Harvard Classics

Introductory note on John Bunyan (Volume 15, Harvard Classics)

"Madam Bubble," or this vain world, presented both herself and her purse to the wayfarer. Repulsed and scorned, yet she serenely flaunts her bribes enticingly before his bewildered eyes. (Volume 15, Harvard Classics)

John Bunyan made leader of Non-Conformist congregation, Dec. 21, 1671.

Introductory note on Herodotus (Volume 33, Harvard Classics)

All phases of life were pictured by Herodotus in his history. Like a modern newspaper reporter, he combines weird stories, scandals, and battle accounts with descriptions of places, persons, and sights about town. (Volume 33, Harvard Classics)

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

The mighty Samson was blinded while a captive of the Philistines. He sought revenge - a revenge devastating and costly. Milton, himself a giant of intellect, blind and imprisoned, wrote of this sightless giant of other days. (Volume 4, Harvard Classics)

Milton released from prison, Dec. 19, 1660.

Introductory note on John Locke (Volume 37, Harvard Classics)

Every schoolboy asks: "What's the use of learning Latin?" John Locke, one of the greatest educators of all time, maintains that Latin is absolutely essential to a well-bred gentleman, and explains why. (Volume 37, Harvard Classics)

Introductory note on Saint Augustine (Volume 7, Harvard Classics)

The mother of St. Augustine prayed unceasingly for her son's conversion. The most touching, most soul-revealing writing St. Augustine did is in the description of his mother's death. (Volume 7, Harvard Classics)