Introductory note on Sir Walter Raleigh (Volume 33, Harvard Classics)

The famous gallant who spread his gorgeous cloak so the dainty slipper of his queen would be unspotted, soon lost the high favor this action won for him. In spite of his glorious voyages, Raleigh condemned himself when he fell in love with another woman. (Volume 33, Harvard Classics)

Sir WaIter Raleigh imprisoned July 19, 1603.

Introductory note on Robert Browning (Volume 18, Harvard Classics)

"Browning's play has thrown me into a perfect passion of sorrow," wrote Charles Dickens of "The Blot in the 'Scutcheon." Like Shakespeare's Juliet, Browning's Mildred plays the role of a youthful lover in a tragic drama. (Volume 18, Harvard Classics)

Introductory note on Jean Racine (Volume 26, Harvard Classics)

Phædre first persecuted Hippolytus, her handsome stepson, then loved him. Suddenly he and her own son became rivals for the throne. Should she push her son's claims or let Hippolytus take the crown? (Volume 26, Harvard Classics)

Racine elected to French Academy, July 17, 1673.

Introductory note on Mohammed (Volume 45, Harvard Classics)

The sacred book of the Moslems, the Koran, gives an account of the birth of Christ. The Koran gives Jesus a high position among the prophets but holds the first place for Mohammed. (Volume 45, Harvard Classics)

Beginning of Moslem era of time, July 16, 622 A. D.

Introductory note on William Harrison (Volume 35, Harvard Classics)

Meals in the houses of the gentry and noblemen in Elizabethan England were taken most seriously. No one spoke. Holinshed records the strange table etiquette of our ancestors. (Volume 35, Harvard Classics)

Queen Elizabeth entertained at Kenilworth, July 15, 1575.