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 W. E. WOODWARD

For about a hundred and fifty years Tom Paine has been a target for abuse. Much of it has come from ignorance, and the clods of mental dirt that are flung when Paine’s name is mentioned are often cast by people who have never read anything that he wrote, and who know nothing about him except his name, has been called an atheist, a hater of Christ and a man steeped in sin. These lying epithets have become so deeply imbedded in the minds of men and women that they may never be wholly effaced, for popular Eate^like "popular ^steem^—furnishes its own nourishment and grows with the pas- ~sage~bf time.

E.P. Dutton & Company, 1945, 368p.

By George Caitlin

In this book I have endeavoured to provide a guide to political theory intelligible to the common reader, with quotations from the original sources sufficiently extensive to enable him to sample for himself the “taste” and “colour” of these writings. This history of theory has been placed against brief descriptions, as background, of the civilization of the times, as the reader passes down the avenues of thought from age to age. The stress, however, is upon modern times and upon past thought and problems so far as they bear upon the rival philosophies of these times. The scholar will know that I have said nothing new—it is not my intention—but the student will, I hope, find the book sufficiently complete, even if it is a general public for which it is written, which requires some guidance in the adventure of living as citizens in these perilous, as

WHITTLESEY HOUSE, 1939, 819p.

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 Michael B. Foster

What is attempted in the following volume is to present to the reader a series of actual excerpts from the writings of the greatest political theorists of the past; selected and arranged so as to show the mutual coherence of various parts of an author’s thought and his historical relation to his predecessors or successors; and accompanied by introductory notes and intervening comments designed to assist the understanding of the meaning and importance of the doctrine quoted. The book does not purport to be a history of political theory, with quotations interspersed to illustrate the history. It is rather a collection of texts, to which I have endeavored to supply a commentary. I have tried rather to render the work of Aristotle, Augustine, and the rest accessible to the student, than to write a book about them; and the main object of this work will have been achieved if it serves not as a substitute for a further study of t

HOUGHTON MIFFLIN COMPANY, 1941, 311p.

Planned and Edited by Ruth Nanda Anshen

Although this work amounts to a philosophical essay, it was conceived as an introduction to a history of freedom. For this purpose I found it necessary to consider freedom in relation to culture as a whole, not merely to the state. I have likewise viewed it in a considerably longer, wider perspective than thinkers were able to before this century, in which there has been a vast deal of research in history, sociology, and anthropology. In such a perspective the subject of freedom grows more complex, and does not readily permit the logical rigor and precision to which many philosophers aspire; but I must hope that it is also illumined. My main concern has been the basic, not the immediate issues of freedom, and my main purpose an objective analysis, not a prescription or a call to arms. Inevitably, however, I have written with the immediate issues in mind. I continually refer to them, in part for the sake of concrete illustration, but also for their own sake. And I make no pretense of utter objectivity, given a subject in which we all have deep commitments. My analysis has been influenced by preconceptions, my conclusions come down to a credo. I should maintain only that I have endeavored to lay on the table, face up, all the premises of my commitments, and that my preconceptions are not mere prejudices, unconscious or unreasoned.

WORLD PERSPECTIVES • Volume Twenty-three, 1960, 181p.

By David G. Ritchie

David G. Ritchie’s Natural Rights: A Criticism of Some Political and Ethical Conceptions is a critical examination of the philosophical and political theories surrounding natural rights. Published in the late 19th century, Ritchie’s work challenges the assumptions held by classical liberals and natural law theorists, particularly those who argue for the inherent and immutable nature of rights. Instead, Ritchie approaches the concept of rights from a historical and evolutionary perspective, arguing that rights are not absolute but are instead shaped by social, political, and moral developments over time.

Ritchie’s work remains highly relevant and modern in its rejection of fixed, universal rights and in its emphasis on social evolution, institutions, and collective well-being. However, contemporary discourse has gone further by incorporating intersectionality, global human rights frameworks, and moral imperatives that sometimes challenge his purely historical and pragmatic approach. His work is valuable for its emphasis on the social and historical evolution of rights, but some critics argue that his relativism could justify oppression, that he underestimates moral absolutes, and that he places too much emphasis on legal institutions rather than individual freedoms. Nevertheless, this is a pioneering work that aligns with modern human rights discourse in its recognition of change over time,

By F. A. Hayek

From the $700 billion bailout of the banking industry to president Barack Obama’s $787 billion stimulus package to the highly controversial passage of federal health-care reform, conservatives and concerned citizens alike have grown increasingly fearful of big government. Enter Nobel Prize–winning economist and political theorist F. A. Hayek, whose passionate warning against empowering states with greater economic control, The Road to Serfdom, became an overnight sensation last summer when it was endorsed by Glenn Beck. The book has since sold over 150,000 copies.

University of Chicago Press, Apr 1, 2011, 569 pages

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By J. W. ALLEN,

A History of Political Thought in the Sixteenth Century by J. W. Allen delves into the intricate and nuanced development of political ideologies during a transformative period in history. Through meticulous research and compelling analysis, Allen navigates the intellectual landscape of the sixteenth century, exploring the ideas and philosophies that shaped political discourse. This book offers readers a comprehensive examination of the key figures, events, and theories that influenced political thought during this significant era. A must-read for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of the foundations of modern political principles.

Routledge, Sep 5, 2013, 527 pages

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Edited and with an Introduction By ISAAC KRAMNICK

The Portable Enlightenment Reader edited by Isaac Kramnick offers a curated selection of essential texts from the Age of Enlightenment, providing readers with a comprehensive overview of the philosophical and intellectual movement that shaped Western thought. With insightful commentary and analysis by Kramnick, this anthology presents the works of renowned thinkers such as Voltaire, Rousseau, and Kant, exploring key themes of reason, freedom, and progress. Whether you are a student of history, philosophy, or simply curious about this transformative period in human history, The Portable Enlightenment Reader is a valuable companion that illuminates the ideas that continue to influence our world today.

NY. LONDON. PENGUIN. 1995. 703p.

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Essays Selected and Introduced by Thomas Landon Thorso

Plato explores the captivating enigma of one of the most influential philosophers in history. Plato's ideas continue to shape our understanding of society, politics, and ethics. But was Plato truly an advocate for totalitarian rule, as some argue, or did his vision align more with democratic principles? Delve into this thought-provoking analysis that challenges conventional interpretations and sheds new light on the complex legacy of Plato. Engaging and informative, this book is a must-read for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of the origins of political thought.

PRENTICE-HALL, INC., Englewood Cliffs, N.J.. 1963. 190p.