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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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Music and Musicians

Fiddler Tam

An 18th century bon viveur and virtuoso violinist, Thomas Erskine is currently being ‘rediscovered’ by the classical music industry.

music by Thomas Erskine, Earl of Kellie

Character and Conduct

The Price of Treachery

A Danish soldier in the seventeenth century imposes the severest sentence he can think of.

based on an account by Charlotte Yonge 1823-1901

Aesop of Samos

Governor Wolf

Following the election of a new leader, the wolves listen with approval to his plans for a fairer pack but there is something they don’t know.

by J.B. Rundell ?-1889

Music and Musicians

Mistris Park

Several English pianists impressed Joseph Haydn on his visits to London, but Maria Hester Park was a particular favourite.

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Selected Authors

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William Cobbett

Hard Rain

Alfred, Lord Tennyson

Ring out the Old, Ring in the New

William Cullen Bryant

Statesman vs Politician

A. G. Gardiner

Give the Wall

Sir Richard Steele

The Doctor Will Fleece You Now

Lewis Carroll

Alice gets an English Lesson

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Selected Topics

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Myths and Legends

Stories of wisdom, wonder and imagination from the Fables of Aesop and the epics of Homer to the folklore of India, Japan, Russia and Britain.

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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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The British Constitution

Passages examining Britain’s sometimes baffling constitutional monarchy, and telling the story of its enemies, its champions, and its reformers.

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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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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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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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The Copy Book

Readings in history, society and literature

The Copy Book

Readings in history, society and literature