Introductory note on Johann Wolfgang von Goethe (Volume 19, Harvard Classics)

"Almighty God, I am undone." With this cry of despair, Margaret witnessed the fiendish work of Faust, her lover, who bartered his immortal soul for worldly pleasure. A thrilling drama, based on a famous medieval legend. (Volume 19, Harvard Classics)

Johann Wolfgang Goethe born Aug. 28, 1749.

Introductory note on Robert Burns (Volume 6, Harvard Classics)

"A man's a man for a' that." "Should auld acquaintance be forgot." "To see her is to love her and love but her forever." "Flow gently, sweet Afton." Every stanza of Burns is treasured. How many have you stored up? (Volume 6, Harvard Classics)

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

A brilliant victory for the English king was gained in this battle, a fight in which vast numbers of French nobility, many princes, and the aged King John of Bohemia were slain. Froissart describes all in detail. (Volume 35, Harvard Classics)

Battle of Crecy, Aug. 26, 1346.

Introductory note on Sir William Thomson (Lord Kelvin) (Volume 30, Harvard Classics)

We to-day know that there is a direct relation between the moon and tides. When Julius Cæsar went to conquer Britain his transports were wrecked because he did not know the tides on the English coast; a knowledge of which might have changed the whole course of history. (Volume 30, Harvard Classics)

Kelvin delivers lecture on "Tides," Aug. 25, 1882.

Introductory note on Pliny the Younger (Volume 9, Harvard Classics)

The eruption of Vesuvius that demolished Pompeii and buried thousands of people was witnessed by Pliny. He describes his panic-stricken flight with his mother from the doomed villa through falling ashes and sulphurous fumes. His famous uncle, the elder Pliny, lost his life while investigating the eruption and aiding refugees.  (Volume 9, Harvard Classics)