The Harvard Classics, also known as Dr. Eliot's Five Foot Shelf, is a 51-volume anthology of classic works from world literature, compiled and edited by Charles W. Eliot, then president of Harvard University. The collection was first published in 1909 and has since become a staple of classical education, with its wide-ranging selection of texts from various time periods, cultures, and disciplines.
The Harvard Classics covers a wide range of subjects, including literature, history, philosophy, science, and religion. Some of the notable works included in the collection are Plato's "Republic," Dante's "Divine Comedy," Shakespeare's plays, and the King James Version of the Bible. In addition to these well-known texts, the collection also includes lesser-known works, such as the "Kama Sutra" and the "Analects" of Confucius.
One of the defining features of the Harvard Classics is its focus on Western literature and thought. While the collection includes works from non-Western cultures, such as the "Kama Sutra" and the "Analects," the majority of the texts are from Europe and the Americas. This focus on Western literature has led some critics to argue that the collection is Eurocentric and fails to adequately represent the diversity of global literature.
Despite these criticisms, the Harvard Classics remains a highly influential and widely respected collection of classic works. Its comprehensive selection of texts has made it a valuable resource for students and scholars alike, providing a broad overview of the major ideas and cultural achievements of the Western world. In addition to its educational value, the Harvard Classics has also been praised for its beautiful design and high-quality printing, making it a visually appealing and durable reference for anyone interested in classical literature.
In conclusion, the Harvard Classics is a comprehensive collection of classic works from world literature, compiled and edited by Charles W. Eliot, then president of Harvard University. While it has been criticized for its focus on Western literature, it remains a highly respected and influential anthology, providing a valuable resource for students and scholars of classical literature.