Harvard Classics

Introductory note on Giuseppe Mazzini (Volume 32, Harvard Classics)

Mazzini labored for the freedom of Italy, but was exiled. Byron and Goethe also battled for liberty. Mazzini wrote an essay in which he compared Byron to a soaring eagle and Goethe to a contented stork. (Volume 32, Harvard Classics)

Byron arrived in Greece to fight for Greek freedom, Jan. 5, 1824.

Introductory note on Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm (Volume 17, Harvard Classics)

A fisherman, so the story goes, once caught a flounder that spoke, begging to be released. This was granted, whereupon the fisherman's wife demanded that it grant her one miracle after another, until even the flounder was disgusted. (Volume 17, Harvard Classics)

Jacob Grimm, elder of the famous Grimm brothers, born Jan. 4, 1785.

Introductory note on Marcus Tullius Cicero (Volume 9, Harvard Classics)

"Fire and water are not of more universal use than friendship" - such is the high value put upon this great human relationship by the most famous orator of Rome. (Volume 9, Harvard Classics)

Cicero born Jan. 3, 106 B. C.

Introductory note on John Milton (Volume 4, Harvard Classics)

At the age of sixteen, Milton first appeared before the public eye as a promising young poet. These early verses, written while he was a boy in school, indicate his brilliant future. (Volume 4, Harvard Classics)

First edition of Milton's collected poems published Jan. 2, 1645.

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

"Resolution: Resolve to perform what you ought; perform without fail what you resolve"-was one of the rules for success framed by America's first "self-made" man. (Volume 1, Harvard Classics)