The Harvard Classics, edited with care by Dr. Eliot, represents an extraordinary and ambitious endeavor to assemble a comprehensive, instructional anthology of the cornerstone works of literature, science, and philosophy. Spanning 71 volumes, this meticulously edited collection encompasses an array of influential authors, from Franklin to Goethe, and monumental texts, such as 'The Origin of Species,' 'The Divine Comedy,' and 'The Wealth of Nations.' It reflects an eclectic aesthetic, blending the classical with the modern, and poetic with scientific, all chosen under the premise of an ideal liberal education. This scholarly compilation is presented in various literary styles, enveloping readers in the richness of human thought and accomplishment within its historical and literary context. Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, whose works feature in Volumes 19 and 14 & 15, is emblematic of the collection's breadth. Goethe's canonical status as a literary genius, coupled with his far-reaching interests that spanned from natural science to politics, underscores the intellectual rigor and curiosity that the collection aims to inspire. His inclusion is both a tribute to his profound impact on literature and an encouragement to readers to engage deeply with the myriad ideas presented throughout the volumes. This seminal collection is recommended for readers avid for enlightenment, for those who wish to stand on the shoulders of giants. It serves not only as a repository of knowledge but also as an unparalleled guide through the intellectual heritage of the Western world. Libraries and individual scholars alike will find 'The Harvard Classics' an invaluable resource, bridging the past and present, and fostering a continual dialogue with the greatest minds that have ever written. Goethe's contributions within it add further resonance to this bastion of wisdom, which beckons to all who seek to expand the horizons of their understanding.