Introductory note on Thomas Carlyle (Volume 25, Harvard Classics)

"Genius, a Secret to Itself." Thus wrote Carlyle, who affirms that great minds are unconscious of their stupendous strength. And each of us has his own peculiar mental attributes. (Volume 25, Harvard Classics)

Thomas Carlyle died Feb. 4, 1881.

Introductory note on Ben Jonson (Volume 47, Harvard classics)

While the cat's away the mice will play. Boisterous and ludicrous happenings occur in a house left in charge of a servant. But in midst of merriment the master returns. (Volume 47, Harvard Classics)

Ben Jonson receives life pension from James 1, Feb. 3, 1619.

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

Before his son, Laertes, departs for a foreign country, Polonius advises him as to his conduct and dress, while Hamlet, the king's son, has to learn by experience. (Volume 46, Harvard Classics

Shakespeare's twins - Hamnet and Judith - baptized Feb. 2, 1585.

Introductory note on Sir Thomas Malory (Volume 35, Harvard classics)

The intrepid Knights of the Round Table were startled by "crackling and crying of thunder" which rang through the great hall of the castle. Then there entered "The Holy Grail covered with white samite." (Volume 35, Harvard Classics)

Introductory note on Miguel de Cervantes (Volume 14, Harvard Classics)

Slayer of windmills, rescuer of fair damsels in distress, eccentric Don Quixote, scores of years behind his time, set out on a mad quest of knight-errantry. Worlds of fun and killing satire are in this absorbing story of Cervantes. (Volume 14, Harvard Classics)