The eruption of Vesuvius that demolished Pompeii and buried thousands of people was witnessed by Pliny. He describes his panic-stricken flight with his mother from the doomed villa through falling ashes and sulphurous fumes. His famous uncle, the elder Pliny, lost his life while investigating the eruption and aiding refugees.  (Volume 9, Harvard Classics)

Introductory note on Pliny the Younger (Volume 9, Harvard Classics)

The Hottentot thinks his wife beautiful. Every American believes his wife also to be beautiful. But the American and the Hottentot are quite different. What, after all, is Beauty? (Volume 24, Harvard Classics)

Introductory note on Edmund Burke (Volume 24, Harvard Classics)

In the days when sailing ships plied the seven seas, common sailors were often subject to a brutal captain whose whim was law. Dana, a Boston college boy, makes an exciting story of his sea experiences. (Volume 23, Harvard Classics)

Introductory note on Richard Henry Dana (Volume 23, Harvard Classics)