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Horace Walpole
Horace Walpole

Chapter VIII

Chapter 8 of Horace Walpole is here in full — 286 sentences across 58 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

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Context Illustration Reading 1/57 · 5 lines
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State of French Society in 1765.--Walpole at Paris.--The Royal Family and the Bête du Gévaudan.--French Ladies of Quality.--Madame du Deffand.--A Letter from Madame de Sévigné.--Rousseau and the King of Prussia.--The Hume-Rousseau Quarrel.--Returns to England, and hears Wesley at Bath.--Paris again.--Madame du Deffand's Vitality.--Her Character.--Minor Literary Efforts.--The _Historic Doubts_.--The _Mysterious Mother_.--Tragedy in England.--Doings of the Strawberry Press.--Walpole and Chatterton.
When, towards the close of 1765, Walpole made the first of several visits to Paris, the society of the French capital, and indeed French society as a whole, was showing signs of that coming _culbute générale_ which was not to be long deferred.
The upper classes were shamelessly immoral, and, from the King downwards, _liaisons_ of the most open character excited neither censure nor comment.
It was the era of Voltaire and the Encyclopædists; it was the era of Rousseau and the Sentimentalists; it was also the era of confirmed Anglomania.
While we, on our side, were beginning to copy the _comédies larmoyantes_ of La Chaussée and Diderot, the French in their turn were acting _Romeo and Juliet_, and raving over Richardson.
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LEARNER DICTIONARY
Archivist
/ˈɑːrkɪvɪst/
Editorial verification pending

A keeper or guardian of historical records and memories.

Horace Walpole

Chapter VIII

Chapter 8 of Horace Walpole is here in full — 286 sentences across 58 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

Reading 1/57 · 5 reading units · Lines 1–5

Line 1
State of French Society in 1765.--Walpole at Paris.--The Royal Family and the Bête du Gévaudan.--French Ladies of Quality.--Madame du Deffand.--A Letter from Madame de Sévigné.--Rousseau and the King of Prussia.--The Hume-Rousseau Quarrel.--Returns to England, and hears Wesley at Bath.--Paris again.--Madame du Deffand's Vitality.--Her Character.--Minor Literary Efforts.--The _Historic Doubts_.--The _Mysterious Mother_.--Tragedy in England.--Doings of the Strawberry Press.--Walpole and Chatterton.
Line 2
When, towards the close of 1765, Walpole made the first of several visits to Paris, the society of the French capital, and indeed French society as a whole, was showing signs of that coming _culbute générale_ which was not to be long deferred.
Line 3
The upper classes were shamelessly immoral, and, from the King downwards, _liaisons_ of the most open character excited neither censure nor comment.
/ðə ˈʌpər ˈklæsəz wɜːr ˈʃeɪmləsli ˌɪˈmɔːrəl ənd frʌm ðə kɪŋ ˈdaʊnwərdz liˈeɪsɑːnz ʌv ðə moʊst ˈoʊ.pən ˈkerɪktər ɪkˈsaɪtəd ˈniːðər ˈsenʃər nɔːr ˈkɑːment/
Line 4
It was the era of Voltaire and the Encyclopædists; it was the era of Rousseau and the Sentimentalists; it was also the era of confirmed Anglomania.
Line 5
While we, on our side, were beginning to copy the _comédies larmoyantes_ of La Chaussée and Diderot, the French in their turn were acting _Romeo and Juliet_, and raving over Richardson.

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.

immoral adjective US /ˌɪˈmɔːrəl/

deliberately violating accepted principles of right and wrong

From this reading “The upper classes were shamelessly immoral, and, from the King downwards, _liaisons_ of the most open character excited neither censure nor comment.”

liaisons noun US /liˈeɪsɑːnz/

plural of “liaison” — a usually secretive or illicit sexual relationship

Rousseau noun US /ruːˈsoʊ/

French philosopher and writer born in Switzerland; believed that the natural goodness of man was warped by society; ideas influenced the French Revolution (1712-1778)

From this reading “State of French Society in 1765.--Walpole at Paris.--The Royal Family and the Bête du Gévaudan.--French Ladies of Quality.--Madame du Deffand.--A Letter from Madame de Sévigné.--Rousseau and the King of Prussia.--The Hume-Rousseau Quarrel.--Returns to England, and hears Wesley at Bath.--Paris again.--Madame du Deffand's Vitality.--Her Character.--Minor Literary Efforts.--The _Historic Doubts_.--The _Mysterious Mother_.--Tragedy in England.--Doings of the Strawberry Press.--Walpole and Chatterton.”

shamelessly adverb US /ˈʃeɪmləsli/

without shame

From this reading “The upper classes were shamelessly immoral, and, from the King downwards, _liaisons_ of the most open character excited neither censure nor comment.”

Strawberry noun US /ˈstrɔːberi/

sweet fleshy red fruit

From this reading “State of French Society in 1765.--Walpole at Paris.--The Royal Family and the Bête du Gévaudan.--French Ladies of Quality.--Madame du Deffand.--A Letter from Madame de Sévigné.--Rousseau and the King of Prussia.--The Hume-Rousseau Quarrel.--Returns to England, and hears Wesley at Bath.--Paris again.--Madame du Deffand's Vitality.--Her Character.--Minor Literary Efforts.--The _Historic Doubts_.--The _Mysterious Mother_.--Tragedy in England.--Doings of the Strawberry Press.--Walpole and Chatterton.”

Voltaire noun US /voʊlˈter/

French writer who was the embodiment of 18th century Enlightenment (1694-1778)

From this reading “It was the era of Voltaire and the Encyclopædists; it was the era of Rousseau and the Sentimentalists; it was also the era of confirmed Anglomania.”

Walpole noun US /ˈwɔːlpoʊl/

English writer and historian; son of Sir Robert Walpole (1717-1797)

From this reading “State of French Society in 1765.--Walpole at Paris.--The Royal Family and the Bête du Gévaudan.--French Ladies of Quality.--Madame du Deffand.--A Letter from Madame de Sévigné.--Rousseau and the King of Prussia.--The Hume-Rousseau Quarrel.--Returns to England, and hears Wesley at Bath.--Paris again.--Madame du Deffand's Vitality.--Her Character.--Minor Literary Efforts.--The _Historic Doubts_.--The _Mysterious Mother_.--Tragedy in England.--Doings of the Strawberry Press.--Walpole and Chatterton.”

Wesley noun US /ˈwesli/

English clergyman and brother of John Wesley who wrote many hymns (1707-1788)

From this reading “State of French Society in 1765.--Walpole at Paris.--The Royal Family and the Bête du Gévaudan.--French Ladies of Quality.--Madame du Deffand.--A Letter from Madame de Sévigné.--Rousseau and the King of Prussia.--The Hume-Rousseau Quarrel.--Returns to England, and hears Wesley at Bath.--Paris again.--Madame du Deffand's Vitality.--Her Character.--Minor Literary Efforts.--The _Historic Doubts_.--The _Mysterious Mother_.--Tragedy in England.--Doings of the Strawberry Press.--Walpole and Chatterton.”

Word partnerships in these lines

English keeps certain words together, and knowing the pair is worth more than knowing each word alone. Every partnership below was counted across our whole published library, and earns its place by appearing far more often than two unrelated words of the same frequency would.

Shown as this reading writes them, with the form the library counts, what kind of pairing it is, and how often it occurs.

upper classes adjective + noun counted as “upper class”

the class occupying the highest position in the social hierarchy

In this reading “The upper classes were shamelessly immoral, and, from the King downwards, _liaisons_ of the most open character excited neither censure nor comment.”

Royal Family adjective + noun

royal persons collectively

In this reading “State of French Society in 1765.--Walpole at Paris.--The Royal Family and the Bête du Gévaudan.--French Ladies of Quality.--Madame du Deffand.--A Letter from Madame de Sévigné.--Rousseau and the King of Prussia.--The Hume-Rousseau Quarrel.--Returns to England, and hears Wesley at Bath.--Paris again.--Madame du Deffand's Vitality.--Her Character.--Minor Literary Efforts.--The _Historic Doubts_.--The _Mysterious Mother_.--Tragedy in England.--Doings of the Strawberry Press.--Walpole and Chatterton.”

showing signs noun + noun counted as “showing sign”

In this reading “When, towards the close of 1765, Walpole made the first of several visits to Paris, the society of the French capital, and indeed French society as a whole, was showing signs of that coming _culbute générale_ which was not to be long deferred.”

Literary Efforts adjective + noun counted as “literary effort”

In this reading “State of French Society in 1765.--Walpole at Paris.--The Royal Family and the Bête du Gévaudan.--French Ladies of Quality.--Madame du Deffand.--A Letter from Madame de Sévigné.--Rousseau and the King of Prussia.--The Hume-Rousseau Quarrel.--Returns to England, and hears Wesley at Bath.--Paris again.--Madame du Deffand's Vitality.--Her Character.--Minor Literary Efforts.--The _Historic Doubts_.--The _Mysterious Mother_.--Tragedy in England.--Doings of the Strawberry Press.--Walpole and Chatterton.”

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.

1765

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

From this reading State of French Society in 1765.--Walpole at Paris.--The Royal Family and the Bête du Gévaudan.--French Ladies of Quality.--Madame du Deffand.--A Letter from Madame de Sévigné.--Rousseau and the King of Prussia.--The Hume-Rousseau Quarrel.--Returns to England, and hears Wesley at Bath.--Paris again.--Madame du Deffand's Vitality.--Her Character.--Minor Literary Efforts.--The _Historic Doubts_.--The _Mysterious Mother_.--Tragedy in England.--Doings of the Strawberry Press.--Walpole and Chatterton.

AdeterminerUS /ə/

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

From this reading State of French Society in 1765.--Walpole at Paris.--The Royal Family and the Bête du Gévaudan.--French Ladies of Quality.--Madame du Deffand.--A Letter from Madame de Sévigné.--Rousseau and the King of Prussia.--The Hume-Rousseau Quarrel.--Returns to England, and hears Wesley at Bath.--Paris again.--Madame du Deffand's Vitality.--Her Character.--Minor Literary Efforts.--The _Historic Doubts_.--The _Mysterious Mother_.--Tragedy in England.--Doings of the Strawberry Press.--Walpole and Chatterton.

actingnounUS /ˈæktɪŋ/

the performance of a part or role in a drama

From this reading While we, on our side, were beginning to copy the _comédies larmoyantes_ of La Chaussée and Diderot, the French in their turn were acting _Romeo and Juliet_, and raving over Richardson.

againadverbUS /əˈɡen/

anew

From this reading State of French Society in 1765.--Walpole at Paris.--The Royal Family and the Bête du Gévaudan.--French Ladies of Quality.--Madame du Deffand.--A Letter from Madame de Sévigné.--Rousseau and the King of Prussia.--The Hume-Rousseau Quarrel.--Returns to England, and hears Wesley at Bath.--Paris again.--Madame du Deffand's Vitality.--Her Character.--Minor Literary Efforts.--The _Historic Doubts_.--The _Mysterious Mother_.--Tragedy in England.--Doings of the Strawberry Press.--Walpole and Chatterton.

alsoadverbUS /ˈɔːlsoʊ/

in addition

From this reading It was the era of Voltaire and the Encyclopædists; it was the era of Rousseau and the Sentimentalists; it was also the era of confirmed Anglomania.

andconjunctionUS /ənd/

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

From this reading State of French Society in 1765.--Walpole at Paris.--The Royal Family and the Bête du Gévaudan.--French Ladies of Quality.--Madame du Deffand.--A Letter from Madame de Sévigné.--Rousseau and the King of Prussia.--The Hume-Rousseau Quarrel.--Returns to England, and hears Wesley at Bath.--Paris again.--Madame du Deffand's Vitality.--Her Character.--Minor Literary Efforts.--The _Historic Doubts_.--The _Mysterious Mother_.--Tragedy in England.--Doings of the Strawberry Press.--Walpole and Chatterton.

Anglomanianoun

an excessive enthusiasm for all things English

From this reading It was the era of Voltaire and the Encyclopædists; it was the era of Rousseau and the Sentimentalists; it was also the era of confirmed Anglomania.

asconjunctionUS /æz/

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

From this reading When, towards the close of 1765, Walpole made the first of several visits to Paris, the society of the French capital, and indeed French society as a whole, was showing signs of that coming _culbute générale_ which was not to be long deferred.

atprepositionUS /æt/

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading State of French Society in 1765.--Walpole at Paris.--The Royal Family and the Bête du Gévaudan.--French Ladies of Quality.--Madame du Deffand.--A Letter from Madame de Sévigné.--Rousseau and the King of Prussia.--The Hume-Rousseau Quarrel.--Returns to England, and hears Wesley at Bath.--Paris again.--Madame du Deffand's Vitality.--Her Character.--Minor Literary Efforts.--The _Historic Doubts_.--The _Mysterious Mother_.--Tragedy in England.--Doings of the Strawberry Press.--Walpole and Chatterton.

BathnounUS /bæθ/

a vessel containing liquid in which something is immersed (as to process it or to maintain it at a constant temperature or to lubricate it)

From this reading State of French Society in 1765.--Walpole at Paris.--The Royal Family and the Bête du Gévaudan.--French Ladies of Quality.--Madame du Deffand.--A Letter from Madame de Sévigné.--Rousseau and the King of Prussia.--The Hume-Rousseau Quarrel.--Returns to England, and hears Wesley at Bath.--Paris again.--Madame du Deffand's Vitality.--Her Character.--Minor Literary Efforts.--The _Historic Doubts_.--The _Mysterious Mother_.--Tragedy in England.--Doings of the Strawberry Press.--Walpole and Chatterton.

beauxiliary verbUS /biː/

used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses

From this reading When, towards the close of 1765, Walpole made the first of several visits to Paris, the society of the French capital, and indeed French society as a whole, was showing signs of that coming _culbute générale_ which was not to be long deferred.

beginningnounUS /bɪˈɡɪnɪŋ/

the event consisting of the start of something

From this reading While we, on our side, were beginning to copy the _comédies larmoyantes_ of La Chaussée and Diderot, the French in their turn were acting _Romeo and Juliet_, and raving over Richardson.

Bête

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

From this reading State of French Society in 1765.--Walpole at Paris.--The Royal Family and the Bête du Gévaudan.--French Ladies of Quality.--Madame du Deffand.--A Letter from Madame de Sévigné.--Rousseau and the King of Prussia.--The Hume-Rousseau Quarrel.--Returns to England, and hears Wesley at Bath.--Paris again.--Madame du Deffand's Vitality.--Her Character.--Minor Literary Efforts.--The _Historic Doubts_.--The _Mysterious Mother_.--Tragedy in England.--Doings of the Strawberry Press.--Walpole and Chatterton.

capitalnounUS /ˈkæpətəl/

assets available for use in the production of further assets

From this reading When, towards the close of 1765, Walpole made the first of several visits to Paris, the society of the French capital, and indeed French society as a whole, was showing signs of that coming _culbute générale_ which was not to be long deferred.

censurenounUS /ˈsenʃər/

harsh criticism or disapproval

From this reading The upper classes were shamelessly immoral, and, from the King downwards, _liaisons_ of the most open character excited neither censure nor comment.

CharacternounUS /ˈkerɪktər/

an imaginary person represented in a work of fiction (play or film or story)

From this reading State of French Society in 1765.--Walpole at Paris.--The Royal Family and the Bête du Gévaudan.--French Ladies of Quality.--Madame du Deffand.--A Letter from Madame de Sévigné.--Rousseau and the King of Prussia.--The Hume-Rousseau Quarrel.--Returns to England, and hears Wesley at Bath.--Paris again.--Madame du Deffand's Vitality.--Her Character.--Minor Literary Efforts.--The _Historic Doubts_.--The _Mysterious Mother_.--Tragedy in England.--Doings of the Strawberry Press.--Walpole and Chatterton.

Chatterton

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

From this reading State of French Society in 1765.--Walpole at Paris.--The Royal Family and the Bête du Gévaudan.--French Ladies of Quality.--Madame du Deffand.--A Letter from Madame de Sévigné.--Rousseau and the King of Prussia.--The Hume-Rousseau Quarrel.--Returns to England, and hears Wesley at Bath.--Paris again.--Madame du Deffand's Vitality.--Her Character.--Minor Literary Efforts.--The _Historic Doubts_.--The _Mysterious Mother_.--Tragedy in England.--Doings of the Strawberry Press.--Walpole and Chatterton.

Chaussée

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

From this reading While we, on our side, were beginning to copy the _comédies larmoyantes_ of La Chaussée and Diderot, the French in their turn were acting _Romeo and Juliet_, and raving over Richardson.

classesnounUS /ˈklæsəz/

plural of “class” — a collection of things sharing a common attribute

From this reading The upper classes were shamelessly immoral, and, from the King downwards, _liaisons_ of the most open character excited neither censure nor comment.

closeadjectiveUS /kloʊs/

at or within a short distance in space or time or having elements near each other

From this reading When, towards the close of 1765, Walpole made the first of several visits to Paris, the society of the French capital, and indeed French society as a whole, was showing signs of that coming _culbute générale_ which was not to be long deferred.

comingnounUS /ˈkʌmɪŋ/

the act of drawing spatially closer to something

From this reading When, towards the close of 1765, Walpole made the first of several visits to Paris, the society of the French capital, and indeed French society as a whole, was showing signs of that coming _culbute générale_ which was not to be long deferred.

commentnounUS /ˈkɑːment/

a statement that expresses a personal opinion or belief or adds information

From this reading The upper classes were shamelessly immoral, and, from the King downwards, _liaisons_ of the most open character excited neither censure nor comment.

comédies

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

From this reading While we, on our side, were beginning to copy the _comédies larmoyantes_ of La Chaussée and Diderot, the French in their turn were acting _Romeo and Juliet_, and raving over Richardson.

confirmedadjectiveUS /kənˈfɜːrmd/

of persons; not subject to change

From this reading It was the era of Voltaire and the Encyclopædists; it was the era of Rousseau and the Sentimentalists; it was also the era of confirmed Anglomania.

copynounUS /ˈkɑːpi/

a reproduction of a written record (e.g. of a legal or school record)

From this reading While we, on our side, were beginning to copy the _comédies larmoyantes_ of La Chaussée and Diderot, the French in their turn were acting _Romeo and Juliet_, and raving over Richardson.

culbute

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

From this reading When, towards the close of 1765, Walpole made the first of several visits to Paris, the society of the French capital, and indeed French society as a whole, was showing signs of that coming _culbute générale_ which was not to be long deferred.

denounUS /diː/

a Mid-Atlantic state; one of the original 13 colonies

From this reading State of French Society in 1765.--Walpole at Paris.--The Royal Family and the Bête du Gévaudan.--French Ladies of Quality.--Madame du Deffand.--A Letter from Madame de Sévigné.--Rousseau and the King of Prussia.--The Hume-Rousseau Quarrel.--Returns to England, and hears Wesley at Bath.--Paris again.--Madame du Deffand's Vitality.--Her Character.--Minor Literary Efforts.--The _Historic Doubts_.--The _Mysterious Mother_.--Tragedy in England.--Doings of the Strawberry Press.--Walpole and Chatterton.

deferredverbUS /dɪˈfɜːrd/

inflected form of “defer” — hold back to a later time

From this reading When, towards the close of 1765, Walpole made the first of several visits to Paris, the society of the French capital, and indeed French society as a whole, was showing signs of that coming _culbute générale_ which was not to be long deferred.

Deffand

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

From this reading State of French Society in 1765.--Walpole at Paris.--The Royal Family and the Bête du Gévaudan.--French Ladies of Quality.--Madame du Deffand.--A Letter from Madame de Sévigné.--Rousseau and the King of Prussia.--The Hume-Rousseau Quarrel.--Returns to England, and hears Wesley at Bath.--Paris again.--Madame du Deffand's Vitality.--Her Character.--Minor Literary Efforts.--The _Historic Doubts_.--The _Mysterious Mother_.--Tragedy in England.--Doings of the Strawberry Press.--Walpole and Chatterton.

Deffand's

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

From this reading State of French Society in 1765.--Walpole at Paris.--The Royal Family and the Bête du Gévaudan.--French Ladies of Quality.--Madame du Deffand.--A Letter from Madame de Sévigné.--Rousseau and the King of Prussia.--The Hume-Rousseau Quarrel.--Returns to England, and hears Wesley at Bath.--Paris again.--Madame du Deffand's Vitality.--Her Character.--Minor Literary Efforts.--The _Historic Doubts_.--The _Mysterious Mother_.--Tragedy in England.--Doings of the Strawberry Press.--Walpole and Chatterton.

Diderotnoun

French philosopher who was a leading figure of the Enlightenment in France; principal editor of an encyclopedia that disseminated the scientific and philosophical knowledge of the time (1713-1784)

From this reading While we, on our side, were beginning to copy the _comédies larmoyantes_ of La Chaussée and Diderot, the French in their turn were acting _Romeo and Juliet_, and raving over Richardson.

DoingsnounUS /ˈduːɪŋz/

manner of acting or controlling yourself

From this reading State of French Society in 1765.--Walpole at Paris.--The Royal Family and the Bête du Gévaudan.--French Ladies of Quality.--Madame du Deffand.--A Letter from Madame de Sévigné.--Rousseau and the King of Prussia.--The Hume-Rousseau Quarrel.--Returns to England, and hears Wesley at Bath.--Paris again.--Madame du Deffand's Vitality.--Her Character.--Minor Literary Efforts.--The _Historic Doubts_.--The _Mysterious Mother_.--Tragedy in England.--Doings of the Strawberry Press.--Walpole and Chatterton.

DoubtsnounUS /daʊts/

plural of “doubt” — the state of being unsure of something

From this reading State of French Society in 1765.--Walpole at Paris.--The Royal Family and the Bête du Gévaudan.--French Ladies of Quality.--Madame du Deffand.--A Letter from Madame de Sévigné.--Rousseau and the King of Prussia.--The Hume-Rousseau Quarrel.--Returns to England, and hears Wesley at Bath.--Paris again.--Madame du Deffand's Vitality.--Her Character.--Minor Literary Efforts.--The _Historic Doubts_.--The _Mysterious Mother_.--Tragedy in England.--Doings of the Strawberry Press.--Walpole and Chatterton.

downwardsadverbUS /ˈdaʊnwərdz/

spatially or metaphorically from a higher to a lower level or position

From this reading The upper classes were shamelessly immoral, and, from the King downwards, _liaisons_ of the most open character excited neither censure nor comment.

du

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

From this reading State of French Society in 1765.--Walpole at Paris.--The Royal Family and the Bête du Gévaudan.--French Ladies of Quality.--Madame du Deffand.--A Letter from Madame de Sévigné.--Rousseau and the King of Prussia.--The Hume-Rousseau Quarrel.--Returns to England, and hears Wesley at Bath.--Paris again.--Madame du Deffand's Vitality.--Her Character.--Minor Literary Efforts.--The _Historic Doubts_.--The _Mysterious Mother_.--Tragedy in England.--Doings of the Strawberry Press.--Walpole and Chatterton.

EffortsnounUS /ˈefərts/

plural of “effort” — earnest and conscientious activity intended to do or accomplish something

From this reading State of French Society in 1765.--Walpole at Paris.--The Royal Family and the Bête du Gévaudan.--French Ladies of Quality.--Madame du Deffand.--A Letter from Madame de Sévigné.--Rousseau and the King of Prussia.--The Hume-Rousseau Quarrel.--Returns to England, and hears Wesley at Bath.--Paris again.--Madame du Deffand's Vitality.--Her Character.--Minor Literary Efforts.--The _Historic Doubts_.--The _Mysterious Mother_.--Tragedy in England.--Doings of the Strawberry Press.--Walpole and Chatterton.

Encyclopædists

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

From this reading It was the era of Voltaire and the Encyclopædists; it was the era of Rousseau and the Sentimentalists; it was also the era of confirmed Anglomania.

EnglandnounUS /ˈɪŋɡlənd/

a division of the United Kingdom

From this reading State of French Society in 1765.--Walpole at Paris.--The Royal Family and the Bête du Gévaudan.--French Ladies of Quality.--Madame du Deffand.--A Letter from Madame de Sévigné.--Rousseau and the King of Prussia.--The Hume-Rousseau Quarrel.--Returns to England, and hears Wesley at Bath.--Paris again.--Madame du Deffand's Vitality.--Her Character.--Minor Literary Efforts.--The _Historic Doubts_.--The _Mysterious Mother_.--Tragedy in England.--Doings of the Strawberry Press.--Walpole and Chatterton.

eranounUS /ˈerə/

a period marked by distinctive character or reckoned from a fixed point or event

From this reading It was the era of Voltaire and the Encyclopædists; it was the era of Rousseau and the Sentimentalists; it was also the era of confirmed Anglomania.

excitedadjectiveUS /ɪkˈsaɪtəd/

(of persons) excessively affected by emotion

From this reading The upper classes were shamelessly immoral, and, from the King downwards, _liaisons_ of the most open character excited neither censure nor comment.

FamilynounUS /ˈfæməli/

a social unit living together

From this reading State of French Society in 1765.--Walpole at Paris.--The Royal Family and the Bête du Gévaudan.--French Ladies of Quality.--Madame du Deffand.--A Letter from Madame de Sévigné.--Rousseau and the King of Prussia.--The Hume-Rousseau Quarrel.--Returns to England, and hears Wesley at Bath.--Paris again.--Madame du Deffand's Vitality.--Her Character.--Minor Literary Efforts.--The _Historic Doubts_.--The _Mysterious Mother_.--Tragedy in England.--Doings of the Strawberry Press.--Walpole and Chatterton.

firstadjectiveUS /fɜːrst/

preceding all others in time or space or degree

From this reading When, towards the close of 1765, Walpole made the first of several visits to Paris, the society of the French capital, and indeed French society as a whole, was showing signs of that coming _culbute générale_ which was not to be long deferred.

FrenchnounUS /frentʃ/

the Romance language spoken in France and in countries colonized by France

From this reading State of French Society in 1765.--Walpole at Paris.--The Royal Family and the Bête du Gévaudan.--French Ladies of Quality.--Madame du Deffand.--A Letter from Madame de Sévigné.--Rousseau and the King of Prussia.--The Hume-Rousseau Quarrel.--Returns to England, and hears Wesley at Bath.--Paris again.--Madame du Deffand's Vitality.--Her Character.--Minor Literary Efforts.--The _Historic Doubts_.--The _Mysterious Mother_.--Tragedy in England.--Doings of the Strawberry Press.--Walpole and Chatterton.

fromprepositionUS /frʌm/

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading State of French Society in 1765.--Walpole at Paris.--The Royal Family and the Bête du Gévaudan.--French Ladies of Quality.--Madame du Deffand.--A Letter from Madame de Sévigné.--Rousseau and the King of Prussia.--The Hume-Rousseau Quarrel.--Returns to England, and hears Wesley at Bath.--Paris again.--Madame du Deffand's Vitality.--Her Character.--Minor Literary Efforts.--The _Historic Doubts_.--The _Mysterious Mother_.--Tragedy in England.--Doings of the Strawberry Press.--Walpole and Chatterton.

générale

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

From this reading When, towards the close of 1765, Walpole made the first of several visits to Paris, the society of the French capital, and indeed French society as a whole, was showing signs of that coming _culbute générale_ which was not to be long deferred.

Gévaudan

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

From this reading State of French Society in 1765.--Walpole at Paris.--The Royal Family and the Bête du Gévaudan.--French Ladies of Quality.--Madame du Deffand.--A Letter from Madame de Sévigné.--Rousseau and the King of Prussia.--The Hume-Rousseau Quarrel.--Returns to England, and hears Wesley at Bath.--Paris again.--Madame du Deffand's Vitality.--Her Character.--Minor Literary Efforts.--The _Historic Doubts_.--The _Mysterious Mother_.--Tragedy in England.--Doings of the Strawberry Press.--Walpole and Chatterton.

hearsverbUS /hiːrz/

third-person singular of “hear” — perceive (sound) via the auditory sense

From this reading State of French Society in 1765.--Walpole at Paris.--The Royal Family and the Bête du Gévaudan.--French Ladies of Quality.--Madame du Deffand.--A Letter from Madame de Sévigné.--Rousseau and the King of Prussia.--The Hume-Rousseau Quarrel.--Returns to England, and hears Wesley at Bath.--Paris again.--Madame du Deffand's Vitality.--Her Character.--Minor Literary Efforts.--The _Historic Doubts_.--The _Mysterious Mother_.--Tragedy in England.--Doings of the Strawberry Press.--Walpole and Chatterton.

HerdeterminerUS /hɜːr/

belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned

From this reading State of French Society in 1765.--Walpole at Paris.--The Royal Family and the Bête du Gévaudan.--French Ladies of Quality.--Madame du Deffand.--A Letter from Madame de Sévigné.--Rousseau and the King of Prussia.--The Hume-Rousseau Quarrel.--Returns to England, and hears Wesley at Bath.--Paris again.--Madame du Deffand's Vitality.--Her Character.--Minor Literary Efforts.--The _Historic Doubts_.--The _Mysterious Mother_.--Tragedy in England.--Doings of the Strawberry Press.--Walpole and Chatterton.

HistoricadjectiveUS /hɪˈstɔːrɪk/

belonging to the past; of what is important or famous in the past

From this reading State of French Society in 1765.--Walpole at Paris.--The Royal Family and the Bête du Gévaudan.--French Ladies of Quality.--Madame du Deffand.--A Letter from Madame de Sévigné.--Rousseau and the King of Prussia.--The Hume-Rousseau Quarrel.--Returns to England, and hears Wesley at Bath.--Paris again.--Madame du Deffand's Vitality.--Her Character.--Minor Literary Efforts.--The _Historic Doubts_.--The _Mysterious Mother_.--Tragedy in England.--Doings of the Strawberry Press.--Walpole and Chatterton.

Hume-Rousseau

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

From this reading State of French Society in 1765.--Walpole at Paris.--The Royal Family and the Bête du Gévaudan.--French Ladies of Quality.--Madame du Deffand.--A Letter from Madame de Sévigné.--Rousseau and the King of Prussia.--The Hume-Rousseau Quarrel.--Returns to England, and hears Wesley at Bath.--Paris again.--Madame du Deffand's Vitality.--Her Character.--Minor Literary Efforts.--The _Historic Doubts_.--The _Mysterious Mother_.--Tragedy in England.--Doings of the Strawberry Press.--Walpole and Chatterton.

immoraladjectiveUS /ˌɪˈmɔːrəl/

deliberately violating accepted principles of right and wrong

From this reading The upper classes were shamelessly immoral, and, from the King downwards, _liaisons_ of the most open character excited neither censure nor comment.

inprepositionUS /ɪn/

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

From this reading State of French Society in 1765.--Walpole at Paris.--The Royal Family and the Bête du Gévaudan.--French Ladies of Quality.--Madame du Deffand.--A Letter from Madame de Sévigné.--Rousseau and the King of Prussia.--The Hume-Rousseau Quarrel.--Returns to England, and hears Wesley at Bath.--Paris again.--Madame du Deffand's Vitality.--Her Character.--Minor Literary Efforts.--The _Historic Doubts_.--The _Mysterious Mother_.--Tragedy in England.--Doings of the Strawberry Press.--Walpole and Chatterton.

indeedadverbUS /ˌɪnˈdiːd/

in truth (often tends to intensify)

From this reading When, towards the close of 1765, Walpole made the first of several visits to Paris, the society of the French capital, and indeed French society as a whole, was showing signs of that coming _culbute générale_ which was not to be long deferred.

ItpronounUS /ɪt/

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading It was the era of Voltaire and the Encyclopædists; it was the era of Rousseau and the Sentimentalists; it was also the era of confirmed Anglomania.

Juliet

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

From this reading While we, on our side, were beginning to copy the _comédies larmoyantes_ of La Chaussée and Diderot, the French in their turn were acting _Romeo and Juliet_, and raving over Richardson.

KingnounUS /kɪŋ/

a male sovereign; ruler of a kingdom

From this reading State of French Society in 1765.--Walpole at Paris.--The Royal Family and the Bête du Gévaudan.--French Ladies of Quality.--Madame du Deffand.--A Letter from Madame de Sévigné.--Rousseau and the King of Prussia.--The Hume-Rousseau Quarrel.--Returns to England, and hears Wesley at Bath.--Paris again.--Madame du Deffand's Vitality.--Her Character.--Minor Literary Efforts.--The _Historic Doubts_.--The _Mysterious Mother_.--Tragedy in England.--Doings of the Strawberry Press.--Walpole and Chatterton.

LanounUS /lɑː/

a white soft metallic element that tarnishes readily; occurs in rare earth minerals and is usually classified as a rare earth

From this reading While we, on our side, were beginning to copy the _comédies larmoyantes_ of La Chaussée and Diderot, the French in their turn were acting _Romeo and Juliet_, and raving over Richardson.

LadiesnounUS /ˈleɪdiz/

plural of “lady” — a polite name for any woman

From this reading State of French Society in 1765.--Walpole at Paris.--The Royal Family and the Bête du Gévaudan.--French Ladies of Quality.--Madame du Deffand.--A Letter from Madame de Sévigné.--Rousseau and the King of Prussia.--The Hume-Rousseau Quarrel.--Returns to England, and hears Wesley at Bath.--Paris again.--Madame du Deffand's Vitality.--Her Character.--Minor Literary Efforts.--The _Historic Doubts_.--The _Mysterious Mother_.--Tragedy in England.--Doings of the Strawberry Press.--Walpole and Chatterton.

larmoyantes

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

From this reading While we, on our side, were beginning to copy the _comédies larmoyantes_ of La Chaussée and Diderot, the French in their turn were acting _Romeo and Juliet_, and raving over Richardson.

LetternounUS /ˈletər/

a written message addressed to a person or organization

From this reading State of French Society in 1765.--Walpole at Paris.--The Royal Family and the Bête du Gévaudan.--French Ladies of Quality.--Madame du Deffand.--A Letter from Madame de Sévigné.--Rousseau and the King of Prussia.--The Hume-Rousseau Quarrel.--Returns to England, and hears Wesley at Bath.--Paris again.--Madame du Deffand's Vitality.--Her Character.--Minor Literary Efforts.--The _Historic Doubts_.--The _Mysterious Mother_.--Tragedy in England.--Doings of the Strawberry Press.--Walpole and Chatterton.

liaisonsnounUS /liˈeɪsɑːnz/

plural of “liaison” — a usually secretive or illicit sexual relationship

From this reading The upper classes were shamelessly immoral, and, from the King downwards, _liaisons_ of the most open character excited neither censure nor comment.

LiteraryadjectiveUS /ˈlɪtəreri/

of or relating to or characteristic of literature

From this reading State of French Society in 1765.--Walpole at Paris.--The Royal Family and the Bête du Gévaudan.--French Ladies of Quality.--Madame du Deffand.--A Letter from Madame de Sévigné.--Rousseau and the King of Prussia.--The Hume-Rousseau Quarrel.--Returns to England, and hears Wesley at Bath.--Paris again.--Madame du Deffand's Vitality.--Her Character.--Minor Literary Efforts.--The _Historic Doubts_.--The _Mysterious Mother_.--Tragedy in England.--Doings of the Strawberry Press.--Walpole and Chatterton.

longadjectiveUS /lɔːŋ/

primarily temporal sense; being or indicating a relatively great or greater than average duration or passage of time or a duration as specified

From this reading When, towards the close of 1765, Walpole made the first of several visits to Paris, the society of the French capital, and indeed French society as a whole, was showing signs of that coming _culbute générale_ which was not to be long deferred.

MadamenounUS /ˈmædəm/

title used for a married Frenchwoman

From this reading State of French Society in 1765.--Walpole at Paris.--The Royal Family and the Bête du Gévaudan.--French Ladies of Quality.--Madame du Deffand.--A Letter from Madame de Sévigné.--Rousseau and the King of Prussia.--The Hume-Rousseau Quarrel.--Returns to England, and hears Wesley at Bath.--Paris again.--Madame du Deffand's Vitality.--Her Character.--Minor Literary Efforts.--The _Historic Doubts_.--The _Mysterious Mother_.--Tragedy in England.--Doings of the Strawberry Press.--Walpole and Chatterton.

madeadjectiveUS /meɪd/

produced by a manufacturing process

From this reading When, towards the close of 1765, Walpole made the first of several visits to Paris, the society of the French capital, and indeed French society as a whole, was showing signs of that coming _culbute générale_ which was not to be long deferred.

MinoradjectiveUS /ˈmaɪnər/

of lesser importance or stature or rank

From this reading State of French Society in 1765.--Walpole at Paris.--The Royal Family and the Bête du Gévaudan.--French Ladies of Quality.--Madame du Deffand.--A Letter from Madame de Sévigné.--Rousseau and the King of Prussia.--The Hume-Rousseau Quarrel.--Returns to England, and hears Wesley at Bath.--Paris again.--Madame du Deffand's Vitality.--Her Character.--Minor Literary Efforts.--The _Historic Doubts_.--The _Mysterious Mother_.--Tragedy in England.--Doings of the Strawberry Press.--Walpole and Chatterton.

mostadverbUS /moʊst/

used to form the superlative

From this reading The upper classes were shamelessly immoral, and, from the King downwards, _liaisons_ of the most open character excited neither censure nor comment.

MothernounUS /ˈmʌðər/

a woman who has given birth to a child (also used as a term of address to your mother)

From this reading State of French Society in 1765.--Walpole at Paris.--The Royal Family and the Bête du Gévaudan.--French Ladies of Quality.--Madame du Deffand.--A Letter from Madame de Sévigné.--Rousseau and the King of Prussia.--The Hume-Rousseau Quarrel.--Returns to England, and hears Wesley at Bath.--Paris again.--Madame du Deffand's Vitality.--Her Character.--Minor Literary Efforts.--The _Historic Doubts_.--The _Mysterious Mother_.--Tragedy in England.--Doings of the Strawberry Press.--Walpole and Chatterton.

MysteriousadjectiveUS /mɪˈstɪriəs/

of an obscure nature

From this reading State of French Society in 1765.--Walpole at Paris.--The Royal Family and the Bête du Gévaudan.--French Ladies of Quality.--Madame du Deffand.--A Letter from Madame de Sévigné.--Rousseau and the King of Prussia.--The Hume-Rousseau Quarrel.--Returns to England, and hears Wesley at Bath.--Paris again.--Madame du Deffand's Vitality.--Her Character.--Minor Literary Efforts.--The _Historic Doubts_.--The _Mysterious Mother_.--Tragedy in England.--Doings of the Strawberry Press.--Walpole and Chatterton.

neitherdeterminerUS /ˈniːðər/

not one and not the other of two

From this reading The upper classes were shamelessly immoral, and, from the King downwards, _liaisons_ of the most open character excited neither censure nor comment.

norconjunctionUS /nɔːr/

and not; used after a negative to add a second negative

From this reading The upper classes were shamelessly immoral, and, from the King downwards, _liaisons_ of the most open character excited neither censure nor comment.

notadverbUS /nɑːt/

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading When, towards the close of 1765, Walpole made the first of several visits to Paris, the society of the French capital, and indeed French society as a whole, was showing signs of that coming _culbute générale_ which was not to be long deferred.

ofprepositionUS /ʌv/

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading State of French Society in 1765.--Walpole at Paris.--The Royal Family and the Bête du Gévaudan.--French Ladies of Quality.--Madame du Deffand.--A Letter from Madame de Sévigné.--Rousseau and the King of Prussia.--The Hume-Rousseau Quarrel.--Returns to England, and hears Wesley at Bath.--Paris again.--Madame du Deffand's Vitality.--Her Character.--Minor Literary Efforts.--The _Historic Doubts_.--The _Mysterious Mother_.--Tragedy in England.--Doings of the Strawberry Press.--Walpole and Chatterton.

onprepositionUS /ɑːn/

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading While we, on our side, were beginning to copy the _comédies larmoyantes_ of La Chaussée and Diderot, the French in their turn were acting _Romeo and Juliet_, and raving over Richardson.

openverbUS /ˈoʊ.pən/

To move from a closed position.

From this reading The upper classes were shamelessly immoral, and, from the King downwards, _liaisons_ of the most open character excited neither censure nor comment.

ourdeterminerUS /ˈaʊər/

belonging to the speaker and others

From this reading While we, on our side, were beginning to copy the _comédies larmoyantes_ of La Chaussée and Diderot, the French in their turn were acting _Romeo and Juliet_, and raving over Richardson.

overprepositionUS /ˈoʊvər/

above and across; more than

From this reading While we, on our side, were beginning to copy the _comédies larmoyantes_ of La Chaussée and Diderot, the French in their turn were acting _Romeo and Juliet_, and raving over Richardson.

ParisnounUS /ˈperɪs/

the capital and largest city of France; and international center of culture and commerce

From this reading State of French Society in 1765.--Walpole at Paris.--The Royal Family and the Bête du Gévaudan.--French Ladies of Quality.--Madame du Deffand.--A Letter from Madame de Sévigné.--Rousseau and the King of Prussia.--The Hume-Rousseau Quarrel.--Returns to England, and hears Wesley at Bath.--Paris again.--Madame du Deffand's Vitality.--Her Character.--Minor Literary Efforts.--The _Historic Doubts_.--The _Mysterious Mother_.--Tragedy in England.--Doings of the Strawberry Press.--Walpole and Chatterton.

PressverbUS /pres/

exert pressure or force to or upon

From this reading State of French Society in 1765.--Walpole at Paris.--The Royal Family and the Bête du Gévaudan.--French Ladies of Quality.--Madame du Deffand.--A Letter from Madame de Sévigné.--Rousseau and the King of Prussia.--The Hume-Rousseau Quarrel.--Returns to England, and hears Wesley at Bath.--Paris again.--Madame du Deffand's Vitality.--Her Character.--Minor Literary Efforts.--The _Historic Doubts_.--The _Mysterious Mother_.--Tragedy in England.--Doings of the Strawberry Press.--Walpole and Chatterton.

PrussianounUS /ˈprʌʃə/

a former kingdom in north-central Europe including present-day northern Germany and northern Poland

From this reading State of French Society in 1765.--Walpole at Paris.--The Royal Family and the Bête du Gévaudan.--French Ladies of Quality.--Madame du Deffand.--A Letter from Madame de Sévigné.--Rousseau and the King of Prussia.--The Hume-Rousseau Quarrel.--Returns to England, and hears Wesley at Bath.--Paris again.--Madame du Deffand's Vitality.--Her Character.--Minor Literary Efforts.--The _Historic Doubts_.--The _Mysterious Mother_.--Tragedy in England.--Doings of the Strawberry Press.--Walpole and Chatterton.

QualitynounUS /ˈkwɑːləti/

an essential and distinguishing attribute of something or someone

From this reading State of French Society in 1765.--Walpole at Paris.--The Royal Family and the Bête du Gévaudan.--French Ladies of Quality.--Madame du Deffand.--A Letter from Madame de Sévigné.--Rousseau and the King of Prussia.--The Hume-Rousseau Quarrel.--Returns to England, and hears Wesley at Bath.--Paris again.--Madame du Deffand's Vitality.--Her Character.--Minor Literary Efforts.--The _Historic Doubts_.--The _Mysterious Mother_.--Tragedy in England.--Doings of the Strawberry Press.--Walpole and Chatterton.

QuarrelnounUS /ˈkwɔːrəl/

an angry dispute

From this reading State of French Society in 1765.--Walpole at Paris.--The Royal Family and the Bête du Gévaudan.--French Ladies of Quality.--Madame du Deffand.--A Letter from Madame de Sévigné.--Rousseau and the King of Prussia.--The Hume-Rousseau Quarrel.--Returns to England, and hears Wesley at Bath.--Paris again.--Madame du Deffand's Vitality.--Her Character.--Minor Literary Efforts.--The _Historic Doubts_.--The _Mysterious Mother_.--Tragedy in England.--Doings of the Strawberry Press.--Walpole and Chatterton.

ravingnounUS /ˈreɪvɪŋ/

declaiming wildly

From this reading While we, on our side, were beginning to copy the _comédies larmoyantes_ of La Chaussée and Diderot, the French in their turn were acting _Romeo and Juliet_, and raving over Richardson.

ReturnsnounUS /rɪˈtɜːrnz/

plural of “return” — document giving the tax collector information about the taxpayer's tax liability

From this reading State of French Society in 1765.--Walpole at Paris.--The Royal Family and the Bête du Gévaudan.--French Ladies of Quality.--Madame du Deffand.--A Letter from Madame de Sévigné.--Rousseau and the King of Prussia.--The Hume-Rousseau Quarrel.--Returns to England, and hears Wesley at Bath.--Paris again.--Madame du Deffand's Vitality.--Her Character.--Minor Literary Efforts.--The _Historic Doubts_.--The _Mysterious Mother_.--Tragedy in England.--Doings of the Strawberry Press.--Walpole and Chatterton.

RichardsonnounUS /ˈrɪtʃərdsən/

United States architect (1838-1886)

From this reading While we, on our side, were beginning to copy the _comédies larmoyantes_ of La Chaussée and Diderot, the French in their turn were acting _Romeo and Juliet_, and raving over Richardson.

RomeonounUS /ˈroʊmioʊ/

an ardent male lover

From this reading While we, on our side, were beginning to copy the _comédies larmoyantes_ of La Chaussée and Diderot, the French in their turn were acting _Romeo and Juliet_, and raving over Richardson.

RousseaunounUS /ruːˈsoʊ/

French philosopher and writer born in Switzerland; believed that the natural goodness of man was warped by society; ideas influenced the French Revolution (1712-1778)

From this reading State of French Society in 1765.--Walpole at Paris.--The Royal Family and the Bête du Gévaudan.--French Ladies of Quality.--Madame du Deffand.--A Letter from Madame de Sévigné.--Rousseau and the King of Prussia.--The Hume-Rousseau Quarrel.--Returns to England, and hears Wesley at Bath.--Paris again.--Madame du Deffand's Vitality.--Her Character.--Minor Literary Efforts.--The _Historic Doubts_.--The _Mysterious Mother_.--Tragedy in England.--Doings of the Strawberry Press.--Walpole and Chatterton.

RoyaladjectiveUS /ˈrɔɪəl/

of or relating to or indicative of or issued or performed by a king or queen or other monarch

From this reading State of French Society in 1765.--Walpole at Paris.--The Royal Family and the Bête du Gévaudan.--French Ladies of Quality.--Madame du Deffand.--A Letter from Madame de Sévigné.--Rousseau and the King of Prussia.--The Hume-Rousseau Quarrel.--Returns to England, and hears Wesley at Bath.--Paris again.--Madame du Deffand's Vitality.--Her Character.--Minor Literary Efforts.--The _Historic Doubts_.--The _Mysterious Mother_.--Tragedy in England.--Doings of the Strawberry Press.--Walpole and Chatterton.

Sentimentalists

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

From this reading It was the era of Voltaire and the Encyclopædists; it was the era of Rousseau and the Sentimentalists; it was also the era of confirmed Anglomania.

severaladjectiveUS /ˈsevrəl/

(used with count nouns) of an indefinite number more than 2 or 3 but not many

From this reading When, towards the close of 1765, Walpole made the first of several visits to Paris, the society of the French capital, and indeed French society as a whole, was showing signs of that coming _culbute générale_ which was not to be long deferred.

shamelesslyadverbUS /ˈʃeɪmləsli/

without shame

From this reading The upper classes were shamelessly immoral, and, from the King downwards, _liaisons_ of the most open character excited neither censure nor comment.

showingnounUS /ˈʃoʊɪŋ/

the display of a motion picture

From this reading When, towards the close of 1765, Walpole made the first of several visits to Paris, the society of the French capital, and indeed French society as a whole, was showing signs of that coming _culbute générale_ which was not to be long deferred.

sidenounUS /saɪd/

a place within a region identified relative to a center or reference location

From this reading While we, on our side, were beginning to copy the _comédies larmoyantes_ of La Chaussée and Diderot, the French in their turn were acting _Romeo and Juliet_, and raving over Richardson.

signsnounUS /saɪnz/

plural of “sign” — a perceptible indication of something not immediately apparent (as a visible clue that something has happened)

From this reading When, towards the close of 1765, Walpole made the first of several visits to Paris, the society of the French capital, and indeed French society as a whole, was showing signs of that coming _culbute générale_ which was not to be long deferred.

SocietynounUS /səˈsaɪəti/

an extended social group having a distinctive cultural and economic organization

From this reading State of French Society in 1765.--Walpole at Paris.--The Royal Family and the Bête du Gévaudan.--French Ladies of Quality.--Madame du Deffand.--A Letter from Madame de Sévigné.--Rousseau and the King of Prussia.--The Hume-Rousseau Quarrel.--Returns to England, and hears Wesley at Bath.--Paris again.--Madame du Deffand's Vitality.--Her Character.--Minor Literary Efforts.--The _Historic Doubts_.--The _Mysterious Mother_.--Tragedy in England.--Doings of the Strawberry Press.--Walpole and Chatterton.

StatenounUS /steɪt/

the territory occupied by one of the constituent administrative districts of a nation

From this reading State of French Society in 1765.--Walpole at Paris.--The Royal Family and the Bête du Gévaudan.--French Ladies of Quality.--Madame du Deffand.--A Letter from Madame de Sévigné.--Rousseau and the King of Prussia.--The Hume-Rousseau Quarrel.--Returns to England, and hears Wesley at Bath.--Paris again.--Madame du Deffand's Vitality.--Her Character.--Minor Literary Efforts.--The _Historic Doubts_.--The _Mysterious Mother_.--Tragedy in England.--Doings of the Strawberry Press.--Walpole and Chatterton.

StrawberrynounUS /ˈstrɔːberi/

sweet fleshy red fruit

From this reading State of French Society in 1765.--Walpole at Paris.--The Royal Family and the Bête du Gévaudan.--French Ladies of Quality.--Madame du Deffand.--A Letter from Madame de Sévigné.--Rousseau and the King of Prussia.--The Hume-Rousseau Quarrel.--Returns to England, and hears Wesley at Bath.--Paris again.--Madame du Deffand's Vitality.--Her Character.--Minor Literary Efforts.--The _Historic Doubts_.--The _Mysterious Mother_.--Tragedy in England.--Doings of the Strawberry Press.--Walpole and Chatterton.

Sévigné

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

From this reading State of French Society in 1765.--Walpole at Paris.--The Royal Family and the Bête du Gévaudan.--French Ladies of Quality.--Madame du Deffand.--A Letter from Madame de Sévigné.--Rousseau and the King of Prussia.--The Hume-Rousseau Quarrel.--Returns to England, and hears Wesley at Bath.--Paris again.--Madame du Deffand's Vitality.--Her Character.--Minor Literary Efforts.--The _Historic Doubts_.--The _Mysterious Mother_.--Tragedy in England.--Doings of the Strawberry Press.--Walpole and Chatterton.

thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading When, towards the close of 1765, Walpole made the first of several visits to Paris, the society of the French capital, and indeed French society as a whole, was showing signs of that coming _culbute générale_ which was not to be long deferred.

ThedeterminerUS /ðə/

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

From this reading State of French Society in 1765.--Walpole at Paris.--The Royal Family and the Bête du Gévaudan.--French Ladies of Quality.--Madame du Deffand.--A Letter from Madame de Sévigné.--Rousseau and the King of Prussia.--The Hume-Rousseau Quarrel.--Returns to England, and hears Wesley at Bath.--Paris again.--Madame du Deffand's Vitality.--Her Character.--Minor Literary Efforts.--The _Historic Doubts_.--The _Mysterious Mother_.--Tragedy in England.--Doings of the Strawberry Press.--Walpole and Chatterton.

theirdeterminerUS /ðer/

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading While we, on our side, were beginning to copy the _comédies larmoyantes_ of La Chaussée and Diderot, the French in their turn were acting _Romeo and Juliet_, and raving over Richardson.

toparticleUS /tuː/

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

From this reading State of French Society in 1765.--Walpole at Paris.--The Royal Family and the Bête du Gévaudan.--French Ladies of Quality.--Madame du Deffand.--A Letter from Madame de Sévigné.--Rousseau and the King of Prussia.--The Hume-Rousseau Quarrel.--Returns to England, and hears Wesley at Bath.--Paris again.--Madame du Deffand's Vitality.--Her Character.--Minor Literary Efforts.--The _Historic Doubts_.--The _Mysterious Mother_.--Tragedy in England.--Doings of the Strawberry Press.--Walpole and Chatterton.

towardsprepositionUS /təˈwɔːrdz/

in the direction of

From this reading When, towards the close of 1765, Walpole made the first of several visits to Paris, the society of the French capital, and indeed French society as a whole, was showing signs of that coming _culbute générale_ which was not to be long deferred.

TragedynounUS /ˈtrædʒədi/

an event resulting in great loss and misfortune

From this reading State of French Society in 1765.--Walpole at Paris.--The Royal Family and the Bête du Gévaudan.--French Ladies of Quality.--Madame du Deffand.--A Letter from Madame de Sévigné.--Rousseau and the King of Prussia.--The Hume-Rousseau Quarrel.--Returns to England, and hears Wesley at Bath.--Paris again.--Madame du Deffand's Vitality.--Her Character.--Minor Literary Efforts.--The _Historic Doubts_.--The _Mysterious Mother_.--Tragedy in England.--Doings of the Strawberry Press.--Walpole and Chatterton.

turnverbUS /tɜːrn/

change orientation or direction, also in the abstract sense

From this reading While we, on our side, were beginning to copy the _comédies larmoyantes_ of La Chaussée and Diderot, the French in their turn were acting _Romeo and Juliet_, and raving over Richardson.

upperadjectiveUS /ˈʌpər/

the topmost one of two

From this reading The upper classes were shamelessly immoral, and, from the King downwards, _liaisons_ of the most open character excited neither censure nor comment.

visitsnounUS /ˈvɪzɪts/

plural of “visit” — the act of going to see some person or place or thing for a short time

From this reading When, towards the close of 1765, Walpole made the first of several visits to Paris, the society of the French capital, and indeed French society as a whole, was showing signs of that coming _culbute générale_ which was not to be long deferred.

VitalitynounUS /vaɪˈtæləti/

an energetic style

From this reading State of French Society in 1765.--Walpole at Paris.--The Royal Family and the Bête du Gévaudan.--French Ladies of Quality.--Madame du Deffand.--A Letter from Madame de Sévigné.--Rousseau and the King of Prussia.--The Hume-Rousseau Quarrel.--Returns to England, and hears Wesley at Bath.--Paris again.--Madame du Deffand's Vitality.--Her Character.--Minor Literary Efforts.--The _Historic Doubts_.--The _Mysterious Mother_.--Tragedy in England.--Doings of the Strawberry Press.--Walpole and Chatterton.

VoltairenounUS /voʊlˈter/

French writer who was the embodiment of 18th century Enlightenment (1694-1778)

From this reading It was the era of Voltaire and the Encyclopædists; it was the era of Rousseau and the Sentimentalists; it was also the era of confirmed Anglomania.

WalpolenounUS /ˈwɔːlpoʊl/

English writer and historian; son of Sir Robert Walpole (1717-1797)

From this reading State of French Society in 1765.--Walpole at Paris.--The Royal Family and the Bête du Gévaudan.--French Ladies of Quality.--Madame du Deffand.--A Letter from Madame de Sévigné.--Rousseau and the King of Prussia.--The Hume-Rousseau Quarrel.--Returns to England, and hears Wesley at Bath.--Paris again.--Madame du Deffand's Vitality.--Her Character.--Minor Literary Efforts.--The _Historic Doubts_.--The _Mysterious Mother_.--Tragedy in England.--Doings of the Strawberry Press.--Walpole and Chatterton.

wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/

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

From this reading When, towards the close of 1765, Walpole made the first of several visits to Paris, the society of the French capital, and indeed French society as a whole, was showing signs of that coming _culbute générale_ which was not to be long deferred.

wepronounUS /wiː/

the speaker together with one or more other people

From this reading While we, on our side, were beginning to copy the _comédies larmoyantes_ of La Chaussée and Diderot, the French in their turn were acting _Romeo and Juliet_, and raving over Richardson.

wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/

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

From this reading The upper classes were shamelessly immoral, and, from the King downwards, _liaisons_ of the most open character excited neither censure nor comment.

WesleynounUS /ˈwesli/

English clergyman and brother of John Wesley who wrote many hymns (1707-1788)

From this reading State of French Society in 1765.--Walpole at Paris.--The Royal Family and the Bête du Gévaudan.--French Ladies of Quality.--Madame du Deffand.--A Letter from Madame de Sévigné.--Rousseau and the King of Prussia.--The Hume-Rousseau Quarrel.--Returns to England, and hears Wesley at Bath.--Paris again.--Madame du Deffand's Vitality.--Her Character.--Minor Literary Efforts.--The _Historic Doubts_.--The _Mysterious Mother_.--Tragedy in England.--Doings of the Strawberry Press.--Walpole and Chatterton.

WhenconjunctionUS /wen/

at the time that

From this reading When, towards the close of 1765, Walpole made the first of several visits to Paris, the society of the French capital, and indeed French society as a whole, was showing signs of that coming _culbute générale_ which was not to be long deferred.

whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/

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

From this reading When, towards the close of 1765, Walpole made the first of several visits to Paris, the society of the French capital, and indeed French society as a whole, was showing signs of that coming _culbute générale_ which was not to be long deferred.

WhileconjunctionUS /waɪl/

during the time that

From this reading While we, on our side, were beginning to copy the _comédies larmoyantes_ of La Chaussée and Diderot, the French in their turn were acting _Romeo and Juliet_, and raving over Richardson.

wholeadjectiveUS /hoʊl/

including all components without exception; being one unit or constituting the full amount or extent or duration; complete

From this reading When, towards the close of 1765, Walpole made the first of several visits to Paris, the society of the French capital, and indeed French society as a whole, was showing signs of that coming _culbute générale_ which was not to be long deferred.

Chapter 8 of Horace Walpole by Austin Dobson holds 286 sentences, grouped into 58 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 8 of Horace Walpole contain?

Chapter 8 holds 286 sentences of Horace Walpole, unabridged, divided into 58 reading sections.

This page carries chapter 8 of Horace Walpole by Austin Dobson exactly as it stands in the source edition, without abridgement. It runs to 286 sentences, grouped into 58 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 8 of Horace Walpole?

Work through the 58 sections in order, replaying any sentence and tapping unfamiliar words for their entries.

Each of the 58 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.

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Yes — every sentence and every individual word in chapter 8 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 Horace Walpole

Common questions about reading Horace Walpole by Austin Dobson on this page, its source edition and its audio.

Is this the complete text of Horace Walpole?

Yes. All 2939 sentences of Project Gutenberg eBook #53649 are kept, with a record of which sentences cover which part.

Which edition of Horace Walpole is used?

Project Gutenberg eBook #53649, unabridged. The Project Gutenberg header, footer and licence are removed.

How long does Horace Walpole take to read?

About 244 minutes of reading across 588 sections of 5 sentences each, at an unhurried pace.

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Vocabulary met early in Horace Walpole

Words and structures a reader meets early in Horace Walpole, each tappable for pronunciation and meaning.

Walpoles
A word that appears in the opening chapter of Horace Walpole; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Houghton
A word that appears in the opening chapter of Horace Walpole; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Horace
A word that appears in the opening chapter of Horace Walpole; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Walpole
A word that appears in the opening chapter of Horace Walpole; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.