Clay Lane

The Copy Book

A Library of History and Literature in English

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1549

The Sacred Snakes of Kefalonia

Once a year, regular as clockwork, the little snakes slither into the convent for a Feast of the Virgin Mary.

1550

Samuel Coleridge-Taylor

A gifted composer of classical music in the romantic tradition, admired by Stanford, Elgar, and Sullivan.

1551

The Science of Salix

Edward Stone wondered if the willow tree might have more in common with the Peruvian cinchona tree than just its damp habitat.

1552

The Seikilos Epitaph

Lost for seventeen centuries, caught up in a war, and used as a pedestal for a plant pot, this is the world’s oldest surviving song.

1553

The Selfish Cat

A tortoiseshell laments his hard life among heartless humans.

1554

The Selfless Courage of Leo the Cook

In 6th century France, a faithful kitchen servant sold himself into slavery to rescue a kidnapped boy.