Harvard Classics

Introductory note on Francis Bacon (Volume 3, Harvard Classics)

"What is Truth?" asked Pilate. For an answer Bacon discourses not on human nature as it should be, but as it is. These shrewd observations on making a life and a living admit occasional departures from truth. (Volume 3, Harvard Classics)

Bacon becomes Privy Councilor, July 9, 1616.

Introductory note on Percy Bysshe Shelley (The Ridpath Library of Universal Literature)

When the monstrous Cenci forced his daughter Beatrice into a horrible situation, she revolted and boldly struck for freedom. Shelley tells her pitiful story in one of his best works. (Volume 18, Harvard Classics)

Percy Bysshe Shelley drowned, July 8, 1822.

Introductory note on Richard Brinsley Sheridan (Volume 18, Harvard Classics)

The painted lips of the eighteenth century ladies and gallants vied with one another in whispering scathing gossip, in gleefully furthering the destruction of a good name. Sheridan depicts this gay world with a brilliant spicy pen. (Volume 18, Harvard Classics)

Sheridan buried in Westminster Abbey, July 7, 1816.

Introductory note on Sir Thomas More (Volume 36, Harvard Classics)

When Europe was suffering from evil rulers, heavy taxes, and despair, Sir Thomas More dreamed of a happy land where an intelligently managed state perfected happiness. (Volume 36, Harvard Classics)

Sir Thomas More executed, July 6, 1535.

Introductory note on The Thousand and One Nights (Volume 16, Harvard Classics)

Here is another of those fanciful Oriental stories that proclaims the democracy of Eastern despotism. A tailor might talk with a king and receive either a death sentence or the office of Grand Vizier as a reward. (Volume 16, Harvard Classics)