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.

Classical History

A Conqueror Has No Friends

When Alexander the Great threatened the people of Scythia, their ambassadors reminded him that a conqueror has many more burdens to carry than an ally has.

Length: 120 words

Classical History

Caesar Crosses the Rubicon

When Julius Caesar defied the Senate’s explicit order to resign his military command, he knew there could be no turning back.

Length: 121 words

Indian History

The Desolation of Delhi

In 1327, Mohammad bin Tughluq gave every man, woman and child in Delhi just three days’ notice to quit.

Length: 114 words

Discovery and Invention

Sunspots and Wheat Prices

William Herschel showed that variations in the brightness of the sun were causing climate change, but hardly anyone believed him.

Length: 112 words

Tudor Era

Jane Seymour

It was a bitter moment for Anne Boleyn when she saw that what she herself had done to poor Catherine of Aragon, Jane Seymour was about to do to her.

Length: 116 words

Character and Conduct

Counsel’s Duty to his Client

When King George IV tried to divorce Queen Caroline with maximum embarrassment, her barrister warned that two could play at that game.

Length: 117 words