The Copybook

Short passages for reading, drawn from history, legend, poetry and fiction.

679

By Tomhannen, Wikimedia Commons. Licence: Public domain.

On Top of the World Dr Maria Montessori

Maria Montessori takes some of her pupils up onto a roof terrace, and witnesses a eureka moment.

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680

By Sir John Gilbert (1817-1897), Wikimedia Commons. Licence: Public domain.

Leading from the Front Thomas Elmham

Henry V’s chaplain Thomas Elmham, an eyewitness of the battle of Agincourt, gave us this account of the King in the moments before the fighting began.

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681

From the Passion of St Edmund, via Wikimedia Commons. Licence: Public domain.

The Martyrdom of St Edmund the King Elfric of Eynsham

Edmund, King of the East Angles, is given a stark choice by the Viking warrior who has ravaged his realm.

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682

From the Utrecht Psalter, via Wikimedia Commons. Licence: Public domain.

Gifts of the Spirit Cynewulf

Anglo-Saxon poet Cynewulf reminds us that God’s gifts to men are many and varied, and nobody ever gets them all.

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683

From Wikimedia Commons. Licence: Public domain.

Stale and Hearty Peter of Blois

Archdeacon and diplomat Peter of Blois was a frequent guest at the laden tables of King Henry II, but he had little appetite for the fare on offer.

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684

By Nicholas Roerich (1874-1947), Wikimedia Commons. Licence: Public domain.

The Voyage of Sigurd The Saga of Edward the Confessor

Back in the eleventh century English refugees founded New York, but it wasn’t in North America.

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