Introductory Note: Francis Bacon
Introductory note on Francis Bacon (Volume 3, 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)
Introductory note on Thomas Jefferson (Wikipedia)
Some Americans preferred to be loyal to England and did not want independent government. Their hesitation is better understood when the finality of the Declaration is realized. (Volume 43, Harvard Classics) Independence Day.
Introductory note on Frank Aretas Haskell (Volume 43, Harvard Classics)
An officer in that momentous battle narrates every major action of both armies. Thus we see the swarming lines of Confederates advance - the hand-to-hand struggle. (Volume 43, Harvard Classics) Battle of Gettysburg, July 1-3. 1863.
Introductory note on Plutarch (Volume 12, Harvard Classics)
So that the date for certain festivals would not fall one year in midwinter and in the heat of summer another year, Cæsar reformed the calendar. July was named for him. (Volume 12, Harvard Classics)
Introductory note on Charles Darwin (Volume 11, Harvard Classics)
While Darwin was working on his theory of evolution, another scientist independently arrived at the same conclusions. Darwin, then, was not the first to study evolution. (Volume 11, Harvard Classics) Darwin publishes outline of "Origin of Species" July 1, 1858.
Introductory note on John Stuart Mill (Volume 25, Harvard Classics)
"Democracy" has not always been the choice of oppressed people. The tyranny of the majority is a recognized evil as harmful as the misrule of a king. And rather than exchange a lesser evil for a greater, a rule by king has often been preferred to a republic. (Volume 25, Harvard Classics)
Introductory note on The Tragedy of Macbeth (Volume 46, Harvard Classics)
Macbeth, spurred on by the ambitious and crafty Lady Macbeth, committed murder to secure the crown of Scotland. But he paid dearly for his gain. Ghostly guests appeared at his banquet and threatened him with dire threats. (Volume 46, Harvard Classics) Shakespeare's Globe Theatre burned June 29, 1613.
Introductory note on Charles Darwin (#2) (Volume 29, Harvard Classics)
A very definite etiquette is followed by a stranger on the vast plains of South America. "Ave Maria" is the common salutation. If the stranger is on horseback, he does not alight until invited to do so by his host. Once in the house, the stranger must converse a while before asking shelter for the night. (Volume 29, Harvard Classics)
Introductory note on Francis Bacon (Volume 3, Harvard Classics)
There is a human trait most poisonous to a man's blood. Man seeks to avoid it because he knows that it lies like a curse upon him. Just what is the poisonous human failing? Who are most subject to it? Bacon tells you in one of his best essays. (Volume 3, Harvard Classics) Francis Bacon enrolled at Cambridge University, June 27, 1576.
Introductory note on Beowulf (Volume 49, Harvard Classics)
At the bottom of the ocean was the home of the monster who had desolated the king's halls. Beowulf, bravest of warriors, descended beneath the waves to fight the beast. The king's men, waiting above, saw the waves become colored with blood. Hero or monster - who had won? (Volume 49, Harvard Classics)
Introductory note on Robert Herrick (Wikipedia)
"Gather ye rosebuds while ye may, Old Time is still a-flying; And this same flower that smiles today, to-morrow will be dying?" Herrick was only a humble country minister with a wealth of wisdom and a keen appreciation of life, which he expressed in lyrics of wonderful beauty and melody. (Volume 40, Harvard Classics)