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Famous Stories Every Child Should Know
Famous Stories Every Child Should Know

Chapter I · Chapter 1

Chapter 1 of Famous Stories Every Child Should Know is here in full — 393 sentences across 79 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

Cover illustration for Famous Stories Every Child Should Know
Context Illustration Reading 22/78 · 5 lines
English subtitles · tap any word to listen 1 / 5
And the star was shining, and it shines upon his grave.
II THE KING OF THE GOLDEN RIVER; OR, THE BLACK BROTHERS I.--HOW THE AGRICULTURAL SYSTEM OF THE BLACK BROTHERS WAS INTERFERED WITH BY SOUTHWEST WIND, ESQUIRE In a secluded and mountainous part of Stiria there was, in old time, a valley of the most surprising and luxuriant fertility.
It was surrounded, on all sides, by steep and rocky mountains, rising into peaks, which were always covered with snow, and from which a number of torrents descended in constant cataracts.
One of these fell westward, over the face of a crag so high, that, when the sun had set to everything else, and all below was darkness, his beams still shone full upon this waterfall, so that it looked like a shower of gold.
It was, therefore, called by the people of the neighbourhood, the Golden River.
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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.

Famous Stories Every Child Should Know

Chapter I · Chapter 1

Chapter 1 of Famous Stories Every Child Should Know is here in full — 393 sentences across 79 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

Reading 22/78 · 5 reading units · Lines 106–110

Line 1
And the star was shining, and it shines upon his grave.
/ənd ðə stɑːr wɑːz ˈʃaɪnɪŋ ənd ɪt ʃaɪnz əˈpɑːn hɪz ɡreɪv/
Line 2
II THE KING OF THE GOLDEN RIVER; OR, THE BLACK BROTHERS I.--HOW THE AGRICULTURAL SYSTEM OF THE BLACK BROTHERS WAS INTERFERED WITH BY SOUTHWEST WIND, ESQUIRE In a secluded and mountainous part of Stiria there was, in old time, a valley of the most surprising and luxuriant fertility.
Line 3
It was surrounded, on all sides, by steep and rocky mountains, rising into peaks, which were always covered with snow, and from which a number of torrents descended in constant cataracts.
/ɪt wɑːz sərˈaʊndɪd ɑːn ɔːl saɪdz baɪ stiːp ənd ˈrɑːki ˈmaʊntənz ˈraɪzɪŋ ˈɪntuː piːks wɪtʃ wɜːr ˈɔːlweɪz ˈkʌvərd wɪð snoʊ ənd frʌm wɪtʃ ə ˈnʌmbər ʌv ˈtɔːrənts dɪˈsendəd ɪn ˈkɑːnstənt ˈkætərækts/
Line 4
One of these fell westward, over the face of a crag so high, that, when the sun had set to everything else, and all below was darkness, his beams still shone full upon this waterfall, so that it looked like a shower of gold.
Line 5
It was, therefore, called by the people of the neighbourhood, the Golden River.
/ɪt wɑːz ˈðerfɔːr kɔːld baɪ ðə ˈpiːpəl ʌv ðə ˈneɪbərhʊd ðə ˈɡoʊldən ˈrɪvər/

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.

cataracts noun US /ˈkætərækts/

plural of “cataract” — an eye disease that involves the clouding or opacification of the natural lens of the eye

From this reading “It was surrounded, on all sides, by steep and rocky mountains, rising into peaks, which were always covered with snow, and from which a number of torrents descended in constant cataracts.”

crag noun US /kræɡ/

a steep rugged rock or cliff

From this reading “One of these fell westward, over the face of a crag so high, that, when the sun had set to everything else, and all below was darkness, his beams still shone full upon this waterfall, so that it looked like a shower of gold.”

esquire noun US /ˈeskwaɪr/

(Middle Ages) an attendant and shield bearer to a knight; a candidate for knighthood

From this reading “II THE KING OF THE GOLDEN RIVER; OR, THE BLACK BROTHERS I.--HOW THE AGRICULTURAL SYSTEM OF THE BLACK BROTHERS WAS INTERFERED WITH BY SOUTHWEST WIND, ESQUIRE In a secluded and mountainous part of Stiria there was, in old time, a valley of the most surprising and luxuriant fertility.”

fertility noun US /fərˈtɪləti/

the ratio of live births in an area to the population of that area; expressed per 1000 population per year

From this reading “II THE KING OF THE GOLDEN RIVER; OR, THE BLACK BROTHERS I.--HOW THE AGRICULTURAL SYSTEM OF THE BLACK BROTHERS WAS INTERFERED WITH BY SOUTHWEST WIND, ESQUIRE In a secluded and mountainous part of Stiria there was, in old time, a valley of the most surprising and luxuriant fertility.”

luxuriant adjective US /ləɡˈʒɜːriənt/

marked by complexity and richness of detail

From this reading “II THE KING OF THE GOLDEN RIVER; OR, THE BLACK BROTHERS I.--HOW THE AGRICULTURAL SYSTEM OF THE BLACK BROTHERS WAS INTERFERED WITH BY SOUTHWEST WIND, ESQUIRE In a secluded and mountainous part of Stiria there was, in old time, a valley of the most surprising and luxuriant fertility.”

mountainous adjective US /ˈmaʊntənəs/

having hills and crags

From this reading “II THE KING OF THE GOLDEN RIVER; OR, THE BLACK BROTHERS I.--HOW THE AGRICULTURAL SYSTEM OF THE BLACK BROTHERS WAS INTERFERED WITH BY SOUTHWEST WIND, ESQUIRE In a secluded and mountainous part of Stiria there was, in old time, a valley of the most surprising and luxuriant fertility.”

southwest noun US /ˌsaʊˈθwest/

the compass point midway between south and west; at 225 degrees

From this reading “II THE KING OF THE GOLDEN RIVER; OR, THE BLACK BROTHERS I.--HOW THE AGRICULTURAL SYSTEM OF THE BLACK BROTHERS WAS INTERFERED WITH BY SOUTHWEST WIND, ESQUIRE In a secluded and mountainous part of Stiria there was, in old time, a valley of the most surprising and luxuriant fertility.”

waterfall noun US /ˈwɔːtərfɔːl/

a steep descent of the water of a river

From this reading “One of these fell westward, over the face of a crag so high, that, when the sun had set to everything else, and all below was darkness, his beams still shone full upon this waterfall, so that it looked like a shower of gold.”

All words in this reading · 96

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.

adeterminerUS /ə/

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

From this reading II THE KING OF THE GOLDEN RIVER; OR, THE BLACK BROTHERS I.--HOW THE AGRICULTURAL SYSTEM OF THE BLACK BROTHERS WAS INTERFERED WITH BY SOUTHWEST WIND, ESQUIRE In a secluded and mountainous part of Stiria there was, in old time, a valley of the most surprising and luxuriant fertility.

AGRICULTURALadjectiveUS /ˌæɡrəˈkʌltʃərəl/

relating to or used in or promoting agriculture or farming

From this reading II THE KING OF THE GOLDEN RIVER; OR, THE BLACK BROTHERS I.--HOW THE AGRICULTURAL SYSTEM OF THE BLACK BROTHERS WAS INTERFERED WITH BY SOUTHWEST WIND, ESQUIRE In a secluded and mountainous part of Stiria there was, in old time, a valley of the most surprising and luxuriant fertility.

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 It was surrounded, on all sides, by steep and rocky mountains, rising into peaks, which were always covered with snow, and from which a number of torrents descended in constant cataracts.

alwaysadverbUS /ˈɔːlweɪz/

at all times; all the time and on every occasion

From this reading It was surrounded, on all sides, by steep and rocky mountains, rising into peaks, which were always covered with snow, and from which a number of torrents descended in constant cataracts.

AndconjunctionUS /ənd/

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

From this reading And the star was shining, and it shines upon his grave.

beamsnounUS /biːmz/

plural of “beam” — a signal transmitted along a narrow path; guides airplane pilots in darkness or bad weather

From this reading One of these fell westward, over the face of a crag so high, that, when the sun had set to everything else, and all below was darkness, his beams still shone full upon this waterfall, so that it looked like a shower of gold.

belowprepositionUS /bɪˈloʊ/

at or to a lower level than something

From this reading One of these fell westward, over the face of a crag so high, that, when the sun had set to everything else, and all below was darkness, his beams still shone full upon this waterfall, so that it looked like a shower of gold.

BLACKadjectiveUS /blæk/

being of the achromatic color of maximum darkness; having little or no hue owing to absorption of almost all incident light

From this reading II THE KING OF THE GOLDEN RIVER; OR, THE BLACK BROTHERS I.--HOW THE AGRICULTURAL SYSTEM OF THE BLACK BROTHERS WAS INTERFERED WITH BY SOUTHWEST WIND, ESQUIRE In a secluded and mountainous part of Stiria there was, in old time, a valley of the most surprising and luxuriant fertility.

BROTHERSnounUS /ˈbrʌðərz/

plural of “brother” — a male with the same parents as someone else

From this reading II THE KING OF THE GOLDEN RIVER; OR, THE BLACK BROTHERS I.--HOW THE AGRICULTURAL SYSTEM OF THE BLACK BROTHERS WAS INTERFERED WITH BY SOUTHWEST WIND, ESQUIRE In a secluded and mountainous part of Stiria there was, in old time, a valley of the most surprising and luxuriant fertility.

BYprepositionUS /baɪ/

showing who or what does the action

From this reading II THE KING OF THE GOLDEN RIVER; OR, THE BLACK BROTHERS I.--HOW THE AGRICULTURAL SYSTEM OF THE BLACK BROTHERS WAS INTERFERED WITH BY SOUTHWEST WIND, ESQUIRE In a secluded and mountainous part of Stiria there was, in old time, a valley of the most surprising and luxuriant fertility.

calledverbUS /kɔːld/

past form of “call” — assign a specified (usually proper) proper name to

From this reading It was, therefore, called by the people of the neighbourhood, the Golden River.

cataractsnounUS /ˈkætərækts/

plural of “cataract” — an eye disease that involves the clouding or opacification of the natural lens of the eye

From this reading It was surrounded, on all sides, by steep and rocky mountains, rising into peaks, which were always covered with snow, and from which a number of torrents descended in constant cataracts.

constantadjectiveUS /ˈkɑːnstənt/

unvarying in nature

From this reading It was surrounded, on all sides, by steep and rocky mountains, rising into peaks, which were always covered with snow, and from which a number of torrents descended in constant cataracts.

coveredadjectiveUS /ˈkʌvərd/

overlaid or spread or topped with or enclosed within something; sometimes used as a combining form

From this reading It was surrounded, on all sides, by steep and rocky mountains, rising into peaks, which were always covered with snow, and from which a number of torrents descended in constant cataracts.

cragnounUS /kræɡ/

a steep rugged rock or cliff

From this reading One of these fell westward, over the face of a crag so high, that, when the sun had set to everything else, and all below was darkness, his beams still shone full upon this waterfall, so that it looked like a shower of gold.

darknessnounUS /ˈdɑːrknəs/

absence of light or illumination

From this reading One of these fell westward, over the face of a crag so high, that, when the sun had set to everything else, and all below was darkness, his beams still shone full upon this waterfall, so that it looked like a shower of gold.

descendedverbUS /dɪˈsendəd/

past form of “descend” — move downward and lower, but not necessarily all the way

From this reading It was surrounded, on all sides, by steep and rocky mountains, rising into peaks, which were always covered with snow, and from which a number of torrents descended in constant cataracts.

else

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

From this reading One of these fell westward, over the face of a crag so high, that, when the sun had set to everything else, and all below was darkness, his beams still shone full upon this waterfall, so that it looked like a shower of gold.

ESQUIREnounUS /ˈeskwaɪr/

(Middle Ages) an attendant and shield bearer to a knight; a candidate for knighthood

From this reading II THE KING OF THE GOLDEN RIVER; OR, THE BLACK BROTHERS I.--HOW THE AGRICULTURAL SYSTEM OF THE BLACK BROTHERS WAS INTERFERED WITH BY SOUTHWEST WIND, ESQUIRE In a secluded and mountainous part of Stiria there was, in old time, a valley of the most surprising and luxuriant fertility.

everythingpronounUS /ˈevriθɪŋ/

all things; all of a situation

From this reading One of these fell westward, over the face of a crag so high, that, when the sun had set to everything else, and all below was darkness, his beams still shone full upon this waterfall, so that it looked like a shower of gold.

facenounUS /feɪs/

the front of the human head from the forehead to the chin and ear to ear

From this reading One of these fell westward, over the face of a crag so high, that, when the sun had set to everything else, and all below was darkness, his beams still shone full upon this waterfall, so that it looked like a shower of gold.

fellverbUS /fel/

cause to fall by or as if by delivering a blow

From this reading One of these fell westward, over the face of a crag so high, that, when the sun had set to everything else, and all below was darkness, his beams still shone full upon this waterfall, so that it looked like a shower of gold.

fertilitynounUS /fərˈtɪləti/

the ratio of live births in an area to the population of that area; expressed per 1000 population per year

From this reading II THE KING OF THE GOLDEN RIVER; OR, THE BLACK BROTHERS I.--HOW THE AGRICULTURAL SYSTEM OF THE BLACK BROTHERS WAS INTERFERED WITH BY SOUTHWEST WIND, ESQUIRE In a secluded and mountainous part of Stiria there was, in old time, a valley of the most surprising and luxuriant fertility.

fromprepositionUS /frʌm/

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading It was surrounded, on all sides, by steep and rocky mountains, rising into peaks, which were always covered with snow, and from which a number of torrents descended in constant cataracts.

fulladjectiveUS /fʊl/

containing as much or as many as is possible or normal

From this reading One of these fell westward, over the face of a crag so high, that, when the sun had set to everything else, and all below was darkness, his beams still shone full upon this waterfall, so that it looked like a shower of gold.

goldnounUS /ɡoʊld/

coins made of gold

From this reading One of these fell westward, over the face of a crag so high, that, when the sun had set to everything else, and all below was darkness, his beams still shone full upon this waterfall, so that it looked like a shower of gold.

GOLDENadjectiveUS /ˈɡoʊldən/

having the deep slightly brownish color of gold

From this reading II THE KING OF THE GOLDEN RIVER; OR, THE BLACK BROTHERS I.--HOW THE AGRICULTURAL SYSTEM OF THE BLACK BROTHERS WAS INTERFERED WITH BY SOUTHWEST WIND, ESQUIRE In a secluded and mountainous part of Stiria there was, in old time, a valley of the most surprising and luxuriant fertility.

gravenounUS /ɡreɪv/

death of a person

From this reading And the star was shining, and it shines upon his grave.

hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/

the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect

From this reading One of these fell westward, over the face of a crag so high, that, when the sun had set to everything else, and all below was darkness, his beams still shone full upon this waterfall, so that it looked like a shower of gold.

highadjectiveUS /haɪ/

greater than normal in degree or intensity or amount

From this reading One of these fell westward, over the face of a crag so high, that, when the sun had set to everything else, and all below was darkness, his beams still shone full upon this waterfall, so that it looked like a shower of gold.

hisdeterminerUS /hɪz/

belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned

From this reading And the star was shining, and it shines upon his grave.

HOW

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

From this reading II THE KING OF THE GOLDEN RIVER; OR, THE BLACK BROTHERS I.--HOW THE AGRICULTURAL SYSTEM OF THE BLACK BROTHERS WAS INTERFERED WITH BY SOUTHWEST WIND, ESQUIRE In a secluded and mountainous part of Stiria there was, in old time, a valley of the most surprising and luxuriant fertility.

IpronounUS /aɪ/

the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb

From this reading II THE KING OF THE GOLDEN RIVER; OR, THE BLACK BROTHERS I.--HOW THE AGRICULTURAL SYSTEM OF THE BLACK BROTHERS WAS INTERFERED WITH BY SOUTHWEST WIND, ESQUIRE In a secluded and mountainous part of Stiria there was, in old time, a valley of the most surprising and luxuriant fertility.

IInoun

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

From this reading II THE KING OF THE GOLDEN RIVER; OR, THE BLACK BROTHERS I.--HOW THE AGRICULTURAL SYSTEM OF THE BLACK BROTHERS WAS INTERFERED WITH BY SOUTHWEST WIND, ESQUIRE In a secluded and mountainous part of Stiria there was, in old time, a valley of the most surprising and luxuriant fertility.

InprepositionUS /ɪn/

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

From this reading II THE KING OF THE GOLDEN RIVER; OR, THE BLACK BROTHERS I.--HOW THE AGRICULTURAL SYSTEM OF THE BLACK BROTHERS WAS INTERFERED WITH BY SOUTHWEST WIND, ESQUIRE In a secluded and mountainous part of Stiria there was, in old time, a valley of the most surprising and luxuriant fertility.

INTERFEREDverbUS /ˌɪntərˈfɪrd/

past form of “interfere” — come between so as to be hindrance or obstacle

From this reading II THE KING OF THE GOLDEN RIVER; OR, THE BLACK BROTHERS I.--HOW THE AGRICULTURAL SYSTEM OF THE BLACK BROTHERS WAS INTERFERED WITH BY SOUTHWEST WIND, ESQUIRE In a secluded and mountainous part of Stiria there was, in old time, a valley of the most surprising and luxuriant fertility.

intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/

moving to the inside of something

From this reading It was surrounded, on all sides, by steep and rocky mountains, rising into peaks, which were always covered with snow, and from which a number of torrents descended in constant cataracts.

itpronounUS /ɪt/

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading And the star was shining, and it shines upon his grave.

KINGnounUS /kɪŋ/

a male sovereign; ruler of a kingdom

From this reading II THE KING OF THE GOLDEN RIVER; OR, THE BLACK BROTHERS I.--HOW THE AGRICULTURAL SYSTEM OF THE BLACK BROTHERS WAS INTERFERED WITH BY SOUTHWEST WIND, ESQUIRE In a secluded and mountainous part of Stiria there was, in old time, a valley of the most surprising and luxuriant fertility.

likeverbUS /laɪk/

prefer or wish to do something

From this reading One of these fell westward, over the face of a crag so high, that, when the sun had set to everything else, and all below was darkness, his beams still shone full upon this waterfall, so that it looked like a shower of gold.

lookedverbUS /lʊkt/

past form of “look” — perceive with attention; direct one's gaze towards

From this reading One of these fell westward, over the face of a crag so high, that, when the sun had set to everything else, and all below was darkness, his beams still shone full upon this waterfall, so that it looked like a shower of gold.

luxuriantadjectiveUS /ləɡˈʒɜːriənt/

marked by complexity and richness of detail

From this reading II THE KING OF THE GOLDEN RIVER; OR, THE BLACK BROTHERS I.--HOW THE AGRICULTURAL SYSTEM OF THE BLACK BROTHERS WAS INTERFERED WITH BY SOUTHWEST WIND, ESQUIRE In a secluded and mountainous part of Stiria there was, in old time, a valley of the most surprising and luxuriant fertility.

mostadverbUS /moʊst/

used to form the superlative

From this reading II THE KING OF THE GOLDEN RIVER; OR, THE BLACK BROTHERS I.--HOW THE AGRICULTURAL SYSTEM OF THE BLACK BROTHERS WAS INTERFERED WITH BY SOUTHWEST WIND, ESQUIRE In a secluded and mountainous part of Stiria there was, in old time, a valley of the most surprising and luxuriant fertility.

mountainousadjectiveUS /ˈmaʊntənəs/

having hills and crags

From this reading II THE KING OF THE GOLDEN RIVER; OR, THE BLACK BROTHERS I.--HOW THE AGRICULTURAL SYSTEM OF THE BLACK BROTHERS WAS INTERFERED WITH BY SOUTHWEST WIND, ESQUIRE In a secluded and mountainous part of Stiria there was, in old time, a valley of the most surprising and luxuriant fertility.

mountainsnounUS /ˈmaʊntənz/

plural of “mountain” — a land mass that projects well above its surroundings; higher than a hill

From this reading It was surrounded, on all sides, by steep and rocky mountains, rising into peaks, which were always covered with snow, and from which a number of torrents descended in constant cataracts.

neighbourhoodnounUS /ˈneɪbərhʊd/

a surrounding or nearby region

From this reading It was, therefore, called by the people of the neighbourhood, the Golden River.

numbernounUS /ˈnʌmbər/

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

From this reading It was surrounded, on all sides, by steep and rocky mountains, rising into peaks, which were always covered with snow, and from which a number of torrents descended in constant cataracts.

OFprepositionUS /ʌv/

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading II THE KING OF THE GOLDEN RIVER; OR, THE BLACK BROTHERS I.--HOW THE AGRICULTURAL SYSTEM OF THE BLACK BROTHERS WAS INTERFERED WITH BY SOUTHWEST WIND, ESQUIRE In a secluded and mountainous part of Stiria there was, in old time, a valley of the most surprising and luxuriant fertility.

oldadjectiveUS /oʊld/

(used especially of persons) having lived for a relatively long time or attained a specific age

From this reading II THE KING OF THE GOLDEN RIVER; OR, THE BLACK BROTHERS I.--HOW THE AGRICULTURAL SYSTEM OF THE BLACK BROTHERS WAS INTERFERED WITH BY SOUTHWEST WIND, ESQUIRE In a secluded and mountainous part of Stiria there was, in old time, a valley of the most surprising and luxuriant fertility.

onprepositionUS /ɑːn/

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading It was surrounded, on all sides, by steep and rocky mountains, rising into peaks, which were always covered with snow, and from which a number of torrents descended in constant cataracts.

OnepronounUS /wʌn/

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading One of these fell westward, over the face of a crag so high, that, when the sun had set to everything else, and all below was darkness, his beams still shone full upon this waterfall, so that it looked like a shower of gold.

ORconjunctionUS /ɔːr/

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading II THE KING OF THE GOLDEN RIVER; OR, THE BLACK BROTHERS I.--HOW THE AGRICULTURAL SYSTEM OF THE BLACK BROTHERS WAS INTERFERED WITH BY SOUTHWEST WIND, ESQUIRE In a secluded and mountainous part of Stiria there was, in old time, a valley of the most surprising and luxuriant fertility.

overprepositionUS /ˈoʊvər/

above and across; more than

From this reading One of these fell westward, over the face of a crag so high, that, when the sun had set to everything else, and all below was darkness, his beams still shone full upon this waterfall, so that it looked like a shower of gold.

partnounUS /pɑːrt/

something determined in relation to something that includes it

From this reading II THE KING OF THE GOLDEN RIVER; OR, THE BLACK BROTHERS I.--HOW THE AGRICULTURAL SYSTEM OF THE BLACK BROTHERS WAS INTERFERED WITH BY SOUTHWEST WIND, ESQUIRE In a secluded and mountainous part of Stiria there was, in old time, a valley of the most surprising and luxuriant fertility.

peaksnounUS /piːks/

plural of “peak” — the most extreme possible amount or value

From this reading It was surrounded, on all sides, by steep and rocky mountains, rising into peaks, which were always covered with snow, and from which a number of torrents descended in constant cataracts.

peoplenounUS /ˈpiːpəl/

(plural) any group of human beings (men or women or children) collectively

From this reading It was, therefore, called by the people of the neighbourhood, the Golden River.

risingadjectiveUS /ˈraɪzɪŋ/

advancing or becoming higher or greater in degree or value or status

From this reading It was surrounded, on all sides, by steep and rocky mountains, rising into peaks, which were always covered with snow, and from which a number of torrents descended in constant cataracts.

RIVERnounUS /ˈrɪvər/

a large natural stream of water (larger than a creek)

From this reading II THE KING OF THE GOLDEN RIVER; OR, THE BLACK BROTHERS I.--HOW THE AGRICULTURAL SYSTEM OF THE BLACK BROTHERS WAS INTERFERED WITH BY SOUTHWEST WIND, ESQUIRE In a secluded and mountainous part of Stiria there was, in old time, a valley of the most surprising and luxuriant fertility.

rockyadjectiveUS /ˈrɑːki/

abounding in rocks or stones

From this reading It was surrounded, on all sides, by steep and rocky mountains, rising into peaks, which were always covered with snow, and from which a number of torrents descended in constant cataracts.

secludedadjectiveUS /sɪˈkluːdɪd/

hidden from general view or use

From this reading II THE KING OF THE GOLDEN RIVER; OR, THE BLACK BROTHERS I.--HOW THE AGRICULTURAL SYSTEM OF THE BLACK BROTHERS WAS INTERFERED WITH BY SOUTHWEST WIND, ESQUIRE In a secluded and mountainous part of Stiria there was, in old time, a valley of the most surprising and luxuriant fertility.

setverbUS /set/

put into a certain place or abstract location

From this reading One of these fell westward, over the face of a crag so high, that, when the sun had set to everything else, and all below was darkness, his beams still shone full upon this waterfall, so that it looked like a shower of gold.

shinesnounUS /ʃaɪnz/

plural of “shine” — the quality of being bright and sending out rays of light

From this reading And the star was shining, and it shines upon his grave.

shiningadjectiveUS /ˈʃaɪnɪŋ/

marked by exceptional merit

From this reading And the star was shining, and it shines upon his grave.

shoneverbUS /ʃoʊn/

inflected form of “shine” — be bright by reflecting or casting light

From this reading One of these fell westward, over the face of a crag so high, that, when the sun had set to everything else, and all below was darkness, his beams still shone full upon this waterfall, so that it looked like a shower of gold.

showernounUS /ˈʃaʊər/

a plumbing fixture that sprays water over you

From this reading One of these fell westward, over the face of a crag so high, that, when the sun had set to everything else, and all below was darkness, his beams still shone full upon this waterfall, so that it looked like a shower of gold.

sidesnounUS /saɪdz/

plural of “side” — a place within a region identified relative to a center or reference location

From this reading It was surrounded, on all sides, by steep and rocky mountains, rising into peaks, which were always covered with snow, and from which a number of torrents descended in constant cataracts.

snownounUS /snoʊ/

precipitation falling from clouds in the form of ice crystals

From this reading It was surrounded, on all sides, by steep and rocky mountains, rising into peaks, which were always covered with snow, and from which a number of torrents descended in constant cataracts.

soconjunctionUS /soʊ/

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading One of these fell westward, over the face of a crag so high, that, when the sun had set to everything else, and all below was darkness, his beams still shone full upon this waterfall, so that it looked like a shower of gold.

SOUTHWESTnounUS /ˌsaʊˈθwest/

the compass point midway between south and west; at 225 degrees

From this reading II THE KING OF THE GOLDEN RIVER; OR, THE BLACK BROTHERS I.--HOW THE AGRICULTURAL SYSTEM OF THE BLACK BROTHERS WAS INTERFERED WITH BY SOUTHWEST WIND, ESQUIRE In a secluded and mountainous part of Stiria there was, in old time, a valley of the most surprising and luxuriant fertility.

starnounUS /stɑːr/

(astronomy) a celestial body of hot gases that radiates energy derived from thermonuclear reactions in the interior

From this reading And the star was shining, and it shines upon his grave.

steepadjectiveUS /stiːp/

having a sharp inclination

From this reading It was surrounded, on all sides, by steep and rocky mountains, rising into peaks, which were always covered with snow, and from which a number of torrents descended in constant cataracts.

stilladjectiveUS /stɪl/

not in physical motion

From this reading One of these fell westward, over the face of a crag so high, that, when the sun had set to everything else, and all below was darkness, his beams still shone full upon this waterfall, so that it looked like a shower of gold.

Stiria

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

From this reading II THE KING OF THE GOLDEN RIVER; OR, THE BLACK BROTHERS I.--HOW THE AGRICULTURAL SYSTEM OF THE BLACK BROTHERS WAS INTERFERED WITH BY SOUTHWEST WIND, ESQUIRE In a secluded and mountainous part of Stiria there was, in old time, a valley of the most surprising and luxuriant fertility.

sunnounUS /sʌn/

the star that is the source of light and heat for the planets in the solar system

From this reading One of these fell westward, over the face of a crag so high, that, when the sun had set to everything else, and all below was darkness, his beams still shone full upon this waterfall, so that it looked like a shower of gold.

surprisingadjectiveUS /sərˈpraɪzɪŋ/

causing surprise or wonder or amazement

From this reading II THE KING OF THE GOLDEN RIVER; OR, THE BLACK BROTHERS I.--HOW THE AGRICULTURAL SYSTEM OF THE BLACK BROTHERS WAS INTERFERED WITH BY SOUTHWEST WIND, ESQUIRE In a secluded and mountainous part of Stiria there was, in old time, a valley of the most surprising and luxuriant fertility.

surroundedadjectiveUS /sərˈaʊndɪd/

confined on all sides

From this reading It was surrounded, on all sides, by steep and rocky mountains, rising into peaks, which were always covered with snow, and from which a number of torrents descended in constant cataracts.

SYSTEMnounUS /ˈsɪstəm/

instrumentality that combines interrelated interacting artifacts designed to work as a coherent entity

From this reading II THE KING OF THE GOLDEN RIVER; OR, THE BLACK BROTHERS I.--HOW THE AGRICULTURAL SYSTEM OF THE BLACK BROTHERS WAS INTERFERED WITH BY SOUTHWEST WIND, ESQUIRE In a secluded and mountainous part of Stiria there was, in old time, a valley of the most surprising and luxuriant fertility.

thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading One of these fell westward, over the face of a crag so high, that, when the sun had set to everything else, and all below was darkness, his beams still shone full upon this waterfall, so that it looked like a shower of gold.

thedeterminerUS /ðə/

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

From this reading And the star was shining, and it shines upon his grave.

thereadverbUS /ðer/

in or at that place or location

From this reading II THE KING OF THE GOLDEN RIVER; OR, THE BLACK BROTHERS I.--HOW THE AGRICULTURAL SYSTEM OF THE BLACK BROTHERS WAS INTERFERED WITH BY SOUTHWEST WIND, ESQUIRE In a secluded and mountainous part of Stiria there was, in old time, a valley of the most surprising and luxuriant fertility.

thereforeadverbUS /ˈðerfɔːr/

for that reason; as a result

From this reading It was, therefore, called by the people of the neighbourhood, the Golden River.

thesedeterminerUS /ðiːz/

the plural of “this”: the people or things near, or just mentioned

From this reading One of these fell westward, over the face of a crag so high, that, when the sun had set to everything else, and all below was darkness, his beams still shone full upon this waterfall, so that it looked like a shower of gold.

thisdeterminerUS /ðɪs/

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

From this reading One of these fell westward, over the face of a crag so high, that, when the sun had set to everything else, and all below was darkness, his beams still shone full upon this waterfall, so that it looked like a shower of gold.

timenounUS /taɪm/

an instance or single occasion for some event

From this reading II THE KING OF THE GOLDEN RIVER; OR, THE BLACK BROTHERS I.--HOW THE AGRICULTURAL SYSTEM OF THE BLACK BROTHERS WAS INTERFERED WITH BY SOUTHWEST WIND, ESQUIRE In a secluded and mountainous part of Stiria there was, in old time, a valley of the most surprising and luxuriant fertility.

toparticleUS /tuː/

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

From this reading One of these fell westward, over the face of a crag so high, that, when the sun had set to everything else, and all below was darkness, his beams still shone full upon this waterfall, so that it looked like a shower of gold.

torrentsnounUS /ˈtɔːrənts/

plural of “torrent” — a heavy rain

From this reading It was surrounded, on all sides, by steep and rocky mountains, rising into peaks, which were always covered with snow, and from which a number of torrents descended in constant cataracts.

uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/

a formal word for “on”

From this reading And the star was shining, and it shines upon his grave.

valleynounUS /ˈvæli/

a long depression in the surface of the land that usually contains a river

From this reading II THE KING OF THE GOLDEN RIVER; OR, THE BLACK BROTHERS I.--HOW THE AGRICULTURAL SYSTEM OF THE BLACK BROTHERS WAS INTERFERED WITH BY SOUTHWEST WIND, ESQUIRE In a secluded and mountainous part of Stiria there was, in old time, a valley of the most surprising and luxuriant fertility.

wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/

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

From this reading And the star was shining, and it shines upon his grave.

waterfallnounUS /ˈwɔːtərfɔːl/

a steep descent of the water of a river

From this reading One of these fell westward, over the face of a crag so high, that, when the sun had set to everything else, and all below was darkness, his beams still shone full upon this waterfall, so that it looked like a shower of gold.

wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/

the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun

From this reading It was surrounded, on all sides, by steep and rocky mountains, rising into peaks, which were always covered with snow, and from which a number of torrents descended in constant cataracts.

westwardadverbUS /ˈwestwərd/

toward the west

From this reading One of these fell westward, over the face of a crag so high, that, when the sun had set to everything else, and all below was darkness, his beams still shone full upon this waterfall, so that it looked like a shower of gold.

whenconjunctionUS /wen/

at the time that

From this reading One of these fell westward, over the face of a crag so high, that, when the sun had set to everything else, and all below was darkness, his beams still shone full upon this waterfall, so that it looked like a shower of gold.

whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/

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

From this reading It was surrounded, on all sides, by steep and rocky mountains, rising into peaks, which were always covered with snow, and from which a number of torrents descended in constant cataracts.

WINDnounUS /waɪnd/

air moving (sometimes with considerable force) from an area of high pressure to an area of low pressure

From this reading II THE KING OF THE GOLDEN RIVER; OR, THE BLACK BROTHERS I.--HOW THE AGRICULTURAL SYSTEM OF THE BLACK BROTHERS WAS INTERFERED WITH BY SOUTHWEST WIND, ESQUIRE In a secluded and mountainous part of Stiria there was, in old time, a valley of the most surprising and luxuriant fertility.

WITHprepositionUS /wɪð/

in the company of; together with

From this reading II THE KING OF THE GOLDEN RIVER; OR, THE BLACK BROTHERS I.--HOW THE AGRICULTURAL SYSTEM OF THE BLACK BROTHERS WAS INTERFERED WITH BY SOUTHWEST WIND, ESQUIRE In a secluded and mountainous part of Stiria there was, in old time, a valley of the most surprising and luxuriant fertility.

Chapter 1 of Famous Stories Every Child Should Know by Hamilton Wright [Editor] Mabie holds 393 sentences, grouped into 79 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 Famous Stories Every Child Should Know contain?

Chapter 1 holds 393 sentences of Famous Stories Every Child Should Know, unabridged, divided into 79 reading sections.

This page carries chapter 1 of Famous Stories Every Child Should Know by Hamilton Wright [Editor] Mabie exactly as it stands in the source edition, without abridgement. It runs to 393 sentences, grouped into 79 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 Famous Stories Every Child Should Know?

Work through the 79 sections in order, replaying any sentence and tapping unfamiliar words for their entries.

Each of the 79 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 Famous Stories Every Child Should Know

Common questions about reading Famous Stories Every Child Should Know by Hamilton Wright [Editor] Mabie on this page, its source edition and its audio.

Is this the complete text of Famous Stories Every Child Should Know?

Yes. All 3963 sentences of Project Gutenberg eBook #16247 are kept, with a record of which sentences cover which part.

Which edition of Famous Stories Every Child Should Know is used?

Project Gutenberg eBook #16247, unabridged. The Project Gutenberg header, footer and licence are removed.

How long does Famous Stories Every Child Should Know take to read?

About 330 minutes of reading across 793 sections of 5 sentences each, at an unhurried pace.

How to read Famous Stories Every Child Should Know section by section

How to work through Famous Stories Every Child Should Know 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 Famous Stories Every Child Should Know

Words and structures a reader meets early in Famous Stories Every Child Should Know, each tappable for pronunciation and meaning.

Parents'
A word that appears in the opening chapter of Famous Stories Every Child Should Know; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Institute
A word that appears in the opening chapter of Famous Stories Every Child Should Know; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Stories
A word that appears in the opening chapter of Famous Stories Every Child Should Know; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Great
A word that appears in the opening chapter of Famous Stories Every Child Should Know; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.