Introductory Note: Thomas Babington Macaulay

Introductory note on Thomas Babington Macaulay (Volume 27, Harvard Classics)

Machiavelli, by Thomas Babington Macaulay

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. (Volume 27, Harvard Classics)

Thomas Babington Lord Macaulay born Oct. 25, 1800.

Introductory Note: Aeschylus

Introductory note on Aeschylus (Volume 8, Harvard Classics)

Agamemnon, by Aeschylus

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. (Volume 8, Harvard Classics)

Introductory Note: Plutarch

Introductory note on Plutarch (Volume 12, Harvard Classics)

Parallel Lives of Famous Greeks and Romans (Cæsar), by Plutarch

When only a boy, Cæsar 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. (Volume 12, Harvard Classics)

Introductory Note: William Makepeace Thackeray

Introductory note on William Makepeace Thackeray (Volume 28, Harvard Classics)

Jonathan Swift, by William Makepeace Thackeray

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. (Volume 28, Harvard Classics)

Introductory Note: Marcus Tullius Cicero

Introductory note on Marcus Tullius Cicero (Volume 9, Harvard Classics)

On Old Age, by Marcus Tullius Cicero

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. (Volume 9, Harvard Classics)