Short passages for reading, drawn from history, legend, poetry and fiction.
© Clément Bardot, Wikimedia Commons. Licence: CC BY-SA 4.0.
In 1585, English merchant Ralph Fitch found himself at the heart of Mughal India, as a guest at the court of Emperor Akbar the Great.
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By Rudolf Lehmann (1819–1905), via the National Portrait Gallery and Wikimedia Commons. Licence: ? Public domain.
Sir Richard Steele reflects on the ingredients in his recipe for the perfect English gentleman.
© Jebulon, Geograph. Licence: CC BY-SA 2.0.
Some panicky Pigeons agree to let the Kite rule their dovecote, so long as he promises not to take advantage of his position.
© Basher Eyre, Geograph. Licence: CC BY-SA 2.0.
Snorro Sturluson records some of the miracles attributed to Olaf II, King of Norway, after Englishman Bishop Grimkell declared him a saint.
Via Wikimedia Commons. Licence: Public domain.
The Israelites crossed over into the Land of Promise, only to find their progress barred by the well-fortified city of Jericho.
By Walter Holmes Sullivan (1836-1908), via Wikimedia Commons. Licence: Public domain.
Frederick Ponsonby’s involvement in the Battle of Waterloo began early, and it seemed to him that it went on for ever.