Clay Lane

The Copy Book

A Library of History and Literature in English

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259

Written in the Skies

Though some other sciences may seem to destroy it, astronomy restores a sense of religious awe.

260

A Surfeit of Lampreys

Augustus, the Roman Emperor, invited himself to dine at the luxury Naples villa of Publius Vedius Pollio, but a broken goblet thoroughly spoilt the evening.

261

A Rush to Judgment

As a young man, surveyor Thomas Telford was a red-hot political activist who yearned for revolution, but admittedly he had read just one book on the matter.

262

‘We are Free Men of Novgorod’

The politicians of Novgorod, angry at Moscow’s interference, thought they would teach her a lesson by selling out to Poland.

263

Brutus of Britain

Back in the days of the prophet Samuel, so the story goes, a grandson of Trojan hero Aeneas brought civilisation to the British Isles.

264

When the Cat’s Away...

A Victorian artist and avid bird-watcher banished cats from his country cottage, but soon wished he hadn’t.