Introductory note on Voltaire (Volume 34, Harvard Classics)

The beautiful daughters of the Circassians were in demand for the seraglios of the Turkish Sultan. Voltaire tells how these beauties were protected from smallpox centuries before modern vaccination. (Volume 34, Harvard Classics)

Voltaire ill with smallpox, Nov., 1723.

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

When the cold winds howled about the thatched huts of the German peasant, the mother drew her children to her side and told them stories. Collected and retold by the Grimm brothers, these stories have perennial charm. (Volume 17, Harvard Classics)

Introductory note on Alfred Tennyson (Ridpath Library of Universal Literature)

A barge with black sails bearing three black robed queens with crowns of gold carried away the dying King Arthur. Will they bring him back and fulfill Merlin's prophecy? (Volume 42, Harvard Classics)

Queen Victoria appointed Tennyson poet laureate, Nov. 19, 1850.

Introductory note on Friedrich von Schiller (Volume 26, Harvard Classics)

The arrow shot from his bow with a twang and whizzed through the air. Tell covered his eyes, fearing to see where the arrow hit. Then the shout of triumph, a shout of the people and not of the tyrant-but the end was not yet. (Volume 26, Harvard Classics)

William Tell incident, legendary date, Nov. 18, 1307.

Introductory note on Thomas Carlyle (Volume 25, Harvard Classics)

Are you curious about famous people, their lives, habits, personalities? Carlyle discusses the intimate life of his illustrious countryman, and reveals Scott, the man, and Scott, the genius who entertained Christendom with his stories. (Volume 25, Harvard Classics)

Scott writes dedication of "Ivanhoe," Nov. 17, 1817.