Beyond Narration

This adaptation was first performed in the fall of 1838, before the full text of Dickens' original novel had been released. It is a serio-comic burletta that deviates from the original novel, and Dickens himself was reportedly horrified by the performance. The adaptation highlights the theatrical interpretation of Dickens' work during the Victorian era.

The Scarlet Pimpernel, published in 1905, is the first novel in a series of historical fiction by Baroness Orczy. The story is set during the Reign of Terror following the start of the French Revolution. Sir Percy Blakeney, a wealthy English baronet, leads a double life as a foppish playboy and a master of disguise, escape, and swordsmanship. He is the leader of the League of the Scarlet Pimpernel, a secret society dedicated to rescuing French aristocrats from execution. The novel revolves around Marguerite St. Just, Sir Percy's French wife, who is blackmailed by the French envoy Chauvelin to uncover the Pimpernel's true identity. As Marguerite navigates this dangerous situation, she discovers her husband's secret and must choose between her loyalty to him and her brother, who is also involved with the Pimpernel. The novel is known for its blend of adventure, romance, and historical drama.

School Education, the third volume in Charlotte Mason's Home Education series, delves into her philosophy of education. It emphasizes the use of living books, rich in literary merit and infused with living ideas, to cultivate a love of learning in children. Mason advocates for a single, careful reading of texts, allowing students to engage deeply with the material and develop their own understanding through narration and other methods. The book promotes a student-centric approach, where the teacher acts as a facilitator, guiding students to discover the beauty and power of literature. It challenges traditional teaching methods, emphasizing the importance of fostering joy and intellectual curiosity in the learning process.