Harvard Classics

While his soldiers fought the battle of Actium, Antony fled to the arms of Cleopatra. By his flight he forfeited his right to an empire. Dryden's story of Antony's love makes us realize the folly of his infatuation for the Nile siren. (Volume 18, Harvard Classics) Battle of Actium, Sept. 2, 31 B. C.

Introductory note on William Penn (Volume 1, Harvard Classics)

While at Oxford, Penn rejected the student's gown and thereby created a furore. Later he founded a city where he sought to put his new ideas into practice. (Volume 1, Harvard Classics) Penn arrested for preaching in London, Sept. 1, 1670.

Emerson was included in Dr. Eliot's recent selection of the world's ten greatest educators of all time. Here the great thinker discusses this force within man that makes him a scholar. (Volume 5, Harvard Classics) Emerson delivers "American Scholar" lecture, Aug. 31, 1837.

Every luxury, all the wealth in the world at his command – yet Marcus Aurelius, Emperor of haughty Rome, led a simple life even in a palace. He left his secret in his "Meditations." (Volume 2, Harvard Classics)

Cleopatra rode to meet Antony in a gilded barge with sails of purple; oars of silver beat time to the music of flutes and fifes and harps. She went as Venus, and her attendants were dressed as Cupids and Nymphs. (Volume 12, Harvard Classics) Cleopatra dies after Antony's suicide, Aug. 29, 30 B. C.

"Almighty God, I am undone." With this cry of despair, Margaret witnessed the fiendish work of Faust, her lover, who bartered his immortal soul for worldly pleasure. A thrilling drama, based on a famous medieval legend. (Volume 19, Harvard Classics) Johann Wolfgang Goethe born Aug. 28, 1749.

"A man's a man for a' that." "Should auld acquaintance be forgot." "To see her is to love her and love but her forever." "Flow gently, sweet Afton." Every stanza of Burns is treasured. How many have you stored up? (Volume 6, Harvard Classics)

A brilliant victory for the English king was gained in this battle, a fight in which vast numbers of French nobility, many princes, and the aged King John of Bohemia were slain. Froissart describes all in detail. (Volume 35, Harvard Classics) Battle of Crecy, Aug. 26, 1346.

Introductory note on Sir William Thomson (Lord Kelvin) (Volume 30, Harvard Classics)

We to-day know that there is a direct relation between the moon and tides. When Julius Cæsar went to conquer Britain his transports were wrecked because he did not know the tides on the English coast; a knowledge of which might have changed the whole course of history. (Volume 30, Harvard Classics) Kelvin delivers lecture on "Tides," Aug. 25, 1882.

A certain man was willed a Bible. He scorned the legacy until one day, penniless and downcast, he turned to the book for consolation. Imagine his amazement on finding hundred dollar bills between the pages. St. Augustine explains how he found even greater treasures in the Bible. (Volume 7, Harvard Classics)

Driven from Heaven, Satan meditated revenge. He decided his greatest opportunity to injure God was to bring sin to mankind. Satan's plot against Eve is told by Milton. (Volume 4, Harvard Classics) "Paradise Lost" published Aug. 20, 1667.

Introductory note on Ambroise Paré (Volume 38, Harvard Classics)

Astonishing treatments and cures are related by Ambroise Paré, famed surgeon of the fifteenth century. One remedy, for instance, used to cure a distinguished nobleman, was red roses boiled in white wine, – and it was effective. (Volume 38, Harvard Classics)

In Cellini's day the model's life was a hazardous one. Cellini's Autobiography reveals how some models were treated. You will find it more thrilling than the most modern novel. (Volume 31, Harvard Classics)

Introductory note on Martin Luther (Volume 36, Harvard Classics)

Luther declared that the unreformed church had drawn its doctrines like three walls so closely about the people that they served not as protection but were the cause of untold misery and distress. This he hoped to relieve by the Reformation. (Volume 36, Harvard Classics)

David – the psalm singer – knew the wondrous ways of the Lord and praised Him in his psalms. Burdened souls in all ages have found comfort in these songs that once were used in the gorgeous ritual of Jerusalem's temple. (Volume 44, Harvard Classics)

Introductory note on The Song of Roland (Volume 49, Harvard Classics)

Charlemagne's rear guard was attacked by the Basques in the valley of Roncesvaux. Roland, its leader, fought a courageous fight, and, though conquered, became immortal. (Volume 49, Harvard Classics) Roland died at Roncesvaux, Aug. 15, 778.

Leaving Harvard on account of ill health, Dana sought adventure and thrilling experience aboard a sailing vessel that rounded Cape Horn. He turned the dangers, hardships, and keen joys of a sailor's life into a fascinating story. (Volume 23, Harvard Classics) Dana begins famous two-year voyage, Aug. 14, 1834.

Introductory note on Robert Southey (Wikipedia)

England and France caine to battle near Blenheim. Years later the people of Blenheim called it a "famous victory," but could not tell whose victory it was. (Volume 41, Harvard Classics) Battle of Blenheim, Aug. 13. 1704.

Introductory note on James Russell Lowell (Wikipedia)

Huldy, the rustic belle, sat alone peeling apples. She was bashful in her consciousness that Zekle would come soon. When he did, she merely blushed and timidly said: "Ma's sprinklin' clo'es," and then – (Volume 42, Harvard Classics)

Epictetus advises that if a person speaks ill of you, make no defense, but answer: "He surely knew not of my other faults, else he would not have mentioned these only." (Volume 2, Harvard Classics)

When the people of Paris howled because they had no bread to eat, Queen Marie Antoinette exclaimed: "Well, then, let them eat cake!" Such an attitude hastened the revolution. (Volume 24, Harvard Classics) French royal family imprisoned, Aug. 10, 1792.

Minister and witness, bride and groom were arrested by an enraged father when John Donne married his employer's niece. Donne was soon released, but he found himself without money, position or bride. (Volume 15, Harvard Classics) Isaak Walton born Aug. 9, 1593.

Unfavorable winds sent by angry gods blew the ships of Odysseus far off their course. The sailors were cast upon a remote island, governed by an enchantress where, for their coarse manners, they were put under a magic spell. (Volume 22, Harvard Classics)

The death sentence of Socrates could not be executed until the return of the sacred ship from Delos. One day his friends learned that the ship had returned. They hastened to the prison to listen to the last words of Athens' sage. (Volume 2, Harvard Classics)

Introductory note on Alfred, Lord Tennyson (Wikipedia)

"For I dipt into the future – saw the nation's airy navies grappling in the central blue." We are amazed at the accuracy of Tennyson's prediction. But he also foretells "the federation of the world" – yet to be fulfilled. (Volume 42, Harvard Classics) Alfred Lord Tennyson born Aug. 6, 1809.

"Cotter's Saturday Night" for generations to come will remain the choicest picture of Scotch home life. Into this poem Burns instills the sense of all-pervading peace and happiness that comes at the end of a well-spent day. (Volume 6, Harvard Classics) Robert Burns married Jean Armour, Aug. 5, 1788.

Hans Christian Andersen had an extraordinary capacity for amusing children. Were he living to-day he might be in great demand as a radio bedtime story man. (Volume 17, Harvard Classics) H. C. Andersen died Aug. 4, 1875.

They battered down the palace gates and ravaged with fire and sword the chambers of King Priam's hundred wives. Through halls resounding with shrieks of terror, Priam and his household fled to sanctuary. (Volume 13, Harvard Classics)

Introductory note on William Drummond (Wikipedia)

"Here is the pleasant place - and nothing wanting is, save She, alas!" How often we too are faced with like adversity. So sings Drummond - a master songster and composer. (Volume 40, Harvard Classics)

Introductory note on John Calvin (Wikipedia)

Steadfast allegiance to duty, simple living and adherence to plain, honest, homely doctrines are Calvin's principles. Are not these same old-fashioned truths followed to-day? (Volume 39, Harvard Classics) Calvin issues "Dedication," Aug. 1, 1536.

Lack of education, writes Defoe, makes a woman "turbulent, clamorous, noisy – " Defoe defied his generation and preached equal education for women. To-day we have co-education, but have we the benefits Defoe predicted? (Volume 27, Harvard Classics) Defoe pilloried for defiance of public opinion, July 31, 1703.

Introductory note on Sir Humphrey Gilbert (Volume 33, Harvard Classics)

When the whole coast of America north of Florida was free to the first comer, Sir Humphrey Gilbert naively chose to settle on the rugged shores of Newfoundland. Read the glowing account of his great adventure "to plant Christian inhabitants in places convenient." (Volume 33, Harvard Classics) Gilbert lands at Newfoundland near St. John's, July 30, 1583.

Stonehenge, that group of huge, rudely architectural stones on a vast plain in England, was erected no man knows when, nor why, nor how. Emerson, America's greatest thinker, visited this monument and was amazed at the "uncanny stones." (Volume 5, Harvard Classics)

Introductory note on Abraham Cowley (Volume 27, Harvard Classics)

Cowley portrays the ideal life – that of a farmer, and blazons it forth in heraldry. "A plow in a field arable" – to him, the most honorable of all emblems. (Volume 27, Harvard Classics) Abraham Cowley died July 28, 1667.

Introductory note on Joseph Lister (Volume 38, Harvard Classics)

The use of antiseptics in surgery is new. Hardly more than a half century ago surgeons operated in frock coats. Lord Lister, surgeon to Queen Victoria, was among the first to advocate scrupulous cleanliness in dressing wounds. (Volume 38, Harvard Classics) Lister publishes paper on antiseptic treatment, July 27, 1867.

While Europe was shaken with wars, Thomas à Kempis lived in happy seclusion in his convent. His writings convincingly reflect the serenity and happiness of a man who has found peace – a peace that surpasses all understanding. (Volume 7, Harvard Classics) Thomas à Kempis died July 26, 1471.

Introductory note on Brynhild (Wikipedia)

Brynhild, Woden's daughter, carried the dead heroes to Valhalla where they could feast and fight without dying; until a sin divested her of divinity, and she fell in love with Sigurd. (Volume 49, Harvard Classics)

Darwin visited a South American city ruined by an earthquake. There he heard the superstitious account of the phenomenon. The ignorant people accused Indian women of bewitching the volcano. But Darwin has another explanation. (Volume 29, Harvard Classics)

There are styles in friendship as well as in clothes. The mode of friendship of Bacon's time went out with plumed hats and long hose. But Bacon knew the true test of a friend. (Volume 3, Harvard Classics) Francis Bacon knighted, July 23, 1603.

Odysseus was wrecked with his men on an island inhabited by one-eyed giants. Trapped in the cave of a giant who gobbled up some of the crew for supper, the cunning Odysseus blinded the giant and rescued the survivors of his crew. (Volume 22, Harvard Classics)

The songs of Burns are the links, the watchwords, the symbols of the Scots. He is the last of the ballad singers. In his works are preserved the best songs of his people. (Volume 6, Harvard Classics) Robert Burns died July 21, 1796.

John Bunyan, imprisoned for preaching without a license, gave to the world "Pilgrim's Progress," the greatest allegory in any language, second only to the Bible. (Volume 15, Harvard Classics)

The famous gallant who spread his gorgeous cloak so the dainty slipper of his queen would be unspotted, soon lost the high favor this action won for him. In spite of his glorious voyages, Raleigh condemned himself when he fell in love with another woman. (Volume 33, Harvard Classics) Sir WaIter Raleigh imprisoned July 19, 1603.

Introductory note on Robert Browning (Volume 18, Harvard Classics)

"Browning's play has thrown me into a perfect passion of sorrow," wrote Charles Dickens of "The Blot in the 'Scutcheon." Like Shakespeare's Juliet, Browning's Mildred plays the role of a youthful lover in a tragic drama. (Volume 18, Harvard Classics)

Introductory note on Jean Racine (Volume 26, Harvard Classics)

Phædre first persecuted Hippolytus, her handsome stepson, then loved him. Suddenly he and her own son became rivals for the throne. Should she push her son's claims or let Hippolytus take the crown? (Volume 26, Harvard Classics) Racine elected to French Academy, July 17, 1673.

The sacred book of the Moslems, the Koran, gives an account of the birth of Christ. The Koran gives Jesus a high position among the prophets but holds the first place for Mohammed. (Volume 45, Harvard Classics) Beginning of Moslem era of time, July 16, 622 A. D.

Meals in the houses of the gentry and noblemen in Elizabethan England were taken most seriously. No one spoke. Holinshed records the strange table etiquette of our ancestors. (Volume 35, Harvard Classics) Queen Elizabeth entertained at Kenilworth, July 15, 1575.

What the Fourth of July is to Americans, the Fourteenth of July is to Frenchmen. It commemorates an oppressive tyranny overthrown by a freedom-loving people. (Volume 24, Harvard Classics) The Bastille surrendered, July 14, 1789.

Pericles used public money to beautify Athens. The citizens protested against the expense, as citizens in all ages do. By a clever stroke Pericles won their support to his ambitious plans. (Volume 12, Harvard Classics)

Introductory note on Henry David Thoreau (Volume 28, Harvard Classics)

Thoreau's individuality was unique and original. He had no profession; he never married; he never went to church; he never voted or paid taxes; he never smoked; he never drank wine. His amusement was walking, to observe and meditate. (Volume 28, Harvard Classics) Henry David Thoreau born July 12, 1817.

Introductory note on Simon Newcomb (Volume 30, Harvard Classics)

The greatest spectacle offered man is a view of the magnificent vault of heaven. Under the stupendous arch of the Milky Way the cares of the world roll off. (Volume 30, Harvard Classics) Newcomb died July 11, 1909.

Introductory note on Leif Ericsson (Volume 43, Harvard Classics)

The shadow of a phantom cast upon the cradle of Snorri, the first white child born in America, was a warning of an Indian attack on the settlement of courageous Norsemen who had risked the terrors of unknown seas to visit "Wineland." (Volume 43, Harvard Classics)

"What is Truth?" asked Pilate. For an answer Bacon discourses not on human nature as it should be, but as it is. These shrewd observations on making a life and a living admit occasional departures from truth. (Volume 3, Harvard Classics) Bacon becomes Privy Councilor, July 9, 1616.

When the monstrous Cenci forced his daughter Beatrice into a horrible situation, she revolted and boldly struck for freedom. Shelley tells her pitiful story in one of his best works. (Volume 18, Harvard Classics) Percy Bysshe Shelley drowned, July 8, 1822.

The painted lips of the eighteenth century ladies and gallants vied with one another in whispering scathing gossip, in gleefully furthering the destruction of a good name. Sheridan depicts this gay world with a brilliant spicy pen. (Volume 18, Harvard Classics) Sheridan buried in Westminster Abbey, July 7, 1816.

When Europe was suffering from evil rulers, heavy taxes, and despair, Sir Thomas More dreamed of a happy land where an intelligently managed state perfected happiness. (Volume 36, Harvard Classics) Sir Thomas More executed, July 6, 1535.

Here is another of those fanciful Oriental stories that proclaims the democracy of Eastern despotism. A tailor might talk with a king and receive either a death sentence or the office of Grand Vizier as a reward. (Volume 16, Harvard Classics)

Introductory note on Thomas Jefferson (Wikipedia)

Some Americans preferred to be loyal to England and did not want independent government. Their hesitation is better understood when the finality of the Declaration is realized. (Volume 43, Harvard Classics) Independence Day.

Introductory note on Frank Aretas Haskell (Volume 43, Harvard Classics)

An officer in that momentous battle narrates every major action of both armies. Thus we see the swarming lines of Confederates advance - the hand-to-hand struggle. (Volume 43, Harvard Classics) Battle of Gettysburg, July 1-3. 1863.

So that the date for certain festivals would not fall one year in midwinter and in the heat of summer another year, Cæsar reformed the calendar. July was named for him. (Volume 12, Harvard Classics)

While Darwin was working on his theory of evolution, another scientist independently arrived at the same conclusions. Darwin, then, was not the first to study evolution. (Volume 11, Harvard Classics) Darwin publishes outline of "Origin of Species" July 1, 1858.

"Democracy" has not always been the choice of oppressed people. The tyranny of the majority is a recognized evil as harmful as the misrule of a king. And rather than exchange a lesser evil for a greater, a rule by king has often been preferred to a republic. (Volume 25, Harvard Classics)

Introductory note on The Tragedy of Macbeth (Volume 46, Harvard Classics)

Macbeth, spurred on by the ambitious and crafty Lady Macbeth, committed murder to secure the crown of Scotland. But he paid dearly for his gain. Ghostly guests appeared at his banquet and threatened him with dire threats. (Volume 46, Harvard Classics) Shakespeare's Globe Theatre burned June 29, 1613.

A very definite etiquette is followed by a stranger on the vast plains of South America. "Ave Maria" is the common salutation. If the stranger is on horseback, he does not alight until invited to do so by his host. Once in the house, the stranger must converse a while before asking shelter for the night. (Volume 29, Harvard Classics)

There is a human trait most poisonous to a man's blood. Man seeks to avoid it because he knows that it lies like a curse upon him. Just what is the poisonous human failing? Who are most subject to it? Bacon tells you in one of his best essays. (Volume 3, Harvard Classics) Francis Bacon enrolled at Cambridge University, June 27, 1576.

Introductory note on Beowulf (Volume 49, Harvard Classics)

At the bottom of the ocean was the home of the monster who had desolated the king's halls. Beowulf, bravest of warriors, descended beneath the waves to fight the beast. The king's men, waiting above, saw the waves become colored with blood. Hero or monster - who had won? (Volume 49, Harvard Classics)

Introductory note on Robert Herrick (Wikipedia)

"Gather ye rosebuds while ye may, Old Time is still a-flying; And this same flower that smiles today, to-morrow will be dying?" Herrick was only a humble country minister with a wealth of wisdom and a keen appreciation of life, which he expressed in lyrics of wonderful beauty and melody. (Volume 40, Harvard Classics)

A handsome young man was seen to eat only with his left hand, which was contrary to the customs of Arabia. The youth, when urged, told why he used only his left hand, and revealed a story of love and adventure and the lover's need for gold - all happening in ancient Cairo. (Volume 16, Harvard Classics)

John Stuart Mill – one of the greatest intellects in England – tells how his father educated him. At the early age of three years he began the study of Greek, and at twelve started writing a book of his own. (Volume 25, Harvard Classics) James Mill, father of John Stuart Mill, died June 23, 1836.

Pliny, who lived in the first century after Christ, tells of a ghost who dragged his jangling chains through a house in Athens and so terrified the inmates that they fled panic-stricken. But the ghost met his equal. (Volume 9, Harvard Classics)

Introductory note on John Ruskin (Volume 28, Harvard Classics)

Why gossip with lesser persons when you might be talking to queens and kings? Just how we may get to talk to queens and kings, Ruskin delightfully points out and escorts us to the very doors of the audience chamber. (Volume 28, Harvard Classics)

Galapagos Islands are the home of fearless birds, to which horses, cows, and men are only roosting places. Darwin saw the South Pacific when few travelers knew that wonderland. (Volume 29, Harvard Classics)

A writer of Elizabethan times said that no other country had as many dogs as England. Once Henry VII ordered all mastiffs to be hung because they "durst presume to fight against the lion," England's regal beast. (Volume 35, Harvard Classics)

Cinderella inspires all alike – the artist's brush, the author's pen, the child's fancy. To-day she is a living, vital character to be seen on stage and screen. No one ever forgets her lightning change. (Volume 17, Harvard Classics)