As for the text, we took issue with Morgan’s original six-chapter structure. Why? Because as we first assembled this edition, the original Chapter 3 was 36 pages, and Chapter 5 was a staggering 60 pages. Given that this is a novella, 60 pages in a single chapter seems a bit tedious and unwieldy, especially considering the information conveyed in that chapter, and because nearly all of the other chapters were less than 10 pages each, so we have fractionated Chapters 3 and 5 utilizing natural narrative break points in order to make the text more manageable, resulting in a new chapter total of 13.

For transparency’s sake, here is our breakdown:
Chapters 1 and 2 are the same as the original serial.
Chapter 3 has become Chapters 3 through 6.
Chapter 4 is the same, but is now Chapter 7.
Chapter 5 has become Chapters 8 through 12.
And what was originally titled “Conclusion,” the sixth and final chapter, is now Chapter 13.

We’ve also corrected numerous instances throughout the story in which Morgan allowed two characters to speak dialogue within the same sentence or paragraph, which we always find maddening when you inevitably find yourself asking, “Wait: who’s saying what?”

Further, we have collected and included three additional Morgan pieces that were published alongside the original serial in Florida Magazine. The first being a brief biographical sketch of Morgan titled “A Many-Sided Man” that provides the most information our research has been able to uncover about the can-do Floridian jack of all trades. The second and third being his poems “Ah the Days.” and “Them Sweet Old Days.”

All together, our edition includes everything contributed by, and concerning, Richard Jameson Morgan that was published in Florida Magazine in 1902.

To read our full thoughts, check out: The Iron Republic: An “unusually interesting” story. . .

“The February Florida Magazine contains the opening chapters of an unusually interesting serial entitled The Iron Republic. Its style recalls Robert Louis Stevenson, the story of Robinson Crusoe, Swiss Family Robinson, and others that deal with the unusual in a wholesome way. Its story is with scenes and ideal conditions located in the lands of the Southern Sea. An American is driven from his native land through political discomfiture, buys a ship, and journeys in search of a happier heart. The serial will form delightful reading.” —The Tampa Tribune

“Mr. Richard Jameson Morgan has become known to our readers as a polished and versatile writer.” —Florida Magazine

“The Iron Republic itself is what must be seen to be a communist utopia with multi-tiered bullet trains, personal flying machines, silent motor carriages, and enough paper napkins for all.” —Kook Science

The Iron Republic