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Harvard Classics

Rich E Bookhc.richebook.net
Former President of Harvard University Charles W. Eliot wrote in his introduction to the Harvard Classics, "In my opinion, a five-foot shelf would hold books enough to give a liberal education to any one who would read them with devotion, even if he could spare but fifteen minutes a day for reading." Here you are, you can easily listen to his entire 15-minutes-a-day study guide while commuting to and from work (most of us spend far more than 15 minutes a day commuting each day), doing mundane work in the office, washing dishes at home, or doing most of the things day in and day out. It is so easy, so entertaining, and so educational that they can be listened to again and again, until they permeate into our own thinking and into our characters. Perhaps, in one year's time, you will become someone you barely recognize, all for the better. Who knows? -- Rich E Book
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Episodes

Letters on the English (On Inoculation), by Voltaire

The beautiful daughters of the Circassians were in demand for the seraglios of the Turkish Sultan. Voltaire tells how these beauties were protected from smallpox centuries before modern vaccination. (Volume 34, Harvard Classics) Voltaire ill with smallpox, Nov., 1723.

Nov 21, 202113 minSeason 1Ep. 895

The Valiant Little Tailor, by Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm

When the cold winds howled about the thatched huts of the German peasant, the mother drew her children to her side and told them stories. Collected and retold by the Grimm brothers, these stories have perennial charm. (Volume 17, Harvard Classics)

Nov 21, 202122 minSeason 1Ep. 893

Morte d’Arthur, by Alfred Tennyson

A barge with black sails bearing three black robed queens with crowns of gold carried away the dying King Arthur. Will they bring him back and fulfill Merlin's prophecy? (Volume 42, Harvard Classics) Queen Victoria appointed Tennyson poet laureate, Nov. 19, 1850.

Nov 19, 202117 minSeason 1Ep. 891

William Tell (Act III, Scene III), by Friedrich von Schiller

The arrow shot from his bow with a twang and whizzed through the air. Tell covered his eyes, fearing to see where the arrow hit. Then the shout of triumph, a shout of the people and not of the tyrant-but the end was not yet. (Volume 26, Harvard Classics) William Tell incident, legendary date, Nov. 18, 1307.

Nov 18, 202114 minSeason 1Ep. 889

Sir Walter Scott, by Thomas Carlyle

Are you curious about famous people, their lives, habits, personalities? Carlyle discusses the intimate life of his illustrious countryman, and reveals Scott, the man, and Scott, the genius who entertained Christendom with his stories. (Volume 25, Harvard Classics) Scott writes dedication of "Ivanhoe," Nov. 17, 1817.

Nov 18, 202124 minSeason 1Ep. 887

I Promessi Sposi (The Betrothed), by Alessandro Manzoni

Food profiteering was as active in plague-stricken Milan 300 years ago as in modern times. Shops were stormed for food. Read how the Council strove heroically to fix fair rates. (Volume 21, Harvard Classics) Sale of corn and flour regulated in Milan, Nov. 15, 1629.

Nov 16, 202132 minSeason 1Ep. 883

Principles of Geology (Uniformity Of Change), by Charles Lyell

We wonder if the man who worried about the "scientifical" prediction that "The sun's heat will give out in ten million years more," had read Lyell on the gradual changes in the earth's surface. (Volume 38, Harvard Classics) Sir Charles Lyell born Nov. 14, 1797.

Nov 14, 202116 minSeason 1Ep. 881

The Confessions of St. Augustine (Book III), by Saint Augustine

Carthage was the playground of the ancient world. In that city of many sins, Augustine was a leader of the revels. His conversion to Christianity amazed those who knew him. (Volume 7, Harvard Classics) St. Augustine born Nov. 13, 354.

Nov 13, 202120 minSeason 1Ep. 879

Paradise Lost (Book IX), by John Milton

Milton's version tells how the Serpent induced Eve to eat the forbidden fruit. Eve offered it to Adam. Then they became conscious for the first time that they were not clothed. (Volume 4, Harvard Classics) John Milton married second wife, Nov. 12, 1656.

Nov 13, 202134 minSeason 1Ep. 877

Leaves of Grass and Drum-Taps, by Walt Whitman

The youth of America-typified in the doughboy of the past war-was gloriously portrayed by Walt Whitman. He also sang of the vast plains and the beauty of America. (Volume 42, Harvard Classics) Armistice Day

Nov 11, 202122 minSeason 1Ep. 875

The Deserted Village, by Oliver Goldsmith

Goldsmith traveled through Belgium, France, and Italy, winning his daily bread by playing at farmhouses. He wrote the most brilliant comedy, the best novel, and the finest poem of his age. (Volume 41, Harvard Classics) Oliver Goldsmith born Nov. 10, 1728.

Nov 11, 202125 minSeason 1Ep. 873

The Book of Psalms (137-145)

The Psalms have been an inspiration to men in many ages. They have become so associated with the peaceful spirit of Christianity that we forget some of them were once war songs and songs of triumph. (Volume 44, Harvard Classics)

Nov 09, 202117 minSeason 1Ep. 871

Paradise Regained, by John Milton

Milton's indomitable courage kept him at his work even after he lost his sight. Blind, he dictated a sequel to his "Paradise Lost," which he called "Paradise Regained." (Volume 4, Harvard Classics) John Milton died Nov. 8, 1674.

Nov 09, 202120 minSeason 1Ep. 869

The Thousand and One Nights

Suddenly all the sinful city's inhabitants were turned to stone. When a beautiful woman from Bagdad came to the dead city, night overtook her there. Sleeping in the palace, she was awakened by a man's voice calling. (Volume 16, Harvard Classics)

Nov 07, 202126 minSeason 1Ep. 867
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