Harvard Classics

Introductory note on American Historical Documents (Volume 43, Harvard Classics)

Before English adventurers could attempt settlement in America it was necessary first to get permission from the King. The charter of King James to the oldest American colony is an extremely important historical document. (Volume 43, Harvard Classics)

King James grants charter to Virginia, April 10, 1606.

Introductory note on The New Atlantis by Francis Bacon (Volume 3, Harvard Classics)

West of Peru there was reported to be a land where Truth and Science were used to promote the happiness and freedom of man. Here is Bacon's description of this ideal commonwealth. (Volume 3, Harvard Classics)

Francis Bacon died April 9, 1629.

Introductory note on Aeschylus (Volume 8, Harvard Classics)

Orestes, holding an avenging sword over his mother, is told: "Beware thy mother's vengeful hounds." How he pays for disregarding his mother's warning is told in this drama where a mother is slain to avenge a father's ghost. (Volume 8, Harvard Classics)

Introductory note on William Wordsworth (Wikipedia)

Wordsworth was so closely in touch with Nature that the simple beauty of flowers, woods, and fields is reflected in his poems as if Nature herself took up the pen and wrote. (Volume 41, Harvard Classics)

Wordsworth born April 7, 1770.

Introductory note on Marcus Aurelius (Volume 2, Harvard Classics)

Badness has many interpretations, a different definition has been the dictate of each new generation. The solution of the eternal riddle was earnestly sought by Marcus Aurelius. (Volume 2, Harvard Classics)

Marcus Aurelius born April 6, 121 A. D.