Harvard Classics

Introductory note on John Keats (The Ridpath Library of Universal Literature)

At midnight on the eve of St. Agnes there were certain solemn ceremonies which all virgins must perform to have "visions of delight and soft adorings from their loves." Porphyro took advantage of this custom to win his bride. (Volume 41, Harvard Classics)

St. Agnes' Eve, Jan. 20.

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

Regarded in Europe as one of America's greatest writers, Poe originated the detective story, perfected the mystery short story, and produced America’s first great poems. Here he unravels the fabric of which all poetry is woven. (Volume 28, Harvard Classics)

Edgar Allan Poe born Jan. 19, 1809.

Introductory note on Aristophanes (Volume 8, Harvard Classics)

"Shall I crack any of those old jokes, master, at which the audience never fails to laugh?" Like an up-to-date vaudeville team, Xanthias and Dionysus start off a dialogue that mingles wit and poetry with humor and keen satire. (Volume 8, Harvard Classics)

Introductory note on Benjamin Franklin (Volume 1, Harvard Classics)

Good middle-class people, Franklin boasts, were his ancestors. Some have attributed his genius to his being the youngest son of the youngest son for five generations. In his famous autobiography, he reveals quaint family history. (Volume 1, Harvard Classics)

Benjamin Franklin born Jan. 17, 1706.

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

An old woman once found a wine jar, but it was empty. She sniffed at the mouth of the jar and said: "What memories cling 'round the instruments of our pleasure." (Volume 17, Harvard Classics)