Clay Lane

The Copy Book

A Library of History and Literature in English

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73

Excess Postage

Rowland Hill calculated that a lower, flatter rate of postage would not only make the public better off and better read, but increase the Revenue.

74

Émilie’s Plan

The night before the Comte de Lavalette was to be executed, his wife Émilie came to visit him with a proposal that left him speechless.

75

Dancing in the Dock

The fandango is Spain’s most alluring national dance, and the story goes that even the most solemn clergyman could not resist it.

76

How the Pepyses Kept Twelfth Day

In the family of Samuel Pepys, the Feast of the Epiphany was kept with music, cake and quaint traditions.

77

The Great Brassey Keeps his Word

Once railway engineer Thomas Brassey made a promise he kept it — even if he wasn’t aware that he’d made one.

78

Who Can Refute a Sneer?

Clever people have realised that it is easier to get people on your side by mockery than by persuasion.