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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

Counsel’s Duty to his Client

When King George IV tried to divorce Queen Caroline with maximum embarrassment, her barrister warned that two could play at that game.

by Henry Brougham, 1st Baron Brougham and Vaux 1778-1868

Mediaeval History

The Wars of the Roses

A struggle between rival Royal Houses begins in 1455, after questions are raised about King Henry VI’s capacity to rule.

Lives of the Saints

King Alfred and the Beggar

An everyday act of charity triggered off a series of extraordinary events.

based on the ‘Historia de Sancto Cuthberto’ 11th century

Greek Myths

Scylla and Charybdis

After safely negotiating the alluring Sirens, Odysseus and his crew must now decide which of Scylla and Charybdis would do the least damage.

by Homer 8th century BC

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Selected Authors

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Sir Richard Steele

Jibe and Joke

Sir Charles Villiers Stanford

Lion Hunting in Heidelberg

Joseph Addison

Sweet Counsel

Abraham Lincoln

‘If They Can Stand It I Can’

Karl Philipp Moritz

Roof Riders

William Cullen Bryant

Statesman vs Politician

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Music and Musicians

The artistic struggles and triumphs of composers from the British Isles and abroad, many in their own words — and accompanied by their music.

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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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Character and Conduct

Stories illustrating noble deeds in matters both great and small, such as the noble gesture of Sir Philip Sidney, and the determination of Benjamin Disraeli.

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Abolition of Slavery

Heart-breaking tales of slavery, in which Britain played a shameful part; and heart-warming tales of Abolition, in which she played a courageous one.

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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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Railways

Stories about the British transport revolution that changed the world, from the first locomotive and the first whistle to Flying Scotsman.

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The Copy Book

Readings in history, society and literature

The Copy Book

Readings in history, society and literature