The Copybook

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

193

By an anonymous artist of the British school, via Dulwich Picture Gallery and Wikimedia Commons. Licence: public domain.

Let Us Kiss and Part Michael Drayton

Michael Drayton’s lady friend breaks up with him, and really it’s a relief, absolutely the best thing to do. Unless...

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194

By an anonymous photographer, via Wikimedia Commons. Licence: Public domain.

The Rochdale Pioneers Isa Nicholson

In 1843, a group of working men gathered in Rochdale to discuss how to ease the cost of living for their families, and the Co-op was born.

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195

© BigBrotherMouse, Wikimedia Commons. Licence: CC BY-SA 3.0.

The Fisherman’s Net Clay Lane

A little fable from ancient Greece about those political activists who make a living from stirring up controversy.

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196

By Dip Chand, via Wikimedia Commons. Licence: Public domain.

A Conflict of Interest Adam Smith

Economist Adam Smith warned that when Western commercial interests get involved in policy-making abroad, war and want are sure to follow.

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197

By Emilio Longoni (1859-1932), via Wikimedia Commons. Licence: Public domain.

Powder Keg Henry Kingsley

Overwhelmed by a London wedding, William Marston seeks safety in the company of a children’s nurse, but safety is not what he finds.

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198

© John Fielding, Wikimedia Commons. Licence: CC BY-SA 2.0.

Unsuitable for Export Mandell Creighton

Our peculiar brand of democracy and liberty is a noble thing, but we should be wary of recommending it to other countries.

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