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.

Bible Stories Retold

The Man Born Blind

A man born blind is healed by Jesus, but finds himself a social outcast as a result.

Length: 54 words

Greek and Roman Myths

Romulus and the Sabine Women

The legend of how Rome was settled gave rise to the March festival of Roman motherhood.

Length: 56 words

Classical History

Alcibiades

In the populist democracy of 5th-century BC Athens, heroes fell as quickly as they rose.

Length: 115 words

Classical History

Pericles and the Fickle Public of Athens

The leader of 5th-century BC Athens lavished public money on the city and its adoring citizens, and wherever he led they followed.

Length: 116 words

British Myths and Legends

The Knight, the Lady, and the Forest of Sorrow

A little fable of encouragement for all the suffering.

Length: 49 words

Discovery and Invention

How the British Invented Cool

Michael Faraday showed that gases could be compressed and evaporated to preserve food and make ice.

Length: 59 words