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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

Introductory Note: John Keats

Introductory note on John Keats (The Ridpath Library of Universal Literature)

Jan 20, 20222 minSeason 1Ep. 1016

The Eve of St. Agnes, by John Keats

At midnight on the eve of St. Agnes there were certain solemn ceremonies which all virgins must perform to have "visions of delight and soft adorings from their loves." Porphyro took advantage of this custom to win his bride. (Volume 41, Harvard Classics) St. Agnes' Eve, Jan. 20.

Jan 20, 202228 minSeason 1Ep. 1015

The Poetic Principle, by Edgar Allan Poe

Regarded in Europe as one of America's greatest writers, Poe originated the detective story, perfected the mystery short story, and produced America’s first great poems. Here he unravels the fabric of which all poetry is woven. (Volume 28, Harvard Classics) Edgar Allan Poe born Jan. 19, 1809.

Jan 19, 202219 minSeason 1Ep. 1013

The Frogs, by Aristophanes

"Shall I crack any of those old jokes, master, at which the audience never fails to laugh?" Like an up-to-date vaudeville team, Xanthias and Dionysus start off a dialogue that mingles wit and poetry with humor and keen satire. (Volume 8, Harvard Classics)

Jan 19, 202223 minSeason 1Ep. 1011

The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin (Ch. 1), by Benjamin Franklin

Good middle-class people, Franklin boasts, were his ancestors. Some have attributed his genius to his being the youngest son of the youngest son for five generations. In his famous autobiography, he reveals quaint family history. (Volume 1, Harvard Classics) Benjamin Franklin born Jan. 17, 1706.

Jan 17, 202227 minSeason 1Ep. 1009

Æsop’s Fables, by Æsop

An old woman once found a wine jar, but it was empty. She sniffed at the mouth of the jar and said: "What memories cling 'round the instruments of our pleasure." (Volume 17, Harvard Classics)

Jan 16, 202225 minSeason 1Ep. 1007

Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam, by Omar Khayyam

Omar Khayyam laughed and enjoyed the good things of life. His "Rubaiyat," the most popular philosophic poem, is the best of all books to dip into for an alluring thought. (Volume 41, Harvard Classics) "Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam" first published Jan. 15, 1859.

Jan 15, 202218 minSeason 1Ep. 1005

The Fundamental Orders of Connecticut

The Fundamental Orders of Connecticut is "the first written constitution as a permanent limitation on governmental power, known in history." It is the work of the Connecticut Yankee. (Volume 43, Harvard Classics) Fundamental Orders of Connecticut adopted Jan. 14, 1639.

Jan 14, 202211 minSeason 1Ep. 1003

Discourse on Inequality (Part II), by Jean Jacques Rousseau

Rousseau taught that men were not created free and equal. To substantiate his daring beliefs he traced man's history back to his primitive beginnings. For his teachings, Rousseau was forced to seek refuge in England. (Volume 34, Harvard Classics) Jean Jacques Rousseau arrived in England, Jan. 13, 1766.

Jan 13, 202236 minSeason 1Ep. 1001

A Philosophical Inquiry (On Taste), by Edmund Burke

A Turkish sultan, relates Burke, when shown a picture of the beheaded John the Baptist, praised many things, but pointed out one gruesome defect. Did this observation show the sultan to be an inferior judge of art? (Volume 24, Harvard Classics) Edmund Burke born Jan. 12, 1729.

Jan 12, 202246 minSeason 1Ep. 999

The Federalist Papers (No. 1 & 2), by Alexander Hamilton, etc.

Hamilton organized the Treasury Department. He penned most of the Federalist papers, which were greatly influential in bringing New York into the Union --- the first step toward its eminent position in national and world finance. (Volume 43, Harvard Classics) Alexander Hamilton born Jan. 11, 1757.

Jan 11, 202223 minSeason 1Ep. 997

The Bacchæ (Part I), by Euripides

King Pantheus of Thebes contended against Dionysus, the God, for the adoration of the Theban women. The god was winning by bewitching the women when the king interceded. Euripides tells the story in a masterpiece of Greek drama. (Volume 8, Harvard Classics)

Jan 10, 20229 minSeason 1Ep. 995

Sir Francis Drake Revived

With only fifty-two men, Sir Francis Drake conceives the idea of attacking his archenemy, Spain, at her most vulnerable point the treasure at Nombre de Dios. (Volume 33, Harvard Classics) Drake died at Nombre de Dios, Jan. 9, 1596.

Jan 09, 202222 minEp. 993

The Book of Job (Ch. 1-10)

God was pleased with the piety of Job, but Satan accredited the piety to Job's prosperity and happiness. So a trial was made. See how each succeeding affliction visited on Job shook the depths of his nature, and how he survived. (Volume 44, Harvard Classics)

Jan 08, 202229 minSeason 1Ep. 991

The Thousand and One Nights (Introduction)

The Sultan had a habit of beheading each dawn his beautiful bride of the night before, until he encountered Scheherazade. Cleverly she saved her life a thousand and one mornings. (Volume 16, Harvard Classics)

Jan 08, 202241 minSeason 1Ep. 989

The Æneid (Book II), by Virgil

In the dead of night Hector's ghost appeared to warn Æneas of the impending doom to come upon the walled city of Troy. Æneas lifted his aged father on his back and, taking his son by the hand, sought safety in flight. Off to Latium! (Volume 13, Harvard Classics) H. Schliemann, discoverer of ancient Troy, born Jan. 6, 1822.

Jan 06, 202240 minSeason 1Ep. 987
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