The earliest of the world's great buildings, and in some respects the most remarkable of them all, is the Great Temple of Karnak, at Thebes, in lower Egypt, built about 1600 b. c.
Introductory papers should describe the country and its rulers, its development and religion. Speak especially of the power of the monarchs and the nation of slaves. Show pictures of pyramids, obelisks, gates and temples. Speak of Thebes, described by Homer as "hundred-gated." Compare with Memphis.
Then follow with one paper on the great ruins on the left bank of the Nile at Thebes, and read Shelley's sonnet on the fallen Colossus there. Crossing to the right bank, describe the ruins at Luxor, and so come to the vast and overwhelming Temple of Karnak itself.
Note the avenue of sphinxes, the forest of columns which led to the river bank, the huge fallen capitals, on each of which a hundred men can stand. Give some idea of the immensity of the Hall and what it must have been like when the roof was on, and the whole area of two hundred and seventy acres was in its perfection. Read the description by Amelia B. Edwards in "Turrets, Towers and Temples."
II—THE PARTHENON AND THE ACROPOLIS
To realize the beauty and value of the Parthenon at Athens, clubs must first study the history of Greece from the time of Themistocles and the Persian wars, through the rule of Aristides and Cimon when, it is believed, the building of the Parthenon was begun. The Age of Pericles, when art was at its height, needs two or more meetings; it was then that the temple was finished.
A good picture of the Acropolis at Athens should be shown to keep the buildings distinct; the one in Lefevre's book is excellent. Read the description of a procession to the temple by John Addington Symonds, in "Sketches in Italy."
One paper should discuss the architecture of the Parthenon; another should mention the sculptures and paintings; a third may give its later history, noting that while it was intact until 1687 its history from that time has been one of destruction. Mention the injuries done by collectors, especially Morosini and Lord Elgin. What of the ethics of the removal of the sculptures? Close with a descriptive reading on the Parthenon as it is to-day.
Studies of other Grecian temples will be found in the "Isles and Shrines of Greece," by S. J. Barrows (Little, Brown & Co.).
There is a remarkable little collection of poems called "The Englishman in Greece" (Clarendon Press) which will give delightful material for illustrating this program with verse from famous writers.