Statesman, soldier, patriot

Do you have the courage to stand up to an absolute ruler, risking imprisonment and losing your livelihood or life? And you would not just be putting yourself in peril—bullies come for your family as well. Not many of us have that type of courage. But we can look around the world, and at history, … Read more

Concourse

: How happy am I? Drinking in summer, Feeling my swelling fruitfulness! Swaddled in a glossy shell And a dense coat of prickles. I am invincible! : You? I see you walking the busy concourse Where five parkland paths connect. Always alone. Longing to connect with a certain man you see, But you let him … Read more

For the love of the Shakespeares

The wives of many male authors have had a rough time, regardless of how much they supported their husbands in emotional and practical ways. Charles Dickens’ attempt to have his wife Catherine, mother of his ten children, committed to an asylum lost him several friends and supporters at the time, even though in the 19th … Read more

Local inspiration for intriguing speculative tale

A new novel about a warmonger’s quest for peace after a bloody civil war draws on the local history of Metroland. The “clay hills” north-west of the capital are a special place in B B Elsin’s new fantasy novel, “Heroes and Traitors”. In this article, the author explains her discovery of the joys and challenges … Read more