Autobiography of J.S. Mill & on Liberty; Characteristics, Inaugural Address at Edinburgh & Sir Walter Scott

The 51-volume set, initially published as the "Harvard Classics," features a curated selection of significant writings across literature, philosophy, history, and mythology. Compiled by Charles William Eliot, the longest-serving president of Harvard University, it embodies his vision that a comprehensive liberal education can be achieved through essential readings. Often referred to as "Dr. Eliot's Five Foot Shelf," this anthology aims to provide a foundational understanding of culture and thought within a compact collection.