Question 1

Where can I buy the books?

Accepted Answer

Every title in the library is sold through Apple Books and Google Play Books. Each book page on this site lists the retailers that currently carry it, and the buy buttons take you straight to that store listing.

Question 2

Why do some titles show only one store?

Accepted Answer

Releases roll out store by store. If a book shows only Apple Books or only Google Play Books, the other edition either hasn't published yet or is in review. The buttons update automatically as new editions go live.

Question 3

How much do the books cost?

Accepted Answer

Pricing is set by each store and varies by country, promotion and currency. Where a price is available it's shown on the book's detail page, but the store listing is always the authoritative figure at checkout.

Question 4

Can I read them outside the United States?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Apple Books and Google Play Books distribute worldwide, so the catalog is available in every territory those stores serve, with local pricing applied at checkout.

Question 5

Are new titles still being released?

Accepted Answer

Regularly. The Living Archive Series and the wisdom-tradition catalog both continue to grow. The newsletter is the fastest way to hear about a new release the week it lands.

Question 6

What format are the books in?

Accepted Answer

They are digital ebooks delivered through the Apple Books and Google Play Books apps. You read them in the app on iPhone, iPad, Mac, Android or the web — no separate download or file management required.

Question 7

Are there print or paperback editions?

Accepted Answer

The catalog is digital-first, so print availability varies by title. If a print edition exists for a book you want, it will be linked from that book's page alongside the digital retailers.

Question 8

Are there audiobooks?

Accepted Answer

Audiobook editions aren't broadly available yet. Both reading apps do offer built-in spoken-audio playback, which many readers use in the meantime. Audiobook releases will be announced through the newsletter.

Question 9

Do the books work with accessibility tools?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Because the editions are reflowable ebooks, you can change font size, spacing, contrast and theme, and both stores support screen readers and text-to-speech.

Question 10

I bought a book and can't find it. What now?

Accepted Answer

Purchases live in your Apple Books or Google Play Books library under the same account you bought with — check that you're signed into that account, then refresh the app's library. Refunds and billing questions are handled by the store, not this site.

Question 11

Do I need to read the series in order?

Accepted Answer

No. Every book is written to stand alone. The series group titles by subject and lineage rather than by plot, so you can start anywhere that draws you and read outward from there.

Question 12

What are the main collections?

Accepted Answer

The Living Archive Series (restored historical newspapers and records), Ancient Wisdom, Ancestral Traditions, Sacred Practice, Hermetic & Esoteric, and The Billionaire Series. Each book page names the collection it belongs to.

Question 13

Where should a new reader start?

Accepted Answer

For the historical work, begin with any volume of The Living Archive Series that covers a city or era you care about. For the wisdom writing, start with Ancient Wisdom for the foundations, then move into Sacred Practice for applied work and Ancestral Traditions for lineage.

Question 14

What's the difference between Robert Shumake and Ajarn Shaman Shu?

Accepted Answer

Both names belong to the same author. Titles published as Robert Shumake are the historical and archival work; titles published as Ajarn Shaman Shu are the spiritual and wisdom-tradition work. You can filter the library by author name to see either body of work on its own.

Question 15

How do I browse the whole catalog?

Accepted Answer

The library page lists every title with search plus filters for author, collection and subject, so you can narrow a 150-plus book catalog down to exactly the thread you're following.

Question 16

How do I contact Robert directly?

Accepted Answer

Use the contact form on this site. It reaches Robert's desk directly, and messages about readings, collaborations and reader questions are answered in the order they arrive.

Question 17

Do you take interview, podcast or speaking requests?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Send the details — outlet, format, date and topic — through the contact form, and see the Press & Media page for previous appearances, bios and press-kit materials.

Question 18

Can I quote or reprint part of a book?

Accepted Answer

Short quotations with clear attribution are welcome. For longer excerpts, reprints, translations or classroom use, send a permissions request through the contact form describing the passage and where it will appear.

Question 19

Will Robert read my manuscript?

Accepted Answer

Unsolicited manuscripts and blurb requests can't be reviewed, as a matter of policy. Questions about research, sources and practice are always welcome.

Question 20

How do I hear about new work?

Accepted Answer

Join the newsletter. It carries release announcements, early excerpts and notes on the work, and it's the only list Robert sends to.

Frequently asked questions

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