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A Shrill Cry in the Night!

A crew faced the hazardous prospect of rounding the bleak Cape
Horn in midwinter. Imagine the terror when a sudden scream
pierced the misery-laden air. What was it? A man overboard
or a lost soul?

Read from Dana's Two YEARS BEFORE THE MAST ....  Vol. 23, pp. 285-295

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Jun 7: HAMLET

Jun 10: Sophocles' OEDIPUS, KING OF THEBES

Rather King Than Majority

"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.

Read: Mill's ON LIBERTY .....................    Vol. 25, pp. 195-203

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Jul 1: Darwin's ORIGIN OF SPECIES

Darwin Not First Evolutionist

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.

Read from Darwin's ORIGIN OF SPECIES .........   Vol. 11, pp. 5-17

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Jul 2: Plutarch's CESAR

"Julius" Becomes "July"

So that the date for certain festivals would not fall one year in
midwinter and in the heat of summer another year, Cesar reformed
the calendar. July was named for him.

Read from Plutarch's CESAR ......................   Vol. 12, pp. 310-315

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Jul 3: Haskell's BATTLE OF GETTYSBURG

Gettysburg by an Eyewitness

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.

Read from Haskell's BATTLE OF GETTYSBURG ....   Vol. 43, pp. 326-335

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Jul 4: DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE

Some Chose to Remain British Subjects

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.

Read: DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE ...........   Vol. 43, pp. 150-155

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Jul 5: THE THOUSAND AND ONE NIGHTS

A Tailor Entertains a King

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.

Read from THE THOUSAND AND ONE NIGHTS ....   Vol. 16, pp. 149-162

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Jul 6: More's UTOPIA

The Origin of "Utopia"

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.

Read from More's UTOPIA .................    Vol. 36, pp. 135-142

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Jul 7: Sheridan's SCHOOL FOR SCANDAL

Scandal That Lurked Behind Lace and Powder

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.

Read from Sheridan's SCHOOL FOR SCANDAL ......   Vol. 18, pp. 115-128

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Jul 8: Shelley's CENCI

Italy's Fair Assassin

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.

Read from Shelley's CENCI ..................  Vol. 18, pp. 288-300

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Jul 9: BACON'S ESSAYS

A Little Lying Now and Then

"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.

Read from BACON'S ESSAYS ...............................   Vol. 3, pp. 7-19

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Jul 10: THE VOYAGES TO VINLAND

America's First Immigrants

The shadow of a phantom cast upon the cradle of Snorri, the
first white child born in America, was a warning of an Indian
attack on the settlement of courageous Norsemen who had
risked the terrors of unknown seas to visit "Wineland."

Read from THE VOYAGES TO VINLAND .....   Vol. 43. pp. 14-20

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Jul 11: Newcomb's THE EXTENT OF THE UNIVERSE

Star Gazing—A Cure for Tired Minds

The greatest spectacle offered man is a view of the magnificent
vault of heaven. Under the stupendous arch of the Milky Way
the cares of the world roll off.

Read: Newcomb's THE EXTENT OF THE UNIVERSE .....  Vol. 30, pp. 311-321

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Jul 12: Thoreau's WALKING

But He Walked!

Thoreau's individuality was unique and original. He had no
profession; he never married; he never went to church; he never
voted or paid taxes; he never smoked; he never drank wine. His
amusement was walking, to observe and meditate.

Read from Thoreau's WALKING ..................  Vol. 28, pp. 395-405

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Jul 13: Plutarch's PERICLES

Athenians Also Complained of Taxes

Pericles used public money to beautify Athens. The citizens
protested against the expense, as citizens in all ages do. By a
clever stroke Pericles w o n their support to his ambitious plans.

Read from Plutarch's PERICLES .................   Vol. 12, pp. 47-57

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Jul 14: Burke's THE REVOLUTION IN FRANCE

The French People Triumph

What the Fourth of July is to Americans, the Fourteenth of July
is to Frenchmen. It commemorates an oppressive tyranny overthrown
by a freedom-loving people.

Read from Burke's THE REVOLUTION IN FRANCE .....  Vol. 24, pp. 268-273

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Jul 15: HOLINSHED'S CHRONICLES

When Elizabeth Dined

Meals in the houses of the gentry and noblemen in Elizabethan
England were taken most seriously. No one spoke. Holinshed
records the strange table etiquette of our ancestors.

Read from HOLINSHED'S CHRONICLES ........   Vol. 35, pp. 271-288

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Jul 16: THE KORAN

The Mohammedan Jesus

The sacred book of the Moslems, the Koran, gives an account of
the birth of Christ. The Koran gives Jesus a high position among
the prophets but holds the first place for Mohammed.

Read from THE KORAN .........................   Vol. 45, pp. 908-913

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Jul 17: Racine's PHAEDRE

A Throne for Son or Stepson?

Phaedre first persecuted Hippolytus, her handsome stepson, then
loved him. Suddenly he and her own son became rivals for the
throne. Should she push her son's claims or let Hippolytus take
the crown?

Read from Racine's PHAEDRE ...................   Vol. 26, pp. 133-148

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Jul 18: Browning's BLOT IN THE 'SCUTCHEON

They Loved in Vain

"Browning's play has thrown me into a perfect passion of sorrow,"
wrote Charles Dickens of "The Blot in the 'Scutcheon."
Like Shakespeare's Juliet, Browning's Mildred plays the role of
a youthful lover in a tragic drama.

Read from Browning's BLOT IN THE 'SCUTCHEON .......   Vol. 18, pp. 359-368

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Jul 19: Raleigh's DISCOVERY OF GUIANA

She Wanted Heroes All to Herself

The famous gallant who spread his gorgeous cloak so the dainty
slipper of his queen would be unspotted, soon lost the high favor
this action won for him. In spite of his glorious voyages, Raleigh
condemned himself when he fell in love with another woman.

Read from Raleigh's DISCOVERY OF GUIANA .....  Vol. 33, pp. 311-320

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Jul 20: Bunyan's PILGRIM'S PROGRESS

A Cobbler in Jail

John Bunyan, imprisoned for preaching without a license, gave
to the world "Pilgrim's Progress," the greatest allegory in any
language, second only to the Bible.

Read from Bunyan's PILGRIM'S PROGRESS .......   Vol. 15, pp. 59-69

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Jul 21: BURNS' POEMS

Scotland's Own Poet

The songs of Burns are the links, the watchwords, the symbols
of the Scots. He is the last of the ballad singers. In his works
are preserved the best songs of his people.

Read from BURNS' POEMS .......................   Vol. 6, pp. 70-79

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Jul 22: Homer's ODYSSEY

Trapped in a Cave with a Frenzied Giant

Odysseus was wrecked with his men on an island inhabited
by one-eyed giants. Trapped in the cave of a giant who gobbled
up some of the crew for supper, the cunning Odysseus blinded
the giant and rescued the survivors of his crew.

Read from Homer's ODYSSEY ...................  Vol. 22, pp. 120-129

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Jul 23: BACON'S ESSAYS

Friendship Above Love?

There are styles in friendship as well as in clothes. The mode
of friendship of Bacon's time went out with plumed hats and
long hose. But Bacon knew the true test of a friend.

Read from BACON'S ESSAYS ...................   Vol. 3, pp. 65-72

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Jul 24: Darwin's THE VOYAGE OF THE BEAGLE

Indian Sorcery Blamed for an Earthquake

Darwin visited a South American city ruined by an earthquake.
There he heard the superstitious account of the phenomenon.
The ignorant people accused Indian women of bewitching the
volcano. But Darwin has another explanation.

Read from Darwin's THE VOYAGE OF THE BEAGLE ......  Vol. 29, pp. 306-316

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Jul 25: LAY OF BRYNHILD

A Goddess and Her Mortal Lover

Brynhild, Woden's daughter, carried the dead heroes to Valhalla
where they could feast and fight without dying; until a sin divested
her of divinity, and she fell in love with Sigurd.

Read: LAY OF BRYNHILD ..........................   Vol. 49, pp. 391-395

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Jul 26: Thomas a Kempis

Peace Amid Strife

While Europe was shaken with wars, Thomas a Kempis lived
in happy seclusion in his convent. His writings convincingly
reflect the serenity and happiness of a man who has found peace—
a peace that surpasses all understanding.

Read from Thomas a Kempis .......................   Vol. 7, pp. 205-211

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Jul 27: ON THE ANTISEPTIC PRINCIPLES

Once Surgeons Operated in Frock Coats

The use of antiseptics in surgery is new. Hardly more than a
half century ago surgeons operated in frock coats. Lord Lister,
surgeon to Queen Victoria, was among the first to advocate
scrupulous cleanliness in dressing wounds.

Read: ON THE ANTISEPTIC PRINCIPLES ..........   Vol. 38, pp. 257-267

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Jul 28: Cowley's OF AGRICULTURE

An Idyl of Agriculture

Cowley portrays the ideal life—that of a farmer, and blazons it
forth in heraldry. "A plow in a field arable"—to him, the most
honorable of all emblems.

Read: Cowley's OF AGRICULTURE .............   Vol. 27, pp. 61-69

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Jul 29: Emerson's STONEHENGE

Jul 30: Gilbert's VOYAGE TO NEWFOUNDLAND

The First English Colony in North America

When the whole coast of America north of Florida was free to
the first comer, Sir Humphrey Gilbert naively chose to settle
on the rugged shores of Newfoundland. Read the glowing account
of his great adventure "to plant Christian inhabitants in
places convenient."

Read: Gilbert's VOYAGE TO NEWFOUNDLAND .......   Vol. 33, pp. 263-273

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Jul 31: Defoe's EDUCATION OF WOMEN

Charm School for Women

Lack of education, writes Defoe, makes a woman "turbulent,
clamorous, noisy—" Defoe defied his generation and preached
equal education for women. To-day we have co-education, but
have we the benefits Defoe predicted?

Read: Defoe's EDUCATION OF WOMEN .........  Vol. 27, pp. 148-150

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Aug 1: Calvin's DEDICATION

His Influence Still Lives

Steadfast allegiance to duty, simple living and adherence to plain,
honest, homely doctrines are Calvin's principles. Are not these
same old-fashioned truths followed to-day?

Read from Calvin's DEDICATION ...................   Vol. 39, pp. 27-33

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Aug 2: DRUMMOND'S POEMS

Poems from a Heart of Love

"Here is the pleasant place—and nothing wanting is, save She,
alas!" How often we too are faced with like adversity. So
sings Drummond—a master songster and composer.

Read from DRUMMOND'S POEMS ...........   Vol. 40, pp. 326-330

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Aug 3: Virgil's AENEID

When the Greeks Sacked Troy

They battered down the palace gates and ravaged with fire and
sword the chambers of King Priam's hundred wives. Through
halls resounding with shrieks of terror, Priam and his household
fled to sanctuary.

Read from Virgil's AENEID .....................  Vol. 13, pp. 110-117

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Aug 4: ANDERSEN'S TALES

World's Greatest Bedtime Stories

Hans Christian Andersen had an extraordinary capacity for amusing
children. Were he living to-day he might be in great demand
as a radio bedtime story man.

Read: ANDERSEN'S TALES ..........................   Vol. 17, pp. 221-230

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Aug 5: Burns' COTTERS' SATURDAY NIGHT

Joys of the Simple Life

"Cotter's Saturday Night" for generations to come will remain
the choicest picture of Scotch home life. Into this poem Burns
instills the sense of all-pervading peace and happiness that comes
at the end of a well-spent day.

Read: Burns' COTTERS' SATURDAY NIGHT ...........   Vol. 6, pp. 134-140

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Aug 6: Tennyson's LOCKSLEY HALL

A Prophet of Aerial Warfare

"For I dipt into the future—saw the nation's airy navies grappling
in the central blue." We are amazed at the accuracy of
Tennyson's prediction. But he also foretells "the federation of
the world"—yet to be fulfilled.

Read: Tennyson's LOCKSLEY HALL .............   Vol. 42, pp. 979-986

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Aug 7: Plato's PHAEDO

The Last Golden Words of Socrates

The death sentence of Socrates could not be executed until the
return of the sacred ship from Delos. One day his friends learned
that the ship had returned. They hastened to the prison to listen
to the last words of Athens' sage.

Read from Plato's PHAEDO ..........................   Vol. 2, pp. 45-54

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Aug 8: Homer's ODYSSEY

Men Transformed by Circe's Wand

Unfavorable winds sent by angry gods blew the ships of Odysseus
far off their course. The sailors were cast upon a remote island,
governed by an enchantress where, for their coarse manners, they
were put under a magic spell.

Read from Homer's ODYSSEY .......................  Vol. 22, pp. 133-144

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Aug 9: Walton's LIFE OF DR. DONNE

English Bridal Party Jailed

Minister and witness, bride and groom were arrested by an enraged
father when John Donne married his employer's niece.
Donne was soon released, but he found himself without money,
position or bride.

Read from Walton's LIFE OF DR. DONNE ..........   Vol. 15, pp. 326-334

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Aug 10: Burke's THE REVOLUTION IN FRANCE

"Give Them Cake," said the Queen

When the people of Paris howled because they had no bread to
eat, Queen Marie Antoinette exclaimed: "Well, then, let them
eat cake!" Such an attitude hastened the revolution.

Read from Burke's THE REVOLUTION IN FRANCE ......    Vol. 24, pp. 143-157

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Aug 11: Epictetus' GOLDEN SAYINGS

Clever Repartee of Epictetus

Epictetus advises that if a person speaks ill of you, make no defense,
but answer: "He surely knew not of my other faults, else
he would not have mentioned these only."

Read from Epictetus' GOLDEN SAYINGS ..............    Vol. 2, pp. 176-182

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Aug 12: LOWELL'S POEMS

Zekle's Courtin'

Huldy, the rustic belle, sat alone peeling apples. She was bashful
in her consciousness that Zekle would come soon. When he did,
she merely blushed and timidly said: "Ma's sprinklin' clo'es," and
then—

Read: LOWELL'S POEMS .....................  Vol. 42, pp. 1376-1379

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Aug 13: Southey's AFTER BLENHEIM and Other Poems

Too Close to See the Battle

England and France came to battle near Blenheim. Years later
the people of Blenheim called it a "famous victory," but could
not tell whose victory it was.

Read: Southey's AFTER BLENHEIM and other poems ......   Vol. 41, pp. 732-735

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Aug 14: Dana's TWO YEARS BEFORE THE MAST

A College Boy Goes to Sea

Leaving Harvard on account of ill health, Dana sought adventure
and thrilling experience aboard a sailing vessel that rounded
Cape Horn. He turned the dangers, hardships, and keen joys
of a sailor's life into a fascinating story.

Read from Dana's Two YEARS BEFORE THE MAST .....  Vol. 23, pp. 30-37

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Aug 15: THE SONG OF ROLAND

Into Death's Face He Flung This Song

Charlemagne's rear guard was attacked by the Basques in the
valley of Roncesvaux. Roland, its leader, fought a courageous
fight, and, though conquered, became immortal.

Read from THE SONG OF ROLAND ............   Vol. 49, pp. 166-173

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Aug 16: THE PSALMS

Inspiring Ritual of Temple Worship

David—the psalm singer—knew the wondrous ways of the Lord
and praised H im in his psalms. Burdened souls in all ages have
found comfort in these songs that once were used in the gorgeous
ritual of Jerusalem's temple.

Read from THE PSALMS .........................    Vol. 44, pp. 286-295

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Aug 17: Luther's ADDRESS TO THE NOBILITY

Three Walls Luther Saw

Luther declared that the unreformed church had drawn its doctrines
like three walls so closely about the people that they served
not as protection but were the cause of untold misery and distress.
This he hoped to relieve by the Reformation.

Read: Luther's ADDRESS TO THE NOBILITY ..........   Vol. 36, pp. 263-275

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Aug 18: CELLINI'S AUTOBIOGRAPHY

"I Took Her by the Hair and Dragged Her Up and Down"

In Cellini's day the model's life was a hazardous one. Cellini's
Autobiography reveals how some models were treated. You
will find it more thrilling than the most modern novel.

Read from CELLINI'S AUTOBIOGRAPHY .......  Vol. 31, pp. 312-323

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Aug 19: Pare's JOURNEYS IN DIVERSE PLACES

Roses Boiled in Wine

Astonishing treatments and cures are related by Ambroise Pare,
famed surgeon of the fifteenth century. One remedy, for instance,
used to cure a distinguished nobleman, was red roses
boiled in white wine,—and it was effective.

Read from Pare's JOURNEYS IN DIVERSE PLACES ......   Vol. 38, pp. 50-58

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Aug 20: Milton's PARADISE LOST

Plot Against Eve

Driven from Heaven, Satan meditated revenge. He decided
his greatest opportunity to injure God was to bring sin to mankind.
Satan's plot against Eve is told by Milton.

Read from Milton's PARADISE LOST ................  Vol. 4, pp. 154-164

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Aug 21: CONFESSIONS OF ST. AUGUSTINE

Hidden Treasures in an Old Book

A certain man was willed a Bible. He scorned the legacy until
one day, penniless and downcast, he turned to the book for consolation.
Imagine his amazement on finding hundred dollar
bills between the pages. St. Augustine explains how he found
even greater treasures in the Bible.

Read from CONFESSIONS OF ST. AUGUSTINE ............   Vol. 7, pp. 118-126

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Aug 22: Dana's TWO YEARS BEFORE THE MAST

Aboard the Old Sailing Ships

In the days when sailing ships plied the seven seas, common
sailors were often subject to a brutal captain whose whim was
law. Dana, a Boston college boy, makes an exciting story of his
sea experiences.

Read from Dana's Two YEARS BEFORE THE MAST ......   Vol. 23, pp. 99-111

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Aug 23: Burke's ON THE SUBLIME AND BEAUTIFUL

Which Is a Beautiful Woman?

The Hottentot thinks his wife beautiful. Every American believes
his wife also to be beautiful. But the American and the
Hottentot are quite different. What, after all, is Beauty?

Read from Burke's ON THE SUBLIME AND BEAUTIFUL .......   Vol. 24, pp. 78-88

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Aug 24: Pliny's LETTERS

Survivor's Story of Vesuvius

The eruption of Vesuvius that demolished Pompeii and buried
thousands of people was witnessed by Pliny. He describes his
panic-stricken flight with his mother from the doomed villa
through falling ashes and sulphurous fumes. His famous uncle,
the elder Pliny, lost his life while investigating the eruption and
aiding refugees.

Read from Pliny's LETTERS ......................   Vol. 9, pp. 284-291

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Aug 25: Kelvin's TIDES

Britain Saved by a Full Moon

We to-day know that there is a direct relation between the moon
and tides. When Julius Caesar went to conquer Britain his transports
were wrecked because he did not know the tides on the
English coast; a knowledge of which might have changed the
whole course of history.

Read from Kelvin's TIDES ...........................   Vol. 30, pp. 274-285

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Aug 26: FROISSART'S CHRONICLES

The Prince of Wales Wins His Spurs

A brilliant victory for the English king was gained in this battle,
a fight in which vast numbers of French nobility, many princes,
and the aged King John of Bohemia were slain. Froissart describes
all in detail.

Read from FROISSART'S CHRONICLES ...............   Vol. 35, pp. 27-33

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Aug 27: Burns' POEMS AND SONGS

Priceless Treasures of Memory

"A man's a man for a' that." "Should auld acquaintance be forgot."
"To see her is to love her and love but her forever." "Flow
gently, sweet Afton." Every stanza of Burns is treasured. How
many have you stored up?

Read from Burns' POEMS AND SONGS .........   Vol. 6, pp. 317, 417, 442, 511

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Aug 28: Goethe's FAUST

The World's Love Tragedy

"Almighty God, I am undone." With this cry of despair, Margaret
witnessed the fiendish work of Faust, her lover, who bartered
his immortal soul for worldly pleasure. A thrilling drama, based
on a famous medieval legend.

Read from Goethe's FAUST ...................   Vol. 19, pp. 158-167

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Aug 29: Plutarch's ANTONY

Cleopatra Bewitches Mark Antony

Cleopatra rode to meet Antony in a gilded barge with sails of
purple; oars of silver beat time to the music of flutes and fifes
and harps. She went as Venus, and her attendants were dressed
as Cupids and Nymphs.

Read from Plutarch's ANTONY ..................  Vol. 12, pp. 339-349

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Aug 30: Marcus Aurelius' MEDITATIONS

Simple Life in a Palace

Every luxury, all the wealth in the world at his command—yet
Marcus Aurelius, Emperor of haughty Rome, led a simple life
even in a palace. He left his secret in his "Meditations."

Read from Marcus Aurelius' MEDITATIONS ......   Vol. 2, pp. 222-228

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Aug 31: Emerson's AMERICAN SCHOLAR

America's Greatest Thinker

Emerson was included in Dr. Eliot's recent selection of the
world's ten greatest educators of all time. Here the great thinker
discusses this force within man that makes him a scholar.

Read: Emerson's AMERICAN SCHOLAR ................   Vol. 3, pp. 5-15

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Sep 1: Penn's SOME FRUITS OF SOLITUDE

Expelled from College, Founded a City

While at Oxford, Penn rejected the student's gown and thereby
created a furore. Later he founded a city where he sought to
put his new ideas into practice.

Read from Penn's SOME FRUITS OF SOLITUDE ........   Vol. 1, pp. 321-331

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Sep 2: Dryden's ALL FOR LOVE

Too Great a Price for Love

While his soldiers fought the battle of Actium, Antony fled to
the arms of Cleopatra. By his flight he forfeited his right to an
empire. Dryden's story of Antony's love makes us realize the
folly of his infatuation for the Nile siren.

Read from Dryden's ALL FOR LOVE ...........   Vol. 18, pp. 88-100

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Sep 3: TREATY WITH GREAT BRITAIN

Seven Years to Reach England

Until 1783 the British refused to believe that the Liberty Bell
had rung. Then they signed a treaty formally recognizing the
Colonies as free and independent states.

Read: TREATY WITH GREAT BRITAIN (1783) .......    Vol. 43, pp. 174-179

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Sep 4: Voltaire's LETTERS ON THE ENGLISH

Voltaire Criticizes

Voltaire's daring courage led him to publish a series of letters
which contained unfavorable comparisons of French customs
with the English. For this he was threatened with the Bastille.

Read: Voltaire's LETTERS ON THE ENGLISH ......  Vol. 34, pp. 85-93

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Sep 5: Darwin's ORIGIN OF SPECIES

Survival of the Fittest

Just as the individual has a definite length of life, so have species
a limited duration. The progress and transition of the world,
Darwin declares, will see the extinction of certain variants of
human life.

Read from Darwin's ORIGIN OF SPECIES ..........   Vol. 11 , pp. 353-357

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Sep 6: Carlyle's SIR WALTER SCOTT

The Pride of All Scotchmen

Many sons of Scotland have striven eagerly for the great place
held by Sir Walter Scott. Carlyle describes the qualities that combined
to make him the idol of his people and the master of historical
romance.

Read Carlyle's SIR WALTER SCOTT .....................   Vol. 25, pp. 393-403

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Sep 7: DESTRUCTION OF DA DERGA'S HOSTEL

The King's Love

There she was undoing her hair—the loveliest woman the eyes of
men ever beheld, the light of wooing in her regal eyes. A longing
for her overwhelmed the warrior-king.

Read from DESTRUCTION OF DA DERGA'S HOSTEL .....   Vol. 49, pp. 199-209

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Sep 8: Helmholtz's ICE AND GLACIERS

When Europe Lay Under Ice

There was a time when the snow fell and did not melt in summer.
Then from the frozen north there descended huge masses
of ice that covered northern Europe and most of North America.
Glaciers reveal a new world to us.

Read from Helmholtz's ICE AND GLACIERS ......     Vol. 30, pp. 211-223

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Sep 9: Emerson's NATURE

When Nature Beckons

"There are days during the year," says Emerson, "when the
world of nature reaches perfection." Can anyone escape this call,
especially in the glorious Indian Summer?

Read: Emerson's NATURE ........................   Vol. 5, pp. 223-230

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Sep 10: Holmes' POEMS

Famous Poet-Physician

One of America's famous New Englanders, Oliver Wendell
Holmes, devoted his life principally to medicine. His name,
however, was made famous through his poem, "Old Ironsides,"
by which he saved America's most famous battleship from destruction
when her fighting days were ended.

Read: Holmes' POEMS .............................   Vol. 42, pp. 1365-1370

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Sep 11: Adam Smith's WEALTH OF NATIONS

Wages—Why and How Much?

What regulates wages, on what do they depend? Adam Smith,
world's authority on economic problems, advances his theories
on these matters.

Read from Adam Smith's WEALTH OF NATIONS ......   Vol. 10, pp. 66-74

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Sep 12: SONNETS FROM THE PORTUGUESE

Love Letters of Elizabeth Browning

In all literary history there is no happier love story than that of
Elizabeth Barrett and Robert Browning. During their secret
courtship Miss Barrett sent Browning many beautiful love letters
written in verse.

Read: SONNETS FROM THE PORTUGUESE ......   Vol. 41, pp. 923-932

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Sep 13: Bunyan's PILGRIM'S PROGRESS

Good That Came from a Game Pit

From cockfighting, bear baiting, and like sports, the wife of John
Bunyan converted him to a life of humility and reverence. While
imprisoned for preaching, he used his idle time in writing a fantastic
story of a soul's salvation—probably the most famous allegory
ever written.

Read from Bunyan's PILGRIM'S PROGRESS ...........  Vol. 15, pp. 13-23

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Sep 14: Dante's DIVINE COMEDY

Dante and St. Peter

Dante, having journeyed through Hell and Purgatory, comes at
last to St. Peter on his throne. St. Peter calls for the aid of St.
James and St. John before passing final judgment on Dante's
righteousness.

Read from Dante's DIVINE COMEDY ............   Vol. 20, pp. 387-395

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Sep 15: Washington's FAREWELL ADDRESS

Refused to Serve Three Terms

George Washington retired to private life in 1796, entrusting
"the preservation of the Union" to the "love of liberty." His
last appeal is a vital message to American citizens, as pertinent
today as when he penned it.

Read: Washington's FAREWELL ADDRESS .........   Vol. 43, pp. 233-249

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Sep 16: HOLINSHED'S CHRONICLES

Penalty for Silence

"Such felons as stand mute [do not confess] are pressed to death
by huge weights laid upon a board that lieth over their breast
and a sharp stone under their backs." Old English punishments,
recorded by Holinshed, make startling reading.

Read from HOLINSHED'S CHRONICLES ..............   Vol. 35, pp. 363-370

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Sep 17: WHITTIER'S POEMS

Romance on a New England Farm

"For of all sad words of tongue or pen, the saddest are these: 'It
might have been.' " On this theme Whittier based the story of
a fair farmer girl and a rich judge.

Read: WHITTIER'S POEMS ....................   Vol. 42, pp. 1351-1364

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Sep 18: Dana's TWO YEARS BEFORE THE MAST

Home After Storms and Adventures

"Every sight was full of beauty. We were coming back to our
homes, and the signs of civilization from which we had been so
long banished—" wrote Dana, as his ship entered Boston Harbor.

Read from Dana's Two YEARS BEFORE THE MAST .......   Vol. 23, pp. 348-356

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Sep 19: Cervantes' DON QUIXOTE

Humor That Survived Slavery

Held as a Moorish slave for five years, Cervantes was submitted
to almost daily tortures. But even the horrors of slavery could
not dull his sense of humor, as evinced by his most witty and
amusing novel.

Read from Cervantes' DON QUIXOTE ..........   Vol. 14, pp. 48-54

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Sep 20: THE KORAN

Women's Rights in the Harem

The Koran defines the powers of a husband over his wives. Thus
a woman unfaithful to her lord may be walled up alive.

Read from THE KORAN ........................   Vol. 45, pp. 967-974

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Sep 21: Virgil's AENEID

Aeneas and the Old Witch

The Sybil, an old witch, personally conducts Aeneas through the
gate and into the jaws of hell, where terrors abound on every
hand and frightful mysterious forms rule. There he is told of
the greatness and glory that was to come.

Read from Virgil's AENEID ...................    Vol. 13, pp. 207-218

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Sep 22: FROISSART'S CHRONICLES

A King for a Souvenir

In the days when kings rode to battle leading their troops it was
possible to make good the boast of the doughboy: "I'll bring you
a king for a souvenir."

Read from FROISSART'S CHRONICLES ..............    Vol. 35, pp. 42-53

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Sep 23: Montaigne's TO LEARN HOW TO DIE

Dying Concerns Every Man

The Romans made an art of dying. The Egyptians looked on
death with complacency. Moderns fear it. Montaigne argues
that the purpose of philosophy is to teach men how to die.

Read from Montaigne's To LEARN HOW TO DIE ......   Vol. 32, pp. 9-22

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Sep 24: Plutarch's THEMISTOCLES

Citizens Lured from Their Homes

When the serpent of Minerva disappeared from her temple, the
priests said that the goddess had left Athens for the sea. Moreover,
the oracles urged the Athenians to seek safety in their ships.
Themistocles prompted these deceits. Why?

Read from Plutarch's THEMISTOCLES ................    Vol. 12, pp. 13-23

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Sep 25: Mill's AUTOBIOGRAPHY

A Courtship of Twenty Years

John Stuart Mill in his autobiography boldly tells of his love for
his friend's wife. After twenty years, she was freed from her first
husband and was happily married to John Stuart Mill. Read the
account of Mill's courtship.

Read from Mill's AUTOBIOGRAPHY .........    Vol. 25, pp. 116-120, 149

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Sep 26: Cervantes' DON QUIXOTE

And the World Rocked with Laughter

The gaunt lunatic, Don Quixote, saw the world through glasses
colored with romanticism that had gone out of style hundreds of
years before he was born. Cervantes made the world laugh at
the exaggerated stories it had been devouring.

Read from Cervantes' DON QUIXOTE ...............    Vol. 14, pp. 29-35

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Sep 27: PASCAL'S THOUGHTS

Pascal's Fundamentals of Religion

To-day we have Fundamentalists and Modernists, each striving
for the same goal. Pascal, two hundred and fifty years ago, gave
his precepts of the fundamentals of religious thought.

Read from PASCAL'S THOUGHTS ................    Vol. 48, pp. 181-192

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Sep 28: Pasteur's THE GERM THEORY

He Introduced the Germ

Proof that germs cause many contagious diseases was established
by Louis Pasteur. His discoveries revolutionized modern science
and lessened the ravages of every type of disease.

Read: Pasteur's THE GERM THEORY ................    Vol. 38, pp. 364-370

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Sep 29: SAYINGS OF CONFUCIUS

Prophet of 400 Million People

Confucius was a Chinese magistrate in 500 B.C. He lost the favor
of the Emperor and wandered from city to city, teaching and giving
counsel. After his death, Emperor and people alike bowed
before his shrine.

Read from SAYINGS OF CONFUCIUS ..................    Vol. 44, pp. 5-14

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Sep 30: Emerson's MANNERS

A Gentleman According to Emerson

An etiquette book and a good tailor do not always produce a
gentleman—neither does the Social Register include only gentlemen.
Emerson by quaint stories tells how fashion and manners
combine to make that rare product—a gentleman.

Read from Emerson's MANNERS ......................    Vol. 5, pp. 199-208

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Oct 1: Machiavelli's THE PRINCE

Princes To-day and Yesterday

To-day the chief duty of a prince is to be the nation's friend
maker. Years ago princes desired supreme power and, by fair
means or foul, strove for control. Machiavelli was a guide for
such ambitious princes.

Read from Machiavelli's THE PRINCE ........    Vol. 36, pp. 36-44

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Oct 2: Darwin's VOYAGE OF THE BEAGLE

Veteran Tells of Indian War

Just before Darwin visited Bahia Blanca, an Indian insurrection
had been ruthlessly put down. A veteran of the Indian war told
Darwin how Indians had been treated.

Read from Darwin's VOYAGE OF THE BEAGLE ......    Vol. 29, pp. 107-111

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Oct 3: CHAUCER'S POEMS

Good Enough for Chaucer

When polite English society conversed in French—considering
English a vulgar tongue, fit only for servants and working people—
Chaucer, nevertheless, wrote poems in this "vulgar" English,
which charm us because of their quaint words.

Read: CHAUCER'S POEMS ........................     Vol. 40, pp. 11-20

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Oct 4: Plutarch's DEMOSTHENES

His Mouth Full of Pebbles

The man who put pebbles in his mouth and orated to the sea,
shaved one-half of his head so that he would be obliged to stay
at home until he had perfected his oratory—a strange method of
attaining eminence, but a successful one.

Read from Plutarch's DEMOSTHENES .............    Vol. 12, pp. 196-205

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Oct 5: Newman's UNIVERSITY LIFE AT ATHENS

Amateur Athlete in Old Athens

A boxer in public games desired to study philosophy at Athens.
There were no furnaces to tend, no tables to wait on, no books
or magazines to peddle, yet this sturdy young Greek managed
to work his way through college.

Read from Newman's UNIVERSITY LIFE AT ATHENS .......    Vol. 28, pp. 51-61

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Oct 6: Burke's REVOLUTION IN FRANCE

The Atrocious Spectacle of October 6th

Wakened by the death cries of her sentry, Marie Antoinette,
Queen of France, fled by a secret passage from the fury of a vile
mob. The royal family was arrested and taken to Paris to await
their fate.

Read from Burke's REVOLUTION IN FRANCE ........    Vol. 24, pp. 208-217

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Oct 7: THE JOURNAL OF JOHN WOOLMAN

An Uncanonized American Saint

John Woolman was the foremost leader of the early Quakers
and contributed much to the spiritual life of the American Colonies.
He was a pioneer in the crusade against slavery.

Read from THE JOURNAL OF JOHN WOOLMAN ..........    Vol. 1, pp. 283-288

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Oct 8: Fielding's PREFACE TO JOSEPH ANDREWS

Fielding's Parody Becomes History

Fielding wrote a lengthy story to burlesque a novel of Richardson.
But the travesty overshot its mark. Instead of a mere parody,
it became a masterpiece.

Read: Fielding's PREFACE TO JOSEPH ANDREWS ......    Vol. 39, pp. 176-181

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Oct 9: LATIN HYMNS

Songs Shake the Walls of Jericho

Do you know that many of your favorite hymns have echoed
for hundreds of years through vast cathedrals, and resounded
from the walls of Jericho during the Crusades?

Read: LATIN HYMNS ...........     Vol. 45, pp. 546-556; also pp. 567-568

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Oct 10: Cervantes' DON QUIXOTE

A Fugitive in Boy's Clothes

The romance-stricken Don Quixote sees a fair youth seated by the
side of a stream, "his feet like two crystals, his hands like snowflakes."
The youth was a charming girl!

Read from Cervantes' DON QUIXOTE ................    Vol. 14, pp. 252-266

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Oct 11: Virgil's AENEID

Aeneas Flees from an Inconsolable Love

Aeneas, mythological founder of the Roman race, leaving Carthage
and its lovely Queen Dido, was driven by a storm to the
coast of Sicily. There the hospitality of King Acestes helped
him to forget his relinquished love.

Read from Virgil's AENEID .......................     Vol. 13, pp. 178-188

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Oct 12: LETTER OF COLUMBUS

Columbus' Letter Miraculously Found

Historical documents, now priceless, were often used as wrapping
paper. Rescued by chance was a letter of Columbus telling of
his voyages—of the amazing bargains made with timid natives—
of Amazon women who fought like men and made marriage
treaties with cannibals.

Read: LETTER OF COLUMBUS.....................     Vol. 43, pp. 21-27

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Oct 13: Marcus Aurelius' MEDITATIONS

Pagan Virtue Perpetuated

A man of virtue, although a pagan, Marcus Aurelius ruled with
benevolence and wisdom. Cruel in persecution of Christians as
lawbreakers, no trace of this sternness appears in his writings.

Read from Marcus Aurelius' MEDITATIONS ..........   Vol. 2, pp. 193-199

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Oct 14: Adam Smith's WEALTH OF NATIONS

No Spice and Little Gold

All colonies are founded to gain territory or treasure. Spain
expected spice and gold from Columbus's expedition, but got no
spice and little gold. Adam Smith tells the true motive of the
colonizing Greeks, Romans, English, and Spaniards.

Read from Adam Smith's WEALTH OF NATIONS .........    Vol. 10, pp. 395-404

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Oct 15: VESPUCCI'S ACCOUNT OF HIS FIRST VOYAGE

First Families of America

"They are a people smooth and clean of body because of continually
washing themselves—they eat all their enemies whom
they kill or capture." Amerigo Vespucci thus writes of the New
World inhabitants.

Read: VESPUCCI'S ACCOUNT OF HIS FIRST VOYAGE .......   Vol. 43, pp. 28-44

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Oct 16: HIPPOCRATES' OATH AND LAW

When Medicine Was a Mystery

Once physicians treated the sick with a mixture of medicine and
charms. In those days medicine was regarded as a dark art like
magic, and those practicing it formed guilds to protect themselves.

Read: HIPPOCRATES' OATH AND LAW ................    Vol. 38, pp. 3-5

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Oct 17: Browne's RELIGIO MEDICI

Reason His Only Religion

The religion of Thomas Browne—a liberal man in a most intolerant
time—was not taken from either Rome or Geneva, but
from his own reason.

Read from Browne's RELIGIO MEDICI ................   Vol. 3, pp. 253-265

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Oct 18: SHELLEY'S POEMS

"If Winter Comes"

From the title of a recently popular novel, we know that one
prominent fiction writer of to-day was inspired by the verses of
Shelley. Many others have also felt the stirring vigor of his poetry.
What is your reaction?

Read: SHELLEY'S POEMS ..........................    Vol. 41, pp. 829-835

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Oct 19: Hunt's ESSAYS

Virtue in Smiles

Weep if you must. It is far better than to repress your tears.
But Leigh Hunt finds greater virtue in cheerfulness. Fanciful
and graceful—his writings exerted a wholesome influence on all
nineteenth century journalism.

Read: Hunt's ESSAYS ...........................    Vol. 27, pp. 285-295

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Oct 20: Homer's ODYSSEUS

Odysseus Adrift on a Raft

The gods met in council and decreed that Odysseus be set adrift.
Poseidon, God of the Sea, shattered the raft and Odysseus was cast
ashore to encounter further adventures.

Read from Homer's ODYSSEUS ..........................    Vol. 22, pp. 68-80

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Oct 21: Cicero's ON OLD AGE

No Fault to Find with Old Age

Cicero agrees with Browning that old age is the golden time of
life, when the fruits of a well-spent life are harvested. Cicero,
the wise Roman, welcomed old age for its gifts: wisdom, sound
judgment, and contentment.

Read from Cicero's ON OLD AGE ................    Vol. 9, pp. 45-56

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Oct 22: Thackeray's JONATHAN SWIFT

Swift's Love Problems

Swift was embarrassed by two women; Stella, whom he really
loved, and Vanessa, with whom he had flirted and who had
taken him seriously. Marriage to either one would break the
heart of the other.

Read from Thackeray's JONATHAN SWIFT ...........    Vol. 28, pp. 23-28

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Oct 23: Plutarch's CAESAR

When Caesar Turned the Tables

When only a boy, Caesar was captured by pirates. While awaiting
ransom he entered into every sport and game with them. Once
freed, he quickly returned with forces that captured the outlaws.
Then he took deliberate revenge.

Read from Plutarch's CESAR ....................   Vol. 12, pp. 264-273

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Oct 24: Aeschylus' AGAMEMNON

Clytemnestra Meets Her Rival

Cassandra knew through a prophetic vision that a sword would
pierce her heart. Agamemnon, her captor, took her to his home
where an avenging wife, Clytemnestra, awaited. The tragedies
of the doom that requited the sins of the House of Atreus are
among the most powerful ever written.

Read from Aeschylus' AGAMEMNON ..............   Vol. 8, pp. 52-64

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Oct 25: Macaulay's MACHIAVELLI

Greatly Encouraged Intrigue

After the publication of Machiavelli's " The Prince," the Sultans
became more addicted to strangling their brothers, tyrants became
more merciless, and murderous plots increased. The
influence of that book, as Macaulay points out, spread over Europe
and Asia.

Read from Macaulay's MACHIAVELLI ................    Vol. 27, pp. 363-372

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Oct 26: Franklin's AUTOBIOGRAPHY

Franklin Learned the Secret

Poor at twenty, rich at forty, internationally famous at fifty. Benjamin
Franklin once walked the streets of Philadelphia alone,
poor, and with no education. Yet he rose to be a leader because
he learned the secret of careful reading.

Read from Franklin's AUTOBIOGRAPHY ...................    Vol. 1, pp. 14-21

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Oct 27: BUDDHIST WRITINGS

Fruit of Seven Years' Silence

Siddhartha Gautama, who became the god Buddha, renounced
the world and spent seven years in meditation. Then one day,
while sitting under a fig tree, he became inspired with exalted
and sublime conceptions of life and death. The rest of his life
was spent in teaching and converting mankind.

Read from BUDDHIST WRITINGS ...............   Vol. 45, pp. 661-674

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Oct 28: SOME THOUGHTS CONCERNING EDUCATION

How Dice Taught Spelling

Locke taught children by means of games. He tells of a game
whereby children were taught to spell with dice on which the
letters of the alphabet were pasted. This was more than 200 years
before modern kindergarten methods. Today's children would
respond to such wise direction as Locke recommends.

Read: SOME THOUGHTS CONCERNING EDUCATION .........   Vol. 37, pp. 128-136

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Oct 29: KEATS' POEMS

Genius Rises from a Stable

Though the son of a stable man, John Keats wrote the most exquisite
and sublime poetry in our language. He was the friend
of Shelley, Lord Byron, and the other literary leaders of the time—
his genius recognized by all.

Read: KEATS' POEMS ................................    Vol. 41, pp. 874-882

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Oct 30: Lyell's THE PROGRESS OF GEOLOGY

Geology's Greatest Benefactor

Lyell has been called the founder of modern geology. Darwin,
the master scientist, called h im "Geology's Greatest Benefactor."
Lyell's research revolutionized ideas on that subject.

Read from Lyell's THE PROGRESS OF GEOLOGY ...........    Vol. 38, pp. 385-391

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Oct 31: BURNS' POEMS

Witches Walk To-night

Beware of magic! Once a year uneasy spirits are released and
walk the earth from midnight until dawn. Spooks and goblins
invade the most secure homes and the canniest must watch out
for danger lurking in every dark corner.

Read from BURNS' POEMS ...........................    Vol. 6, pp. 110-119

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Nov 1: Shakespeare's THE TEMPEST

Last Strokes of Shakespeare's Pen

Monsters of the earth, weird creatures of the air, magic romance,
and shipwreck are mingled by a master hand in his thrilling
drama. The fanciful, enchanting "Tempest" is the last work
of the great bard of Stratford.

Read from Shakespeare's THE TEMPEST ...........    Vol. 46, pp. 397-410

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Nov 2: Dante's DIVINE COMEDY

Journey Through a Hot Country

Dante recorded the awful scenes of a journey through the pits
of the underworld, and wrote in such a vivid, realistic way that
men tremble at the terrors depicted.

Read from Dante's DIVINE COMEDY .............    Vol. 20, pp. 13-20

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Nov 3: Pliny's LETTERS

Letters to an Emperor

Pliny sought the advice of the Emperor Trajan for dealing with
the Christians who were alarmingly on the increase. He casually
relates how he had tortured two Christians.

Read from Pliny's LETTERS ....................     Vol. 9, pp. 404-406

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Nov 4: Corneille's POLYEUCTE

Gold or Glory?

Polyeucte, an Armenian noble, wanted to become a Christian. If
he were baptized, he would have to give up his high position,
his wealth and his pagan wife. Was the heavenly crown worth
this sacrifice?

Read from Corneille's POLYEUCTE .............    Vol. 26, pp. 87-97

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Nov 5: Roper's LIFE OF SIR THOMAS MORE

Costly Opinion on Divorce

A divorce always means trouble for some one. So with Sir
Thomas More when he refused to agree with King Henry over
the king's separation. More was made to pay one of the highest
prices ever paid for a difference of opinion.

Read from Roper's LIFE OF SIR THOMAS MORE ........    Vol. 36, pp. 89-99

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Nov 6: Faraday's FORCE OF GRAVITATION

A Genius Needs Few Tools

Two sticks, a table, and a pail were the commonplace implements
used by Michael Faraday to demonstrate great scientific truths.

Read: Faraday's FORCE OF GRAVITATION ..........    Vol. 30, pp. 13-21

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Nov 7: THE THOUSAND AND ONE NIGHTS

The Voice from a Stone-Dead City

Suddenly all the sinful city's inhabitants were turned to stone.
When a beautiful woman from Bagdad came to the dead city,
night overtook her there. Sleeping in the palace, she was awakened
by a man's voice calling.

Read from THE THOUSAND AND ONE NIGHTS ........   Vol. 16, pp. 100-107

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Nov 8: Milton's PARADISE REGAINED

Blind But Unconquered

Milton's indomitable courage kept him at his work even after he
lost his sight. Blind, he dictated a sequel to his "Paradise Lost,"
which he called "Paradise Regained."

Read from Milton's PARADISE REGAINED ........   Vol. 4, pp. 359-369

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Nov 9: THE PSALMS

Once War Songs, Now Pious Prayers

The Psalms have been an inspiration to men in many ages. They
have become so associated with the peaceful spirit of Christianity
that we forget some of them were once war songs and songs of
triumph.

Read from THE PSALMS ..........................    Vol. 44, pp. 318-327

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Nov 10: Goldsmith's THE DESERTED VILLAGE

A Poet Who Piped for His Supper

Goldsmith traveled through Belgium, France, and Italy, winning
his daily bread by playing at farmhouses. He wrote the
most brilliant comedy, the best novel, and the finest poem of
his age.

Read: Goldsmith's THE DESERTED VILLACE .........   Vol. 41, pp. 509-520

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Nov 11: WHITMAN'S POEMS

America's Doughboy Glorified

The youth of America—typified in the doughboy of the past
war—was gloriously portrayed by Walt Whitman. He also sang
of the vast plains and the beauty of America.

Read: WHITMAN'S POEMS .................    Vol. 42, pp. 1402-1412

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Nov 12: Milton's PARADISE LOST

Story of the First Dresses

Milton's version tells how the Serpent induced Eve to eat the
forbidden fruit. Eve offered it to Adam. Then they became
conscious for the first time that they were not clothed.

Read from Milton's PARADISE LOST ............   Vol. 4, pp. 278-290

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Nov 13: CONFESSIONS OF ST. AUGUSTINE

When Carthage Was Monte Carlo

Carthage was the playground of the ancient world. In that city
of many sins, Augustine was a leader of the revels. His conversion
to Christianity amazed those who knew him.

Read from the CONFESSIONS OF ST. AUGUSTINE ......    Vol. 7, pp. 31-38

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Nov 14: Lyell's UNIFORMITY OF CHANGE

He Worried About It

We wonder if the man who worried about the "scientifical" prediction
that "The sun's heat will give out in ten million years
more," had read Lyell on the gradual changes in the earth's
surface.

Read: Lyell's UNIFORMITY OF CHANGE ...............   Vol. 38, pp. 398-405

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Nov 15: Manzoni's I PROMESSI SPOSI

Food Profiteers 300 Years Ago

Food profiteering was as active in plague-stricken Milan 300 years
ago as in modern times. Shops were stormed for food. Read how
the Council strove heroically to fix fair rates.

Read from Manzoni's I PROMESSI SPOSI .............    Vol. 21, pp. 450-460

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Nov 16: TWO YEARS BEFORE THE MAST

Just Before the Gold Rush

When the glorious Western coast was only partly settled, Dana
visited the Presidios. He saw frontier life at a time when Spanish
splendor still gilded California.

Read from Two YEARS BEFORE THE MAST ..........   Vol. 23, pp. 164-168

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Nov 17: Carlyle's SIR WALTER SCOTT

At Thirty Scott Began to Write

Are you curious about famous people, their lives, habits, personalities?
Carlyle discusses the intimate life of his illustrious countryman,
and reveals Scott, the man, and Scott, the genius who
entertained Christendom with his stories.

Read: Carlyle's SIR WALTER SCOTT .....................    Vol. 25, pp. 410-420

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Nov 18: Schiller's WILHELM TELL

Nov 19: Tennyson's MORTE D'ARTHUR

No Man Knows His Resting Place

A barge with black sails bearing three black robed queens with
crowns of gold carried away the dying King Arthur. Will they
bring him back and fulfill Merlin's prophecy?

Read: Tennyson's MORTE D'ARTHUR ............    Vol. 42, pp. 986-992

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Nov 20: GRIMM'S FAIRY TALES

Old Stories Ever New

When the cold winds howled about the thatched huts of the
German peasant, the mother drew her children to her side and
told them stories. Collected and retold by the Grimm brothers,
these stories have perennial charm.

Read from GRIMM'S FAIRY TALES .................    Vol. 17, pp. 90-98

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Nov 21: Voltaire's LETTERS

Bargains in Wives

The beautiful daughters of the Circassians were in demand for
the seraglios of the Turkish Sultan. Voltaire tells how these
beauties were protected from smallpox centuries before modern
vaccination.

Read from Voltaire's LETTERS ....................     Vol. 34, pp. 93-97

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Nov 22: Virgil's AENEID

How a Queen Died for Love

Deserted by her lover, Queen Dido applied to her heart the only
balm that could ease her pain.

Read from Virgil's AENEID ..........................    Vol. 13, pp. 167-177

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Nov 23: PASCAL'S THOUGHTS

Less Than Star Dust

According to Pascal, a man is not even as significant as a speck
of star dust in the universe. Pascal's thoughts on the subject are
startling to the modern reader, and they furnish rich food for
the imagination.

Read from PASCAL'S THOUGHTS ....................    Vol. 48, pp. 26-36

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Nov 24: Darwin's ORIGIN OF SPECIES

The Book that Upset Tennessee

The signal for the beginning of a great controversy, still raging,
was the publication of Darwin's "Origin of Species." This was
the first complete statement of the evolution theory, which had
been privately advanced but never publicly taught. A new epoch
in science dates from this great work.

Read from Darwin's ORIGIN OF SPECIES .............     Vol. 11, pp. 23-30

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Nov 25: Dekker's THE SHOEMAKER'S HOLIDAY

Cupid as a Shoemaker

We are indebted to Thomas Dekker for one of the most humorous
characters in all Elizabethan literature; namely, Simon Eyre, an
old shoemaker whose affairs became hilariously involved with
those of the gentry.

Read from Dekker's THE SHOEMAKER'S HOLIDAY .........    Vol. 47, pp. 469-483

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Nov 26: Lamb ON THE TRAGEDIES OF SHAKESPEARE

Shakespeare Should Be Heard

Charles Lamb, favorite essayist, thought that no stage could do
justice to Shakespeare's tragedies. He advocated reading the
plays, and with the imagination costuming the players and building
the gorgeous scenery in a way equaled by no scene painter
or costumer.

Read: Lamb ON THE TRAGEDIES OF SHAKESPEARE ..............    Vol. 27, pp. 299-310

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Nov 27: Sir Thomas More's UTOPIA

What Land is This?

In wondrous Utopia pearls and precious stones were used as
playthings for little children. Gold rings and bracelets were only
worn by outcasts, while great golden chains shackled criminals
and felons. When ambassadors from foreign lands came in fine
raiment, the Utopians treated the plainest dressed as the greatest;
the others seemed to them like children.

Read from Sir Thomas More's UTOPIA ...............    Vol. 36, pp. 191-204

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Nov 28: BLAKE'S POEMS

Poems Made from Visions

"To see a world in a grain of sand, and a heaven in a wild flower—"
Such was the exaltation of the mysticism of William Blake, who
reflected in his poetry the ecstasy of his visions. Simplicity is the
keynote of his genius.

Read: BLAKE'S POEMS ..........................    Vol. 41, pp. 583-592

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Nov 29: Hume's OF THE ORIGIN OF IDEAS

How Ideas Originate

Did you ever stop to think just how you thought? What inner
emotions, what outer influences make up the fathomless depths
of mind and intellect? Hume explains how we draw our
thoughts, then clumsily put them into tangible shape called ideas.

Read: Hume's OF THE ORIGIN OF IDEAS ...............     Vol. 37, pp. 299-303

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Nov 30: Swift's ESSAY ON CONVERSATION

"Don'ts" for Conversation

To harp on one's illnesses, giving all the symptoms and circumstances,
has been a blemish on conversation for ages. Two
hundred years ago Swift complained of persons who continually
talked about themselves.

Read: Swift's ESSAY ON CONVERSATION ..............      Vol. 27, pp. 91-98

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Dec 1: Berkeley's THREE DIALOGUES

Are Skeptics Faulty Thinkers?

Offhand we say a skeptic is one who doubts everything. But
does he? And are his doubts caused by too much learning, or too
little? Berkeley presents both sides of skepticism.

Read from Berkeley's THREE DIALOGUES .............     Vol. 37, pp. 189-199

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Dec 2: THE HOLY GRAIL

Practical Jokes in King Arthur's Day

Attacked in fun by two masked knights, Sir Galahad smote one
so that both horse and rider went down. Turning on the other
jester, he slashed open his helmet.

Read from THE HOLY GRAIL ................    Vol. 35, pp. 128-134

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Dec 3: THE BIRTH OF THE BUDDHA

Met the Gods of Ten Thousand Worlds

After three awesome messengers have issued three warnings, the
gods of ten thousand worlds decide who is to be the new Buddha.
Then the parents, the conception, the birth of the god-child demand
constant vigilance.

Read: THE BIRTH OF THE BUDDHA ...................   Vol. 45, pp. 603-612

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Dec 4: Virgil's AENEID

The Queen Weds a Poor Stranger

Aeneas and Dido, world-famous lovers, while hunting in the
forest, were trapped in a cave by a furious storm. There the
marriage between the proud African queen and the homeless
wanderer was completed.

Read from Virgil's AENEID ...................    Vol. 13, pp. 152-162

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Dec 5: CHRISTINA ROSSETTI'S POEMS

Poems by an Artist's Model

So beautiful that many painters sought her for a model—
Christina Rossetti, sister of the famous poet, Dante Rossetti, combined
with her unusual beauty a rare poetic sense.

Read: CHRISTINA ROSSETTI'S POEMS ....................    Vol. 42, pp. 1181-1183

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Dec 6: Addison's ESSAYS

Moralizing as a Seductive Art

"The Vision of Mirza" and "Westminster Abbey," first printed
in "The Spectator," are examples of Addison's wondrous gift
of expression. He leads us to higher realms.

Read: Addison's ESSAYS ......................    Vol. 27, pp. 73-80

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Dec 7: Plutarch's CICERO

What Cicero Least Expected

After being governor of Sicily, Cicero returned to Rome expecting
a hero's welcome. When he asked what the Romans thought
of his recent achievements, he received an astounding answer.

Read from Plutarch's CICERO ......................    Vol. 12, pp. 222-231

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Dec 8: LEVANA AND OUR LADIES OF SORROW

Dream Women Shaped His Destiny

De Quincy imagined that three women were sent to him so that
he might know the depths of his soul. Real women could not
have wielded greater influence. It is fortunate that everyone does
not meet these weird women.

Read: LEVANA AND OUR LADIES OF SORROW ................    Vol. 27, pp. 319-325

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Dec 9: THE FUGITIVE SLAVE ACT

Slavery's Last Stand

By the Fugitive Slave Act of 1850 stringent laws were made to
prevent assistance being given to any slaves attempting to escape.
The antislavery answer to these laws was a perfection of the
"Underground Railroad."

Read: THE FUGITIVE SLAVE ACT .....................    Vol. 43, pp. 306-312

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Dec 10: CELLINI'S AUTOBIOGRAPHY

Benvenuto Boasts of Gallantry

Taking offense at a soldier who made advances toward his
favorite lady, Cellini jumped from the window, knife in hand,
to avenge himself. This incident was recorded with characteristic
conceit by Cellini in his amazing diary.

Read from CELLINI'S AUTOBIOGRAPHY ...............   Vol. 31, pp. 62-72

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Dec 11: Plutarch's ALCIBIADES

The Most Dashing Figure in Athens

The handsome Alcibiades, cunning in politics, bold in war, was
the lion of Athenian society until he violated the secrets of a
mysterious religious cult. Then all outraged Athens united to
dash their idol to the ground.

Read from Plutarch's ALCIBIADES ...............    Vol. 12, pp. 106-117

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Dec 12: BROWNING'S POEMS

How the Glorious News was Carried to Aix

Three brave men began the heroic ride from Ghent to Aix. Only
one man arrived to tell the thrilling story of the tempestuous
ride. In one of his most bewitching poems, in lines that haunt
the memory, Browning retells the story.

Read: BROWNING'S POEMS ................     Vol. 42, pp. 1066-1068

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Dec 13: DRAKE'S VOYAGE ROUND THE WORLD

To the South Seas with the Gallant Drake

A famous voyage was Sir Francis Drake's around the world.
Drake's crew, the first white men to visit many parts of the
world, received amazing receptions from the natives.

Read from DRAKE'S VOYAGE ROUND THE WORLD ........    Vol. 33, pp. 199-208

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Dec 14: MARVELL'S POEMS

Pastoral Poems and Politics

The many-sided Marvell, who wielded a pen that was both
feared and courted, is seen at his best in stirring verse. "A
Garden," "Prospect of Flowers," with the "Horatian Ode upon
Cromwell," show the power of his genius.

Read: MARVELL'S POEMS ....................    Vol. 40, pp. 370-379

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Dec 15: Homer's ODYSSEY

Odysseus Talks with Ghosts

This is another of those marvelous and unforgetable tales of the
wandering Odysseus. The fantasy takes him into regions where
he discourses with deceased heroes.

Read from Homer's ODYSSEY ...................    Vol. 22, pp. 145-153

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Dec 16: Burke's THE SUBLIME AND BEAUTIFUL

Dec 17: CONFESSIONS OF ST. AUGUSTINE

Dies on the Eve of Her Son's Conversion

The mother of St. Augustine prayed unceasingly for her son's
conversion. The most touching, most soul-revealing writing St.
Augustine did is in the description of his mother's death.

Read from CONFESSIONS OF ST. AUGUSTINE ..........    Vol. 7, pp. 150-160

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Dec 18: SOME THOUGHTS CONCERNING EDUCATION

For a Gentleman

Every schoolboy asks: "What's the use of learning Latin?"
John Locke, one of the greatest educators of all time, maintains
that Latin is absolutely essential to a well-bred gentleman, and
explains why.

Read from SOME THOUGHTS CONCERNING EDUCATION ............   Vol. 37, pp. 136-145

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Dec 19: Milton's SAMSON AGONISTES

Samson Finds a Champion

The mighty Samson was blinded while a captive of the
Philistines. He sought revenge—a revenge devastating and cosdy.
Milton, himself a giant of intellect, blind and imprisoned, wrote
of this sightless giant of other days.

Read: Milton's SAMSON AGONISTES ................    Vol. 4, pp. 444-459

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Dec 20: Herodotus' AN ACCOUNT OF EGYPT

Egypt Visited by the First Reporter

All phases of life were pictured by Herodotus in his history.
Like a modern newspaper reporter, he combines weird stories,
scandals, and battle accounts with descriptions of places, persons,
and sights about town.

Read from Herodotus' AN ACCOUNT OF EGYPT ............    Vol. 33, pp. 7-17

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Dec 21: Bunyan's PILGRIM'S PROGRESS

"Madam Bubble" Not to Be Discouraged

"Madam Bubble," or this vain world, presented both herself and
her purse to the wayfarer. Repulsed and scorned, yet she serenely
flaunts her bribes enticingly before his bewildered eyes.

Read from Bunyan's PILGRIM'S PROGRESS .............    Vol. 15, pp. 306-318

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Dec 22: Darwin's VOYAGE OF THE BEAGLE

Rubbing Noses in New Zealand

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.

Read from Darwin's VOYAGE OF THE BEAGLE ...........    Vol. 29, pp. 425-434

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Dec 23: Sainte-Beuve's WHAT IS A CLASSIC?

Saved from a Bonfire of Books

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.

Read: Sainte-Beuve's WHAT IS A CLASSIC? ............    Vol. 32, pp. 121-133

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Dec 24: HOLINSHED'S CHRONICLES

Christmas Made a Dull Day

Before the Reformation in England almost every third day was
a holy day. But the Puritans abolished all the holy days, even
Christmas.

Read from HOLINSHED'S CHRONICLES ..........    Vol. 35, pp. 266-270

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Dec 25: GOSPEL OF ST. LUKE

The Christmas Story

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.

Read from the GOSPEL OF ST. LUKE ...........    Vol. 44, pp. 357-360

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Dec 26: Shakespeare's KING LEAR

Silence Cost Her a Kingdom

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.

Read from Shakespeare's KING LEAR ..........    Vol. 46, pp. 288-300

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Dec 27: Darwin's VOYAGE OF THE BEAGLE

Million-Year-Old Islands

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.

Read from Darwin's VOYAGE OF THE BEAGLE .........    Vol. 29, pp. 376-389

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Dec 28: DRAKE'S GREAT ARMADA

Ho! for the Spanish Main!

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.

Read from DRAKE'S GREAT ARMADA .............     Vol. 33, pp. 229-240

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Dec 29: Homer's ODYSSEY

These Guests Outstayed Their Welcome

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.

Read from Homer's ODYSSEY ......................     Vol. 22, pp. 296-309

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Dec 30: Dana's TWO YEARS BEFORE THE MAST

Dana Meets a Tattooed Sailor

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.

Read from Dana's Two YEARS BEFORE THE MAST ...............    Vol. 23, pp. 77-86

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Dec 31: Carlyle's INAUGURAL ADDRESS

Curiosity and Interest as Guides to Reading

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.

Read from Carlyle's INAUGURAL ADDRESS ............    Vol. 25, pp. 364-374