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Looking Backward, 2000 to 1887
Looking Backward, 2000 to 1887

Chapter XV · Chapter 15

Chapter 15 of Looking Backward, 2000 to 1887 is here in full — 109 sentences across 22 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

Cover illustration for Looking Backward, 2000 to 1887
Context Illustration Reading 1/21 · 5 lines
English subtitles · tap any word to listen 1 / 5
When, in the course of our tour of inspection, we came to the library, we succumbed to the temptation of the luxurious leather chairs with which it was furnished, and sat down in one of the book-lined alcoves to rest and chat awhile.[1] "Edith tells me that you have been in the library all the morning," said Mrs. Leete.
"Do you know, it seems to me, Mr. West, that you are the most enviable of mortals."
"I should like to know just why," I replied.
"Because the books of the last hundred years will be new to you," she answered.
"You will have so much of the most absorbing literature to read as to leave you scarcely time for meals these five years to come.
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LEARNER DICTIONARY
Archivist
/ˈɑːrkɪvɪst/
Editorial verification pending

A keeper or guardian of historical records and memories.

Looking Backward, 2000 to 1887

Chapter XV · Chapter 15

Chapter 15 of Looking Backward, 2000 to 1887 is here in full — 109 sentences across 22 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

Reading 1/21 · 5 reading units · Lines 1–5

Line 1
When, in the course of our tour of inspection, we came to the library, we succumbed to the temptation of the luxurious leather chairs with which it was furnished, and sat down in one of the book-lined alcoves to rest and chat awhile.[1] "Edith tells me that you have been in the library all the morning," said Mrs. Leete.
Line 2
"Do you know, it seems to me, Mr. West, that you are the most enviable of mortals."
Line 3
"I should like to know just why," I replied.
Line 4
"Because the books of the last hundred years will be new to you," she answered.
Line 5
"You will have so much of the most absorbing literature to read as to leave you scarcely time for meals these five years to come.

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.

Books noun US /bʊks/

Bound written or printed works.

From this reading “"Because the books of the last hundred years will be new to you," she answered.”

All words in this reading · 83

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

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

1

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

From this reading When, in the course of our tour of inspection, we came to the library, we succumbed to the temptation of the luxurious leather chairs with which it was furnished, and sat down in one of the book-lined alcoves to rest and chat awhile.[1] "Edith tells me that you have been in the library all the morning," said Mrs. Leete.

absorbing

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

From this reading "You will have so much of the most absorbing literature to read as to leave you scarcely time for meals these five years to come.

alcoves

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

From this reading When, in the course of our tour of inspection, we came to the library, we succumbed to the temptation of the luxurious leather chairs with which it was furnished, and sat down in one of the book-lined alcoves to rest and chat awhile.[1] "Edith tells me that you have been in the library all the morning," said Mrs. Leete.

all

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

From this reading When, in the course of our tour of inspection, we came to the library, we succumbed to the temptation of the luxurious leather chairs with which it was furnished, and sat down in one of the book-lined alcoves to rest and chat awhile.[1] "Edith tells me that you have been in the library all the morning," said Mrs. Leete.

and

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

From this reading When, in the course of our tour of inspection, we came to the library, we succumbed to the temptation of the luxurious leather chairs with which it was furnished, and sat down in one of the book-lined alcoves to rest and chat awhile.[1] "Edith tells me that you have been in the library all the morning," said Mrs. Leete.

answered

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

From this reading "Because the books of the last hundred years will be new to you," she answered.

are

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

From this reading "Do you know, it seems to me, Mr. West, that you are the most enviable of mortals."

as

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

From this reading "You will have so much of the most absorbing literature to read as to leave you scarcely time for meals these five years to come.

awhile

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

From this reading When, in the course of our tour of inspection, we came to the library, we succumbed to the temptation of the luxurious leather chairs with which it was furnished, and sat down in one of the book-lined alcoves to rest and chat awhile.[1] "Edith tells me that you have been in the library all the morning," said Mrs. Leete.

be

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

From this reading "Because the books of the last hundred years will be new to you," she answered.

Because

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

From this reading "Because the books of the last hundred years will be new to you," she answered.

been

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

From this reading When, in the course of our tour of inspection, we came to the library, we succumbed to the temptation of the luxurious leather chairs with which it was furnished, and sat down in one of the book-lined alcoves to rest and chat awhile.[1] "Edith tells me that you have been in the library all the morning," said Mrs. Leete.

book-lined

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

From this reading When, in the course of our tour of inspection, we came to the library, we succumbed to the temptation of the luxurious leather chairs with which it was furnished, and sat down in one of the book-lined alcoves to rest and chat awhile.[1] "Edith tells me that you have been in the library all the morning," said Mrs. Leete.

booksnounUS /bʊks/

Bound written or printed works.

From this reading "Because the books of the last hundred years will be new to you," she answered.

came

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

From this reading When, in the course of our tour of inspection, we came to the library, we succumbed to the temptation of the luxurious leather chairs with which it was furnished, and sat down in one of the book-lined alcoves to rest and chat awhile.[1] "Edith tells me that you have been in the library all the morning," said Mrs. Leete.

chairs

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

From this reading When, in the course of our tour of inspection, we came to the library, we succumbed to the temptation of the luxurious leather chairs with which it was furnished, and sat down in one of the book-lined alcoves to rest and chat awhile.[1] "Edith tells me that you have been in the library all the morning," said Mrs. Leete.

chat

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

From this reading When, in the course of our tour of inspection, we came to the library, we succumbed to the temptation of the luxurious leather chairs with which it was furnished, and sat down in one of the book-lined alcoves to rest and chat awhile.[1] "Edith tells me that you have been in the library all the morning," said Mrs. Leete.

come

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

From this reading "You will have so much of the most absorbing literature to read as to leave you scarcely time for meals these five years to come.

course

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

From this reading When, in the course of our tour of inspection, we came to the library, we succumbed to the temptation of the luxurious leather chairs with which it was furnished, and sat down in one of the book-lined alcoves to rest and chat awhile.[1] "Edith tells me that you have been in the library all the morning," said Mrs. Leete.

Do

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

From this reading "Do you know, it seems to me, Mr. West, that you are the most enviable of mortals."

down

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

From this reading When, in the course of our tour of inspection, we came to the library, we succumbed to the temptation of the luxurious leather chairs with which it was furnished, and sat down in one of the book-lined alcoves to rest and chat awhile.[1] "Edith tells me that you have been in the library all the morning," said Mrs. Leete.

Edith

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

From this reading When, in the course of our tour of inspection, we came to the library, we succumbed to the temptation of the luxurious leather chairs with which it was furnished, and sat down in one of the book-lined alcoves to rest and chat awhile.[1] "Edith tells me that you have been in the library all the morning," said Mrs. Leete.

enviable

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

From this reading "Do you know, it seems to me, Mr. West, that you are the most enviable of mortals."

five

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

From this reading "You will have so much of the most absorbing literature to read as to leave you scarcely time for meals these five years to come.

for

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

From this reading "You will have so much of the most absorbing literature to read as to leave you scarcely time for meals these five years to come.

furnished

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

From this reading When, in the course of our tour of inspection, we came to the library, we succumbed to the temptation of the luxurious leather chairs with which it was furnished, and sat down in one of the book-lined alcoves to rest and chat awhile.[1] "Edith tells me that you have been in the library all the morning," said Mrs. Leete.

have

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

From this reading When, in the course of our tour of inspection, we came to the library, we succumbed to the temptation of the luxurious leather chairs with which it was furnished, and sat down in one of the book-lined alcoves to rest and chat awhile.[1] "Edith tells me that you have been in the library all the morning," said Mrs. Leete.

hundred

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

From this reading "Because the books of the last hundred years will be new to you," she answered.

I

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

From this reading "I should like to know just why," I replied.

in

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

From this reading When, in the course of our tour of inspection, we came to the library, we succumbed to the temptation of the luxurious leather chairs with which it was furnished, and sat down in one of the book-lined alcoves to rest and chat awhile.[1] "Edith tells me that you have been in the library all the morning," said Mrs. Leete.

inspection

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

From this reading When, in the course of our tour of inspection, we came to the library, we succumbed to the temptation of the luxurious leather chairs with which it was furnished, and sat down in one of the book-lined alcoves to rest and chat awhile.[1] "Edith tells me that you have been in the library all the morning," said Mrs. Leete.

it

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

From this reading When, in the course of our tour of inspection, we came to the library, we succumbed to the temptation of the luxurious leather chairs with which it was furnished, and sat down in one of the book-lined alcoves to rest and chat awhile.[1] "Edith tells me that you have been in the library all the morning," said Mrs. Leete.

just

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

From this reading "I should like to know just why," I replied.

know

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

From this reading "Do you know, it seems to me, Mr. West, that you are the most enviable of mortals."

last

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

From this reading "Because the books of the last hundred years will be new to you," she answered.

leather

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

From this reading When, in the course of our tour of inspection, we came to the library, we succumbed to the temptation of the luxurious leather chairs with which it was furnished, and sat down in one of the book-lined alcoves to rest and chat awhile.[1] "Edith tells me that you have been in the library all the morning," said Mrs. Leete.

leave

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

From this reading "You will have so much of the most absorbing literature to read as to leave you scarcely time for meals these five years to come.

Leete

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

From this reading When, in the course of our tour of inspection, we came to the library, we succumbed to the temptation of the luxurious leather chairs with which it was furnished, and sat down in one of the book-lined alcoves to rest and chat awhile.[1] "Edith tells me that you have been in the library all the morning," said Mrs. Leete.

library

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

From this reading When, in the course of our tour of inspection, we came to the library, we succumbed to the temptation of the luxurious leather chairs with which it was furnished, and sat down in one of the book-lined alcoves to rest and chat awhile.[1] "Edith tells me that you have been in the library all the morning," said Mrs. Leete.

like

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

From this reading "I should like to know just why," I replied.

literature

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

From this reading "You will have so much of the most absorbing literature to read as to leave you scarcely time for meals these five years to come.

luxurious

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

From this reading When, in the course of our tour of inspection, we came to the library, we succumbed to the temptation of the luxurious leather chairs with which it was furnished, and sat down in one of the book-lined alcoves to rest and chat awhile.[1] "Edith tells me that you have been in the library all the morning," said Mrs. Leete.

me

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

From this reading When, in the course of our tour of inspection, we came to the library, we succumbed to the temptation of the luxurious leather chairs with which it was furnished, and sat down in one of the book-lined alcoves to rest and chat awhile.[1] "Edith tells me that you have been in the library all the morning," said Mrs. Leete.

meals

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

From this reading "You will have so much of the most absorbing literature to read as to leave you scarcely time for meals these five years to come.

morning

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

From this reading When, in the course of our tour of inspection, we came to the library, we succumbed to the temptation of the luxurious leather chairs with which it was furnished, and sat down in one of the book-lined alcoves to rest and chat awhile.[1] "Edith tells me that you have been in the library all the morning," said Mrs. Leete.

mortals

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

From this reading "Do you know, it seems to me, Mr. West, that you are the most enviable of mortals."

most

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

From this reading "Do you know, it seems to me, Mr. West, that you are the most enviable of mortals."

Mr

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

From this reading "Do you know, it seems to me, Mr. West, that you are the most enviable of mortals."

Mrs

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

From this reading When, in the course of our tour of inspection, we came to the library, we succumbed to the temptation of the luxurious leather chairs with which it was furnished, and sat down in one of the book-lined alcoves to rest and chat awhile.[1] "Edith tells me that you have been in the library all the morning," said Mrs. Leete.

much

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

From this reading "You will have so much of the most absorbing literature to read as to leave you scarcely time for meals these five years to come.

new

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

From this reading "Because the books of the last hundred years will be new to you," she answered.

of

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

From this reading When, in the course of our tour of inspection, we came to the library, we succumbed to the temptation of the luxurious leather chairs with which it was furnished, and sat down in one of the book-lined alcoves to rest and chat awhile.[1] "Edith tells me that you have been in the library all the morning," said Mrs. Leete.

one

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

From this reading When, in the course of our tour of inspection, we came to the library, we succumbed to the temptation of the luxurious leather chairs with which it was furnished, and sat down in one of the book-lined alcoves to rest and chat awhile.[1] "Edith tells me that you have been in the library all the morning," said Mrs. Leete.

our

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

From this reading When, in the course of our tour of inspection, we came to the library, we succumbed to the temptation of the luxurious leather chairs with which it was furnished, and sat down in one of the book-lined alcoves to rest and chat awhile.[1] "Edith tells me that you have been in the library all the morning," said Mrs. Leete.

read

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

From this reading "You will have so much of the most absorbing literature to read as to leave you scarcely time for meals these five years to come.

replied

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

From this reading "I should like to know just why," I replied.

rest

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

From this reading When, in the course of our tour of inspection, we came to the library, we succumbed to the temptation of the luxurious leather chairs with which it was furnished, and sat down in one of the book-lined alcoves to rest and chat awhile.[1] "Edith tells me that you have been in the library all the morning," said Mrs. Leete.

said

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

From this reading When, in the course of our tour of inspection, we came to the library, we succumbed to the temptation of the luxurious leather chairs with which it was furnished, and sat down in one of the book-lined alcoves to rest and chat awhile.[1] "Edith tells me that you have been in the library all the morning," said Mrs. Leete.

sat

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

From this reading When, in the course of our tour of inspection, we came to the library, we succumbed to the temptation of the luxurious leather chairs with which it was furnished, and sat down in one of the book-lined alcoves to rest and chat awhile.[1] "Edith tells me that you have been in the library all the morning," said Mrs. Leete.

scarcely

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

From this reading "You will have so much of the most absorbing literature to read as to leave you scarcely time for meals these five years to come.

seems

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

From this reading "Do you know, it seems to me, Mr. West, that you are the most enviable of mortals."

she

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

From this reading "Because the books of the last hundred years will be new to you," she answered.

should

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

From this reading "I should like to know just why," I replied.

so

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

From this reading "You will have so much of the most absorbing literature to read as to leave you scarcely time for meals these five years to come.

succumbed

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

From this reading When, in the course of our tour of inspection, we came to the library, we succumbed to the temptation of the luxurious leather chairs with which it was furnished, and sat down in one of the book-lined alcoves to rest and chat awhile.[1] "Edith tells me that you have been in the library all the morning," said Mrs. Leete.

tells

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

From this reading When, in the course of our tour of inspection, we came to the library, we succumbed to the temptation of the luxurious leather chairs with which it was furnished, and sat down in one of the book-lined alcoves to rest and chat awhile.[1] "Edith tells me that you have been in the library all the morning," said Mrs. Leete.

temptation

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

From this reading When, in the course of our tour of inspection, we came to the library, we succumbed to the temptation of the luxurious leather chairs with which it was furnished, and sat down in one of the book-lined alcoves to rest and chat awhile.[1] "Edith tells me that you have been in the library all the morning," said Mrs. Leete.

that

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

From this reading When, in the course of our tour of inspection, we came to the library, we succumbed to the temptation of the luxurious leather chairs with which it was furnished, and sat down in one of the book-lined alcoves to rest and chat awhile.[1] "Edith tells me that you have been in the library all the morning," said Mrs. Leete.

the

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

From this reading When, in the course of our tour of inspection, we came to the library, we succumbed to the temptation of the luxurious leather chairs with which it was furnished, and sat down in one of the book-lined alcoves to rest and chat awhile.[1] "Edith tells me that you have been in the library all the morning," said Mrs. Leete.

these

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

From this reading "You will have so much of the most absorbing literature to read as to leave you scarcely time for meals these five years to come.

time

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

From this reading "You will have so much of the most absorbing literature to read as to leave you scarcely time for meals these five years to come.

to

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

From this reading When, in the course of our tour of inspection, we came to the library, we succumbed to the temptation of the luxurious leather chairs with which it was furnished, and sat down in one of the book-lined alcoves to rest and chat awhile.[1] "Edith tells me that you have been in the library all the morning," said Mrs. Leete.

tour

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

From this reading When, in the course of our tour of inspection, we came to the library, we succumbed to the temptation of the luxurious leather chairs with which it was furnished, and sat down in one of the book-lined alcoves to rest and chat awhile.[1] "Edith tells me that you have been in the library all the morning," said Mrs. Leete.

was

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

From this reading When, in the course of our tour of inspection, we came to the library, we succumbed to the temptation of the luxurious leather chairs with which it was furnished, and sat down in one of the book-lined alcoves to rest and chat awhile.[1] "Edith tells me that you have been in the library all the morning," said Mrs. Leete.

we

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

From this reading When, in the course of our tour of inspection, we came to the library, we succumbed to the temptation of the luxurious leather chairs with which it was furnished, and sat down in one of the book-lined alcoves to rest and chat awhile.[1] "Edith tells me that you have been in the library all the morning," said Mrs. Leete.

West

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

From this reading "Do you know, it seems to me, Mr. West, that you are the most enviable of mortals."

When

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

From this reading When, in the course of our tour of inspection, we came to the library, we succumbed to the temptation of the luxurious leather chairs with which it was furnished, and sat down in one of the book-lined alcoves to rest and chat awhile.[1] "Edith tells me that you have been in the library all the morning," said Mrs. Leete.

which

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

From this reading When, in the course of our tour of inspection, we came to the library, we succumbed to the temptation of the luxurious leather chairs with which it was furnished, and sat down in one of the book-lined alcoves to rest and chat awhile.[1] "Edith tells me that you have been in the library all the morning," said Mrs. Leete.

why

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

From this reading "I should like to know just why," I replied.

will

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

From this reading "Because the books of the last hundred years will be new to you," she answered.

with

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

From this reading When, in the course of our tour of inspection, we came to the library, we succumbed to the temptation of the luxurious leather chairs with which it was furnished, and sat down in one of the book-lined alcoves to rest and chat awhile.[1] "Edith tells me that you have been in the library all the morning," said Mrs. Leete.

years

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

From this reading "Because the books of the last hundred years will be new to you," she answered.

you

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

From this reading When, in the course of our tour of inspection, we came to the library, we succumbed to the temptation of the luxurious leather chairs with which it was furnished, and sat down in one of the book-lined alcoves to rest and chat awhile.[1] "Edith tells me that you have been in the library all the morning," said Mrs. Leete.

Chapter 15 of Looking Backward, 2000 to 1887 by Edward Bellamy holds 109 sentences, grouped into 22 reading sections of at most 5 sentences. The text is the public-domain source, unabridged, and the chapter records which sentences cover which part of the work so that nothing is dropped. Every word can be tapped for its pronunciation and dictionary entry.

What does chapter 15 of Looking Backward, 2000 to 1887 contain?

Chapter 15 holds 109 sentences of Looking Backward, 2000 to 1887, unabridged, divided into 22 reading sections.

This page carries chapter 15 of Looking Backward, 2000 to 1887 by Edward Bellamy exactly as it stands in the public-domain source edition, without abridgement. It runs to 109 sentences, grouped into 22 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 15 of Looking Backward, 2000 to 1887?

Work through the 22 sections in order, replaying any sentence and tapping unfamiliar words for their entries.

Each of the 22 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 15 be read aloud to me?

Yes — every sentence and every individual word in chapter 15 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 Looking Backward, 2000 to 1887

Common questions about reading Looking Backward, 2000 to 1887 by Edward Bellamy on this page, its source edition and its audio.

Is this the complete text of Looking Backward, 2000 to 1887?

Yes. All 3150 sentences of Project Gutenberg eBook #624 are kept, with a record of which sentences cover which part.

Which edition of Looking Backward, 2000 to 1887 is used?

Project Gutenberg eBook #624, a public-domain edition. The Project Gutenberg header, footer and licence are removed.

How long does Looking Backward, 2000 to 1887 take to read?

About 262 minutes of reading across 630 sections of 5 sentences each, at an unhurried pace.

How to read Looking Backward, 2000 to 1887 section by section

How to work through Looking Backward, 2000 to 1887 section by section, using the audio and the tap-to-define vocabulary.

  1. Open a chapter

    Choose one of the 28 chapters of Looking Backward, 2000 to 1887 to begin.

  2. Read one section

    Each section holds 5 sentences; read it once through.

  3. Listen and tap

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

Vocabulary met early in Looking Backward, 2000 to 1887

Words and structures a reader meets early in Looking Backward, 2000 to 1887, each tappable for pronunciation and meaning.

First
A word that appears in the opening chapter of Looking Backward, 2000 to 1887; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Light
A word that appears in the opening chapter of Looking Backward, 2000 to 1887; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Boston
A word that appears in the opening chapter of Looking Backward, 2000 to 1887; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Eighteen
A word that appears in the opening chapter of Looking Backward, 2000 to 1887; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.