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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

Byron and Goethe, by Giuseppe Mazzini

Mazzini labored for the freedom of Italy, but was exiled. Byron and Goethe also battled for liberty. Mazzini wrote an essay in which he compared Byron to a soaring eagle and Goethe to a contented stork. (Volume 32, Harvard Classics) Byron arrived in Greece to fight for Greek freedom, Jan. 5, 1824.

Jan 05, 202247 minSeason 1Ep. 985

The Fisherman and His Wife, by Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm

A fisherman, so the story goes, once caught a flounder that spoke, begging to be released. This was granted, whereupon the fisherman's wife demanded that it grant her one miracle after another, until even the flounder was disgusted. (Volume 17, Harvard Classics) Jacob Grimm, elder of the famous Grimm brothers, born Jan. 4, 1785.

Jan 05, 202215 minSeason 1Ep. 983

On Friendship (Part I), by Marcus Tullius Cicero

"Fire and water are not of more universal use than friendship" - such is the high value put upon this great human relationship by the most famous orator of Rome. (Volume 9, Harvard Classics) Cicero born Jan. 3, 106 B. C.

Jan 03, 202229 minSeason 1Ep. 981

Poems Written in School and College, by John Milton

At the age of sixteen, Milton first appeared before the public eye as a promising young poet. These early verses, written while he was a boy in school, indicate his brilliant future. (Volume 4, Harvard Classics) First edition of Milton's collected poems published Jan. 2, 1645.

Jan 02, 202221 minSeason 1Ep. 979

Inaugural Address at Edinburgh University, by Thomas Carlyle

The most unhappy man, Carlyle says, is the man who has no real work - no interest in life. To avoid this miserable state, he advises faithful and diligent reading along the lines dictated by curiosity and interest. (Volume 25, Harvard Classics)

Dec 31, 202124 minSeason 1Ep. 975

Two Years before the Mast (Ch. XIII), by Richard Henry Dana, Jr.

Dana's description of the picturesque, pre-gold-rush California is unique. While he was on the Pacific coast he met a British sailor who was elaborately tattooed and of an unforgetable appearance and personality. (Volume 23, Harvard Classics)

Dec 30, 202127 minSeason 1Ep. 973

The Odyssey (Book XXII), by Homer

After twenty years' absence, Odysseus returned home to find his house filled with strangers rioting and wasting his treasure. Crafty Odysseus, with the aid of his son and the gods, devised a bold plan to rid his home of the unwelcome guests. (Volume 22, Harvard Classics)

Dec 29, 202125 minSeason 1Ep. 971

Drake’s Great Armada, by Captain Walter Bigges

Drake with a fleet of twenty-five ships and twenty-three hundred men sets sail to plunder and lay waste Spain's treasure hoards in the New World. Gold and silver bar, nuggets and jewels awaited the bold adventurers. (Volume 33, Harvard Classics)

Dec 28, 202126 minSeason 1Ep. 969

The Voyage of the Beagle (Ch. XVII), by Charles Darwin

It was the new-old lands that Darwin visited on his voyage of the "Beagle." The strange specimens of prehistoric life he saw there made the world gape and shudder. (Volume 29, Harvard Classics) Charles Darwin begins voyage in the "Beagle," Dec. 27, 1831.

Dec 27, 202138 minSeason 1Ep. 967

The Tragedy of King Lear, by William Shakespeare

Cordelia, daughter of old King Lear, could not convince her father of her love for him. Afterward, when misfortunes made him accept her aid, he learned too late of her real devotion. (Volume 46, Harvard Classics) "King Lear" presented at Queen Elizabeth's court, Dec. 26, 1606.

Dec 27, 202125 minSeason 1Ep. 965

The Gospel According to Luke (Ch. II)

Luke was a Greek physician, a man of culture, trained in the best universities of the ancient world. He became imbued with the spirit of Christ, and wrote the most beautiful story of the birth and life of Jesus. (Volume 44, Harvard Classics) Christmas Day

Dec 27, 20217 minSeason 1Ep. 963

What Is a Classic? by Charles Augustin Sainte-Beuve

If all the books in the world were on fire, some men would risk their lives to save certain priceless writings: the world's classics. Sainte-Beuve here tells why. (Volume 32, Harvard Classics) Sainte-Beuve born Dec. 23, 1804.

Dec 23, 202130 minSeason 1Ep. 959

The Voyage of the Beagle (Ch. XVIII), by Charles Darwin

Darwin, in exploring New Zealand, finds cannibalism, tattooing, and many weird customs among the natives. Instead of shaking hands, the salutation is by rubbing noses. (Volume 29, Harvard Classics) Darwin visits New Zealand natives, Dec. 22, 1835.

Dec 22, 202126 minSeason 1Ep. 957
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