Why was the twentieth century called the ‘Era of the Book’?
The twentieth century was often called the era of the book because in those days there were books about everything from the ant eaters to Zulus. Books taught people everything that 'how to' and 'when to' and 'where to' and 'why to'. They adorned, educated, punctuated and even decorated.
Noodle avoids offending Think-Tank but at the same time he corrects his mistakes. How does he manage to do that?
If you were in Noodle’s place, how would you handle Think-Tank’s mistakes?
What guesses are made by Think–Tank about the books found on earth?
Why are books referred to as a man’s best companion? Which is your favourite book and why? Write a paragraph about that book.
Who tried to invade the earth in the twenty-first century?
Do you think books are being replaced by the electronic media? Can we do away with books altogether?
Why is Mrs Pumphrey worried about Tricki?
How is Ausable different from other secret agents?
What does Horace Danby like to collect?
How did the invisible man first become visible?
How did a book become a turning point in Richard Ebright’s life?
What kind of a person is Mme Loisel — why is she always unhappy?
Why is the lawyer sent to New Mullion? What does he first think about the place?
Why is Bholi’s father worried about her?
Who does ‘I’ refer to in this story?
What does she do to help him? Is she wise in this?
How did a book become a turning point in Richard Ebright’s life?
What lesson does Ebright learn when he does not win anything at a science fair?
You must have read about cells and DNA in your science books. Discuss Richard Ebright’s work in the light of what you have studied. If you get an opportunity to work like Richard Ebright on projects and experiments, which field would you like to work on and why?
How can one become a scientist, an economist, a historian... ? Does it simply involve reading many books on the subject? Does it involve observing, thinking and doing experiments?
How has Max got in?
Who is Fowler and what is his first authentic thrill of the day?
Is the narrator as rich as Tricki’s mistress?
Why does Mrs Pumphrey think the dog’s recovery is “a triumph of surgery”?
Looking back at the story, when do you think Ausable thought up his plan for getting rid of Max? Do you think he had worked out his plan in detail right from the beginning? Or did he make up a plan taking advantage of events as they happened?
Do you think Tricki was happy to go home? What do you think will happen now?