Harvard Classics

Introductory note on Æsop’s Fables (Volume 17, Harvard Classics)

Men in all ages have recognized the ingenuity of the practical philosophy and freshness of Æsop's allegories. Spend a few delightful moments with the wit and wisdom of Æsop. (Volume 17, Harvard Classics)

Caxton prints Æsop's Fables, March 26, 1484.

Introductory note on Hamlet by William Shakespeare (Volume 46, Harvard classics)

Hamlet pondered over which course contained the least unhappiness --- whether to suffer here and not incur new dangers, or whether to end it all and chance the unknown terrors of the next world. See how Hamlet reasoned. (Volume 46, Harvard Classics)

Shakespeare makes his will, March 25, 1616.

Introductory note on William Morris (Wikipedia)

Guenevere, King Arthur's queen, justly accused but harshly treated, makes a noble and brave attempt to convince her court that Gawaine lied and that Launcelot was true. (Volume 16, Harvard Classics)

William Morris born March 24, 1834.

Introductory note on The Thousand and One Nights (Volume 16, Harvard Classics)

Shahrazad, favorite of the treacherous Sultan's harem, selected a most thrilling story for her bridal night. By leaving it unfinished she was privileged to live to continue it the next night --- and so on for a thousand and one nights. (Volume 16, Harvard Classics)

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

The Faust legend, which can be traced to puppet shows of earlier days, portrays a philosopher who, through Satan's aid and in return for the price of his soul, works magic at will. From this rude framework Goethe has reared a drama of sublime grandeur. (Volume 19, Harvard Classics)

Goethe died March 22, 1832.