Harvard Classics

Introductory note on Jean Froissart (Volume 35, Harvard Classics)

In the days when kings rode to battle leading their troops it was possible to make good the boast of the doughboy: "I'll bring you a king for a souvenir." (Volume 35, Harvard Classics)

Froissart dates Battle of Poitiers, Sept. 22, 1356.

Introductory note on Virgil (Volume 13, Harvard Classics)

The Sybil, an old witch, personally conducts Æneas through the gate and into the jaws of hell, where terrors abound on every hand and frightful mysterious forms rule. There he is told of the greatness and glory that was to come. (Volume 13, Harvard Classics)

Virgil died Sept. 21, 19 B. C.

Introductory note on Mohammed (Volume 45, Harvard Classics)

The Koran defines the powers of a husband over his wives. Thus a woman unfaithful to her lord may be walled up alive. (Volume 45, Harvard Classics)

Mohammed arrives at Kuba after "The Flight," Sept. 20, 622.

Introductory note on Miguel de Cervantes (Volume 14, Harvard Classics)

Held as a Moorish slave for five years, Cervantes was submitted to almost daily tortures. But even the horrors of slavery could not dull his sense of humor, as evinced by his most witty and amusing novel. (Volume 14, Harvard Classics)

Cervantes ransomed from slavery, Sept. 19, 1580.

Introductory note on Richard Henry Dana (Volume 23, Harvard Classics)

Every sight was full of beauty. We were coming back to our homes, and the signs of civilization from which we had been so long banished --" wrote Dana, as his ship entered Boston Harbor. (Volume 23, Harvard Classics)

Dana returns from two-year voyage, Sept. 18, 1836.