Dive into the rich tapestry of human expression with The Library of the Worlds Best Literature, Ancient and Modern. This monumental collection aims to provide American households with a treasure trove of exceptional reading. Curated by dedicated editors, it spans 45 volumes—plus an index-guide—featuring the finest works from various eras and genres. Each chapter is not only a selection of poems, letters, and short stories but also includes insightful essays on the authors and themes presented. Explore diverse literary traditions, from Accadian-Babylonian tales to the enchanting world of the Holy Grail, alongside iconic figures such as Abelard, Dante, and Lord Byron. As Charles Dudley Warner aptly put it, this collection is designed not just as a reference library but as a delightful experience meant to be read. This seventeenth volume showcases chapters ranging from Greeley to Hawthorne. (Summary by Leni)