The "Harvard Classics," also known as "Dr. Eliot's Five Foot Shelf," is a 51-volume anthology of classic works from world literature, philosophy, and history. Compiled by Charles W. Eliot and first published in the early 20th century, it aims to provide a comprehensive education through essential texts. The collection includes works from notable authors such as Homer, Shakespeare, and Plato, covering a wide range of subjects. It was designed to be accessible to the general public, promoting the idea that anyone could achieve a liberal education by reading these foundational texts.