|
|
|||
|
||||
OverviewOf public diversions they have but one sort, and in all their meetings the same is still exhibited. Young men, such as make it their pastime, fling themselves naked and dance amongst sharp swords and the deadly points of javelins. From habit they acquire their skill, and from their skill a graceful manner; yet from hence drawn no gain or hire: though this adventurous gaiety has its reward, namely, that of pleasing the spectators. -from Germany, by Tacitus The preeminent American educator of the 19th century, CHARLES WILLIAM ELIOT (1834-1926) believed that a sound liberal education could be achieved not through textbooks but by exploring firsthand the great books and great ideas of Western civilization. (Eliot knew a good education when he saw one: during his time as president of Harvard University, from 1869 till 1909, he transformed the school from a regional college to the preeminent educational institution in the United States.) In this 1909 collection-part of his 50-volume Harvard Classics, his dream library at the foundation of enlightened scholarship-Eliot gathers essential writings of ethnography and exploration. In their own voices, hear: .Herodotus, the father of story-tellers, on the gods of ancient Egypt .Tacitus, in the front rank of ancient historians, on the Teutonic tribes of the Roman era .Sir Francis Drake, the greatest of the naval adventurers of England of the time of Elizabeth, relates his historic 16th-century journey around the Straits of Magellan .Sir Walter Raleigh, courtier and statesman, soldier and sailor, scientist and man of letters, tells of his 1594 discovery of Guiana .and others. Full Product DetailsAuthor: Charles W EliotPublisher: Kessinger Publishing Imprint: Kessinger Publishing Dimensions: Width: 15.20cm , Height: 2.50cm , Length: 22.90cm Weight: 0.753kg ISBN: 9781432619572ISBN 10: 1432619578 Pages: 400 Publication Date: 01 January 2004 Audience: General/trade , General Format: Hardback Publisher's Status: Active Availability: In Print This item will be ordered in for you from one of our suppliers. Upon receipt, we will promptly dispatch it out to you. For in store availability, please contact us. Table of ContentsReviewsAuthor InformationTab Content 6Author Website:Countries AvailableAll regions |