Introductory note on Walt Whitman (the Ridpath Library of Universal Literature)

The rugged, genuine Lincoln was idealized by Walt Whitman - the founder of the new school of American poetry. Two of Whitman's finest poems were inspired by Lincoln. (Volume 42, Harvard Classics)

Lincoln died April 15, 1865.

Introductory note on Drake’s Great Armada (Volume 33, Harvard Classics)

Spanish towns in the New World were rich in treasure and tempting booty for English soldiers of fortune, who were venturesome and merciless. "Ho! for the Spanish Main!" was the rallying cry for all freebooters and buccaneers. (Volume 33, Harvard Classics)

Introductory note on Benvenuto Cellini (Volume 31, Harvard Classics)

Kings, emperors, the greatest artists and sculptors of the Renaissance at its most magnificent period, walk through the pages of his autobiography --- not as cold, austere, historical characters but as the intimate friends of Cellini. (Volume 31, Harvard Classics)

Introductory note on George Berkeley (Volume 37, Harvard classics)

You would doubtless like to know how to hold your own in any argument. Read what Leslie Stephen declares the finest specimen in our language of the conduct of argument. (Volume 37, Harvard Classics)

Introductory note on Johann Wolfgang von Goethe (Volume 19, Harvard Classics)

The virgin beauty of Margaret enchanted Faust, who dazzled her with the brilliance of many gems. Margaret innocently took his gifts, believing that beauty should not "blush unseen" - but unmindful of consequences to follow. (Volume 19, Harvard Classics)