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.

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

William Shakespeare

‘Not one more!’

The prospect of facing daunting odds made his cousin quail, but Henry V acted like a true King.

Length: 53 words

Aesopica

Belling the Cat

A council of mice comes up with a plan to outsmart the Cat, but volunteers are a bit thin on the ground.

Length: 54 words

Classical History

The Battle of Marathon

Remembered as the inspiration of the famous Olympic road race, but much more important than that.

Length: 51 words

Mediaeval History

The Wars of the Roses

A struggle between rival Royal Houses begins in 1455, after questions are raised about King Henry VI’s capacity to rule.

Length: 113 words