The Charles Reade Library

In which two men, one a seasoned adventurer and the other a hopeful companion, uncover signs of gold in an untamed Australian valley, stirring both excitement and danger amid hostile ruffians who seek to guard their secret. Through cleverness, courage, and a touch of providence, they turn fledgling efforts into a triumphant discovery that promises to transform the land and change their fortunes.

In which the steadfast Robinson nurses George through illness and amidst dwindling hopes and bleak prospects, they rediscover their friendship while contemplating the possibility of gold hidden in the unyielding Australian soil, their spirits entwined with dreams both fanciful and faintly hopeful. Meanwhile, a lurking menace watches their movements from concealment in the rugged landscape, casting...

In which a travelling painter, upheld by his steadfast honesty and the gentle affection of a beloved, undertakes a long and solitary journey that leads him to nurse a sick friend back to health with patience and unexpected kindness. Along the way, providential encounters and heartfelt letters rekindle hope and offer a tender reminder of the rewards that virtue may bring.

In which an industrious and artful Tom Robinson endeavours to earn his honest living by painting exquisite imitation woodwork on doors, despite the trials and suspicions that dog his steps in Sydney, and where a promising acquaintance named Jenny reveals tender sentiments amid the hardships. Meanwhile, the sudden arrival of the dashing Honorable George Lascelles stirs a brisk wager and a dark intr...

In which Thomas Robinson awakens to a profound self-awareness and resolves to amend his ways, seeking guidance and forgiveness with earnest humility. Meanwhile, a lively discourse unfolds between master and servants, coloured by a spirited tale of a dramatic nocturnal pursuit and its unexpected conclusion.

In which a vigilant sentinel stationed in shadow contemplates the ominous message of a tract, its words seizing his heart with a sudden and solemn power, leading him to abandon his felonious post in a gust of repentance. And then, a breathless chase ensues along the quiet roads of Sydney, where the hunted man, summoned by fear and hope alike, eludes his pursuers by a daring and desperate feat, onl...

In which two cunning burglars, Brutus and Mephistopheles, plan and execute a stealthy invasion of a seemingly secure suburban villa under the cover of darkness, demonstrating both patience and audacity as they methodically gather spoils from kitchen and plate closet alike. Their quiet enterprise is abruptly interrupted by unexpected resistance, kindling a tense and perilous confrontation within th...

In which two disreputable gentlemen sit in the dusk, bartering with a peddler over a supposedly scandalous English pamphlet, only to discover upon inspection that it is a cunningly disguised moral tract, leading to their chagrin and a plotting of petty revenge. The episode delicately sketches the interplay of deception, disappointment, and camaraderie among the lowly characters, set against the di...

In which two felons contrive a scheme to break into a well-guarded house, enlisting the aid of a reluctant but skilled accomplice and plotting with the precision of seasoned knaves over drinks in a squalid cabin. Subsequently, their chosen man, faltering and heavy of heart, is drawn into the revelry of old acquaintances, his caution melting beneath the lure of familiar mirth and midnight dancing.

In which a convict named Robinson endures the grim company and petty cruelties of the Portsmouth hulks before being transported to Sydney, where he finds himself at the mercy of a dissipated master and the temptations of an old criminal milieu. Battling his struggles between honour and hardship, Robinson navigates his new life with a steadfast heart yearning for purpose beyond servitude and vice.

In which the reader witnesses the profound transformation of a wayward soul under the gentle care of a devoted chaplain, who navigates the prisoner’s turbulent mind with kindness, religious hope, and deep human compassion. The narrative moves tenderly toward a poignant farewell, with solemn promises and sacred tokens exchanged as this truly repentant man steps forth into an uncertain world beyond...

In which the prison transforms from a forbidding fortress into a place where human kindness and industrious craftmanship breathe new life into its inmates, and a compassionate chaplain fosters gentle reform through practical labour and heartfelt sympathy. The narrative paints a vivid portrait of hope overcoming harshness, illustrating how creative work and brotherly kindness can kindle the faintes...

In which a young lad named Jacky, overwhelmed by sorrow, flees into the vast eastern forests to escape the bitter pain of loss, while the faithful dog Carlo remains vigil by his ailing master's side, expressing a profound and unceasing devotion. The contrasting responses to abandonment amongst companions—desertion by some and unwavering loyalty by another—form a poignant tableau of grief and fidel...

In which the resolute George Fielding, stricken by a cruel fever and overwhelmed by toil and solitude, finds solace and unexpected companionship in the faithful Jacky, whose simple kindness and quiet strength offer a tender counterpoint to George’s suffering. As the sun sets over Meredith’s pastoral domain, friendship and steadfast devotion stand out as humble beacons amid the relentless weariness...

In which a forlorn cattleman and his steadfast companion grapple with the desolation of parched lands and the harrowing loss of beasts, their loyalty and perseverance tested by nature’s stern hand and human frailty. Amidst pestilence and treachery, they wrestle with misfortune and the faint glimmers of hope that flicker in the rugged wilderness, painting a portrait of endurance and quiet resolve.

In which George, accompanied by his resourceful companion Jacky, navigates the rugged coastal landscapes and faces both natural dangers and native customs with a mix of admiration and courage, while gradually building his pastoral enterprise. The hardships of drought and cattle theft weigh heavily upon him, yet his determined spirit and Jacky’s keen senses lead them through trials with a blend of...

In which Mr. George Fielding takes a prudent account of his livestock's progress over half a year and forms a neighbourly bond with a thrifty Scotchman whose differing customs prompt a gentle cultural exchange. Their Sunday visits blend good reading with spirited debate, until an ill-timed proposal for trade on the Sabbath brings a humorous admonishment and an invitation to share a dram of whisky.

In which George Fielding, accompanied by Mr. Winchester and faithful Carlo, embarks on a challenging sea voyage from England to Australia, enduring hardships and finding comfort in camaraderie amidst adversity. Upon arrival, George begins his earnest endeavour to establish a new life as a pastoralist, buoyed by hope, unyielding spirit, and the clear, frosty air of the colony.

In which Peter Crawley wrestles with a bruised spirit upon discovering that his admired chief may not be the most cunning after all, and Susan faces the sting of unwarranted suspicion from a disagreeable neighbour, while Meadows departs for Lancashire with heavy thoughts. Meanwhile, the household prepares for changes amid quiet tensions and shifting alliances, as the narrative momentarily turns to...

In which the unexpected visit of a young lady stirs tender and turbulent emotions within Mr. Meadows, while disputes and debts bring about a decisive and unwelcome change in his fortunes. Meanwhile, the kindness of a devoted mother and the promise of new prospects lend a glimmer of hope amidst the unsettled affairs.

In which a cunning Mr. Meadows confronts the respectable-looking postmaster Jefferies with evidence of his secret pilfering, setting a trap that reveals the truth beneath a genteel exterior, while a crafty solicitor weighs the price of leniency. Meanwhile, a delicate peace is attempted by the gentle Susan who endeavours to temper the bitter animosity between two quarrelsome men, their enmity as de...

In which the narrative narrows upon the contrasting figures of Mr. Eden, a saintly Christian, and Robinson, a habitual thief, as the former endeavours with patience and faith to reclaim a soul deemed lost by society. Meanwhile, Susan Merton’s return to Grassmere Farm introduces a new, cunning speculator who seeks to lure her father into the tempting labyrinth of rapid wealth, setting the stage for...

In which the sober inquest unearths the dark truth behind a young prisoner's tragic demise, laying bare the failings of those entrusted with justice and care. The somber tolling of the prison bell mourns a life cruelly lost, prompting a solemn meditation on the clash between human compassion and the harshness of the law.

In which a determined clergyman exposes the cruel neglect within a prison, confronting its brutal jailer and restoring hope and humane treatment to the afflicted inmates. The triumph ushers in renewal and quiet gratitude amongst friends, as vigilance and mercy begin to dispel the shadows of suffering.

In which Mr. Eden conducts a harrowing inquiry into the brutal punishments meted out within the jail walls, revealing grim tales of cruelty, despair, and the silent suffering of prisoners under a cruel regime. The stark contrast between official records and an honest jailer's journal exposes the chilling reality of systemic injustice, culminating in a solemn encounter with the tragic consequences...