Once upon a time, there was a sculptor who made a deal with the devil. He had not meant to do so. Indeed, he had no idea that the devil was anything other than an ordinary customer, come to his workshop to admire his work and his models, and haggle… Read more »
Alice was beginning to get very tired of sitting in her 18th century history class, and of having nothing to do but listen while the teacher droned on. Once or twice she had peeped into her history book, but it had no pictures or primary sources in it, only dates… Read more »
Marya could not get out of the habit of talking to Pierre. Their conversation had spanned more than eleven years, after all – eleven years of sharing everything, their work and their passions so entwined with their domestic life that they could hardly be disentangled. In their bed at night,… Read more »
1328 Applications are invited for the position of King of France. This is a senior management role, with direct responsibility for the Kingdom of France, including the Île de France, Reims, Bourges and Orléans. Direct reports include the Duchies of Normandy, Burgundy and Bourbon, and the Counties of Tourain, Anjou,… Read more »
I. Every body persists in its state of being at rest or of moving uniformly straight forward, except insofar as it is compelled to change its state by force impressed. – Isaac Newton “I still don’t understand how it is that these ‘physical sciences’ you study are so important.”… Read more »
“So the rations have improved, then?” The young corporal shrugged. The new Prime Minister’s daily visits to the Front were frequently reported in the press, and the poilu, the common soldiers, were secretly rather proud of this – it gave them a certain feeling of superiority over the Tommies,… Read more »
Attenuated ‘In the evening, she would write down what he dictated and ask him to explain it, for she was really interested in hemihedral facets… Not only an incomparable mate for Pasteur, Mme Pasteur was also his best collaborator’ – Emile Roux It was ironic, thought Marie, that… Read more »
July, 1847 “I’m saying that it doesn’t matter what a man has stolen. The fact of the matter is that in choosing to steal, he is deciding that his desires are more important than another man’s rights. And this makes him dangerous.” “But my dear Inspector, surely that is taking… Read more »
“But it’s the title of the book!” Violetta coughed, then winced. “Then you will need to change the title. Trust me, darling. The camellias have to go.” Alexandre’s voice was very nearly petulant. “But Violetta, it’s a lovely metaphor. And a beautiful one, don’t you think? Flowers to represent her… Read more »