The Harvard Classics, also known as Dr. Eliot's Five Foot Shelf, is a collection of 51 volumes of literature, philosophy, history, science and religion that was published in 1909. The collection was conceived by Charles W. Eliot, the president of Harvard University, who wanted to provide a liberal education for anyone who had access to a library or a bookshelf. He claimed that anyone who read and understood these books would have "the essentials of a liberal education".
The Harvard Classics were popular for several reasons. First, they represented a comprehensive and authoritative selection of the best works of Western civilization, spanning from ancient Greece to modern times. They covered a wide range of topics and disciplines, such as poetry, drama, fiction, essays, speeches, letters, biographies, histories, scientific treatises and religious texts. They also included some works from non-Western cultures, such as the Arabian Nights and the Analects of Confucius.
Second, they were affordable and accessible to the general public. The original price of the set was $99, which was equivalent to about $2,800 in 2020. However, the publisher also offered installment plans and discounts for students and teachers. The books were also widely available in libraries and schools across the country. Many people who could not afford to buy the set borrowed or read them in public places.
Third, they were influential and inspiring for many readers. The Harvard Classics were seen as a source of cultural capital and intellectual prestige. They were also regarded as a means of self-improvement and lifelong learning. Many readers reported that reading the Harvard Classics enriched their minds, broadened their horizons and stimulated their curiosity. Some famous readers of the Harvard Classics include Franklin D. Roosevelt, Martin Luther King Jr., Malcolm X and Bill Gates.
The Harvard Classics are still relevant and valuable today. They offer a glimpse into the history of human thought and creativity. They also challenge us to think critically and creatively about our own culture and values. They invite us to engage with diverse perspectives and traditions that have shaped our world. They remind us that there is more to learn and explore than what we encounter in our daily lives.