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.

Extracts from Literature

The Summons Comes for Mr Standfast

In John Buchan’s story about the Great War, Richard Hannay must watch as his friend sacrifices his life for the Allies.

Length: 105 words

Discovery and Invention

Burning Daylight

George Stephenson argued that his steam engines were solar-powered.

Length: 47 words

Lives of the Saints

The Spear of St Mercurius

Roman Emperor Julian was ready to destroy an entire Christian community over his wounded pride.

Length: 117 words

Lives of the Saints

With Hymns and Sweet Perfumes

Elfric imagines how the Virgin Mary went to her eternal home.

Length: 60 words

Mediaeval History

Flodden Edge

The Scots paid a heavy price for honouring their ‘Auld Alliance’ with France.

Length: 59 words

Mediaeval History

The Kings of Northumbria

Out of a restless alliance between two 6th century kingdoms came a civilisation that defined Englishness.

Length: 115 words