The Knickerbocker, Vol. 10, No. 3, September 1837

This essay opens with a thoughtful meditation on why the works of ancient Greece and Rome continue to command respect across the ages. It highlights the timeless appeal of Plato, Homer, Cicero and their peers, noting how poetry and eloquence speak to both civilized and “savage” ears alike. By framing these classics as the enduring pillars of cultural memory, the piece sets a scholarly tone that invites listeners to contemplate the very roots of Western thought.

Turning northward, the discussion shifts to the relatively unexplored world of Scandinavian literature, from the Eddas to the historical sagas of Norway, Sweden, Denmark and Iceland. The author sketches the unique character of these texts—poems on parchment, saga narratives of voyages to Vinland, and the grit of a people whose written tradition began centuries later than that of the Greeks. Listeners are offered a concise yet vivid portrait of how these northern treasures complement and contrast the classical canon, promising an enriching glimpse into a lesser‑known literary heritage.