Introductory note on Henry Wadsworth Longfellow (Wikipedia)

At the close of the war, a torn and bleeding nation set about to rebuild its shattered frame. The result was a stronger nation rising from an almost disrupted union. (Volume 42, Harvard Classics)

Memorial Day.

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

A Bagdad merchant dreamed of the money he would make from the sale of a tray of glassware, and of marrying the king's daughter. But, daydreaming, he kicked over the tray. (Volume 16, Harvard Classics)

Introductory note on Thomas Moore (Wikipedia)

Any one of these poems, "The Harp That Once Through Tara's Halls," "The Last Rose of Summer," "The Light of Other Days," would alone have made Moore immortal. (Volume 41, Harvard Classics)

Thomas Moore born May 28, 1779.

Introductory note on Gotthold Ephraim Lessing (Volume 32, Harvard Classics)

To advance freedom of thought, Lessing published an essay of one hundred paragraphs outlining the history of religion. The wrath of orthodox churchmen was hurled at his head, and Lessing was left alone to defend his daring theories. (Volume 32, Harvard Classics)

Introductory note on King Lear by William Shakespeare (Volume 46, Harvard Classics)

Goneril and Regan falsely swore they loved their father, King Lear, more than life itself. Cordelia could find no words to express her sincere devotion. Then King Lear made the decision that started a series of exciting events. (Volume 46, Harvard Classics)

Shakespeare's first daughter, Susanna, baptized May 26, 1583.