Gotthold Lessing (1729-81), playwright, critic, humanist philosopher and polemicist was a leading figure of the German enlightenment era. From his immense literary output two plays stand out - The Jews and Nathan the Wise - for the passion of the writing and the timeless urgency of the message. Though differing greatly in form and content, both plays are eloquent pleas for human beings to desist from mutual persecution on racial or religious grounds. The relevance of Lessing's thinking in ...

The original Harvard Classics Collection contains 51 volumes of the essential works of world literature, showing the progress of man from antics to modern age. In this edition, the original collection is supplemented with the 20 volume Harvard Shelf of Fiction, a selection of the greatest works of fiction.Content:The Harvard Classics:V. 1: Franklin, Woolman & PennV. 2: Plato, Epictetus & Marcus AureliusV. 3: Bacon, Milton, BrowneV. 4: John Milton

According to Greek mythology, Laocoon was a Trojan priest who, along with his two sons, offended the gods. As punishment, the three were strangled by sea serpents. The discovery in 1506 of an ancient Greek sculpture showing the three figures in their death agony not only gave rise to renewed interest in the classical period but also created repercussions in the art world. It was this work of art that German dramatist and critic Gotthold Lessing used as a point of reference for his essay

Nathan the Wise by Gotthold Ephraim Lessing is a profound philosophical drama that explores the ideals of religious tolerance, human compassion, and the shared values that unite humanity. Set in Jerusalem during the time of the Third Crusade, the play brings together characters from different faiths—Judaism, Christianity, and Islam—to deliver a timeless message about understanding, wisdom, and peaceful coexistence. At the center of the story is Nathan, a wise and compassionate Jewish me...

"Literary and Philosophical Essays: French, German and Italian" is a compelling anthology that brings together the profound thoughts of influential thinkers and writers from various European traditions. The collection features essays by notable figures such as Immanuel Kant, whose critical philosophy laid the groundwork for modern thought, and Gotthold Ephraim Lessing, a key figure in the German Enlightenment. Readers will also encounter the reflections of Giuseppe Mazzini, a passionate ad...

Nathan the Wise is a play published by Gotthold Ephraim Lessing. It is a passionate appeal for religious tolerance and accepting all fellow human beings.

The Harvard Classics Anthology is a sweeping compendium that encapsulates the profound diversity of literary styles and intellectual pursuits across centuries. Spanning drama, philosophy, poetry, and science, this collection offers a profound exploration of humanity's deepest questions and greatest achievements. Whether it's the enlightening dialogue of Socratic thought or the vivid imagery of Romantic poetry, the anthology showcases works of enduring importance, serving as a testament to ...

Contents: 1. Essays, by Michel Eyquem de Montaigne 2. Montaigne and What is a Classic?, by Charles Augustin Sainte-Beuve 3. The Poetry of the Celtic Races, by Ernest Renan 4. The Education of the Human Race, by Gotthold Ephraim Lessing 5. Letters upon the Aesthetic Education of Man, by Friedrich von Schiller 6. Fundamental Principles of the Metaphysic of Morals, by Immanuel Kant 7. Byron and Goethe, by Giuseppe Mazzini Also available: The Complete Harvard Classics Collection (51 Volumes + ...

Harvard's Classics Collection: Complete 71 Volumes encompasses an extensive array of literary works, stretching across centuries and diverse cultures. From the foundational philosophies of ancient Greeks like Plato and Euripides to Renaissance masterpieces by Dante and Shakespeare, and the Enlightenment's transformative ideas from thinkers like Immanuel Kant and Voltaire, this anthology captures the evolution of human thought and expression. The collection offers a thematic tapestry that i...

The 'Harvard Classics: All 71 Volumes' collection represents the pinnacle of literary anthologies, traversing the broad and rich landscape of human thought and creativity. Spanning various genres and styles, the compilation captures the profound diversities of intellectual discourse and artistic expression from antiquity to the nineteenth century. Among its highlights, readers will encounter philosophical treatises alongside poignant narratives, as timeless lyricism intermingles with scien...

Gotthold Ephraim Lessing (22 January 1729 15 February 1781) was a German writer, philosopher, dramatist, publicist, and art critic, and one of the most outstanding representatives of the Enlightenment era. His plays and theoretical writings substantially influenced the development of German literature. He is widely considered by theatre historians to be the first dramaturg. Lessing was a poet, philosopher and critic. His theoretical and critical writings are remarkable for their often witty ...

This captivating anthology, 'Literary and Philosophical Essays: French, German and Italian,' gathers a rich tapestry of thought-provoking works that traverse diverse literary styles and intellectual pursuits. The collection offers an intriguing blend of essays, philosophical treatises, and critical pieces that navigate the intricacies of human experience, morality, and society. Standout pieces explore the intersections of ethics and aesthetics, grapple with the tumultuous socio-political l...