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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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Education

The Facts Factory

Mr Gradgrind and a Government expert on education make sure that the children of Coketown have the right opinions about everything.

by Charles Dickens 1812-1870

The Second World War

The Bishop’s Gambit

The mayor and bishop of Zakynthos went to extraordinary lengths to protect the most vulnerable people of their island.

Lives of the Saints

Cuthbert and the Otters

An inquisitive monk spied on a guest’s night-time walks.

based on an account by St Bede of Jarrow 672-735

Lives of the Saints

Mountain of Light

St Bede says that Christ’s Transfiguration should remind us that we live in two worlds at the same time.

by St Bede of Jarrow 672-735

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Selected Authors

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Karl Philipp Moritz

Better than a Play

John Stuart Mill

Guardian of Peace

William Ewart Gladstone

An Exceptional Nation

Mark Twain

Silver Swan

Mandell Creighton

Unsuitable for Export

Sir Arthur Conan Doyle

A Curious Incident

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Selected Topics

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Discovery and Invention

Tales of scientific innovation and merchant enterprise, from steam power and life-saving medicines to new trade partners far away, and new ways to reach them.

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India

Stories from the ancient and mighty civilisation of India, from classical mythology to the Mughal Emperors, the East India Company and the British Raj.

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Extracts from Fiction

Romance, adventure and comedy from the very best fiction writers, including Jane Austen, the Brontë sisters, Charles Dickens, John Buchan, and many more.

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Bible and Saints

Tales from the Bible, including the parables of Jesus and the story of Esther, and miracles from the lives of saints, such as our own Cuthbert the Wonderworker.

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France

Stories about our friends across the Channel, from Roman times to the Hundred Years’ War, her bloody Revolution, and the giddying rise and fall of Emperor Napoleon.

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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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The Copy Book

Readings in history, society and literature

The Copy Book

Readings in history, society and literature