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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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Animal Stories

The Mischief-Maker

A stranger warns the people of Shorapur that they will come to regret their hospitality.

based on a story by Philip Meadows Taylor 1808-1876

Extracts from Literature

The Trouble With Men

The exasperated women of Athens challenge the men of the City to decide whether women are a blessing or a curse.

by Aristophanes ?445-?386 BC

International Relations

National Sympathy

The English would not hand out so much unsolicited advice to foreign countries if they knew what they had been forced to endure.

by Mandell Creighton 1843-1901

Abolition of Slavery

Make the Case Your Own

John Wesley wondered how those involved in the slave trade would feel if the tables were ever turned on them.

by John Wesley 1703-1791

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Selected Authors

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Alfred, Lord Tennyson

The Charge of the Light Brigade

Robert Louis Stevenson

‘My Shadow’

John Buchan

Kindergarten Politics

Jane Austen

Swept off her Feet

A. G. Gardiner

The Gift of Life

James Hall Nasmyth

Ye’re Nae Smith!

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Selected Topics

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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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Russia

Stories from our cousins in the East, from Rurik the Viking and the Baptism of Rus’ to trade with Ivan the Terrible, a visit from Peter the Great, and the last Emperor.

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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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Free Speech and Conscience

Passages defending the right and obligation of every citizen to judge whatever is good and true, and to talk back to those who govern him.

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International Relations

Britain has always demanded respect, open seas, and to be left in peace to ‘work out our own salvation’ — a courtesy we should extend to others.

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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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The Copy Book

Readings in history, society and literature

The Copy Book

Readings in history, society and literature