a work of drama or high adventure, An Inland Voyage is valued for its lyrical style, gentle wit, and the early glimpse it offers into Stevenson’s literary voice. It also prefigures themes that would recur in his later works: a fascination with journeying, a sensitivity to character and setting, and a subtle questioning of societal norms. Overall, An Inland Voyage is a charming and meditative account that blends lighthearted anecdotes with deeper reflection, portraying a world both tranquil and quietly profound through Stevenson’s perceptive and poetic eye.

Underlying the travel narrative is a strong romantic sensibility—an admiration for the slow rhythm of river travel, a yearning for solitude and contemplation, and a quiet rebellion against the industrialized world. The voyage becomes not just a geographical journey, but a philosophical one as Stevenson muses on freedom, idleness, companionship, and the pleasures of the open road (or water). While not a work of drama or high adventure, An Inland Voyage is valued for its lyrical style, gentle wit, and the early glimpse it offers into Stevenson’s literary voice. It also prefigures themes that would recur in his later works: a fascination with journeying, a sensitivity to character and setting, and a subtle questioning of societal norms.

Other works in this volume include Travels with a Donkey, A Mountain Town in France, and Edinburgh Picturesque Notes.

Read-Me.Org Inc. Australia. 2025 . 220p.

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 John BOURKE (Author), Graeme Newman (Editor)

"On the Border with Crook" by John G. Bourke is a historical account that provides a detailed narrative of the American Indian Wars, focusing on the campaigns led by General George Crook. Bourke, who served under Crook for fifteen years, offers a firsthand perspective on the military strategies and daily life of soldiers on the American frontier.

General George Crook was a notable United States Army officer who played significant roles in both the American Civil War and the Indian Wars. Born on September 8, 1828, in Ohio, Crook graduated from the United States Military Academy in 1852.

During the Civil War, Crook served with distinction in various battles, including the Second Battle of Bull Run, the Battle of Antietam, and the Battle of Chickamauga. After the war, he was assigned to the western frontier, where he became known for his campaigns against Native American tribes. His efforts in the Apache Wars and the Great Sioux War were particularly notable.

This new edition of the book originally published in 1891 has been thoroughly edited for its many grammatical and spelling errors, sometimes incomprehensible quaint usage of native American language, splatters of French and other European languages, and many, sometimes confusing attempts by Bourke, the original author, to express slang in the English language. The internal design and style of the book have also been modernized to allow for an easier and more comfortable read.

New York. Read-Me.Org Inc. 2025. 517p.

MAY CONTAIN MARKUP

By John Perry

The Quick and the Dead: Stawell And Its Race Through Time by John Perry explores the rich history and cultural significance of the Stawell Gift, an iconic footrace held annually in Stawell, Australia. Perry delves into the origins of the event, tracing its evolution over time and highlighting the stories of the participants who have contributed to its legacy. Through meticulous research and engaging storytelling, Perry brings to life the excitement and drama surrounding this historic race, offering readers a deeper understanding of its significance within the fabric of Australian sporting history. The Quick and the Dead is a must-read for sports enthusiasts and history buffs alike, providing a compelling narrative that celebrates the enduring spirit of competition and community in Stawell.

New South Wales. UNSW Press. 2002. 310p.

USED BOOK. MAY CONTAIN MARK-UP

By Arthur Golden

FROM THE COVER: “A literary sensation and runaway bestseller, this brilliant debut novel presents with seamless authenticity and exquisite lyricism the true confessions of one of Japan's most celebrated geisha. In Memoirs of a Geisha, we enter a world where appearances are paramount; where a girl's virginity is auctioned to the highest bidder; where women are trained to beguile the most powerful men, and where love is scored as illusion. It is a unique and triumphant work of fiction at once romantic, erotic, suspenseful and completely unforgettable.

"Captivating, minutely imagined, o. a novel that refuses to stay shut? Newsweek

"Part historical novel, part fairy tale, part Dickensian romance, Memoirs of a Geisha immerses the reader in an exotic world. An impressive and unusual debut?" -The New York Times

"Enthralling!. written as if it were a memoir dictated by a geisha. The story draws the reader in from the very first page." USA Today

USED BOOK. MAY CONTAIN MARK-UP

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.

USED BOOK. MAY CONTAIN MARK-UP

By David Hackett Fischer.

From the jacket: “In this sweeping, enthralling biography, acclaimed historian David Hackett Fischer brings to life the remarkable Samuel de Champlain-soldier, spy, master mariner, explorer, cartographer, artist, and Father ofNew France. Born on France's Atlantic coast, Champlain grew to manhood in a country riven by religious warfare. The historical record is unclear on whether Champlain was baptized Protestant or Catholic, but he fought in France's religious wars for the man who would become Henri IV, one of France's greatest kings, and like Henri, he was religiously tolerant in an age of murderous sectarianism. Champlain was also a brilliant navigator. He went to sea as a boy and over time acquired the skills that allowed him to make twenty-seven Atlantic crossings without losing a ship. But we remember Champlain mainly as a great explorer. On foot and by ship and canoe, he traveled through what are now six Canadian provinces and five American states. …”

NY. Simon and Schuster. 2008. 857p.

USED BOOK. MAY CONTAIN MARK-UP

By Tracy Borman

FROM THE COVER FLAP: “A source of endless fascination and speculation, the subject of countless biographies, novels, and films, Elizabeth I is now considered from a thrilling new angle by the brilliant young historian Tracy Borman. So often viewed in her relationships with men, the Virgin Queen is portrayed here as the product of women--the mother she lost so tragically, the female subjects who worshipped her, and the peers and intimates who loved, raised, challenged, and sometimes opposed her.”

NY. Bantam. 2009. 505p.

By Edited By 0. Huehns

FROM THE PREFACE: The selections following are taken from the historical writings of Edward Hyde, first Earl of Clarendon. As he is best known by his title, this has been used throughout except in the more strictly historical portions of the introduction. To give the reader some idea of the whole work it has been thought advisable not to disrupt Clarendon's narrative too much. The arrangement therefore follows roughly the chronological order of events. Within the separate scctions, however, I have aimed at continuity of thought and expression. Only in the character sketches have Clarendon's repetitions been sometimes retained, since complete elimination might have given a misleading impression this selections easier to understand I have given, in the first par tof the Introduction, a condensed history of the period…”

London. Oxford University Press. 1955. 529p.

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 Madeleine Chapman

"Jacinda Ardern: A new kind of leader" is a book by journalist Madeleine Chapman, published in 2019. The book explores the life and career of New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, who became the youngest female head of government in the world when she took office in 2017.

Chapman traces Ardern's journey from her childhood in rural New Zealand to her rise to political prominence. She examines Ardern's leadership style, which emphasizes empathy, inclusivity, and a commitment to social justice, and shows how these values have informed her policies and decisions.

The book also explores some of the key challenges that Ardern has faced during her time in office, including the Christchurch mosque shootings in 2019, which she responded to with compassion and strength, and the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, which she has managed with decisiveness and effectiveness.

Throughout the book, Chapman presents Ardern as a unique and inspiring figure, whose leadership style represents a departure from traditional political norms. She argues that Ardern's approach to leadership has resonated with people around the world, and that she has become a powerful symbol of hope and change in a time of global uncertainty.

Carlton Australia. Schwartz Books. 2020. 301p.

By John Morgan

"The Life and Adventures of William Buckley" is a memoir by John Morgan, first published in 1852. The book tells the story of William Buckley, a convict who escaped from a penal colony in Australia in 1803 and lived among the indigenous Wathaurong people for over thirty years.

The memoir follows Buckley's journey as he navigates the rugged Australian landscape, surviving harsh conditions and encounters with hostile indigenous groups. It also explores the complex relationships between the British colonizers and the indigenous people of Australia, highlighting the violence and exploitation that characterized their interactions.

Throughout the book, Morgan portrays Buckley as a sympathetic and resilient figure, whose experiences shed light on the harsh realities of life in colonial Australia. He also provides insights into the cultural practices and beliefs of the Wathaurong people, offering a rare glimpse into their way of life before the arrival of European settlers.

"The Life and Adventures of William Buckley" is a fascinating and important historical document that provides valuable insights into the early years of European colonization in Australia. It is a testament to the strength of the human spirit and the power of adaptation, as well as a reminder of the ongoing struggles for justice and reconciliation between indigenous and non-indigenous Australians.

Canberra, Caliban Books,. 1852. 249p.

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.