Introductory note on Sir Richard Steele (Volume 27, Harvard Classics)

Word pictures are often more vivid than photographs. Steele had a gift for originating characters that are remembered longer than flesh and blood people. Sir Roger de Coverly and Will Honeycomb are now bold figures in literature. (Volume 27, Harvard Classics)

First issue of the "Spectator," published March 1, 1711.

Introductory note on Michel de Montaigne (Volume 32, Harvard Classics)

Proficient in Latin even before he knew his own tongue, Montaigne received an unusual education. His whole life was spent in storing up his choice thoughts for our profit and pleasure. (Volume 32, Harvard Classics)

Michel de Montaigne born Feb. 28, 1533.

Introductory note on Henry Wadsworth Longfellow (Wikipedia)

"Tell me not in mournful numbers, life is but an empty dream..."

Longfellow born Feb. 27, 1807.

Introductory note on Victor Hugo (Wikipedia)

Hugo was insulted by the most powerful critics in France. He put into the preface of a play "his sling and his stone" by which others might slay "the classical Goliath." (Volume 39, Harvard Classics)

Victor Hugo born Feb. 26, 1802.

Introductory note on Daniel Defoe (Volume 27, Harvard Classics)

The brilliant wit and cutting satire of Defoe made for him friends and enemies --- but mostly enemies. So piercing and two-edged was "The Shortest-Way with Dissenters" that he was fined, imprisoned and pilloried. (Volume 27, Harvard Classics)

"The Shortest-Way with Dissenters" censored, Feb. 25. 1703.