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Adam Bede
Adam Bede

Chapter I · Chapter 1

Chapter 1 of Adam Bede is here in full — 446 sentences across 90 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

Cover illustration for Adam Bede
Context Illustration Reading 1/89 · 5 lines
English subtitles · tap any word to listen 1 / 5
The Workshop With a single drop of ink for a mirror, the Egyptian sorcerer undertakes to reveal to any chance comer far-reaching visions of the past.
This is what I undertake to do for you, reader.
With this drop of ink at the end of my pen, I will show you the roomy workshop of Mr. Jonathan Burge, carpenter and builder, in the village of Hayslope, as it appeared on the eighteenth of June, in the year of our Lord 1799.
The afternoon sun was warm on the five workmen there, busy upon doors and window-frames and wainscoting.
A scent of pine-wood from a tentlike pile of planks outside the open door mingled itself with the scent of the elder-bushes which were spreading their summer snow close to the open window opposite; the slanting sunbeams shone through the transparent shavings that flew before the steady plane, and lit up the fine grain of the oak panelling which stood propped against the wall.
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AI-generated narration by OpenAI · Slow US English
LEARNER DICTIONARY
Archivist
/ˈɑːrkɪvɪst/
Editorial verification pending

A keeper or guardian of historical records and memories.

Adam Bede

Chapter I · Chapter 1

Chapter 1 of Adam Bede is here in full — 446 sentences across 90 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

Reading 1/89 · 5 reading units · Lines 1–5

Line 1
The Workshop With a single drop of ink for a mirror, the Egyptian sorcerer undertakes to reveal to any chance comer far-reaching visions of the past.
Line 2
This is what I undertake to do for you, reader.
Line 3
With this drop of ink at the end of my pen, I will show you the roomy workshop of Mr. Jonathan Burge, carpenter and builder, in the village of Hayslope, as it appeared on the eighteenth of June, in the year of our Lord 1799.
Line 4
The afternoon sun was warm on the five workmen there, busy upon doors and window-frames and wainscoting.
Line 5
A scent of pine-wood from a tentlike pile of planks outside the open door mingled itself with the scent of the elder-bushes which were spreading their summer snow close to the open window opposite; the slanting sunbeams shone through the transparent shavings that flew before the steady plane, and lit up the fine grain of the oak panelling which stood propped against the wall.

Learner Dictionary

These definitions explain words found in the current reading and keep every example grounded in its original sentence.

Oxford-style entry order: headword, part of speech, US IPA, concise definition, contextual example, and audio.

Open verb US /ˈoʊ.pən/

To move from a closed position.

From this reading “A scent of pine-wood from a tentlike pile of planks outside the open door mingled itself with the scent of the elder-bushes which were spreading their summer snow close to the open window opposite; the slanting sunbeams shone through the transparent shavings that flew before the steady plane, and lit up the fine grain of the oak panelling which stood propped against the wall.”

Scent noun US /sɛnt/

A distinctive smell or aroma.

From this reading “A scent of pine-wood from a tentlike pile of planks outside the open door mingled itself with the scent of the elder-bushes which were spreading their summer snow close to the open window opposite; the slanting sunbeams shone through the transparent shavings that flew before the steady plane, and lit up the fine grain of the oak panelling which stood propped against the wall.”

Sorcerer noun US /ˈsɔːr.sər.ər/

A person who claims or is believed to have magical powers; a wizard of dark enchantments.

From this reading “The Workshop With a single drop of ink for a mirror, the Egyptian sorcerer undertakes to reveal to any chance comer far-reaching visions of the past.”

Stood verb US /stʊd/

Maintained an upright posture.

From this reading “A scent of pine-wood from a tentlike pile of planks outside the open door mingled itself with the scent of the elder-bushes which were spreading their summer snow close to the open window opposite; the slanting sunbeams shone through the transparent shavings that flew before the steady plane, and lit up the fine grain of the oak panelling which stood propped against the wall.”

All words in this reading · 109

Every word in these five lines is listed here, and every one of them can be played on its own.

Dictionary details are shown only when verified; these are not licensed Oxford entries.

1799

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading With this drop of ink at the end of my pen, I will show you the roomy workshop of Mr. Jonathan Burge, carpenter and builder, in the village of Hayslope, as it appeared on the eighteenth of June, in the year of our Lord 1799.

a

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading The Workshop With a single drop of ink for a mirror, the Egyptian sorcerer undertakes to reveal to any chance comer far-reaching visions of the past.

afternoon

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading The afternoon sun was warm on the five workmen there, busy upon doors and window-frames and wainscoting.

against

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading A scent of pine-wood from a tentlike pile of planks outside the open door mingled itself with the scent of the elder-bushes which were spreading their summer snow close to the open window opposite; the slanting sunbeams shone through the transparent shavings that flew before the steady plane, and lit up the fine grain of the oak panelling which stood propped against the wall.

and

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading With this drop of ink at the end of my pen, I will show you the roomy workshop of Mr. Jonathan Burge, carpenter and builder, in the village of Hayslope, as it appeared on the eighteenth of June, in the year of our Lord 1799.

any

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading The Workshop With a single drop of ink for a mirror, the Egyptian sorcerer undertakes to reveal to any chance comer far-reaching visions of the past.

appeared

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading With this drop of ink at the end of my pen, I will show you the roomy workshop of Mr. Jonathan Burge, carpenter and builder, in the village of Hayslope, as it appeared on the eighteenth of June, in the year of our Lord 1799.

as

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading With this drop of ink at the end of my pen, I will show you the roomy workshop of Mr. Jonathan Burge, carpenter and builder, in the village of Hayslope, as it appeared on the eighteenth of June, in the year of our Lord 1799.

at

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading With this drop of ink at the end of my pen, I will show you the roomy workshop of Mr. Jonathan Burge, carpenter and builder, in the village of Hayslope, as it appeared on the eighteenth of June, in the year of our Lord 1799.

before

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading A scent of pine-wood from a tentlike pile of planks outside the open door mingled itself with the scent of the elder-bushes which were spreading their summer snow close to the open window opposite; the slanting sunbeams shone through the transparent shavings that flew before the steady plane, and lit up the fine grain of the oak panelling which stood propped against the wall.

builder

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading With this drop of ink at the end of my pen, I will show you the roomy workshop of Mr. Jonathan Burge, carpenter and builder, in the village of Hayslope, as it appeared on the eighteenth of June, in the year of our Lord 1799.

Burge

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading With this drop of ink at the end of my pen, I will show you the roomy workshop of Mr. Jonathan Burge, carpenter and builder, in the village of Hayslope, as it appeared on the eighteenth of June, in the year of our Lord 1799.

busy

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading The afternoon sun was warm on the five workmen there, busy upon doors and window-frames and wainscoting.

carpenter

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading With this drop of ink at the end of my pen, I will show you the roomy workshop of Mr. Jonathan Burge, carpenter and builder, in the village of Hayslope, as it appeared on the eighteenth of June, in the year of our Lord 1799.

chance

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading The Workshop With a single drop of ink for a mirror, the Egyptian sorcerer undertakes to reveal to any chance comer far-reaching visions of the past.

close

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading A scent of pine-wood from a tentlike pile of planks outside the open door mingled itself with the scent of the elder-bushes which were spreading their summer snow close to the open window opposite; the slanting sunbeams shone through the transparent shavings that flew before the steady plane, and lit up the fine grain of the oak panelling which stood propped against the wall.

comer

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading The Workshop With a single drop of ink for a mirror, the Egyptian sorcerer undertakes to reveal to any chance comer far-reaching visions of the past.

do

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading This is what I undertake to do for you, reader.

door

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading A scent of pine-wood from a tentlike pile of planks outside the open door mingled itself with the scent of the elder-bushes which were spreading their summer snow close to the open window opposite; the slanting sunbeams shone through the transparent shavings that flew before the steady plane, and lit up the fine grain of the oak panelling which stood propped against the wall.

doors

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading The afternoon sun was warm on the five workmen there, busy upon doors and window-frames and wainscoting.

drop

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading The Workshop With a single drop of ink for a mirror, the Egyptian sorcerer undertakes to reveal to any chance comer far-reaching visions of the past.

Egyptian

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading The Workshop With a single drop of ink for a mirror, the Egyptian sorcerer undertakes to reveal to any chance comer far-reaching visions of the past.

eighteenth

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading With this drop of ink at the end of my pen, I will show you the roomy workshop of Mr. Jonathan Burge, carpenter and builder, in the village of Hayslope, as it appeared on the eighteenth of June, in the year of our Lord 1799.

elder-bushes

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading A scent of pine-wood from a tentlike pile of planks outside the open door mingled itself with the scent of the elder-bushes which were spreading their summer snow close to the open window opposite; the slanting sunbeams shone through the transparent shavings that flew before the steady plane, and lit up the fine grain of the oak panelling which stood propped against the wall.

end

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading With this drop of ink at the end of my pen, I will show you the roomy workshop of Mr. Jonathan Burge, carpenter and builder, in the village of Hayslope, as it appeared on the eighteenth of June, in the year of our Lord 1799.

far-reaching

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading The Workshop With a single drop of ink for a mirror, the Egyptian sorcerer undertakes to reveal to any chance comer far-reaching visions of the past.

fine

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading A scent of pine-wood from a tentlike pile of planks outside the open door mingled itself with the scent of the elder-bushes which were spreading their summer snow close to the open window opposite; the slanting sunbeams shone through the transparent shavings that flew before the steady plane, and lit up the fine grain of the oak panelling which stood propped against the wall.

five

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading The afternoon sun was warm on the five workmen there, busy upon doors and window-frames and wainscoting.

flew

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading A scent of pine-wood from a tentlike pile of planks outside the open door mingled itself with the scent of the elder-bushes which were spreading their summer snow close to the open window opposite; the slanting sunbeams shone through the transparent shavings that flew before the steady plane, and lit up the fine grain of the oak panelling which stood propped against the wall.

for

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading The Workshop With a single drop of ink for a mirror, the Egyptian sorcerer undertakes to reveal to any chance comer far-reaching visions of the past.

from

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading A scent of pine-wood from a tentlike pile of planks outside the open door mingled itself with the scent of the elder-bushes which were spreading their summer snow close to the open window opposite; the slanting sunbeams shone through the transparent shavings that flew before the steady plane, and lit up the fine grain of the oak panelling which stood propped against the wall.

grain

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading A scent of pine-wood from a tentlike pile of planks outside the open door mingled itself with the scent of the elder-bushes which were spreading their summer snow close to the open window opposite; the slanting sunbeams shone through the transparent shavings that flew before the steady plane, and lit up the fine grain of the oak panelling which stood propped against the wall.

Hayslope

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading With this drop of ink at the end of my pen, I will show you the roomy workshop of Mr. Jonathan Burge, carpenter and builder, in the village of Hayslope, as it appeared on the eighteenth of June, in the year of our Lord 1799.

I

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading This is what I undertake to do for you, reader.

in

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading With this drop of ink at the end of my pen, I will show you the roomy workshop of Mr. Jonathan Burge, carpenter and builder, in the village of Hayslope, as it appeared on the eighteenth of June, in the year of our Lord 1799.

ink

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading The Workshop With a single drop of ink for a mirror, the Egyptian sorcerer undertakes to reveal to any chance comer far-reaching visions of the past.

is

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading This is what I undertake to do for you, reader.

it

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading With this drop of ink at the end of my pen, I will show you the roomy workshop of Mr. Jonathan Burge, carpenter and builder, in the village of Hayslope, as it appeared on the eighteenth of June, in the year of our Lord 1799.

itself

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading A scent of pine-wood from a tentlike pile of planks outside the open door mingled itself with the scent of the elder-bushes which were spreading their summer snow close to the open window opposite; the slanting sunbeams shone through the transparent shavings that flew before the steady plane, and lit up the fine grain of the oak panelling which stood propped against the wall.

Jonathan

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading With this drop of ink at the end of my pen, I will show you the roomy workshop of Mr. Jonathan Burge, carpenter and builder, in the village of Hayslope, as it appeared on the eighteenth of June, in the year of our Lord 1799.

June

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading With this drop of ink at the end of my pen, I will show you the roomy workshop of Mr. Jonathan Burge, carpenter and builder, in the village of Hayslope, as it appeared on the eighteenth of June, in the year of our Lord 1799.

lit

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading A scent of pine-wood from a tentlike pile of planks outside the open door mingled itself with the scent of the elder-bushes which were spreading their summer snow close to the open window opposite; the slanting sunbeams shone through the transparent shavings that flew before the steady plane, and lit up the fine grain of the oak panelling which stood propped against the wall.

Lord

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading With this drop of ink at the end of my pen, I will show you the roomy workshop of Mr. Jonathan Burge, carpenter and builder, in the village of Hayslope, as it appeared on the eighteenth of June, in the year of our Lord 1799.

mingled

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading A scent of pine-wood from a tentlike pile of planks outside the open door mingled itself with the scent of the elder-bushes which were spreading their summer snow close to the open window opposite; the slanting sunbeams shone through the transparent shavings that flew before the steady plane, and lit up the fine grain of the oak panelling which stood propped against the wall.

mirror

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading The Workshop With a single drop of ink for a mirror, the Egyptian sorcerer undertakes to reveal to any chance comer far-reaching visions of the past.

Mr

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading With this drop of ink at the end of my pen, I will show you the roomy workshop of Mr. Jonathan Burge, carpenter and builder, in the village of Hayslope, as it appeared on the eighteenth of June, in the year of our Lord 1799.

my

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading With this drop of ink at the end of my pen, I will show you the roomy workshop of Mr. Jonathan Burge, carpenter and builder, in the village of Hayslope, as it appeared on the eighteenth of June, in the year of our Lord 1799.

oak

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading A scent of pine-wood from a tentlike pile of planks outside the open door mingled itself with the scent of the elder-bushes which were spreading their summer snow close to the open window opposite; the slanting sunbeams shone through the transparent shavings that flew before the steady plane, and lit up the fine grain of the oak panelling which stood propped against the wall.

of

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading The Workshop With a single drop of ink for a mirror, the Egyptian sorcerer undertakes to reveal to any chance comer far-reaching visions of the past.

on

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading With this drop of ink at the end of my pen, I will show you the roomy workshop of Mr. Jonathan Burge, carpenter and builder, in the village of Hayslope, as it appeared on the eighteenth of June, in the year of our Lord 1799.

openverbUS /ˈoʊ.pən/

To move from a closed position.

From this reading A scent of pine-wood from a tentlike pile of planks outside the open door mingled itself with the scent of the elder-bushes which were spreading their summer snow close to the open window opposite; the slanting sunbeams shone through the transparent shavings that flew before the steady plane, and lit up the fine grain of the oak panelling which stood propped against the wall.

opposite

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading A scent of pine-wood from a tentlike pile of planks outside the open door mingled itself with the scent of the elder-bushes which were spreading their summer snow close to the open window opposite; the slanting sunbeams shone through the transparent shavings that flew before the steady plane, and lit up the fine grain of the oak panelling which stood propped against the wall.

our

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading With this drop of ink at the end of my pen, I will show you the roomy workshop of Mr. Jonathan Burge, carpenter and builder, in the village of Hayslope, as it appeared on the eighteenth of June, in the year of our Lord 1799.

outside

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading A scent of pine-wood from a tentlike pile of planks outside the open door mingled itself with the scent of the elder-bushes which were spreading their summer snow close to the open window opposite; the slanting sunbeams shone through the transparent shavings that flew before the steady plane, and lit up the fine grain of the oak panelling which stood propped against the wall.

panelling

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading A scent of pine-wood from a tentlike pile of planks outside the open door mingled itself with the scent of the elder-bushes which were spreading their summer snow close to the open window opposite; the slanting sunbeams shone through the transparent shavings that flew before the steady plane, and lit up the fine grain of the oak panelling which stood propped against the wall.

past

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading The Workshop With a single drop of ink for a mirror, the Egyptian sorcerer undertakes to reveal to any chance comer far-reaching visions of the past.

pen

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading With this drop of ink at the end of my pen, I will show you the roomy workshop of Mr. Jonathan Burge, carpenter and builder, in the village of Hayslope, as it appeared on the eighteenth of June, in the year of our Lord 1799.

pile

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading A scent of pine-wood from a tentlike pile of planks outside the open door mingled itself with the scent of the elder-bushes which were spreading their summer snow close to the open window opposite; the slanting sunbeams shone through the transparent shavings that flew before the steady plane, and lit up the fine grain of the oak panelling which stood propped against the wall.

pine-wood

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading A scent of pine-wood from a tentlike pile of planks outside the open door mingled itself with the scent of the elder-bushes which were spreading their summer snow close to the open window opposite; the slanting sunbeams shone through the transparent shavings that flew before the steady plane, and lit up the fine grain of the oak panelling which stood propped against the wall.

plane

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading A scent of pine-wood from a tentlike pile of planks outside the open door mingled itself with the scent of the elder-bushes which were spreading their summer snow close to the open window opposite; the slanting sunbeams shone through the transparent shavings that flew before the steady plane, and lit up the fine grain of the oak panelling which stood propped against the wall.

planks

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading A scent of pine-wood from a tentlike pile of planks outside the open door mingled itself with the scent of the elder-bushes which were spreading their summer snow close to the open window opposite; the slanting sunbeams shone through the transparent shavings that flew before the steady plane, and lit up the fine grain of the oak panelling which stood propped against the wall.

propped

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading A scent of pine-wood from a tentlike pile of planks outside the open door mingled itself with the scent of the elder-bushes which were spreading their summer snow close to the open window opposite; the slanting sunbeams shone through the transparent shavings that flew before the steady plane, and lit up the fine grain of the oak panelling which stood propped against the wall.

reader

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading This is what I undertake to do for you, reader.

reveal

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading The Workshop With a single drop of ink for a mirror, the Egyptian sorcerer undertakes to reveal to any chance comer far-reaching visions of the past.

roomy

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading With this drop of ink at the end of my pen, I will show you the roomy workshop of Mr. Jonathan Burge, carpenter and builder, in the village of Hayslope, as it appeared on the eighteenth of June, in the year of our Lord 1799.

scentnounUS /sɛnt/

A distinctive smell or aroma.

From this reading A scent of pine-wood from a tentlike pile of planks outside the open door mingled itself with the scent of the elder-bushes which were spreading their summer snow close to the open window opposite; the slanting sunbeams shone through the transparent shavings that flew before the steady plane, and lit up the fine grain of the oak panelling which stood propped against the wall.

shavings

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading A scent of pine-wood from a tentlike pile of planks outside the open door mingled itself with the scent of the elder-bushes which were spreading their summer snow close to the open window opposite; the slanting sunbeams shone through the transparent shavings that flew before the steady plane, and lit up the fine grain of the oak panelling which stood propped against the wall.

shone

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading A scent of pine-wood from a tentlike pile of planks outside the open door mingled itself with the scent of the elder-bushes which were spreading their summer snow close to the open window opposite; the slanting sunbeams shone through the transparent shavings that flew before the steady plane, and lit up the fine grain of the oak panelling which stood propped against the wall.

show

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading With this drop of ink at the end of my pen, I will show you the roomy workshop of Mr. Jonathan Burge, carpenter and builder, in the village of Hayslope, as it appeared on the eighteenth of June, in the year of our Lord 1799.

single

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading The Workshop With a single drop of ink for a mirror, the Egyptian sorcerer undertakes to reveal to any chance comer far-reaching visions of the past.

slanting

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading A scent of pine-wood from a tentlike pile of planks outside the open door mingled itself with the scent of the elder-bushes which were spreading their summer snow close to the open window opposite; the slanting sunbeams shone through the transparent shavings that flew before the steady plane, and lit up the fine grain of the oak panelling which stood propped against the wall.

snow

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading A scent of pine-wood from a tentlike pile of planks outside the open door mingled itself with the scent of the elder-bushes which were spreading their summer snow close to the open window opposite; the slanting sunbeams shone through the transparent shavings that flew before the steady plane, and lit up the fine grain of the oak panelling which stood propped against the wall.

sorcerernounUS /ˈsɔːr.sər.ər/

A person who claims or is believed to have magical powers; a wizard of dark enchantments.

From this reading The Workshop With a single drop of ink for a mirror, the Egyptian sorcerer undertakes to reveal to any chance comer far-reaching visions of the past.

spreading

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading A scent of pine-wood from a tentlike pile of planks outside the open door mingled itself with the scent of the elder-bushes which were spreading their summer snow close to the open window opposite; the slanting sunbeams shone through the transparent shavings that flew before the steady plane, and lit up the fine grain of the oak panelling which stood propped against the wall.

steady

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading A scent of pine-wood from a tentlike pile of planks outside the open door mingled itself with the scent of the elder-bushes which were spreading their summer snow close to the open window opposite; the slanting sunbeams shone through the transparent shavings that flew before the steady plane, and lit up the fine grain of the oak panelling which stood propped against the wall.

stoodverbUS /stʊd/

Maintained an upright posture.

From this reading A scent of pine-wood from a tentlike pile of planks outside the open door mingled itself with the scent of the elder-bushes which were spreading their summer snow close to the open window opposite; the slanting sunbeams shone through the transparent shavings that flew before the steady plane, and lit up the fine grain of the oak panelling which stood propped against the wall.

summer

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading A scent of pine-wood from a tentlike pile of planks outside the open door mingled itself with the scent of the elder-bushes which were spreading their summer snow close to the open window opposite; the slanting sunbeams shone through the transparent shavings that flew before the steady plane, and lit up the fine grain of the oak panelling which stood propped against the wall.

sun

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading The afternoon sun was warm on the five workmen there, busy upon doors and window-frames and wainscoting.

sunbeams

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading A scent of pine-wood from a tentlike pile of planks outside the open door mingled itself with the scent of the elder-bushes which were spreading their summer snow close to the open window opposite; the slanting sunbeams shone through the transparent shavings that flew before the steady plane, and lit up the fine grain of the oak panelling which stood propped against the wall.

tentlike

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading A scent of pine-wood from a tentlike pile of planks outside the open door mingled itself with the scent of the elder-bushes which were spreading their summer snow close to the open window opposite; the slanting sunbeams shone through the transparent shavings that flew before the steady plane, and lit up the fine grain of the oak panelling which stood propped against the wall.

that

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading A scent of pine-wood from a tentlike pile of planks outside the open door mingled itself with the scent of the elder-bushes which were spreading their summer snow close to the open window opposite; the slanting sunbeams shone through the transparent shavings that flew before the steady plane, and lit up the fine grain of the oak panelling which stood propped against the wall.

The

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading The Workshop With a single drop of ink for a mirror, the Egyptian sorcerer undertakes to reveal to any chance comer far-reaching visions of the past.

their

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading A scent of pine-wood from a tentlike pile of planks outside the open door mingled itself with the scent of the elder-bushes which were spreading their summer snow close to the open window opposite; the slanting sunbeams shone through the transparent shavings that flew before the steady plane, and lit up the fine grain of the oak panelling which stood propped against the wall.

there

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading The afternoon sun was warm on the five workmen there, busy upon doors and window-frames and wainscoting.

This

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading This is what I undertake to do for you, reader.

through

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading A scent of pine-wood from a tentlike pile of planks outside the open door mingled itself with the scent of the elder-bushes which were spreading their summer snow close to the open window opposite; the slanting sunbeams shone through the transparent shavings that flew before the steady plane, and lit up the fine grain of the oak panelling which stood propped against the wall.

to

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading The Workshop With a single drop of ink for a mirror, the Egyptian sorcerer undertakes to reveal to any chance comer far-reaching visions of the past.

transparent

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading A scent of pine-wood from a tentlike pile of planks outside the open door mingled itself with the scent of the elder-bushes which were spreading their summer snow close to the open window opposite; the slanting sunbeams shone through the transparent shavings that flew before the steady plane, and lit up the fine grain of the oak panelling which stood propped against the wall.

undertake

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading This is what I undertake to do for you, reader.

undertakes

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading The Workshop With a single drop of ink for a mirror, the Egyptian sorcerer undertakes to reveal to any chance comer far-reaching visions of the past.

up

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading A scent of pine-wood from a tentlike pile of planks outside the open door mingled itself with the scent of the elder-bushes which were spreading their summer snow close to the open window opposite; the slanting sunbeams shone through the transparent shavings that flew before the steady plane, and lit up the fine grain of the oak panelling which stood propped against the wall.

upon

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading The afternoon sun was warm on the five workmen there, busy upon doors and window-frames and wainscoting.

village

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading With this drop of ink at the end of my pen, I will show you the roomy workshop of Mr. Jonathan Burge, carpenter and builder, in the village of Hayslope, as it appeared on the eighteenth of June, in the year of our Lord 1799.

visions

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading The Workshop With a single drop of ink for a mirror, the Egyptian sorcerer undertakes to reveal to any chance comer far-reaching visions of the past.

wainscoting

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading The afternoon sun was warm on the five workmen there, busy upon doors and window-frames and wainscoting.

wall

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading A scent of pine-wood from a tentlike pile of planks outside the open door mingled itself with the scent of the elder-bushes which were spreading their summer snow close to the open window opposite; the slanting sunbeams shone through the transparent shavings that flew before the steady plane, and lit up the fine grain of the oak panelling which stood propped against the wall.

warm

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading The afternoon sun was warm on the five workmen there, busy upon doors and window-frames and wainscoting.

was

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading The afternoon sun was warm on the five workmen there, busy upon doors and window-frames and wainscoting.

were

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading A scent of pine-wood from a tentlike pile of planks outside the open door mingled itself with the scent of the elder-bushes which were spreading their summer snow close to the open window opposite; the slanting sunbeams shone through the transparent shavings that flew before the steady plane, and lit up the fine grain of the oak panelling which stood propped against the wall.

what

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading This is what I undertake to do for you, reader.

which

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading A scent of pine-wood from a tentlike pile of planks outside the open door mingled itself with the scent of the elder-bushes which were spreading their summer snow close to the open window opposite; the slanting sunbeams shone through the transparent shavings that flew before the steady plane, and lit up the fine grain of the oak panelling which stood propped against the wall.

will

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading With this drop of ink at the end of my pen, I will show you the roomy workshop of Mr. Jonathan Burge, carpenter and builder, in the village of Hayslope, as it appeared on the eighteenth of June, in the year of our Lord 1799.

window

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading A scent of pine-wood from a tentlike pile of planks outside the open door mingled itself with the scent of the elder-bushes which were spreading their summer snow close to the open window opposite; the slanting sunbeams shone through the transparent shavings that flew before the steady plane, and lit up the fine grain of the oak panelling which stood propped against the wall.

window-frames

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading The afternoon sun was warm on the five workmen there, busy upon doors and window-frames and wainscoting.

With

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading The Workshop With a single drop of ink for a mirror, the Egyptian sorcerer undertakes to reveal to any chance comer far-reaching visions of the past.

workmen

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading The afternoon sun was warm on the five workmen there, busy upon doors and window-frames and wainscoting.

Workshop

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading The Workshop With a single drop of ink for a mirror, the Egyptian sorcerer undertakes to reveal to any chance comer far-reaching visions of the past.

year

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading With this drop of ink at the end of my pen, I will show you the roomy workshop of Mr. Jonathan Burge, carpenter and builder, in the village of Hayslope, as it appeared on the eighteenth of June, in the year of our Lord 1799.

you

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading This is what I undertake to do for you, reader.

Chapter 1 of Adam Bede by George Eliot holds 446 sentences, grouped into 90 reading sections of at most 5 sentences. The text is the public-domain source, unabridged, and the chapter records which sentences cover which part of the work so that nothing is dropped. Every word can be tapped for its pronunciation and dictionary entry.

What does chapter 1 of Adam Bede contain?

Chapter 1 holds 446 sentences of Adam Bede, unabridged, divided into 90 reading sections.

This page carries chapter 1 of Adam Bede by George Eliot exactly as it stands in the public-domain source edition, without abridgement. It runs to 446 sentences, grouped into 90 sections of at most 5 sentences so that a reader can take the chapter in steady, finishable pieces. The chapter also stores a coverage record mapping every one of its sentences to a part of the work, which is how the edition demonstrates that no line was dropped.

How do I study chapter 1 of Adam Bede?

Work through the 90 sections in order, replaying any sentence and tapping unfamiliar words for their entries.

Each of the 90 sections in this chapter is short enough to read once, hear once, and then re-read with the vocabulary in view. Tapping a word plays it alone and opens its dictionary entry with IPA, part of speech and meaning, so the reader is never forced to guess a pronunciation from spelling. Working section by section keeps a long chapter from becoming an undifferentiated wall of text, which is the usual reason a reader abandons a work of this period.

Can chapter 1 be read aloud to me?

Yes — every sentence and every individual word in chapter 1 can be played aloud in United States English.

Audio covers the whole chapter: any sentence can be played, and any single word within it can be played on its own. The voice uses United States English. For a work of this period that matters, because spelling is an unreliable guide to pronunciation for vocabulary that has fallen out of daily use, and a learner who guesses wrong tends to keep the error. Hearing the word in its own sentence, and then alone, settles it.

Questions about reading Adam Bede

Common questions about reading Adam Bede by George Eliot on this page, its source edition and its audio.

Is this the complete text of Adam Bede?

Yes. All 8627 sentences of Project Gutenberg eBook #507 are kept, with a record of which sentences cover which part.

Which edition of Adam Bede is used?

Project Gutenberg eBook #507, a public-domain edition. The Project Gutenberg header, footer and licence are removed.

How long does Adam Bede take to read?

About 600 minutes of reading across 1726 sections of 5 sentences each, at an unhurried pace.

How to read Adam Bede section by section

How to work through Adam Bede section by section, using the audio and the tap-to-define vocabulary.

  1. Open a chapter

    Choose one of the 36 chapters of Adam Bede to begin.

  2. Read one section

    Each section holds 5 sentences; read it once through.

  3. Listen and tap

    Play the section aloud, then tap any unfamiliar word for its entry.

Vocabulary met early in Adam Bede

Words and structures a reader meets early in Adam Bede, each tappable for pronunciation and meaning.

Workshop
A word that appears in the opening chapter of Adam Bede; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Single
A word that appears in the opening chapter of Adam Bede; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Mirror
A word that appears in the opening chapter of Adam Bede; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Egyptian
A word that appears in the opening chapter of Adam Bede; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.