Introductory note on Euripides (Volume 8, Harvard Classics)

King Pantheus of Thebes contended against Dionysus, the God, for the adoration of the Theban women. The god was winning by bewitching the women when the king interceded. Euripides tells the story in a masterpiece of Greek drama. (Volume 8, Harvard Classics)

Introductory note on Sir Francis Drake (Volume 33, Harvard Classics)

With only fifty-two men, Sir Francis Drake conceives the idea of attacking his archenemy, Spain, at her most vulnerable point the treasure at Nombre de Dios. (Volume 33, Harvard Classics)

Drake died at Nombre de Dios, Jan. 9, 1596.

Introductory note on The Book of Job (Volume 44, Harvard Classics)

God was pleased with the piety of Job, but Satan accredited the piety to Job's prosperity and happiness. So a trial was made. See how each succeeding affliction visited on Job shook the depths of his nature, and how he survived. (Volume 44, Harvard Classics)

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

The Sultan had a habit of beheading each dawn his beautiful bride of the night before, until he encountered Scheherazade. Cleverly she saved her life a thousand and one mornings. (Volume 16, Harvard Classics)

Introductory note on Virgil (Volume 13, Harvard Classics)

In the dead of night Hector's ghost appeared to warn Æneas of the impending doom to come upon the walled city of Troy. Æneas lifted his aged father on his back and, taking his son by the hand, sought safety in flight. Off to Latium! (Volume 13, Harvard Classics)

H. Schliemann, discoverer of ancient Troy, born Jan. 6, 1822.