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.

Lives of the Saints

St Patrick of Ireland

After escaping from six years as a slave in Ireland, Patrick wanted only one thing: to go back.

Length: 114 words

William Shakespeare

‘This England’

John of Gaunt watches in despair as his country is milked for its wealth and shared out among the king’s favourites.

Length: 56 words

Discovery and Invention

Cragside: the Home of Modern Living

Lord Armstrong’s home was an Aladdin’s cave of Victorian technology.

Length: 48 words

Bible Stories Retold

Adam and Eve

Adam and Eve are set in a Garden of carefree delight, but the Snake swears they are victims of a cruel deception.

Length: 111 words

Anglo-Saxon Era

Alfred Learns To Read

Even as a child, King Alfred couldn’t resist a challenge.

Length: 44 words

Anglo-Saxon Era

King Edwin and the Hand of Destiny

Forced from his throne and threatened with murder, Edwin makes a curious bargain for his deliverance.

Length: 113 words