Microcosmography by John Earle is a remarkable collection of character sketches and moral reflections, offering a vivid portrayal of early 17th-century English society. First published in 1628, this work presents a unique blend of humor, insight, and ethical observation, capturing the virtues, follies, and idiosyncrasies of human nature in a series of short, engaging essays. Earle's writing provides a window into the lives of a wide variety of characters, from the ambitious courtier to the...

"The Alfred Jewel: An Historical Essay" by John Earle delves into the significance of the Alfred Jewel, a remarkable artifact from the Anglo-Saxon period. This exquisite piece, believed to have been commissioned by King Alfred the Great, serves as a testament to the artistry and craftsmanship of the time. Earle explores the jewel's intricate design, its historical context, and its implications for understanding the cultural and political landscape of 9th-century England. Through meticulous...

"Microcosmography" by John Earle is a fascinating exploration of human nature and society, presented through a series of vivid character sketches. Earle's keen observations and witty prose bring to life a diverse array of personalities, each representing different facets of the human experience. The book serves as both a mirror and a lens, reflecting the complexities of social interactions while providing insightful commentary on the quirks and idiosyncrasies that define individuals. Earle...

In "The Alfred Jewel," John Earle intricately explores one of the most significant artifacts from Anglo-Saxon England, the jeweled ornament often attributed to King Alfred. Earle employs a blend of descriptive antiquarianism and meticulous archaeological analysis to illuminate the Jewel's historical context and cultural significance. His literary style strikes a balance between scholarly rigor and poetic reflection, revealing not only the craftsmanship that went into the Jewel's creation b...

In "Anglo-Saxon Literature," John Earle meticulously examines the rich tapestry of early English writings, spanning from the poetic grandeur of Beowulf to the vivid allegories of religious texts. Earle's literary style is characterized by an engaging blend of meticulous analysis and accessible prose, offering readers both scholarly insight and a deep appreciation of the linguistic beauty of the period. His work situates Anglo-Saxon literature within its historical context, highlighting the...

A PRELIMINARY VIEW. The Latin literature with which we are best acquainted was the result of study and imitation of Greek literature. But the old vernacular Latin was a homely and simple speech, much more like any modern language in its ways and movements than would be supposed by those who only know classical Latin. The old Latin poetry was rhythmical, and fond of alliteration. Such was the native song of the Italian Camenae, unlike the aesthetic poetry of the classical age, with its metr...

TO THE MEMORY OF THE REVEREND DAVID WRIGHT, “THE GRAVE DIVINE” OF THESE PAGES, WHOSE NAME WILL LIVE IN BRISTOL

In this elegant, portable Anglo-Saxon epic, the hero Beowulf fights horrifying, ghastly monsters in his bid to save the hall of Hrothgar, King of the Danes.Composed by an anonymous Anglo-Saxon singer toward the end of the first millennium CE, Beowulf is an Old English epic tale recounting the adventures of Beowulf, a Geatish hero from present-day Sweden. He is called on by Hrothgar, King of the Danes, to defeat Grendel, th...

Stories from fishing on the Labrador coast to the fire in Nain in 1921, enjoy tales from a bygone era in Labrador.

Asser (d. 908/909) was a Welsh monk who became Bishop of Sherborne in the 890s. About 885 he was asked by Alfred the Great to leave St David's and join the circle of learned men whom Alfred was recruiting for his court. After spending a year at Caerwent because of illness, Asser accepted. In 893 Asser wrote a biography of Alfred, called the Life of King Alfred. The manuscript survived to modern times in only one copy, which was part of the Cotton library. That copy was destroyed in a fire ...

John Donne is widely regarded as the pre-eminent metaphysical poet, whose works are celebrated for their sensual style, vibrant language and inventive genius. The Delphi Poets Series offers readers the works of literature's finest poets, with superior formatting. This volume presents the Donne's complete poetical works, with rare texts, beautiful illustrations and the usual Delphi bonus material. (Version: 1)* Beautifully illustrated with images relating to Donne's life and works