Harvard Classics

Introductory note on John Dryden (Volume 18, Harvard Classics)

While his soldiers fought the battle of Actium, Antony fled to the arms of Cleopatra. By his flight he forfeited his right to an empire. Dryden's story of Antony's love makes us realize the folly of his infatuation for the Nile siren. (Volume 18, Harvard Classics)

Battle of Actium, Sept. 2, 31 B. C.

Introductory note on William Penn (Volume 1, Harvard Classics)

While at Oxford, Penn rejected the student's gown and thereby created a furore. Later he founded a city where he sought to put his new ideas into practice. (Volume 1, Harvard Classics)

Penn arrested for preaching in London, Sept. 1, 1670.

Introductory note on Ralph Waldo Emerson (Volume 5, Harvard Classics)

Emerson was included in Dr. Eliot's recent selection of the world's ten greatest educators of all time. Here the great thinker discusses this force within man that makes him a scholar. (Volume 5, Harvard Classics)

Emerson delivers "American Scholar" lecture, Aug. 31, 1837.

Introductory note on Marcus Aurelius (Volume 2, Harvard Classics)

Every luxury, all the wealth in the world at his command – yet Marcus Aurelius, Emperor of haughty Rome, led a simple life even in a palace. He left his secret in his "Meditations." (Volume 2, Harvard Classics)

Introductory note on Plutarch (Volume 12, Harvard Classics)

Cleopatra rode to meet Antony in a gilded barge with sails of purple; oars of silver beat time to the music of flutes and fifes and harps. She went as Venus, and her attendants were dressed as Cupids and Nymphs. (Volume 12, Harvard Classics)

Cleopatra dies after Antony's suicide, Aug. 29, 30 B. C.