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Passages for reading. Read them out aloud. Paraphrase or précis them. Discuss them with friends. Does anything surprise or impress you? How does the author work your feelings? Would you use his words? How would you direct the scene in a movie — and who would your stars be?

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On This Day

Sunday September 8 ns August 26 os

For Church feasts falling on September 8 in the New Style calendar, see The Feast of Nativity of the Virgin Mary and Finding of the Kursk icon.

August 26, 1395 os

Meeting of the ‘Vladimir’ Icon (1)

The Theotokos of Vladimir

It is one of the world’s most recognisable works of art, and a symbol of God’s blessing on all Christian Rus’.

September 8, 1380

The Battle of Kulikovo (1)

Dmitri of the Don

Grand Duke Dmitri of Moscow loosened the grip of the Tartar Horde on the people of Russia, but treachery robbed him of triumph.

by Lucy Cazalet 1870-1956

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International Relations

A Credit to His Country

The diplomat’s task is to see the best in other peoples, not to scold them for their failings.

by François de Callières 1645-1717

Lives of the Saints

The Synod of Whitby

In 664, a council at Whitby decided to align the traditions of the Northumbrian Church with those of Rome and Constantinople.

by John Richard Green 1837-1883

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Character and Conduct

Up Before the Bench

As a young prince Henry V was ‘fierce and of wanton courage,’ Thomas Elyot tells us, but there was one man with courage to match his.

by Thomas Elyot ?1490-1546

Lives of the Saints

Cuthbert and the Iron Grip

A boy goes bird-nesting in Cuthbert’s church, and finds himself all in a heap.

based on the account by Reginald of Durham ?-?1190

Extracts from Fiction

An Unlikely Heroine

When she was ten, Catherine Morland showed none of the qualities needed to impress the ladies who read romantic fiction.

by Jane Austen 1775-1817

French History

Mathieu Martinel and the Fireworks

A firework display in Paris turned to tragedy in the narrow streets of the capital.

based on an account by Charlotte Yonge 1823-1901

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Selected Authors

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W. Somerset Maugham

The Lessons of Empire

A. G. Gardiner

The Letter of the Law

Edmund Burke

A Dereliction of Duty

John Stuart Mill

The Decencies of Debate

William Ewart Gladstone

The Din of Diplomacy

Arthur Wellesley, Duke of Wellington

Trunk and Disorderly

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Selected Topics

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Myths and Legends

Stories of wisdom, wonder and imagination from the Fables of Aesop and the epics of Homer to the folklore of India, Japan, Russia and Britain.

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Sport and Sportsmen

Stories from the world of cricket, football and other sports, and the men and women who have played them.

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Liberty and Prosperity

Stories from Britain and elsewhere confirming the social and economic benefits of keeping Governments and their cronies out of the trade and business of ordinary people.

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India

Stories from the ancient and mighty civilisation of India, from classical mythology to the Mughal Emperors, the East India Company and the British Raj.

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International Relations

Britain has always demanded respect, open seas, and to be left in peace to ‘work out our own salvation’ — a courtesy we should extend to others.

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Animal Stories

Fables and true tales about animals, including a dog who regularly commuted to Matlock, a horse who didn’t approve of bad language, and a cat who saved her owners from an earthquake.

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The Copy Book

Readings in history, society and literature

The Copy Book

Readings in history, society and literature