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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

Leviathan (Ch. II & III), by Thomas Hobbes

Dreams and their causes interested Hobbes. Without superstition, the philosopher weighed the evidence of ghosts, goblins, and witches. (Volume 34, Harvard Classics) Hobbes born April 5, 1588.

Apr 05, 202226 minSeason 1Ep. 1165

She Stoops to Conquer (Act I), by Oliver Goldsmith

Genial and rollicking fun are provided in this highly entertaining story of a man who mistakes a private house for an inn, and who treats his host's daughter like a serving maid. (Volume 18, Harvard Classics) Oliver Goldsmith born April 4, 1774.

Apr 04, 202223 minSeason 1Ep. 1163

The Life of Mr. George Herbert, by Izaak Walton

"As a conqueror enters a surprised city; love made such resolutions as neither party was able to resist. She changed her name into Herbert the third day after this first interview." (Volume 15, Harvard Classics) George Herbert born April 3, 1593.

Apr 03, 202238 minSeason 1Ep. 1161

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

A huge spoon dressed in human finery, placed on a grave, appears to become convulsed when the moon's rays fall on it and dances to the tune of chanting natives. Weird sights, according to Darwin, abound in the South Seas. (Volume 29, Harvard Classics)

Apr 02, 202222 minSeason 1Ep. 1159

Poems, by Robert Browning

Everyone knows the pangs of homesickness in the spring. Even bright, sparkling Italy could not wean Browning's affection from the green hedgerows of misty England. (Volume 42, Harvard Classics)

Apr 01, 202213 minSeason 1Ep. 1157

The Life of Dr. Donne, by Izaak Walton

Monuments are usually made from death masks, but John Donne took pleasure in posing for his, wrapped from head to foot in a shroud. Isaak Walton tells of this in his fascinating biography of the eccentric poet. (Volume 15, Harvard Classics) John Donne died March 31, 1631.

Mar 31, 202211 minSeason 1Ep. 1155

I Promessi Sposi (Ch. 31), by Alessandro Manzoni

"I Promessi Sposi," a seventeenth century novel, vividly describes the devastating plague of Milan. Then whole families sickened in a few hours and died in less than a day's time of strange and violent complaints whose symptoms were unknown to physicians. (Volume 21, Harvard Classics) Capuchin monks given charge of the plague hospital in Milan, March 30, 1630.

Mar 30, 202235 minSeason 1Ep. 1153

The Story of the Volsungs and Niblungs (Ch. 24-27)

Brynhild, favorite goddess of Norse mythology, plighted troth with Sigurd, fearless warrior. But Sigurd forgot Brynhild and married Gudrun, whose brother, Gunner, then set out to win the beautiful Brynhild. Complications very like a modern triangle arose. (Volume 49, Harvard Classics)

Mar 30, 202222 minSeason 1Ep. 1151

Wealth of Nations (Book I, Ch. 1), by Adam Smith

The making of a simple pin is one of the most complex affairs of modern industry. Adam Smith regards the process from the worker's point of view, and shows the many and varied economic principles that are involved in pin making. (Volume 10, Harvard Classics)

Mar 28, 202220 minSeason 1Ep. 1149

Truth of Intercourse, by Robert Louis Stevenson

Is lying or quibbling ever permissible? May one juggle words so a truth is conveyed through a lie and a lie told by a truth? Stevenson unravels this puzzle. (Volume 28, Harvard Classics)

Mar 27, 202222 minSeason 1Ep. 1147

Æsop’s Fables, by Æsop

Men in all ages have recognized the ingenuity of the practical philosophy and freshness of Æsop's allegories. Spend a few delightful moments with the wit and wisdom of Æsop. (Volume 17, Harvard Classics) Caxton prints Æsop's Fables, March 26, 1484.

Mar 26, 202215 minSeason 1Ep. 1145

The Tragedy of Hamlet Prince of Denmark (Act III), by William Shakespeare

Hamlet pondered over which course contained the least unhappiness --- whether to suffer here and not incur new dangers, or whether to end it all and chance the unknown terrors of the next world. See how Hamlet reasoned. (Volume 46, Harvard Classics) Shakespeare makes his will, March 25, 1616.

Mar 25, 202228 minSeason 1Ep. 1143

The Defence of Guenevere, by William Morris

Guenevere, King Arthur's queen, justly accused but harshly treated, makes a noble and brave attempt to convince her court that Gawaine lied and that Launcelot was true. (Volume 16, Harvard Classics) William Morris born March 24, 1834.

Mar 24, 202213 minSeason 1Ep. 1141

The Thousand and One Nights

Shahrazad, favorite of the treacherous Sultan's harem, selected a most thrilling story for her bridal night. By leaving it unfinished she was privileged to live to continue it the next night --- and so on for a thousand and one nights. (Volume 16, Harvard Classics)

Mar 23, 202233 minSeason 1Ep. 1139

Faust I (Scene 1), by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

The Faust legend, which can be traced to puppet shows of earlier days, portrays a philosopher who, through Satan's aid and in return for the price of his soul, works magic at will. From this rude framework Goethe has reared a drama of sublime grandeur. (Volume 19, Harvard Classics) Goethe died March 22, 1832.

Mar 23, 202218 minSeason 1Ep. 1137
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