Chapter 1 of Life of Johnson, Volume 2 1765-1776 is here in full — 383 sentences across 77 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.
A keeper or guardian of historical records and memories.
Chapter I
Chapter 1 of Life of Johnson, Volume 2 1765-1776 is here in full — 383 sentences across 77 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.
GEORGE BIRKBECK HILL, D.C.L. CONTENTS OF VOL. II. THE LIFE OF SAMUEL JOHNSON, LL.D. In 1764 and 1765 it should seem that Dr. Johnson was so busily employed with his edition of Shakspeare, as to have had little leisure for any other literary exertion, or, indeed, even for private correspondence[1].
Chapter 1 of Life of Johnson, Volume 2 1765-1776 is here in full — 383 sentences across 77 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.
Reading 1/76 · 5 reading units · Lines 1–5
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.
in a busy manner
From this reading “In 1764 and 1765 it should seem that Dr. Johnson was so busily employed with his edition of Shakspeare, as to have had little leisure for any other literary exertion, or, indeed, even for private correspondence[1].”
(usually plural) everything that is included in a collection and that is held or included in something
From this reading “CONTENTS OF VOL.”
communication by the exchange of letters
From this reading “In 1764 and 1765 it should seem that Dr. Johnson was so busily employed with his edition of Shakspeare, as to have had little leisure for any other literary exertion, or, indeed, even for private correspondence[1].”
the form in which a text (especially a printed book) is published
From this reading “In 1764 and 1765 it should seem that Dr. Johnson was so busily employed with his edition of Shakspeare, as to have had little leisure for any other literary exertion, or, indeed, even for private correspondence[1].”
use of physical or mental energy; hard work
From this reading “In 1764 and 1765 it should seem that Dr. Johnson was so busily employed with his edition of Shakspeare, as to have had little leisure for any other literary exertion, or, indeed, even for private correspondence[1].”
English writer and lexicographer (1709-1784)
From this reading “THE LIFE OF SAMUEL JOHNSON, LL.D.”
time available for ease and relaxation
From this reading “In 1764 and 1765 it should seem that Dr. Johnson was so busily employed with his edition of Shakspeare, as to have had little leisure for any other literary exertion, or, indeed, even for private correspondence[1].”
(Old Testament) Hebrew prophet and judge who anointed Saul as king
From this reading “THE LIFE OF SAMUEL JOHNSON, LL.D.”
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.
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In 1764 and 1765 it should seem that Dr. Johnson was so busily employed with his edition of Shakspeare, as to have had little leisure for any other literary exertion, or, indeed, even for private correspondence[1].
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In 1764 and 1765 it should seem that Dr. Johnson was so busily employed with his edition of Shakspeare, as to have had little leisure for any other literary exertion, or, indeed, even for private correspondence[1].
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In 1764 and 1765 it should seem that Dr. Johnson was so busily employed with his edition of Shakspeare, as to have had little leisure for any other literary exertion, or, indeed, even for private correspondence[1].
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading In 1764 and 1765 it should seem that Dr. Johnson was so busily employed with his edition of Shakspeare, as to have had little leisure for any other literary exertion, or, indeed, even for private correspondence[1].
one or some or every or all without specification
From this reading In 1764 and 1765 it should seem that Dr. Johnson was so busily employed with his edition of Shakspeare, as to have had little leisure for any other literary exertion, or, indeed, even for private correspondence[1].
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading In 1764 and 1765 it should seem that Dr. Johnson was so busily employed with his edition of Shakspeare, as to have had little leisure for any other literary exertion, or, indeed, even for private correspondence[1].
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading GEORGE BIRKBECK HILL, D.C.L.
in a busy manner
From this reading In 1764 and 1765 it should seem that Dr. Johnson was so busily employed with his edition of Shakspeare, as to have had little leisure for any other literary exertion, or, indeed, even for private correspondence[1].
a degree on the centigrade scale of temperature
From this reading GEORGE BIRKBECK HILL, D.C.L.
(usually plural) everything that is included in a collection and that is held or included in something
From this reading CONTENTS OF VOL.
communication by the exchange of letters
From this reading In 1764 and 1765 it should seem that Dr. Johnson was so busily employed with his edition of Shakspeare, as to have had little leisure for any other literary exertion, or, indeed, even for private correspondence[1].
a fat-soluble vitamin that prevents rickets
From this reading GEORGE BIRKBECK HILL, D.C.L.
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In 1764 and 1765 it should seem that Dr. Johnson was so busily employed with his edition of Shakspeare, as to have had little leisure for any other literary exertion, or, indeed, even for private correspondence[1].
the form in which a text (especially a printed book) is published
From this reading In 1764 and 1765 it should seem that Dr. Johnson was so busily employed with his edition of Shakspeare, as to have had little leisure for any other literary exertion, or, indeed, even for private correspondence[1].
having your services engaged for; or having a job especially one that pays wages or a salary
From this reading In 1764 and 1765 it should seem that Dr. Johnson was so busily employed with his edition of Shakspeare, as to have had little leisure for any other literary exertion, or, indeed, even for private correspondence[1].
divisible by two
From this reading In 1764 and 1765 it should seem that Dr. Johnson was so busily employed with his edition of Shakspeare, as to have had little leisure for any other literary exertion, or, indeed, even for private correspondence[1].
use of physical or mental energy; hard work
From this reading In 1764 and 1765 it should seem that Dr. Johnson was so busily employed with his edition of Shakspeare, as to have had little leisure for any other literary exertion, or, indeed, even for private correspondence[1].
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading In 1764 and 1765 it should seem that Dr. Johnson was so busily employed with his edition of Shakspeare, as to have had little leisure for any other literary exertion, or, indeed, even for private correspondence[1].
Christian martyr; patron saint of England; hero of the legend of Saint George and the Dragon in which he slew a dragon and saved a princess (?-303)
From this reading GEORGE BIRKBECK HILL, D.C.L.
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading In 1764 and 1765 it should seem that Dr. Johnson was so busily employed with his edition of Shakspeare, as to have had little leisure for any other literary exertion, or, indeed, even for private correspondence[1].
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading In 1764 and 1765 it should seem that Dr. Johnson was so busily employed with his edition of Shakspeare, as to have had little leisure for any other literary exertion, or, indeed, even for private correspondence[1].
a local and well-defined elevation of the land
From this reading GEORGE BIRKBECK HILL, D.C.L.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading In 1764 and 1765 it should seem that Dr. Johnson was so busily employed with his edition of Shakspeare, as to have had little leisure for any other literary exertion, or, indeed, even for private correspondence[1].
the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number
From this reading II.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading In 1764 and 1765 it should seem that Dr. Johnson was so busily employed with his edition of Shakspeare, as to have had little leisure for any other literary exertion, or, indeed, even for private correspondence[1].
in truth (often tends to intensify)
From this reading In 1764 and 1765 it should seem that Dr. Johnson was so busily employed with his edition of Shakspeare, as to have had little leisure for any other literary exertion, or, indeed, even for private correspondence[1].
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading In 1764 and 1765 it should seem that Dr. Johnson was so busily employed with his edition of Shakspeare, as to have had little leisure for any other literary exertion, or, indeed, even for private correspondence[1].
English writer and lexicographer (1709-1784)
From this reading THE LIFE OF SAMUEL JOHNSON, LL.D.
a metric unit of capacity, formerly defined as the volume of one kilogram of pure water under standard conditions; now equal to 1,000 cubic centimeters (or approximately 1.75 pints)
From this reading GEORGE BIRKBECK HILL, D.C.L.
time available for ease and relaxation
From this reading In 1764 and 1765 it should seem that Dr. Johnson was so busily employed with his edition of Shakspeare, as to have had little leisure for any other literary exertion, or, indeed, even for private correspondence[1].
a characteristic state or mode of living
From this reading THE LIFE OF SAMUEL JOHNSON, LL.D.
of or relating to or characteristic of literature
From this reading In 1764 and 1765 it should seem that Dr. Johnson was so busily employed with his edition of Shakspeare, as to have had little leisure for any other literary exertion, or, indeed, even for private correspondence[1].
limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading In 1764 and 1765 it should seem that Dr. Johnson was so busily employed with his edition of Shakspeare, as to have had little leisure for any other literary exertion, or, indeed, even for private correspondence[1].
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE LIFE OF SAMUEL JOHNSON, LL.D.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading CONTENTS OF VOL.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading In 1764 and 1765 it should seem that Dr. Johnson was so busily employed with his edition of Shakspeare, as to have had little leisure for any other literary exertion, or, indeed, even for private correspondence[1].
not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied
From this reading In 1764 and 1765 it should seem that Dr. Johnson was so busily employed with his edition of Shakspeare, as to have had little leisure for any other literary exertion, or, indeed, even for private correspondence[1].
confined to particular persons or groups or providing privacy
From this reading In 1764 and 1765 it should seem that Dr. Johnson was so busily employed with his edition of Shakspeare, as to have had little leisure for any other literary exertion, or, indeed, even for private correspondence[1].
(Old Testament) Hebrew prophet and judge who anointed Saul as king
From this reading THE LIFE OF SAMUEL JOHNSON, LL.D.
give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect
From this reading In 1764 and 1765 it should seem that Dr. Johnson was so busily employed with his edition of Shakspeare, as to have had little leisure for any other literary exertion, or, indeed, even for private correspondence[1].
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In 1764 and 1765 it should seem that Dr. Johnson was so busily employed with his edition of Shakspeare, as to have had little leisure for any other literary exertion, or, indeed, even for private correspondence[1].
used to say what is right, expected, or advisable
From this reading In 1764 and 1765 it should seem that Dr. Johnson was so busily employed with his edition of Shakspeare, as to have had little leisure for any other literary exertion, or, indeed, even for private correspondence[1].
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading In 1764 and 1765 it should seem that Dr. Johnson was so busily employed with his edition of Shakspeare, as to have had little leisure for any other literary exertion, or, indeed, even for private correspondence[1].
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading In 1764 and 1765 it should seem that Dr. Johnson was so busily employed with his edition of Shakspeare, as to have had little leisure for any other literary exertion, or, indeed, even for private correspondence[1].
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading THE LIFE OF SAMUEL JOHNSON, LL.D.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading In 1764 and 1765 it should seem that Dr. Johnson was so busily employed with his edition of Shakspeare, as to have had little leisure for any other literary exertion, or, indeed, even for private correspondence[1].
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading CONTENTS OF VOL.
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading In 1764 and 1765 it should seem that Dr. Johnson was so busily employed with his edition of Shakspeare, as to have had little leisure for any other literary exertion, or, indeed, even for private correspondence[1].
in the company of; together with
From this reading In 1764 and 1765 it should seem that Dr. Johnson was so busily employed with his edition of Shakspeare, as to have had little leisure for any other literary exertion, or, indeed, even for private correspondence[1].
Chapter 1 of Life of Johnson, Volume 2 1765-1776 by James Boswell holds 383 sentences, grouped into 77 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.
Chapter 1 holds 383 sentences of Life of Johnson, Volume 2 1765-1776, unabridged, divided into 77 reading sections.
This page carries chapter 1 of Life of Johnson, Volume 2 1765-1776 by James Boswell exactly as it stands in the source edition, without abridgement. It runs to 383 sentences, grouped into 77 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.
Work through the 77 sections in order, replaying any sentence and tapping unfamiliar words for their entries.
Each of the 77 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.
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.
Common questions about reading Life of Johnson, Volume 2 1765-1776 by James Boswell on this page, its source edition and its audio.
Yes. All 13767 sentences of Project Gutenberg eBook #9072 are kept, with a record of which sentences cover which part.
Project Gutenberg eBook #9072, unabridged. The Project Gutenberg header, footer and licence are removed.
About 600 minutes of reading across 2754 sections of 5 sentences each, at an unhurried pace.
How to work through Life of Johnson, Volume 2 1765-1776 section by section, using the audio and the tap-to-define vocabulary.
Choose one of the 35 chapters of Life of Johnson, Volume 2 1765-1776 to begin.
Each section holds 5 sentences; read it once through.
Play the section aloud, then tap any unfamiliar word for its entry.
Words and structures a reader meets early in Life of Johnson, Volume 2 1765-1776, each tappable for pronunciation and meaning.
