Library of the World's Best Literature, Ancient and Modern — Volume 03

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

13028

Title

Library of the World's Best Literature, Ancient and Modern — Volume 03

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

This volume presents a curated collection of the world's best literature, featuring essays by Francis Bacon, historical accounts of King Philip's War and New Netherland by George Bancroft, and excerpts from Charles Dudley Warner's critique of reading habits. It offers a diverse range of voices from ancient philosophers to 19th-century novelists, blending moral instruction with historical narrative and literary criticism.

Summary up to 500 words

Volume III of the Library of the World's Best Literature, Ancient and Modern offers a sweeping panorama of human thought, spanning from ancient spiritual reflections to modern social critiques. The collection opens with Berthold Auerbach's poignant tales of court life and maternal devotion, setting a tone that balances the mundane with the profound. It proceeds to Émile Augier's sharp social observations and St. Augustine's deep spiritual meditations on repentance and the nature of the city versus God. Marcus Aurelius contributes stoic reflections on duty, while Jane Austen provides incisive insights into marriage, family dynamics, and the complexities of social standing. The volume also embraces diverse global perspectives, featuring Avestan prayers and Avicebron's metaphysical inquiries on matter and form. Literary and historical narratives continue with Robert Aytoun's Scottish ballads, Massimo Taparelli's memoirs, and Babrius's enduring fables that illustrate universal moral lessons. Francis Bacon challenges readers to examine their intellects through essays on truth and friendship, while Walter Bagehot critiques the sterility of modern literature and the dangers of excessive, undigested information. Philosophical and poetic reflections on life's transience are offered by Jens Baggesen and Philip James Bailey, alongside Joanna Baillie's raw songs capturing the emotions of poverty and love. Historical accounts are vividly presented through Henry Martyn Baird's retelling of the Battle of Ivry and George Bancroft's detailed history of the United States, covering King Philip's War, the Dutch colony of New Netherland, and Benjamin Franklin's scientific and moral character. Sir Samuel White Baker's hunting narratives provide a glimpse into African exploration, and Arthur James Balfour discusses the enduring pleasures of reading. Through these varied texts, the volume examines themes of curiosity, the nature of knowledge, religious tolerance, and the enduring power of literature to shape society, asserting that a keen interest in facts and history enriches rather than enfeebles the mind.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

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Categories

• Literature