Sir Walter Scott: Being A Child Of History.

“To thine own self be true” said windbag platitudinous Polonious until Hamlet abruptly burst the balloon.…

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How The Language Changed.

Keeping True To The Wonder.

IT is Christmas tree purchase time once again-unless that is you are one of those wise…

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John Donne Changes What It Is To Read Poetry.

I will never forget the effect of reading John Donne for the first time. Donne (1572-1631)…

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“Lord, Open the King of England’s Eyes”

In his last letter, Tyndale asked that he might have “a warmer cap, for I suffer…

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“Sweet Thames Run Softly, Till I End My Song”: Two Kinds Of Poetry; Two Kinds Of Use Of English?

It’s a famous, striking and beautiful line I think! It is also a charming illustration! Charming,…

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Debate Between A Retired Teacher Of English & An Enthusiastic Student On SALLY ROONEY

So large and so significant is English as a literature that you never really lose sight…

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“What Is Honour? A Word”

The affections lead us on says Wordsworth. So does language. This is what Falstaff is resisting…

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The Names Of Wildflowers: A Vocabulary To Treasure.

Savour the names! Jenkins is writing his response to receiving a copy of Sarah Raven’s “Wild…

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“By Boots I Am M.A”

In the 1920’s D. H. Lawrence wrote the following clever poem. It may not be one…

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