The Best of the World's Classics, Restricted to prose. Volume III (of X) - Great Britain and Ireland I

"The Best of the World's Classics, Restricted to Prose, Volume III" edited by Henry Cabot Lodge is a collection of prose works from notable British and Irish authors, spanning from the late 13th to mid-18th century. This anthology features writings from influential literary figures such as Richard de Bury, Sir John Mandeville, Chaucer, Shakespeare, and many others, showcasing a variety of themes from philosophy to travel, morality, and reflections on society. The compilation serves as an exploration of the literary heritage and cultural evolution during this significant time period in English literature. The opening of this volume introduces several key authors and selections from their works, beginning with Richard de Bury's "In Praise of Books," which eloquently extols the value of knowledge and the transformative power of literature. It continues with excerpts from Sir John Mandeville’s travel accounts, providing insights into various cultures and places of the medieval world. Following these are contributions from literary luminaries like Chaucer and Shakespeare, which highlight moral reflections and societal critiques that resonate through history. Notably, the text establishes a foundation for understanding the progression of thought and literary style from the medieval to the early modern period, laying the groundwork for the diverse range of prose to follow in subsequent chapters of this anthology.