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

Stonehenge, that group of huge, rudely architectural stones on a vast plain in England, was erected no man knows when, nor why, nor how. Emerson, America's greatest thinker, visited this monument and was amazed at the "uncanny stones." (Volume 5, Harvard Classics)

Introductory note on Abraham Cowley (Volume 27, Harvard Classics)

Cowley portrays the ideal life – that of a farmer, and blazons it forth in heraldry. "A plow in a field arable" – to him, the most honorable of all emblems. (Volume 27, Harvard Classics)

Abraham Cowley died July 28, 1667.

Introductory note on Joseph Lister (Volume 38, Harvard Classics)

The use of antiseptics in surgery is new. Hardly more than a half century ago surgeons operated in frock coats. Lord Lister, surgeon to Queen Victoria, was among the first to advocate scrupulous cleanliness in dressing wounds. (Volume 38, Harvard Classics)

Lister publishes paper on antiseptic treatment, July 27, 1867.

Introductory note on Thomas à Kempis (Volume 7, Harvard Classics)

While Europe was shaken with wars, Thomas à Kempis lived in happy seclusion in his convent. His writings convincingly reflect the serenity and happiness of a man who has found peace – a peace that surpasses all understanding. (Volume 7, Harvard Classics)

Thomas à Kempis died July 26, 1471.

Introductory note on Brynhild (Wikipedia)

Brynhild, Woden's daughter, carried the dead heroes to Valhalla where they could feast and fight without dying; until a sin divested her of divinity, and she fell in love with Sigurd. (Volume 49, Harvard Classics)