This volume gathers classic visions of the ideal state, from Plutarch's sober portrait of Sparta to the satirical "other worlds" of later Renaissance writers. Framed by Henry Morley's introduction, it traces the tradition of political imagination from Plato through Lycurgus, Thomas More, Francis Bacon, Tommaso Campanella, and Joseph Hall, linking virtue, governance, reform, and wit in a single conversation about the better commonwealth. Plutarch's Life of Lycurgus presents the legendary Sp...

Recitation with dramatic energy by men whose business it was to travel from one great house to another and delight the people by the way, was usual among us from the first. The scop invented and the glee-man recited heroic legends and other tales to our Anglo-Saxon forefathers. These were followed by the minstrels and other tellers of tales written for the people. They frequented fairs and merrymakings, spreading the knowledge not only of tales in prose or ballad form, but of appeals also to ...

This volume of "Mediæval Tales" is in four parts, containing severally, (1) Turpin's "History of Charles the Great and Orlando," which is an old source of Charlemagne romance; (2) Spanish Ballads, relating chiefly to the romance of Charlemagne, these being taken from the spirited translations of Spanish ballads published in 1823 by John Gibson Lockhart; (3) a selection of stories from the "Gesta Romanorum;" and (4) the old translation of the original story of Faustus, on which Marlowe foun...

This volume of "Mediæval Tales" is in four parts, containing severally, (1) Turpin's "History of Charles the Great and Orlando," which is an old source of Charlemagne romance; (2) Spanish Ballads, relating chiefly to the romance of Charlemagne, these being taken from the spirited translations of Spanish ballads published in 1823 by John Gibson Lockhart; (3) a selection of stories from the "Gesta Romanorum;" and (4) the old translation of the original story of Faustus, on which Marlowe foun...

The stories in "Mediaeval Tales" may include famous works from medieval literature, such as Arthurian legends, tales of chivalry, courtly love, and morality stories. Morley's editorial contributions likely include introductions, annotations, and contextual information to help modern readers understand and appreciate these ancient narratives.Overall, "Mediaeval Tales" serves as a valuable resource for those interested in medieval literature, providing a curated selection of stories that off...

"Ideal Commonwealths" by Henry Morley is a thought-provoking exploration of utopian visions, societal structures, governance models, and ethical frameworks. Through an in-depth analysis of utopian literature, Morley delves into the philosophical inquiries and speculative fiction that have shaped our understanding of ideal societies throughout history. From Thomas More's groundbreaking work "Utopia" to Plato's Republic, Morley meticulously examines the intellectual rigor and scholarly analy...

The Battle of the Books is the name of a short satire written by Jonathan Swift and published as part of the prolegomena to his A Tale of a Tub in 1704. It depicts a literal battle between books in the King's Library (housed in St. James's Palace at the time of the writing), as ideas and authors struggle for supremacy. Because of the satire, "The Battle of the Books" has become a term for the Quarrel of the Ancients and the Moderns. Excerpted from Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.TABLE OF ...

"Burlesque Plays and Poems" is a captivating anthology that showcases the vibrant and satirical art form of burlesque, presenting a collection of plays and poems that cleverly blend humor and critical commentary. The literary style is marked by wit and exuberance, reflecting the social and political climates of various eras while challenging societal norms through parody. With roots tracing back to the 19th century, these works echo the evolution of burlesque, illuminating its capacity as ...

In "My Beautiful Lady. Nelly Dale," Thomas Woolner presents a captivating narrative infused with romantic idealism and Victorian sensibilities. The poem explores themes of beauty and longing, utilizing vivid imagery and lyrical language to convey the complexity of emotional devotion. Woolner'Äôs use of rich symbolism combined with a rhythmic cadence reflects the influences of the Pre-Raphaelite movement, with which he was associated, creating an intimate portrayal of Nelly Dale that resona...

Thirty-five years ago I made a voyage to the Arctic Seas in what Chaucer call

William Beckford was an English writer best known for the classic Gothic novel The History of the Caliph Vathek. This edition includes a table of contents.

In "Sir Thomas More, or, Colloquies on the Progress and Prospects of Society," Robert Southey presents a thoughtful exploration of social, political, and philosophical ideas through a series of dialogues inspired by the Renaissance humanist Sir Thomas More. The book combines a narrative style rich in poetics with a critical engagement of contemporary issues such as social equity, justice, and moral responsibility. Southey, known for his romantic language and vivid imagery, intricately weav...