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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

The Raven, by Edgar Allan Poe

Edgar Allan Poe was expelled from West Point and disinherited. So poor was he that when his young wife lay dying, he could not afford a fire to warm her. The weirdness and despair of "The Raven" is particularly symbolic of his life. (Volume 42, Harvard Classics) Poe expelled from West Point, March 6, 1831.

Mar 06, 20229 minSeason 1Ep. 1105

Autobiography (Vol. I, Ch. CVII-CXI), by Benvenuto Cellini

Prison walls were the least of Cellini's troubles. "Lock me well up and watch me, for I shall certainly contrive to escape." In spite of this warning, the utmost care of the jailers only furnished amusement for the dauntless Cellini. (Volume 31, Harvard Classics)

Mar 05, 202227 minSeason 1Ep. 1103

Some Fruits of Solitude in Reflections and Maxims, by William Penn

Penn, true to Quaker beliefs, came before the king with his hat on. The king overlooked this and later made him governor of Pennsylvania. A sagacious Penn is revealed in his writings. (Volume 1, Harvard Classics) King Charles grants Penn charter of Pennsylvania, March 4, 1681.

Mar 04, 202219 minSeason 1Ep. 1101

The Life of Mr. George Herbert, by Izaak Walton

Isaak Walton, famed patron of fishermen, appreciated other arts and hobbies. He writes of George Herbert, a preacher whose hobby was poetry. (Volume 15, Harvard Classics) George Herbert died March 3, 1633.

Mar 03, 202228 minSeason 1Ep. 1099

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

"A sailor's liberty is but for a day," as Dana explains. Dressed in his Sunday best, the sailor feels like a dashing Beau Brummel; and sets out to enjoy his freedom. "While it lasts it is perfect. He is under no one's eye and can do whatever he pleases." (Volume 23, Harvard Classics)

Mar 02, 202221 minSeason 1Ep. 1097

The Spectator Club, by Sir Richard Steele

Word pictures are often more vivid than photographs. Steele had a gift for originating characters that are remembered longer than flesh and blood people. Sir Roger de Coverly and Will Honeycomb are now bold figures in literature. (Volume 27, Harvard Classics) First issue of the "Spectator," published March 1, 1711.

Mar 01, 202210 minSeason 1Ep. 1095

Of the Institution and Education of Children, by Michel de Montaigne

Proficient in Latin even before he knew his own tongue, Montaigne received an unusual education. His whole life was spent in storing up his choice thoughts for our profit and pleasure. (Volume 32, Harvard Classics) Michel de Montaigne born Feb. 28, 1533.

Feb 28, 202229 minSeason 1Ep. 1093

Poems, by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

"Tell me not in mournful numbers, life is but an empty dream..." "Stars of the summer night! Far in yon azure deeps--" So begin poems that have charmed and cheered thousands. (Volume 42, Harvard Classics) Longfellow born Feb. 27, 1807.

Feb 27, 202219 minSeason 1Ep. 1091

Preface to Cromwell, by Victor Hugo

Hugo was insulted by the most powerful critics in France. He put into the preface of a play "his sling and his stone" by which others might slay "the classical Goliath." (Volume 39, Harvard Classics) Victor Hugo born Feb. 26, 1802.

Feb 26, 202227 minSeason 1Ep. 1089

The Shortest-Way with the Dissenters, by Daniel Defoe

The brilliant wit and cutting satire of Defoe made for him friends and enemies --- but mostly enemies. So piercing and two-edged was "The Shortest-Way with Dissenters" that he was fined, imprisoned and pilloried. (Volume 27, Harvard Classics) "The Shortest-Way with Dissenters" censored, Feb. 25. 1703.

Feb 25, 202228 minSeason 1Ep. 1087

Poems (L’Allegro and Il Penseroso), by John Milton

In a superb poem, Milton bids Loathed Melancholy begone to some dark cell. He calls for the joys of youth and vows eternal faith with them. (Volume 4, Harvard Classics) John Milton marries his third wife, Elizabeth Marshall, Feb. 24, 1662.

Feb 24, 202218 minSeason 1Ep. 1085

Samuel Pepys, by Robert Louis Stevenson

Gossipy, witty Pepys had a curiosity that made him famous. He knew all the news of court and street. Stevenson, who never put his pen to a dull subject, writes of Pepys. (Volume 28, Harvard Classics) Samuel Pepys born Feb. 23, 1632.

Feb 23, 202217 minSeason 1Ep. 1083

Ode for General Washington’s Birthday, by Robert Burns

Burns asks for Columbia's harp, and then sings of liberty. He bewails the sad state of the land of Alfred and Wallace which once championed liberty, and now fights for tyranny. (Volume 6, Harvard Classics) George Washington born Feb. 22, 1732.

Feb 22, 20222 minSeason 1Ep. 1081

The Idea of a University (Ch.1 What Is a University?), by John Henry Newman

Just what makes a university? A group of fine buildings? A library? A staff of well-trained teachers? A body of eager students? A winning football team? Cardinal Newman defines the prime functions of a university. (Volume 28, Harvard Classics) Cardinal Newman born Feb. 21, 1801.

Feb 21, 202219 minSeason 1Ep. 1079

Letters on the English (On the Quakers), by Voltaire

Because the early Quakers shook, trembled, and quaked when they became inspired --- they received the title of "Quakers." This sect attracted the keen-minded Voltaire, who made interesting notes on them during his visit to England. (Volume 34, Harvard Classics)

Feb 20, 202244 minSeason 1Ep. 1077
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