Introductory note on Edgar Allan Poe (Volume 28, Harvard Classics)

Edgar Allan Poe was expelled from West Point and disinherited. So poor was he that when his young wife lay dying, he could not afford a fire to warm her. The weirdness and despair of "The Raven" is particularly symbolic of his life. (Volume 42, Harvard Classics)

Poe expelled from West Point, March 6, 1831.

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

Prison walls were the least of Cellini's troubles. "Lock me well up and watch me, for I shall certainly contrive to escape." In spite of this warning, the utmost care of the jailers only furnished amusement for the dauntless Cellini. (Volume 31, Harvard Classics)

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

Penn, true to Quaker beliefs, came before the king with his hat on. The king overlooked this and later made him governor of Pennsylvania. A sagacious Penn is revealed in his writings. (Volume 1, Harvard Classics)

King Charles grants Penn charter of Pennsylvania, March 4, 1681.

From the Introduction to The Life of Mr. George Herbert by Izaak Walton (Volume 15, Harvard Classics)

Isaak Walton, famed patron of fishermen, appreciated other arts and hobbies. He writes of George Herbert, a preacher whose hobby was poetry. (Volume 15, Harvard Classics)

George Herbert died March 3, 1633.

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

"A sailor's liberty is but for a day," as Dana explains. Dressed in his Sunday best, the sailor feels like a dashing Beau Brummel; and sets out to enjoy his freedom. "While it lasts it is perfect. He is under no one's eye and can do whatever he pleases." (Volume 23, Harvard Classics)