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.

Indian History

The Making of Tommy Atkins

In all his years of soldiering at home and abroad, Major-General George Younghusband had never heard British soldiers talk like those in Kipling’s tales.

Length: 119 words

Lives of the Saints

Dmitri of the Don

Grand Duke Dmitri of Moscow loosened the grip of the Tartar Horde on the people of Russia, but treachery robbed him of triumph.

Length: 116 words

Classical History

Rhetoric and the Beast

God alone can save civilisation, said Socrates, when clever campaign strategists teach aspiring politicians how to play on the public’s hopes and fears.

Length: 114 words

Parables of Jesus

The Parable of the Prodigal Son

A young man abandons the family farm and goes looking for happiness in the pleasures of the city.

Length: 176 words

Bible Stories Retold

David and Goliath

Goliath, a giant of a man from Philistia, has challenged Israel’s warrior-heroes to meet him in single combat, but only a shepherd boy is brave enough to step up.

Length: 114 words

British Myths and Legends

The Sword in the Stone

Sir Kay has left his sword at home, and his young brother Arthur is determined to find him a worthy blade for the New Year’s Day joust.

Length: 116 words