If it's true that many classic poems are treasures, then I've just discovered an entire treasure trove about which I formerly knew nothing!

Back in 1996 and 1997, UBS made an entire series of ads that, due to their opening text, became known as the Thoughts That Transcend Time series.

The ad series was the idea of marketing guru Neil French, who gives a behind-the-scenes look at this series on his site.

The concept was simple: Notable actors would recite classic poetry, with the ultimate goal of not only being entertaining and educational, but to give a timeless image to UBS and it's reputation for security and longevity, as well.

The poems featured were from William Ernest Henley, Frost, Shakespeare, Alfred, Lord Tennyson, R. L. Sharpe, Matthew Arnold, Ella Wheeler-Wilcox, Edgar Albert Guest, Shelley, Arthur Hugh Clough, Longfellow, Lao Tzu, Wang Zihuan, Walter D. Wintle, Yeats and Kipling. The actors who recited these works were Sir Alan Bates, Sir John Gielgud, Maggie Smith, Ben Kingsley, Paul Scofield, Ying Ruocheng and Harvey Keitel.

If you're trying to memorize poetry, this is a wonderful series in which to find pieces you may not have considered. Even better, if you're eventually going to perform them, this is a great way to find inspiration for presenting a piece, as well.

Remember some old favorite poems and maybe even discover some new ones by either watching them all below, or by viewing the playlist itself at YouTube. Enjoy!