Introductory note on Omar Khayyam (Volume 41, Harvard Classics)

Omar Khayyam laughed and enjoyed the good things of life. His "Rubaiyat," the most popular philosophic poem, is the best of all books to dip into for an alluring thought. (Volume 41, Harvard Classics)

"Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam" first published Jan. 15, 1859.

Introductory note on American Historical Documents (Volume 43, Harvard Classics)

The Fundamental Orders of Connecticut is "the first written constitution as a permanent limitation on governmental power, known in history." It is the work of the Connecticut Yankee. (Volume 43, Harvard Classics)

Fundamental Orders of Connecticut adopted Jan. 14, 1639.

Introductory note on Jean Jacques Rousseau (Volume 34, Harvard Classics)

Rousseau taught that men were not created free and equal. To substantiate his daring beliefs he traced man's history back to his primitive beginnings. For his teachings, Rousseau was forced to seek refuge in England. (Volume 34, Harvard Classics)

Jean Jacques Rousseau arrived in England, Jan. 13, 1766.

Introductory note on Edmund Burke (Volume 24, Harvard Classics)

A Turkish sultan, relates Burke, when shown a picture of the beheaded John the Baptist, praised many things, but pointed out one gruesome defect. Did this observation show the sultan to be an inferior judge of art? (Volume 24, Harvard Classics)

Edmund Burke born Jan. 12, 1729.

Introductory note on Alexander Hamilton (The Ridpath Library of Universal Literature)

Hamilton organized the Treasury Department. He penned most of the Federalist papers, which were greatly influential in bringing New York into the Union --- the first step toward its eminent position in national and world finance. (Volume 43, Harvard Classics)

Alexander Hamilton born Jan. 11, 1757.