Minis
Mini Copy Book

Each post in this section is a short précis (summary) of a passage in The Copy Book. All of them are in modern English. They are intended for students of English as a Foreign Language at Elementary Level.

Anglo-Saxon Era

Edward the Exile

Two young English princes were banished to the court of Yaroslav the Wise, and one returned to claim the crown.

Length: 118 words

Lives of the Saints

The Conversion of Vladimir the Great

A succession of religious leaders came to Kiev, hoping to win the wild barbarian Prince to their cause.

Length: 115 words

Norman Era

The Matildas of England

For a hundred years after William the Conqueror came to England, four strong women named Matilda shaped the nation’s history.

Length: 58 words

Poets and Poetry

Autumn: A Dirge

Poet Percy Shelley calls on November’s sister months to watch by the graveside of the dead Year.

Length: 48 words

Poets and Poetry

The Empire Within

Poet Percy Bysshe Shelley says that the pinnacle of political achievement is the government not of others, but of ourselves.

Length: 53 words

Poets and Poetry

To Autumn

Poet John Keats speaks of the beauties of Autumn, her colours, her sounds and her rich harvest.

Length: 57 words