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.

Discovery and Invention

Sir Humphry Davy

A Cornish professor of chemistry with a poetic turn who helped make science a popular fashion.

Length: 56 words

Discovery and Invention

The Geordie Lamp

The engineer put his own life on the line for the safety of his fellow-workers in the coal industry.

Length: 52 words

Myths and Legends

The Ugly Duckling

A misfit duckling grew up with rejection as a way of life.

Length: 59 words

Music and Musicians

Charles Avison

The most important English-born composer of Handel’s day, known for his tuneful music and very busy diary.

Length: 57 words

Music and Musicians

Elias Parish Alvars

Eli Parish of Teignmouth in Devon became one of Europe’s most celebrated virtuosos.

Length: 57 words

Lives of the Saints

St Nicholas and the Golden Dowry

Nicholas used his inheritance to help three vulnerable girls escape a life of exploitation.

Length: 51 words