The Copybook

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

1531

© xlandfair, Wikimedia Commons. Public domain image.

The Anglo-Zanzibar War Clay Lane

It lasted barely forty minutes, but it brought slavery to an end in the little island territory.

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1532

By George W. Joy (1844-1925), via Wikimedia Commons.

The Siege of Khartoum Clay Lane

General Gordon’s death was a sensation and a scandal in its day.

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1533

© David Dixon, Geograph. Licence: CC-BY-SA 2.0.

Gunpowder, Treason and Plot Clay Lane

Only an anonymous tip-off prevented England losing her sovereignty as well as her King.

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1534

© Colin Smith, Geograph. Licence: CC-BY-SA 2.0.

The Tide of Popularity Jane Austen

First impressions prove to be quite misleading in the case of handsome, disagreeable Mr Darcy.

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1535

© David Croker, Geograph. Licence: CC-BY-SA 2.0.

Presumption and Innocence Charles Dickens

Charles Dickens chastises those who alter the plots of classic tales to push some social agenda of their own.

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1536

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

‘Please Sir, I Want Some More!’ Charles Dickens

Oliver was elected as the unwilling spokesman for all the hungry children.

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