Clay Lane

The Copy Book

A Library of History and Literature in English

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73

Double Standards

Ralph Waldo Emerson wondered why New Yorkers elected to Congress the kind of man they would turn out of their own homes.

74

How to Learn a Language

When William Cobbett told his son James to be conscientious about his grammar lessons, he was drawing on hard-won experience.

75

Navigating by History

The study of history can distract us from pressing modern problems, but failing to study it is much worse.

76

The Book That Made Kipling

Sir George MacMunn traces Kipling’s masterly handling of English and of storytelling to reading the King James Bible aloud.

77

The Common Tongue

The English language is the most valuable part of our national heritage, and the patriotic citizen is careful to treat it with respect.

78

A Credit to His Country

The diplomat’s task is to see the best in other peoples, not to scold them for their failings.