The Whole Five Feet

The Whole Five Feet
Author: Christopher R. Beha
Publisher: Open Road + Grove/Atlantic
Total Pages: 288
Release: 2010-05-11
Genre: Literary Criticism
ISBN: 0802199909

This unique memoir of reading the classics to find strength and wisdom “makes an elegant case for literature as an everyday companion” (The New York Times Book Review). While undergoing a series of personal and family crises, Christopher R. Beha discovered that his grandmother had used the Harvard Classics—the renowned “five foot shelf” of great world literature compiled in the early twentieth century by Charles William Eliot—to educate herself during the Great Depression. He decided to follow her example and turn to this series of great books for answers—and recounts the experience here in a smart, big-hearted, and inspirational mix of memoir and intellectual excursion that “deftly illustrates how books can save one’s life” (Helen Schulman). “As he grapples with the death of his beloved grandmother, a debilitating bout with Lyme disease and other major and minor calamities, Beha finds that writers as diverse as Wordsworth, Pascal, Kant and Mill had been there before, and that the results of their struggles to find meaning in life could inform his own.” —The Seattle Times “An important book [and] a sheer blast to read.” —Heidi Julavits

Harvard on the Beach

Harvard on the Beach
Author: Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
Publisher: Good Press
Total Pages: 24737
Release: 2023-12-18
Genre: Literary Criticism
ISBN:

Harvard on the Beach' is a remarkable anthology that stands as a testament to the astounding breadth of human thought, creativity, and literary expression. This collection brings together an unparalleled assembly of works by some of the most influential figures in Western literature and philosophy. From the Enlightenment to Romanticism, from classical antiquity to the dawn of modern science, the range of literary styles and thematic explorations is as diverse as it is significant. The inclusion of seminal pieces from such varied disciplines emphasizes the interconnectedness of human inquiry, shedding light on the universal themes that have preoccupied thinkers across millennia. This anthology is remarkable not only for its scholarly breadth but also for assembling texts that reflect pivotal moments in the intellectual history of the West. The contributing authors and editors, each a titan in their respective fields, collectively offer a rich tapestry of cultural, philosophical, and literary movements. Figures like Johann Wolfgang von Goethe and John Stuart Mill represent the pinnacle of literary and philosophical achievements in their cultures, while the inclusion of Dante, Plato, and Cicero bridges the gap between ancient wisdom and modern thought. The diversity of these contributors, encompassing poets, philosophers, scientists, and playwrights, provides a nuanced exploration of themes such as morality, beauty, political governance, and the nature of human understanding. Their collective works, aligned with key historical and cultural movements, facilitate a deeper appreciation for the undercurrents that have shaped Western thought. 'Harvard on the Beach' is an invitation to readers seeking to immerse themselves in the richness of human intellect and artistry. Through its pages, one will traverse the expanse of human history and philosophy, engaging with the minds that have shaped our current worldview. It offers an unparalleled educational journey, fostering a deeper understanding of the complex tapestry of human thought and cultural contributions. For anyone looking to broaden their perspective on the myriad ways in which the human condition has been examined and articulated, this anthology serves as an essential compass guiding through the ages of intellectual exploration.

Antonia

Antonia
Author: George Sand
Publisher: DigiCat
Total Pages: 237
Release: 2022-06-13
Genre: Fiction
ISBN:

The time was the month of April, 1785, and the place Paris, where the spring that year was a genuine spring. The garden was in holiday attire, the greensward was studded with marguerites, the birds were singing, and the lilacs grew so straight and so close to Julien's window, that their fragrant clusters actually entered his room and strewed the white tiled floor of his studio with their little violet crosses. Julien Thierry was a painter of flowers, like his father André Thierry, renowned under Louis XV. in the art of decorating spaces over doors, dining-room panels and boudoir ceilings. Those dainty ornaments became, under his skilful hands, objects of genuine, serious art, so that the artisan had became an artist, highly esteemed by people of taste, handsomely paid, and a person of much consideration in society. Julien, his pupil, had confined himself to painting on canvas. The fashion of his time frowned upon the fanciful and charming decorations of the Pompadour style. The Louis XVI. style was more severe; flowers were no longer strewn upon walls and ceilings, but were framed. Julien, then, painted flower and fruit pieces of the Mignon variety, mother-of-pearl shells, multi-colored butterflies, green lizards and drops of dew. He had much talent, he was handsome, he was twenty-four years old, and his father had left him nothing but debts.

Seven Legends

Seven Legends
Author: Gottfried Keller
Publisher: DigiCat
Total Pages: 92
Release: 2022-07-31
Genre: Fiction
ISBN:

DigiCat Publishing presents to you this special edition of "Seven Legends" by Gottfried Keller. DigiCat Publishing considers every written word to be a legacy of humankind. Every DigiCat book has been carefully reproduced for republishing in a new modern format. The books are available in print, as well as ebooks. DigiCat hopes you will treat this work with the acknowledgment and passion it deserves as a classic of world literature.

The Complete Harvard Anthology of the Greatest Works of World Literature

The Complete Harvard Anthology of the Greatest Works of World Literature
Author: Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
Publisher: Good Press
Total Pages: 24734
Release: 2023-12-17
Genre: Literary Criticism
ISBN:

The Complete Harvard Anthology of the Greatest Works of World Literature stands as a monumental contribution to the global literary canon, showcasing an unparalleled assembly of works across diverse genres, cultures, and epochs. This anthology traverses the full spectrum of literary artistry, from the philosophical dialogues of Plato and the tragedies of Aeschylus to the seminal novels of Miguel de Cervantes and the revolutionary scientific treatises by Charles Darwin. The collection not merely catalogs literary masterpieces but also endeavors to reveal the interconnectedness of human thought and culture, underlining standout contributions from fields as varied as literature, philosophy, and the natural sciences. The array of literary styles and thematic concerns represented here promises a rich tapestry of human experience and intellectual pursuit, capturing the essence of human creativity and inquiry throughout the ages. The contributing authors and editors of The Complete Harvard Anthology are not only titans in their respective fields but also emblematic of the historical and cultural contexts from which they emerged. From ancient philosophers like Marcus Aurelius to Renaissance polymaths like Leonardo da Vinci, and onward to Enlightenment thinkers such as Adam Smith and Romantic poets like Percy Bysshe Shelley, this anthology encapsulates a multitude of perspectives that have shaped human history and thought. The diverse backgrounds of these contributors ensure that the collection stands as a testament to the myriad ways in which the human condition and the quest for knowledge have been articulated across time and space, fostering an understanding of the intricate tapestry of global cultural and literary movements. This anthology is an indispensable treasure for any reader eager to embark on an expansive journey through the annals of world literature. It opens up a unique opportunity to engage with the thoughts, dreams, and imaginations of humanity's greatest minds, offering an educational experience that transcends mere literary enjoyment. Readers are invited to explore the depth and breadth of insights presented, encouraging a dialogue between the myriad voices and perspectives encapsulated within. For scholars, students, and enthusiasts alike, The Complete Harvard Anthology of the Greatest Works of World Literature is not just a collection of writings but a gateway to the world's intellectual heritage, promising an enriching exploration of the human spirit encapsulated in the written word.

The Marquis de Villemer

The Marquis de Villemer
Author: George Sand
Publisher: DigiCat
Total Pages: 248
Release: 2022-07-21
Genre: Fiction
ISBN:

'The Marquis de Villemer' is a novel written by George Sand, one of the most popular writers in Europe in her lifetime, being more renowned than both Victor Hugo and Honoré de Balzac in England in the 1830s and 1840s. Though the book is entitled The Marquis de Villemer, it is primarily told from the perspective of the Marchioness, Caroline, who was the daughter of a gentleman of Lower Brittany, settled in the neighborhood of Blois, and of a Mlle de Grajac, a native of Velay. Caroline hardly knew her mother. Madame de Saint-Geneix died the third year of her marriage after giving birth to Camille, having exacted a promise from Justine Lanion to spend several years with the motherless children.