Originally published between 1909 and 1917 under the name "Harvard Classics," this stupendous 51-volume set-a collection of the greatest writings from literature, philosophy, history, and mythology-was assembled by American academic CHARLES WILLIAM ELIOT (1834-1926), Harvard University's longest-serving president. Also known as "Dr. Eliot's Five Foot Shelf," it represented Eliot's belief that a basic liberal education could be gleaned by reading from an anthology of works that could fit on five feet of bookshelf. Volume IV features all the verse written in the English language by English poet JOHN MILTON (1608-1674), including the essential Paradise Lost and Paradise Regained, plus "Song on May Morning," "Sonnet to the Nightingale," "The Passion," "To a Virtuous Young Lady," and others.
Harvard's Classics Collection: Complete 71 Volumes is a monumental anthology that serves as a comprehensive survey of the foundational texts and figures that have shaped Western literature and thought. This collection spans millennia, encompassing works from ancient Greece to the Enlightenment, and up through the 19th century, showcasing a diverse range of literary styles, including poetry, philosophy, fiction, and scientific discourse. The inclusion of seminal works by figures such as Dante Alighieri, William Shakespeare, Plato, and Charles Darwin, amongst others, highlights the anthologys breadth and depth, offering readers an unparalleled insight into the various currents that have influenced Western cultural and intellectual history. The contributing authors and editors of this collection are each luminary in their own right, having left indelible marks on their respective fields. This anthology not only collates works by philosophers, scientists, and literary giants but also orchestrates a dialogue among them, offering a unique multidisciplinary perspective. The collection navigates through Renaissance humanism, the Enlightenments valorization of reason, and the romantic eras emphasis on individual emotion and natural beauty, painting a rich historical and cultural panorama. Through their collective works, this anthology encapsulates the essence of human thought and its evolution over the centuries. Harvards Classics Collection: Complete 71 Volumes is an essential resource for those looking to immerse themselves in the rich tapestry of human knowledge and creativity. Whether for scholarly research, educational pursuits, or personal enrichment, this collection offers an unmatched opportunity to engage with the texts that have served as cornerstones of Western culture. Readers are invited to explore this treasure trove of human experience, thought, and expression, which continues to enlighten, instruct, and inspire generations.
The Complete Harvard Classics - ALL 71 Volumes, stands as a monumental anthology that embarks on an epic journey through the annals of world literature, philosophy, and science. This collection is distinguished by its diverse array of literary styles, embracing works from ancient tracts to the prose of the Enlightenment and the poetry of the Romantic era. The anthology skillfully intertwines the dynamics of literary form, thematic depth, and historical context, offering readers an unparalleled vista into human thought and creativity. Among its pages, standout pieces across civilizations and centuries coalesce, forming a dialogue that transcends temporal and geographical boundaries, reflective of editor Charles W. Eliot's vision of a comprehensive 'five-foot shelf' of books that could serve as a good education in itself. The contributing authors and editors, ranging from Homer to Shakespeare, and Darwin to Tolstoy, present a tapestry rich with the intellectual and cultural movements that have shaped human history. This anthology not only mirrors the evolution of literature and thought but also encapsulates the spirit of the periods from which these titans hailed. Their collective works, diverse in origin yet unified in their exploration of human experience, provide insight into the notions of identity, morality, and society. The anthology stands as a testament to the enduring nature of their contributions, aligning with various historical, cultural, and literary movements and fostering a deeper appreciation for the multiplicity of human expression. The Complete Harvard Classics - ALL 71 Volumes is not merely a collection to be admired from afar but is a vibrant invitation to immerse oneself in the wealth of knowledge and emotion captured within its pages. It beckons scholars, students, and curious minds alike to delve into its depths, offering an educational journey that is as profound as it is expansive. This anthology facilitates a dialogue with the minds of great thinkers and artists across ages, providing a unique opportunity to explore the landscape of human culture and intellect. Engaging with this collection is to partake in an ongoing conversation about the values, questions, and understandings that continue to shape our world.
The Complete Harvard Anthology of the Greatest Works of World Literature stands as a monumental contribution to the global literary canon, showcasing an unparalleled assembly of works across diverse genres, cultures, and epochs. This anthology traverses the full spectrum of literary artistry, from the philosophical dialogues of Plato and the tragedies of Aeschylus to the seminal novels of Miguel de Cervantes and the revolutionary scientific treatises by Charles Darwin. The collection not merely catalogs literary masterpieces but also endeavors to reveal the interconnectedness of human thought and culture, underlining standout contributions from fields as varied as literature, philosophy, and the natural sciences. The array of literary styles and thematic concerns represented here promises a rich tapestry of human experience and intellectual pursuit, capturing the essence of human creativity and inquiry throughout the ages. The contributing authors and editors of The Complete Harvard Anthology are not only titans in their respective fields but also emblematic of the historical and cultural contexts from which they emerged. From ancient philosophers like Marcus Aurelius to Renaissance polymaths like Leonardo da Vinci, and onward to Enlightenment thinkers such as Adam Smith and Romantic poets like Percy Bysshe Shelley, this anthology encapsulates a multitude of perspectives that have shaped human history and thought. The diverse backgrounds of these contributors ensure that the collection stands as a testament to the myriad ways in which the human condition and the quest for knowledge have been articulated across time and space, fostering an understanding of the intricate tapestry of global cultural and literary movements. This anthology is an indispensable treasure for any reader eager to embark on an expansive journey through the annals of world literature. It opens up a unique opportunity to engage with the thoughts, dreams, and imaginations of humanity's greatest minds, offering an educational experience that transcends mere literary enjoyment. Readers are invited to explore the depth and breadth of insights presented, encouraging a dialogue between the myriad voices and perspectives encapsulated within. For scholars, students, and enthusiasts alike, The Complete Harvard Anthology of the Greatest Works of World Literature is not just a collection of writings but a gateway to the world's intellectual heritage, promising an enriching exploration of the human spirit encapsulated in the written word.
This unique memoir of reading the classics to find strength and wisdom “makes an elegant case for literature as an everyday companion” (The New York Times Book Review). While undergoing a series of personal and family crises, Christopher R. Beha discovered that his grandmother had used the Harvard Classics—the renowned “five foot shelf” of great world literature compiled in the early twentieth century by Charles William Eliot—to educate herself during the Great Depression. He decided to follow her example and turn to this series of great books for answers—and recounts the experience here in a smart, big-hearted, and inspirational mix of memoir and intellectual excursion that “deftly illustrates how books can save one’s life” (Helen Schulman). “As he grapples with the death of his beloved grandmother, a debilitating bout with Lyme disease and other major and minor calamities, Beha finds that writers as diverse as Wordsworth, Pascal, Kant and Mill had been there before, and that the results of their struggles to find meaning in life could inform his own.” —The Seattle Times “An important book [and] a sheer blast to read.” —Heidi Julavits
