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Contemporary American Literature
Contemporary American Literature

Chapter I · Chapter 1

Chapter 1 of Contemporary American Literature is here in full — 409 sentences across 82 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

Cover illustration for Contemporary American Literature
Context Illustration Reading 1/81 · 5 lines
English subtitles · tap any word to listen 1 / 5
This book is intended as a companion volume to _Contemporary British Literature_; but the differences between conditions in America and in England have made it necessary to alter somewhat the original plan.
In America today we have a few excellent writers who challenge comparison with the best of present-day England.
We have many more who have been widely successful in the business of making novels, poems, plays, which cannot rank as literature at all.
In choosing from such a large number a list for study, it is our hope that we have not omitted the name of any author who counts as a force in our developing literature; but, on the other hand, it is undoubtedly true that we have excluded many writers whose work compares favorably with that of some on the list.
Our choice has been governed by two principles: (1) To include experimental work--work dealing with fresh materials or attempting new methods--rather than better work on familiar patterns; and (2) to represent varying tendencies in the literary effort of our country today rather than work that ranks high in popular taste.
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LEARNER DICTIONARY
Archivist
/ˈɑːrkɪvɪst/
Editorial verification pending

A keeper or guardian of historical records and memories.

Contemporary American Literature

Chapter I · Chapter 1

Chapter 1 of Contemporary American Literature is here in full — 409 sentences across 82 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

Reading 1/81 · 5 reading units · Lines 1–5

Line 1
This book is intended as a companion volume to _Contemporary British Literature_; but the differences between conditions in America and in England have made it necessary to alter somewhat the original plan.
/ðɪs bʊk ɪz ˌɪnˈtendɪd æz ə kəmˈpænjən ˈvɑːljuːm tuː kənˈtempəreri ˈbrɪtɪʃ ˈlɪtərətʃər bʌt ðə ˈdɪfərənsɪz bɪˈtwiːn kənˈdɪʃənz ɪn əˈmerəkə ənd ɪn ˈɪŋɡlənd hæv meɪd ɪt ˈnesəseri tuː ˈɔːltər ˈsʌmˈwʌt ðə ərˈɪdʒənəl plæn/
Line 2
In America today we have a few excellent writers who challenge comparison with the best of present-day England.
Line 3
We have many more who have been widely successful in the business of making novels, poems, plays, which cannot rank as literature at all.
Line 4
In choosing from such a large number a list for study, it is our hope that we have not omitted the name of any author who counts as a force in our developing literature; but, on the other hand, it is undoubtedly true that we have excluded many writers whose work compares favorably with that of some on the list.
/ɪn ˈtʃuːzɪŋ frʌm sʌtʃ ə lɑːrdʒ ˈnʌmbər ə lɪst fɔːr ˈstʌdi ɪt ɪz ˈaʊər hoʊp ðæt wiː hæv nɑːt oʊˈmɪtəd ðə neɪm ʌv ˈeni ˈɔːθər huː kaʊnts æz ə fɔːrs ɪn ˈaʊər dɪˈveləpɪŋ ˈlɪtərətʃər bʌt ɑːn ðə ˈʌðər hænd ɪt ɪz ənˈdaʊtɪdli truː ðæt wiː hæv ɪkˈskluːdəd ˈmeni ˈraɪtərz huːz wɜːrk kəmˈperz ˈfeɪvərəbli wɪð ðæt ʌv sʌm ɑːn ðə lɪst/
Line 5
Our choice has been governed by two principles: (1) To include experimental work--work dealing with fresh materials or attempting new methods--rather than better work on familiar patterns; and (2) to represent varying tendencies in the literary effort of our country today rather than work that ranks high in popular taste.

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.

compares noun US /kəmˈperz/

plural of “compare” — qualities that are comparable

From this reading “In choosing from such a large number a list for study, it is our hope that we have not omitted the name of any author who counts as a force in our developing literature; but, on the other hand, it is undoubtedly true that we have excluded many writers whose work compares favorably with that of some on the list.”

developing adjective US /dɪˈveləpɪŋ/

relating to societies in which capital needed to industrialize is in short supply

From this reading “In choosing from such a large number a list for study, it is our hope that we have not omitted the name of any author who counts as a force in our developing literature; but, on the other hand, it is undoubtedly true that we have excluded many writers whose work compares favorably with that of some on the list.”

excluded verb US /ɪkˈskluːdəd/

past form of “exclude” — prevent from being included or considered or accepted

From this reading “In choosing from such a large number a list for study, it is our hope that we have not omitted the name of any author who counts as a force in our developing literature; but, on the other hand, it is undoubtedly true that we have excluded many writers whose work compares favorably with that of some on the list.”

experimental adjective US /ɪkˌsperɪˈmentəl/

relating to or based on experiment

From this reading “Our choice has been governed by two principles: (1) To include experimental work--work dealing with fresh materials or attempting new methods--rather than better work on familiar patterns; and (2) to represent varying tendencies in the literary effort of our country today rather than work that ranks high in popular taste.”

favorably adverb US /ˈfeɪvərəbli/

showing approval

From this reading “In choosing from such a large number a list for study, it is our hope that we have not omitted the name of any author who counts as a force in our developing literature; but, on the other hand, it is undoubtedly true that we have excluded many writers whose work compares favorably with that of some on the list.”

include verb US /ˌɪnˈkluːd/

have as a part, be made up out of

From this reading “Our choice has been governed by two principles: (1) To include experimental work--work dealing with fresh materials or attempting new methods--rather than better work on familiar patterns; and (2) to represent varying tendencies in the literary effort of our country today rather than work that ranks high in popular taste.”

patterns noun US /ˈpætərnz/

plural of “pattern” — a perceptual structure

From this reading “Our choice has been governed by two principles: (1) To include experimental work--work dealing with fresh materials or attempting new methods--rather than better work on familiar patterns; and (2) to represent varying tendencies in the literary effort of our country today rather than work that ranks high in popular taste.”

tendencies noun US /ˈtendənsiz/

plural of “tendency” — an attitude of mind especially one that favors one alternative over others

From this reading “Our choice has been governed by two principles: (1) To include experimental work--work dealing with fresh materials or attempting new methods--rather than better work on familiar patterns; and (2) to represent varying tendencies in the literary effort of our country today rather than work that ranks high in popular taste.”

All words in this reading · 118

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.

1

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

From this reading Our choice has been governed by two principles: (1) To include experimental work--work dealing with fresh materials or attempting new methods--rather than better work on familiar patterns; and (2) to represent varying tendencies in the literary effort of our country today rather than work that ranks high in popular taste.

2

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

From this reading Our choice has been governed by two principles: (1) To include experimental work--work dealing with fresh materials or attempting new methods--rather than better work on familiar patterns; and (2) to represent varying tendencies in the literary effort of our country today rather than work that ranks high in popular taste.

adeterminerUS /ə/

used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one

From this reading This book is intended as a companion volume to _Contemporary British Literature_; but the differences between conditions in America and in England have made it necessary to alter somewhat the original plan.

alladjectiveUS /ɔːl/

(quantifier) used with either mass or count nouns to indicate the whole number or amount of or every one of a class

From this reading We have many more who have been widely successful in the business of making novels, poems, plays, which cannot rank as literature at all.

alterverbUS /ˈɔːltər/

cause to change; make different; cause a transformation

From this reading This book is intended as a companion volume to _Contemporary British Literature_; but the differences between conditions in America and in England have made it necessary to alter somewhat the original plan.

AmericanounUS /əˈmerəkə/

North American republic containing 50 states - 48 conterminous states in North America plus Alaska in northwest North America and the Hawaiian Islands in the Pacific Ocean; achieved independence in 1776

From this reading This book is intended as a companion volume to _Contemporary British Literature_; but the differences between conditions in America and in England have made it necessary to alter somewhat the original plan.

andconjunctionUS /ənd/

used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together

From this reading This book is intended as a companion volume to _Contemporary British Literature_; but the differences between conditions in America and in England have made it necessary to alter somewhat the original plan.

anyadjectiveUS /ˈeni/

one or some or every or all without specification

From this reading In choosing from such a large number a list for study, it is our hope that we have not omitted the name of any author who counts as a force in our developing literature; but, on the other hand, it is undoubtedly true that we have excluded many writers whose work compares favorably with that of some on the list.

asconjunctionUS /æz/

at the same time that; because; in the way that

From this reading This book is intended as a companion volume to _Contemporary British Literature_; but the differences between conditions in America and in England have made it necessary to alter somewhat the original plan.

atprepositionUS /æt/

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading We have many more who have been widely successful in the business of making novels, poems, plays, which cannot rank as literature at all.

attemptingverbUS /əˈtemptɪŋ/

-ing form of “attempt” — make an effort or attempt

From this reading Our choice has been governed by two principles: (1) To include experimental work--work dealing with fresh materials or attempting new methods--rather than better work on familiar patterns; and (2) to represent varying tendencies in the literary effort of our country today rather than work that ranks high in popular taste.

authornounUS /ˈɔːθər/

writes (books or stories or articles or the like) professionally (for pay)

From this reading In choosing from such a large number a list for study, it is our hope that we have not omitted the name of any author who counts as a force in our developing literature; but, on the other hand, it is undoubtedly true that we have excluded many writers whose work compares favorably with that of some on the list.

beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/

the past participle of “be”

From this reading We have many more who have been widely successful in the business of making novels, poems, plays, which cannot rank as literature at all.

bestnounUS /best/

the supreme effort one can make

From this reading In America today we have a few excellent writers who challenge comparison with the best of present-day England.

betteradjectiveUS /ˈbetər/

(comparative of “good”) superior to another (of the same class or set or kind) in excellence or quality or desirability or suitability; more highly skilled than another

From this reading Our choice has been governed by two principles: (1) To include experimental work--work dealing with fresh materials or attempting new methods--rather than better work on familiar patterns; and (2) to represent varying tendencies in the literary effort of our country today rather than work that ranks high in popular taste.

betweenprepositionUS /bɪˈtwiːn/

in the space, time, or range separating two things

From this reading This book is intended as a companion volume to _Contemporary British Literature_; but the differences between conditions in America and in England have made it necessary to alter somewhat the original plan.

booknounUS /bʊk/

a written work or composition that has been published (printed on pages bound together)

From this reading This book is intended as a companion volume to _Contemporary British Literature_; but the differences between conditions in America and in England have made it necessary to alter somewhat the original plan.

BritishnounUS /ˈbrɪtɪʃ/

the people of Great Britain

From this reading This book is intended as a companion volume to _Contemporary British Literature_; but the differences between conditions in America and in England have made it necessary to alter somewhat the original plan.

businessnounUS /ˈbɪznəs/

a commercial or industrial enterprise and the people who constitute it

From this reading We have many more who have been widely successful in the business of making novels, poems, plays, which cannot rank as literature at all.

butconjunctionUS /bʌt/

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading This book is intended as a companion volume to _Contemporary British Literature_; but the differences between conditions in America and in England have made it necessary to alter somewhat the original plan.

byprepositionUS /baɪ/

showing who or what does the action

From this reading Our choice has been governed by two principles: (1) To include experimental work--work dealing with fresh materials or attempting new methods--rather than better work on familiar patterns; and (2) to represent varying tendencies in the literary effort of our country today rather than work that ranks high in popular taste.

cannot

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

From this reading We have many more who have been widely successful in the business of making novels, poems, plays, which cannot rank as literature at all.

challengeverbUS /ˈtʃæləndʒ/

take exception to

From this reading In America today we have a few excellent writers who challenge comparison with the best of present-day England.

choicenounUS /tʃɔɪs/

the person or thing chosen or selected

From this reading Our choice has been governed by two principles: (1) To include experimental work--work dealing with fresh materials or attempting new methods--rather than better work on familiar patterns; and (2) to represent varying tendencies in the literary effort of our country today rather than work that ranks high in popular taste.

choosingverbUS /ˈtʃuːzɪŋ/

-ing form of “choose” — pick out, select, or choose from a number of alternatives

From this reading In choosing from such a large number a list for study, it is our hope that we have not omitted the name of any author who counts as a force in our developing literature; but, on the other hand, it is undoubtedly true that we have excluded many writers whose work compares favorably with that of some on the list.

companionnounUS /kəmˈpænjən/

a friend who is frequently in the company of another

From this reading This book is intended as a companion volume to _Contemporary British Literature_; but the differences between conditions in America and in England have made it necessary to alter somewhat the original plan.

comparesnounUS /kəmˈperz/

plural of “compare” — qualities that are comparable

From this reading In choosing from such a large number a list for study, it is our hope that we have not omitted the name of any author who counts as a force in our developing literature; but, on the other hand, it is undoubtedly true that we have excluded many writers whose work compares favorably with that of some on the list.

comparisonnounUS /kəmˈperəsən/

the act of examining resemblances

From this reading In America today we have a few excellent writers who challenge comparison with the best of present-day England.

conditionsnounUS /kənˈdɪʃənz/

the prevailing context that influences the performance or the outcome of a process

From this reading This book is intended as a companion volume to _Contemporary British Literature_; but the differences between conditions in America and in England have made it necessary to alter somewhat the original plan.

ContemporaryadjectiveUS /kənˈtempəreri/

characteristic of the present

From this reading This book is intended as a companion volume to _Contemporary British Literature_; but the differences between conditions in America and in England have made it necessary to alter somewhat the original plan.

countrynounUS /ˈkʌntri/

a politically organized body of people under a single government

From this reading Our choice has been governed by two principles: (1) To include experimental work--work dealing with fresh materials or attempting new methods--rather than better work on familiar patterns; and (2) to represent varying tendencies in the literary effort of our country today rather than work that ranks high in popular taste.

countsnounUS /kaʊnts/

plural of “count” — the total number counted

From this reading In choosing from such a large number a list for study, it is our hope that we have not omitted the name of any author who counts as a force in our developing literature; but, on the other hand, it is undoubtedly true that we have excluded many writers whose work compares favorably with that of some on the list.

dealingnounUS /ˈdiːlɪŋ/

method or manner of conduct in relation to others

From this reading Our choice has been governed by two principles: (1) To include experimental work--work dealing with fresh materials or attempting new methods--rather than better work on familiar patterns; and (2) to represent varying tendencies in the literary effort of our country today rather than work that ranks high in popular taste.

developingadjectiveUS /dɪˈveləpɪŋ/

relating to societies in which capital needed to industrialize is in short supply

From this reading In choosing from such a large number a list for study, it is our hope that we have not omitted the name of any author who counts as a force in our developing literature; but, on the other hand, it is undoubtedly true that we have excluded many writers whose work compares favorably with that of some on the list.

differencesnounUS /ˈdɪfərənsɪz/

plural of “difference” — the quality of being unlike or dissimilar

From this reading This book is intended as a companion volume to _Contemporary British Literature_; but the differences between conditions in America and in England have made it necessary to alter somewhat the original plan.

effortnounUS /ˈefərt/

earnest and conscientious activity intended to do or accomplish something

From this reading Our choice has been governed by two principles: (1) To include experimental work--work dealing with fresh materials or attempting new methods--rather than better work on familiar patterns; and (2) to represent varying tendencies in the literary effort of our country today rather than work that ranks high in popular taste.

EnglandnounUS /ˈɪŋɡlənd/

a division of the United Kingdom

From this reading This book is intended as a companion volume to _Contemporary British Literature_; but the differences between conditions in America and in England have made it necessary to alter somewhat the original plan.

excellentadjectiveUS /ˈeksələnt/

very good; of the highest quality

From this reading In America today we have a few excellent writers who challenge comparison with the best of present-day England.

excludedverbUS /ɪkˈskluːdəd/

past form of “exclude” — prevent from being included or considered or accepted

From this reading In choosing from such a large number a list for study, it is our hope that we have not omitted the name of any author who counts as a force in our developing literature; but, on the other hand, it is undoubtedly true that we have excluded many writers whose work compares favorably with that of some on the list.

experimentaladjectiveUS /ɪkˌsperɪˈmentəl/

relating to or based on experiment

From this reading Our choice has been governed by two principles: (1) To include experimental work--work dealing with fresh materials or attempting new methods--rather than better work on familiar patterns; and (2) to represent varying tendencies in the literary effort of our country today rather than work that ranks high in popular taste.

familiaradjectiveUS /fəˈmɪljər/

well known or easily recognized

From this reading Our choice has been governed by two principles: (1) To include experimental work--work dealing with fresh materials or attempting new methods--rather than better work on familiar patterns; and (2) to represent varying tendencies in the literary effort of our country today rather than work that ranks high in popular taste.

favorablyadverbUS /ˈfeɪvərəbli/

showing approval

From this reading In choosing from such a large number a list for study, it is our hope that we have not omitted the name of any author who counts as a force in our developing literature; but, on the other hand, it is undoubtedly true that we have excluded many writers whose work compares favorably with that of some on the list.

fewadjectiveUS /fjuː/

a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “a”; a small but indefinite number

From this reading In America today we have a few excellent writers who challenge comparison with the best of present-day England.

forprepositionUS /fɔːr/

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading In choosing from such a large number a list for study, it is our hope that we have not omitted the name of any author who counts as a force in our developing literature; but, on the other hand, it is undoubtedly true that we have excluded many writers whose work compares favorably with that of some on the list.

forcenounUS /fɔːrs/

a powerful effect or influence

From this reading In choosing from such a large number a list for study, it is our hope that we have not omitted the name of any author who counts as a force in our developing literature; but, on the other hand, it is undoubtedly true that we have excluded many writers whose work compares favorably with that of some on the list.

freshadjectiveUS /freʃ/

recently made, produced, or harvested

From this reading Our choice has been governed by two principles: (1) To include experimental work--work dealing with fresh materials or attempting new methods--rather than better work on familiar patterns; and (2) to represent varying tendencies in the literary effort of our country today rather than work that ranks high in popular taste.

fromprepositionUS /frʌm/

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading In choosing from such a large number a list for study, it is our hope that we have not omitted the name of any author who counts as a force in our developing literature; but, on the other hand, it is undoubtedly true that we have excluded many writers whose work compares favorably with that of some on the list.

governednounUS /ˈɡʌvərnd/

the body of people who are citizens of a particular government

From this reading Our choice has been governed by two principles: (1) To include experimental work--work dealing with fresh materials or attempting new methods--rather than better work on familiar patterns; and (2) to represent varying tendencies in the literary effort of our country today rather than work that ranks high in popular taste.

handnounUS /hænd/

the (prehensile) extremity of the superior limb

From this reading In choosing from such a large number a list for study, it is our hope that we have not omitted the name of any author who counts as a force in our developing literature; but, on the other hand, it is undoubtedly true that we have excluded many writers whose work compares favorably with that of some on the list.

hasauxiliary verbUS /hæz/

the form of “have” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun

From this reading Our choice has been governed by two principles: (1) To include experimental work--work dealing with fresh materials or attempting new methods--rather than better work on familiar patterns; and (2) to represent varying tendencies in the literary effort of our country today rather than work that ranks high in popular taste.

haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading This book is intended as a companion volume to _Contemporary British Literature_; but the differences between conditions in America and in England have made it necessary to alter somewhat the original plan.

highadjectiveUS /haɪ/

greater than normal in degree or intensity or amount

From this reading Our choice has been governed by two principles: (1) To include experimental work--work dealing with fresh materials or attempting new methods--rather than better work on familiar patterns; and (2) to represent varying tendencies in the literary effort of our country today rather than work that ranks high in popular taste.

hopenounUS /hoʊp/

a specific instance of feeling hopeful

From this reading In choosing from such a large number a list for study, it is our hope that we have not omitted the name of any author who counts as a force in our developing literature; but, on the other hand, it is undoubtedly true that we have excluded many writers whose work compares favorably with that of some on the list.

inprepositionUS /ɪn/

inside something, or within a place, period, or state

From this reading This book is intended as a companion volume to _Contemporary British Literature_; but the differences between conditions in America and in England have made it necessary to alter somewhat the original plan.

includeverbUS /ˌɪnˈkluːd/

have as a part, be made up out of

From this reading Our choice has been governed by two principles: (1) To include experimental work--work dealing with fresh materials or attempting new methods--rather than better work on familiar patterns; and (2) to represent varying tendencies in the literary effort of our country today rather than work that ranks high in popular taste.

intendedadjectiveUS /ˌɪnˈtendɪd/

resulting from one's intentions

From this reading This book is intended as a companion volume to _Contemporary British Literature_; but the differences between conditions in America and in England have made it necessary to alter somewhat the original plan.

isauxiliary verbUS /ɪz/

the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun

From this reading This book is intended as a companion volume to _Contemporary British Literature_; but the differences between conditions in America and in England have made it necessary to alter somewhat the original plan.

itpronounUS /ɪt/

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading This book is intended as a companion volume to _Contemporary British Literature_; but the differences between conditions in America and in England have made it necessary to alter somewhat the original plan.

largeadjectiveUS /lɑːrdʒ/

above average in size or number or quantity or magnitude or extent

From this reading In choosing from such a large number a list for study, it is our hope that we have not omitted the name of any author who counts as a force in our developing literature; but, on the other hand, it is undoubtedly true that we have excluded many writers whose work compares favorably with that of some on the list.

listverbUS /lɪst/

give or make a list of; name individually; give the names of

From this reading In choosing from such a large number a list for study, it is our hope that we have not omitted the name of any author who counts as a force in our developing literature; but, on the other hand, it is undoubtedly true that we have excluded many writers whose work compares favorably with that of some on the list.

literaryadjectiveUS /ˈlɪtəreri/

of or relating to or characteristic of literature

From this reading Our choice has been governed by two principles: (1) To include experimental work--work dealing with fresh materials or attempting new methods--rather than better work on familiar patterns; and (2) to represent varying tendencies in the literary effort of our country today rather than work that ranks high in popular taste.

LiteraturenounUS /ˈlɪtərətʃər/

creative writing of recognized artistic value

From this reading This book is intended as a companion volume to _Contemporary British Literature_; but the differences between conditions in America and in England have made it necessary to alter somewhat the original plan.

madeadjectiveUS /meɪd/

produced by a manufacturing process

From this reading This book is intended as a companion volume to _Contemporary British Literature_; but the differences between conditions in America and in England have made it necessary to alter somewhat the original plan.

makingnounUS /ˈmeɪkɪŋ/

the act that results in something coming to be

From this reading We have many more who have been widely successful in the business of making novels, poems, plays, which cannot rank as literature at all.

manyadjectiveUS /ˈmeni/

a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “as” or “too” or “so” or “that”; amounting to a large but indefinite number

From this reading We have many more who have been widely successful in the business of making novels, poems, plays, which cannot rank as literature at all.

materialsnounUS /məˈtɪriəlz/

plural of “material” — the tangible substance that goes into the makeup of a physical object

From this reading Our choice has been governed by two principles: (1) To include experimental work--work dealing with fresh materials or attempting new methods--rather than better work on familiar patterns; and (2) to represent varying tendencies in the literary effort of our country today rather than work that ranks high in popular taste.

methodsnounUS /ˈmeθədz/

plural of “method” — a way of doing something, especially a systematic way; implies an orderly logical arrangement (usually in steps)

From this reading Our choice has been governed by two principles: (1) To include experimental work--work dealing with fresh materials or attempting new methods--rather than better work on familiar patterns; and (2) to represent varying tendencies in the literary effort of our country today rather than work that ranks high in popular taste.

moreadjectiveUS /mɔːr/

(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree

From this reading We have many more who have been widely successful in the business of making novels, poems, plays, which cannot rank as literature at all.

nameverbUS /neɪm/

assign a specified (usually proper) proper name to

From this reading In choosing from such a large number a list for study, it is our hope that we have not omitted the name of any author who counts as a force in our developing literature; but, on the other hand, it is undoubtedly true that we have excluded many writers whose work compares favorably with that of some on the list.

necessaryadjectiveUS /ˈnesəseri/

absolutely essential

From this reading This book is intended as a companion volume to _Contemporary British Literature_; but the differences between conditions in America and in England have made it necessary to alter somewhat the original plan.

newadjectiveUS /nuː/

not of long duration; having just (or relatively recently) come into being or been made or acquired or discovered

From this reading Our choice has been governed by two principles: (1) To include experimental work--work dealing with fresh materials or attempting new methods--rather than better work on familiar patterns; and (2) to represent varying tendencies in the literary effort of our country today rather than work that ranks high in popular taste.

notadverbUS /nɑːt/

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading In choosing from such a large number a list for study, it is our hope that we have not omitted the name of any author who counts as a force in our developing literature; but, on the other hand, it is undoubtedly true that we have excluded many writers whose work compares favorably with that of some on the list.

novelsnounUS /ˈnɑːvəlz/

plural of “novel” — an extended fictional work in prose; usually in the form of a story

From this reading We have many more who have been widely successful in the business of making novels, poems, plays, which cannot rank as literature at all.

numbernounUS /ˈnʌmbər/

the property possessed by a sum or total or indefinite quantity of units or individuals

From this reading In choosing from such a large number a list for study, it is our hope that we have not omitted the name of any author who counts as a force in our developing literature; but, on the other hand, it is undoubtedly true that we have excluded many writers whose work compares favorably with that of some on the list.

ofprepositionUS /ʌv/

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading In America today we have a few excellent writers who challenge comparison with the best of present-day England.

omittedverbUS /oʊˈmɪtəd/

inflected form of “omit” — prevent from being included or considered or accepted

From this reading In choosing from such a large number a list for study, it is our hope that we have not omitted the name of any author who counts as a force in our developing literature; but, on the other hand, it is undoubtedly true that we have excluded many writers whose work compares favorably with that of some on the list.

onprepositionUS /ɑːn/

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading In choosing from such a large number a list for study, it is our hope that we have not omitted the name of any author who counts as a force in our developing literature; but, on the other hand, it is undoubtedly true that we have excluded many writers whose work compares favorably with that of some on the list.

orconjunctionUS /ɔːr/

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading Our choice has been governed by two principles: (1) To include experimental work--work dealing with fresh materials or attempting new methods--rather than better work on familiar patterns; and (2) to represent varying tendencies in the literary effort of our country today rather than work that ranks high in popular taste.

originaladjectiveUS /ərˈɪdʒənəl/

preceding all others in time or being as first made or performed

From this reading This book is intended as a companion volume to _Contemporary British Literature_; but the differences between conditions in America and in England have made it necessary to alter somewhat the original plan.

otheradjectiveUS /ˈʌðər/

not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied

From this reading In choosing from such a large number a list for study, it is our hope that we have not omitted the name of any author who counts as a force in our developing literature; but, on the other hand, it is undoubtedly true that we have excluded many writers whose work compares favorably with that of some on the list.

ourdeterminerUS /ˈaʊər/

belonging to the speaker and others

From this reading In choosing from such a large number a list for study, it is our hope that we have not omitted the name of any author who counts as a force in our developing literature; but, on the other hand, it is undoubtedly true that we have excluded many writers whose work compares favorably with that of some on the list.

patternsnounUS /ˈpætərnz/

plural of “pattern” — a perceptual structure

From this reading Our choice has been governed by two principles: (1) To include experimental work--work dealing with fresh materials or attempting new methods--rather than better work on familiar patterns; and (2) to represent varying tendencies in the literary effort of our country today rather than work that ranks high in popular taste.

planverbUS /plæn/

have the will and intention to carry out some action

From this reading This book is intended as a companion volume to _Contemporary British Literature_; but the differences between conditions in America and in England have made it necessary to alter somewhat the original plan.

playsnounUS /pleɪz/

plural of “play” — a dramatic work intended for performance by actors on a stage

From this reading We have many more who have been widely successful in the business of making novels, poems, plays, which cannot rank as literature at all.

poemsnounUS /ˈpoʊəmz/

plural of “poem” — a composition written in metrical feet forming rhythmical lines

From this reading We have many more who have been widely successful in the business of making novels, poems, plays, which cannot rank as literature at all.

popularadjectiveUS /ˈpɑːpjələr/

regarded with great favor, approval, or affection especially by the general public

From this reading Our choice has been governed by two principles: (1) To include experimental work--work dealing with fresh materials or attempting new methods--rather than better work on familiar patterns; and (2) to represent varying tendencies in the literary effort of our country today rather than work that ranks high in popular taste.

present-dayadjective

belonging to the present time

From this reading In America today we have a few excellent writers who challenge comparison with the best of present-day England.

principlesnounUS /ˈprɪnsəpəlz/

plural of “principle” — a basic generalization that is accepted as true and that can be used as a basis for reasoning or conduct

From this reading Our choice has been governed by two principles: (1) To include experimental work--work dealing with fresh materials or attempting new methods--rather than better work on familiar patterns; and (2) to represent varying tendencies in the literary effort of our country today rather than work that ranks high in popular taste.

ranknounUS /ræŋk/

a row or line of people (especially soldiers or police) standing abreast of one another

From this reading We have many more who have been widely successful in the business of making novels, poems, plays, which cannot rank as literature at all.

ranksnounUS /ræŋks/

plural of “rank” — a row or line of people (especially soldiers or police) standing abreast of one another

From this reading Our choice has been governed by two principles: (1) To include experimental work--work dealing with fresh materials or attempting new methods--rather than better work on familiar patterns; and (2) to represent varying tendencies in the literary effort of our country today rather than work that ranks high in popular taste.

ratheradverbUS /ˈræðər/

on the contrary

From this reading Our choice has been governed by two principles: (1) To include experimental work--work dealing with fresh materials or attempting new methods--rather than better work on familiar patterns; and (2) to represent varying tendencies in the literary effort of our country today rather than work that ranks high in popular taste.

representverbUS /ˌreprɪˈzent/

take the place of or be parallel or equivalent to

From this reading Our choice has been governed by two principles: (1) To include experimental work--work dealing with fresh materials or attempting new methods--rather than better work on familiar patterns; and (2) to represent varying tendencies in the literary effort of our country today rather than work that ranks high in popular taste.

someadjectiveUS /sʌm/

(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity

From this reading In choosing from such a large number a list for study, it is our hope that we have not omitted the name of any author who counts as a force in our developing literature; but, on the other hand, it is undoubtedly true that we have excluded many writers whose work compares favorably with that of some on the list.

somewhatadverbUS /ˈsʌmˈwʌt/

to a small degree or extent

From this reading This book is intended as a companion volume to _Contemporary British Literature_; but the differences between conditions in America and in England have made it necessary to alter somewhat the original plan.

studynounUS /ˈstʌdi/

a detailed critical inspection

From this reading In choosing from such a large number a list for study, it is our hope that we have not omitted the name of any author who counts as a force in our developing literature; but, on the other hand, it is undoubtedly true that we have excluded many writers whose work compares favorably with that of some on the list.

successfuladjectiveUS /səkˈsesfəl/

having succeeded or being marked by a favorable outcome

From this reading We have many more who have been widely successful in the business of making novels, poems, plays, which cannot rank as literature at all.

suchdeterminerUS /sʌtʃ/

of the kind already mentioned

From this reading In choosing from such a large number a list for study, it is our hope that we have not omitted the name of any author who counts as a force in our developing literature; but, on the other hand, it is undoubtedly true that we have excluded many writers whose work compares favorably with that of some on the list.

tasteverbUS /teɪst/

To perceive flavor through the mouth.

From this reading Our choice has been governed by two principles: (1) To include experimental work--work dealing with fresh materials or attempting new methods--rather than better work on familiar patterns; and (2) to represent varying tendencies in the literary effort of our country today rather than work that ranks high in popular taste.

tendenciesnounUS /ˈtendənsiz/

plural of “tendency” — an attitude of mind especially one that favors one alternative over others

From this reading Our choice has been governed by two principles: (1) To include experimental work--work dealing with fresh materials or attempting new methods--rather than better work on familiar patterns; and (2) to represent varying tendencies in the literary effort of our country today rather than work that ranks high in popular taste.

thanconjunctionUS /ðæn/

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading Our choice has been governed by two principles: (1) To include experimental work--work dealing with fresh materials or attempting new methods--rather than better work on familiar patterns; and (2) to represent varying tendencies in the literary effort of our country today rather than work that ranks high in popular taste.

thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading In choosing from such a large number a list for study, it is our hope that we have not omitted the name of any author who counts as a force in our developing literature; but, on the other hand, it is undoubtedly true that we have excluded many writers whose work compares favorably with that of some on the list.

thedeterminerUS /ðə/

used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind

From this reading This book is intended as a companion volume to _Contemporary British Literature_; but the differences between conditions in America and in England have made it necessary to alter somewhat the original plan.

ThisdeterminerUS /ðɪs/

used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned

From this reading This book is intended as a companion volume to _Contemporary British Literature_; but the differences between conditions in America and in England have made it necessary to alter somewhat the original plan.

toparticleUS /tuː/

used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive

From this reading This book is intended as a companion volume to _Contemporary British Literature_; but the differences between conditions in America and in England have made it necessary to alter somewhat the original plan.

todaynounUS /təˈdeɪ/

the present time or age

From this reading In America today we have a few excellent writers who challenge comparison with the best of present-day England.

trueadjectiveUS /truː/

consistent with fact or reality; not false

From this reading In choosing from such a large number a list for study, it is our hope that we have not omitted the name of any author who counts as a force in our developing literature; but, on the other hand, it is undoubtedly true that we have excluded many writers whose work compares favorably with that of some on the list.

twonounUS /tuː/

the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number

From this reading Our choice has been governed by two principles: (1) To include experimental work--work dealing with fresh materials or attempting new methods--rather than better work on familiar patterns; and (2) to represent varying tendencies in the literary effort of our country today rather than work that ranks high in popular taste.

undoubtedlyadverbUS /ənˈdaʊtɪdli/

without doubt; certainly

From this reading In choosing from such a large number a list for study, it is our hope that we have not omitted the name of any author who counts as a force in our developing literature; but, on the other hand, it is undoubtedly true that we have excluded many writers whose work compares favorably with that of some on the list.

varyingadjectiveUS /ˈveriɪŋ/

marked by diversity or difference

From this reading Our choice has been governed by two principles: (1) To include experimental work--work dealing with fresh materials or attempting new methods--rather than better work on familiar patterns; and (2) to represent varying tendencies in the literary effort of our country today rather than work that ranks high in popular taste.

volumenounUS /ˈvɑːljuːm/

the amount of 3-dimensional space occupied by an object

From this reading This book is intended as a companion volume to _Contemporary British Literature_; but the differences between conditions in America and in England have made it necessary to alter somewhat the original plan.

wepronounUS /wiː/

the speaker together with one or more other people

From this reading In America today we have a few excellent writers who challenge comparison with the best of present-day England.

whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/

used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned

From this reading We have many more who have been widely successful in the business of making novels, poems, plays, which cannot rank as literature at all.

whopronounUS /huː/

which person or people

From this reading In America today we have a few excellent writers who challenge comparison with the best of present-day England.

whosedeterminerUS /huːz/

belonging to which person

From this reading In choosing from such a large number a list for study, it is our hope that we have not omitted the name of any author who counts as a force in our developing literature; but, on the other hand, it is undoubtedly true that we have excluded many writers whose work compares favorably with that of some on the list.

widelyadverbUS /ˈwaɪdli/

to a great degree

From this reading We have many more who have been widely successful in the business of making novels, poems, plays, which cannot rank as literature at all.

withprepositionUS /wɪð/

in the company of; together with

From this reading In America today we have a few excellent writers who challenge comparison with the best of present-day England.

workverbUS /wɜːrk/

exert oneself by doing mental or physical work for a purpose or out of necessity

From this reading In choosing from such a large number a list for study, it is our hope that we have not omitted the name of any author who counts as a force in our developing literature; but, on the other hand, it is undoubtedly true that we have excluded many writers whose work compares favorably with that of some on the list.

writersnounUS /ˈraɪtərz/

plural of “writer” — writes (books or stories or articles or the like) professionally (for pay)

From this reading In America today we have a few excellent writers who challenge comparison with the best of present-day England.

Chapter 1 of Contemporary American Literature by John Matthews Manly holds 409 sentences, grouped into 82 reading sections of at most 5 sentences. The text is the source edition, 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 Contemporary American Literature contain?

Chapter 1 holds 409 sentences of Contemporary American Literature, unabridged, divided into 82 reading sections.

This page carries chapter 1 of Contemporary American Literature by John Matthews Manly exactly as it stands in the source edition, without abridgement. It runs to 409 sentences, grouped into 82 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 Contemporary American Literature?

Work through the 82 sections in order, replaying any sentence and tapping unfamiliar words for their entries.

Each of the 82 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 Contemporary American Literature

Common questions about reading Contemporary American Literature by John Matthews Manly on this page, its source edition and its audio.

Is this the complete text of Contemporary American Literature?

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Which edition of Contemporary American Literature is used?

Project Gutenberg eBook #?, unabridged. The Project Gutenberg header, footer and licence are removed.

How long does Contemporary American Literature take to read?

About 5 minutes of reading across 0 sections of 5 sentences each, at an unhurried pace.

How to read Contemporary American Literature section by section

How to work through Contemporary American Literature section by section, using the audio and the tap-to-define vocabulary.

  1. Open a chapter

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  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 Contemporary American Literature

Words and structures a reader meets early in Contemporary American Literature, each tappable for pronunciation and meaning.

Chapter 1
One of the 0 chapters of Contemporary American Literature, divided into 5-sentence reading sections.
Chapter 2
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Chapter 3
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