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Shakspere, Personal Recollections
Shakspere, Personal Recollections

Chapter II · Chapter 2

Chapter 2 of Shakspere, Personal Recollections is here in full — 69 sentences across 14 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

Cover illustration for Shakspere, Personal Recollections
Context Illustration Reading 1/13 · 5 lines
English subtitles · tap any word to listen 1 / 5
BIRTH.
SCHOOL DAYS.
SHOWS.
_"One touch of Nature makes the whole world kin."_ William Shakspere was born on the 23d of April, 1564, at the town of Stratford, on the river Avon, Warwickshire County, England; and died in the same town on the 23d of April, 1616, exactly fifty-two years of age, the date of his birth being the date of his death, a remarkable coincidence of spiritual assimilation.
For several centuries, his ancestors served their king and crown in war and peace; and were noted in their day and age as country "gentlemen," a term much more significant then than now, when even dressed up "dandy" frauds may lay claim to this much-abused title.
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LEARNER DICTIONARY
Archivist
/ˈɑːrkɪvɪst/
Editorial verification pending

A keeper or guardian of historical records and memories.

Shakspere, Personal Recollections

Chapter II · Chapter 2

Chapter 2 of Shakspere, Personal Recollections is here in full — 69 sentences across 14 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

Reading 1/13 · 5 reading units · Lines 1–5

Line 1
BIRTH.
/bɜːrθ/
Line 2
SCHOOL DAYS.
/skuːl deɪz/
Line 3
SHOWS.
/ʃoʊz/
Line 4
_"One touch of Nature makes the whole world kin."_ William Shakspere was born on the 23d of April, 1564, at the town of Stratford, on the river Avon, Warwickshire County, England; and died in the same town on the 23d of April, 1616, exactly fifty-two years of age, the date of his birth being the date of his death, a remarkable coincidence of spiritual assimilation.
Line 5
For several centuries, his ancestors served their king and crown in war and peace; and were noted in their day and age as country "gentlemen," a term much more significant then than now, when even dressed up "dandy" frauds may lay claim to this much-abused title.

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.

ancestors noun US /ˈænsestərz/

plural of “ancestor” — someone from whom you are descended (but usually more remote than a grandparent)

From this reading “For several centuries, his ancestors served their king and crown in war and peace; and were noted in their day and age as country "gentlemen," a term much more significant then than now, when even dressed up "dandy" frauds may lay claim to this much-abused title.”

assimilation noun US /əˌsɪməˈleɪʃən/

the state of being assimilated; people of different backgrounds come to see themselves as part of a larger national family

From this reading “_"One touch of Nature makes the whole world kin."_ William Shakspere was born on the 23d of April, 1564, at the town of Stratford, on the river Avon, Warwickshire County, England; and died in the same town on the 23d of April, 1616, exactly fifty-two years of age, the date of his birth being the date of his death, a remarkable coincidence of spiritual assimilation.”

Avon noun US /ˈeɪvɑːn/

a river in southwestern England rising in Gloucestershire and flowing through Bristol to empty into the estuary of the Severn

From this reading “_"One touch of Nature makes the whole world kin."_ William Shakspere was born on the 23d of April, 1564, at the town of Stratford, on the river Avon, Warwickshire County, England; and died in the same town on the 23d of April, 1616, exactly fifty-two years of age, the date of his birth being the date of his death, a remarkable coincidence of spiritual assimilation.”

coincidence noun US /koʊˈɪnsɪdəns/

an event that might have been arranged although it was really accidental

From this reading “_"One touch of Nature makes the whole world kin."_ William Shakspere was born on the 23d of April, 1564, at the town of Stratford, on the river Avon, Warwickshire County, England; and died in the same town on the 23d of April, 1616, exactly fifty-two years of age, the date of his birth being the date of his death, a remarkable coincidence of spiritual assimilation.”

dandy noun US /ˈdændi/

a man who is much concerned with his dress and appearance

From this reading “For several centuries, his ancestors served their king and crown in war and peace; and were noted in their day and age as country "gentlemen," a term much more significant then than now, when even dressed up "dandy" frauds may lay claim to this much-abused title.”

frauds noun US /frɔːdz/

plural of “fraud” — intentional deception resulting in injury to another person

From this reading “For several centuries, his ancestors served their king and crown in war and peace; and were noted in their day and age as country "gentlemen," a term much more significant then than now, when even dressed up "dandy" frauds may lay claim to this much-abused title.”

kin noun US /kɪn/

a person having kinship with another or others

From this reading “_"One touch of Nature makes the whole world kin."_ William Shakspere was born on the 23d of April, 1564, at the town of Stratford, on the river Avon, Warwickshire County, England; and died in the same town on the 23d of April, 1616, exactly fifty-two years of age, the date of his birth being the date of his death, a remarkable coincidence of spiritual assimilation.”

significant adjective US /səɡˈnɪfɪkənt/

important in effect or meaning

From this reading “For several centuries, his ancestors served their king and crown in war and peace; and were noted in their day and age as country "gentlemen," a term much more significant then than now, when even dressed up "dandy" frauds may lay claim to this much-abused title.”

All words in this reading · 84

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.

1564

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

From this reading _"One touch of Nature makes the whole world kin."_ William Shakspere was born on the 23d of April, 1564, at the town of Stratford, on the river Avon, Warwickshire County, England; and died in the same town on the 23d of April, 1616, exactly fifty-two years of age, the date of his birth being the date of his death, a remarkable coincidence of spiritual assimilation.

1616

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

From this reading _"One touch of Nature makes the whole world kin."_ William Shakspere was born on the 23d of April, 1564, at the town of Stratford, on the river Avon, Warwickshire County, England; and died in the same town on the 23d of April, 1616, exactly fifty-two years of age, the date of his birth being the date of his death, a remarkable coincidence of spiritual assimilation.

23

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

From this reading _"One touch of Nature makes the whole world kin."_ William Shakspere was born on the 23d of April, 1564, at the town of Stratford, on the river Avon, Warwickshire County, England; and died in the same town on the 23d of April, 1616, exactly fifty-two years of age, the date of his birth being the date of his death, a remarkable coincidence of spiritual assimilation.

adeterminerUS /ə/

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

From this reading _"One touch of Nature makes the whole world kin."_ William Shakspere was born on the 23d of April, 1564, at the town of Stratford, on the river Avon, Warwickshire County, England; and died in the same town on the 23d of April, 1616, exactly fifty-two years of age, the date of his birth being the date of his death, a remarkable coincidence of spiritual assimilation.

agenounUS /eɪdʒ/

how long something has existed

From this reading _"One touch of Nature makes the whole world kin."_ William Shakspere was born on the 23d of April, 1564, at the town of Stratford, on the river Avon, Warwickshire County, England; and died in the same town on the 23d of April, 1616, exactly fifty-two years of age, the date of his birth being the date of his death, a remarkable coincidence of spiritual assimilation.

ancestorsnounUS /ˈænsestərz/

plural of “ancestor” — someone from whom you are descended (but usually more remote than a grandparent)

From this reading For several centuries, his ancestors served their king and crown in war and peace; and were noted in their day and age as country "gentlemen," a term much more significant then than now, when even dressed up "dandy" frauds may lay claim to this much-abused title.

andconjunctionUS /ənd/

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

From this reading _"One touch of Nature makes the whole world kin."_ William Shakspere was born on the 23d of April, 1564, at the town of Stratford, on the river Avon, Warwickshire County, England; and died in the same town on the 23d of April, 1616, exactly fifty-two years of age, the date of his birth being the date of his death, a remarkable coincidence of spiritual assimilation.

AprilnounUS /ˈeɪprəl/

the month following March and preceding May

From this reading _"One touch of Nature makes the whole world kin."_ William Shakspere was born on the 23d of April, 1564, at the town of Stratford, on the river Avon, Warwickshire County, England; and died in the same town on the 23d of April, 1616, exactly fifty-two years of age, the date of his birth being the date of his death, a remarkable coincidence of spiritual assimilation.

asconjunctionUS /æz/

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

From this reading For several centuries, his ancestors served their king and crown in war and peace; and were noted in their day and age as country "gentlemen," a term much more significant then than now, when even dressed up "dandy" frauds may lay claim to this much-abused title.

assimilationnounUS /əˌsɪməˈleɪʃən/

the state of being assimilated; people of different backgrounds come to see themselves as part of a larger national family

From this reading _"One touch of Nature makes the whole world kin."_ William Shakspere was born on the 23d of April, 1564, at the town of Stratford, on the river Avon, Warwickshire County, England; and died in the same town on the 23d of April, 1616, exactly fifty-two years of age, the date of his birth being the date of his death, a remarkable coincidence of spiritual assimilation.

atprepositionUS /æt/

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading _"One touch of Nature makes the whole world kin."_ William Shakspere was born on the 23d of April, 1564, at the town of Stratford, on the river Avon, Warwickshire County, England; and died in the same town on the 23d of April, 1616, exactly fifty-two years of age, the date of his birth being the date of his death, a remarkable coincidence of spiritual assimilation.

AvonnounUS /ˈeɪvɑːn/

a river in southwestern England rising in Gloucestershire and flowing through Bristol to empty into the estuary of the Severn

From this reading _"One touch of Nature makes the whole world kin."_ William Shakspere was born on the 23d of April, 1564, at the town of Stratford, on the river Avon, Warwickshire County, England; and died in the same town on the 23d of April, 1616, exactly fifty-two years of age, the date of his birth being the date of his death, a remarkable coincidence of spiritual assimilation.

beingauxiliary verbUS /ˈbiːɪŋ/

the -ing form of “be”

From this reading _"One touch of Nature makes the whole world kin."_ William Shakspere was born on the 23d of April, 1564, at the town of Stratford, on the river Avon, Warwickshire County, England; and died in the same town on the 23d of April, 1616, exactly fifty-two years of age, the date of his birth being the date of his death, a remarkable coincidence of spiritual assimilation.

BIRTHnounUS /bɜːrθ/

the time when something begins (especially life)

From this reading BIRTH.

bornadjectiveUS /bɔːrn/

brought into existence

From this reading _"One touch of Nature makes the whole world kin."_ William Shakspere was born on the 23d of April, 1564, at the town of Stratford, on the river Avon, Warwickshire County, England; and died in the same town on the 23d of April, 1616, exactly fifty-two years of age, the date of his birth being the date of his death, a remarkable coincidence of spiritual assimilation.

centuriesnounUS /ˈsentʃəriz/

plural of “century” — a period of 100 years

From this reading For several centuries, his ancestors served their king and crown in war and peace; and were noted in their day and age as country "gentlemen," a term much more significant then than now, when even dressed up "dandy" frauds may lay claim to this much-abused title.

claimnounUS /kleɪm/

an assertion of a right (as to money or property)

From this reading For several centuries, his ancestors served their king and crown in war and peace; and were noted in their day and age as country "gentlemen," a term much more significant then than now, when even dressed up "dandy" frauds may lay claim to this much-abused title.

coincidencenounUS /koʊˈɪnsɪdəns/

an event that might have been arranged although it was really accidental

From this reading _"One touch of Nature makes the whole world kin."_ William Shakspere was born on the 23d of April, 1564, at the town of Stratford, on the river Avon, Warwickshire County, England; and died in the same town on the 23d of April, 1616, exactly fifty-two years of age, the date of his birth being the date of his death, a remarkable coincidence of spiritual assimilation.

countrynounUS /ˈkʌntri/

a politically organized body of people under a single government

From this reading For several centuries, his ancestors served their king and crown in war and peace; and were noted in their day and age as country "gentlemen," a term much more significant then than now, when even dressed up "dandy" frauds may lay claim to this much-abused title.

CountynounUS /ˈkaʊnti/

(United Kingdom) a region created by territorial division for the purpose of local government

From this reading _"One touch of Nature makes the whole world kin."_ William Shakspere was born on the 23d of April, 1564, at the town of Stratford, on the river Avon, Warwickshire County, England; and died in the same town on the 23d of April, 1616, exactly fifty-two years of age, the date of his birth being the date of his death, a remarkable coincidence of spiritual assimilation.

crownnounUS /kraʊn/

the Crown (or the reigning monarch) as the symbol of the power and authority of a monarchy

From this reading For several centuries, his ancestors served their king and crown in war and peace; and were noted in their day and age as country "gentlemen," a term much more significant then than now, when even dressed up "dandy" frauds may lay claim to this much-abused title.

dnounUS /diː/

a fat-soluble vitamin that prevents rickets

From this reading _"One touch of Nature makes the whole world kin."_ William Shakspere was born on the 23d of April, 1564, at the town of Stratford, on the river Avon, Warwickshire County, England; and died in the same town on the 23d of April, 1616, exactly fifty-two years of age, the date of his birth being the date of his death, a remarkable coincidence of spiritual assimilation.

dandynounUS /ˈdændi/

a man who is much concerned with his dress and appearance

From this reading For several centuries, his ancestors served their king and crown in war and peace; and were noted in their day and age as country "gentlemen," a term much more significant then than now, when even dressed up "dandy" frauds may lay claim to this much-abused title.

datenounUS /deɪt/

the specified day of the month

From this reading _"One touch of Nature makes the whole world kin."_ William Shakspere was born on the 23d of April, 1564, at the town of Stratford, on the river Avon, Warwickshire County, England; and died in the same town on the 23d of April, 1616, exactly fifty-two years of age, the date of his birth being the date of his death, a remarkable coincidence of spiritual assimilation.

daynounUS /deɪ/

time for Earth to make a complete rotation on its axis

From this reading For several centuries, his ancestors served their king and crown in war and peace; and were noted in their day and age as country "gentlemen," a term much more significant then than now, when even dressed up "dandy" frauds may lay claim to this much-abused title.

DAYSnounUS /deɪz/

the time during which someone's life continues

From this reading SCHOOL DAYS.

deathnounUS /deθ/

the event of dying or departure from life

From this reading _"One touch of Nature makes the whole world kin."_ William Shakspere was born on the 23d of April, 1564, at the town of Stratford, on the river Avon, Warwickshire County, England; and died in the same town on the 23d of April, 1616, exactly fifty-two years of age, the date of his birth being the date of his death, a remarkable coincidence of spiritual assimilation.

diedverbUS /daɪd/

past form of “die” — pass from physical life and lose all bodily attributes and functions necessary to sustain life

From this reading _"One touch of Nature makes the whole world kin."_ William Shakspere was born on the 23d of April, 1564, at the town of Stratford, on the river Avon, Warwickshire County, England; and died in the same town on the 23d of April, 1616, exactly fifty-two years of age, the date of his birth being the date of his death, a remarkable coincidence of spiritual assimilation.

dressedadjectiveUS /drest/

dressed or clothed especially in fine attire; often used in combination

From this reading For several centuries, his ancestors served their king and crown in war and peace; and were noted in their day and age as country "gentlemen," a term much more significant then than now, when even dressed up "dandy" frauds may lay claim to this much-abused title.

EnglandnounUS /ˈɪŋɡlənd/

a division of the United Kingdom

From this reading _"One touch of Nature makes the whole world kin."_ William Shakspere was born on the 23d of April, 1564, at the town of Stratford, on the river Avon, Warwickshire County, England; and died in the same town on the 23d of April, 1616, exactly fifty-two years of age, the date of his birth being the date of his death, a remarkable coincidence of spiritual assimilation.

evenadjectiveUS /ˈiːvɪn/

divisible by two

From this reading For several centuries, his ancestors served their king and crown in war and peace; and were noted in their day and age as country "gentlemen," a term much more significant then than now, when even dressed up "dandy" frauds may lay claim to this much-abused title.

exactlyadverbUS /ɪɡˈzæktli/

indicating exactness or preciseness

From this reading _"One touch of Nature makes the whole world kin."_ William Shakspere was born on the 23d of April, 1564, at the town of Stratford, on the river Avon, Warwickshire County, England; and died in the same town on the 23d of April, 1616, exactly fifty-two years of age, the date of his birth being the date of his death, a remarkable coincidence of spiritual assimilation.

fifty-twoadjective

being two more than fifty

From this reading _"One touch of Nature makes the whole world kin."_ William Shakspere was born on the 23d of April, 1564, at the town of Stratford, on the river Avon, Warwickshire County, England; and died in the same town on the 23d of April, 1616, exactly fifty-two years of age, the date of his birth being the date of his death, a remarkable coincidence of spiritual assimilation.

ForprepositionUS /fɔːr/

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading For several centuries, his ancestors served their king and crown in war and peace; and were noted in their day and age as country "gentlemen," a term much more significant then than now, when even dressed up "dandy" frauds may lay claim to this much-abused title.

fraudsnounUS /frɔːdz/

plural of “fraud” — intentional deception resulting in injury to another person

From this reading For several centuries, his ancestors served their king and crown in war and peace; and were noted in their day and age as country "gentlemen," a term much more significant then than now, when even dressed up "dandy" frauds may lay claim to this much-abused title.

gentlemennounUS /ˈdʒentəlmɪn/

plural of “gentleman” — a man of refinement

From this reading For several centuries, his ancestors served their king and crown in war and peace; and were noted in their day and age as country "gentlemen," a term much more significant then than now, when even dressed up "dandy" frauds may lay claim to this much-abused title.

hisdeterminerUS /hɪz/

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

From this reading _"One touch of Nature makes the whole world kin."_ William Shakspere was born on the 23d of April, 1564, at the town of Stratford, on the river Avon, Warwickshire County, England; and died in the same town on the 23d of April, 1616, exactly fifty-two years of age, the date of his birth being the date of his death, a remarkable coincidence of spiritual assimilation.

inprepositionUS /ɪn/

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

From this reading _"One touch of Nature makes the whole world kin."_ William Shakspere was born on the 23d of April, 1564, at the town of Stratford, on the river Avon, Warwickshire County, England; and died in the same town on the 23d of April, 1616, exactly fifty-two years of age, the date of his birth being the date of his death, a remarkable coincidence of spiritual assimilation.

kinnounUS /kɪn/

a person having kinship with another or others

From this reading _"One touch of Nature makes the whole world kin."_ William Shakspere was born on the 23d of April, 1564, at the town of Stratford, on the river Avon, Warwickshire County, England; and died in the same town on the 23d of April, 1616, exactly fifty-two years of age, the date of his birth being the date of his death, a remarkable coincidence of spiritual assimilation.

kingnounUS /kɪŋ/

a male sovereign; ruler of a kingdom

From this reading For several centuries, his ancestors served their king and crown in war and peace; and were noted in their day and age as country "gentlemen," a term much more significant then than now, when even dressed up "dandy" frauds may lay claim to this much-abused title.

layverbUS /leɪ/

put into a certain place or abstract location

From this reading For several centuries, his ancestors served their king and crown in war and peace; and were noted in their day and age as country "gentlemen," a term much more significant then than now, when even dressed up "dandy" frauds may lay claim to this much-abused title.

makesnounUS /meɪks/

plural of “make” — a recognizable kind

From this reading _"One touch of Nature makes the whole world kin."_ William Shakspere was born on the 23d of April, 1564, at the town of Stratford, on the river Avon, Warwickshire County, England; and died in the same town on the 23d of April, 1616, exactly fifty-two years of age, the date of his birth being the date of his death, a remarkable coincidence of spiritual assimilation.

maymodal verbUS /meɪ/

used to say something is possible, or to give permission

From this reading For several centuries, his ancestors served their king and crown in war and peace; and were noted in their day and age as country "gentlemen," a term much more significant then than now, when even dressed up "dandy" frauds may lay claim to this much-abused title.

moreadjectiveUS /mɔːr/

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

From this reading For several centuries, his ancestors served their king and crown in war and peace; and were noted in their day and age as country "gentlemen," a term much more significant then than now, when even dressed up "dandy" frauds may lay claim to this much-abused title.

muchadverbUS /mʌtʃ/

to a great degree or extent

From this reading For several centuries, his ancestors served their king and crown in war and peace; and were noted in their day and age as country "gentlemen," a term much more significant then than now, when even dressed up "dandy" frauds may lay claim to this much-abused title.

much-abused

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

From this reading For several centuries, his ancestors served their king and crown in war and peace; and were noted in their day and age as country "gentlemen," a term much more significant then than now, when even dressed up "dandy" frauds may lay claim to this much-abused title.

NaturenounUS /ˈneɪtʃər/

the essential qualities or characteristics by which something is recognized

From this reading _"One touch of Nature makes the whole world kin."_ William Shakspere was born on the 23d of April, 1564, at the town of Stratford, on the river Avon, Warwickshire County, England; and died in the same town on the 23d of April, 1616, exactly fifty-two years of age, the date of his birth being the date of his death, a remarkable coincidence of spiritual assimilation.

notedadjectiveUS /ˈnoʊtəd/

widely known and esteemed

From this reading For several centuries, his ancestors served their king and crown in war and peace; and were noted in their day and age as country "gentlemen," a term much more significant then than now, when even dressed up "dandy" frauds may lay claim to this much-abused title.

nowadverbUS /naʊ/

in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events

From this reading For several centuries, his ancestors served their king and crown in war and peace; and were noted in their day and age as country "gentlemen," a term much more significant then than now, when even dressed up "dandy" frauds may lay claim to this much-abused title.

ofprepositionUS /ʌv/

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading _"One touch of Nature makes the whole world kin."_ William Shakspere was born on the 23d of April, 1564, at the town of Stratford, on the river Avon, Warwickshire County, England; and died in the same town on the 23d of April, 1616, exactly fifty-two years of age, the date of his birth being the date of his death, a remarkable coincidence of spiritual assimilation.

onprepositionUS /ɑːn/

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading _"One touch of Nature makes the whole world kin."_ William Shakspere was born on the 23d of April, 1564, at the town of Stratford, on the river Avon, Warwickshire County, England; and died in the same town on the 23d of April, 1616, exactly fifty-two years of age, the date of his birth being the date of his death, a remarkable coincidence of spiritual assimilation.

OnepronounUS /wʌn/

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading _"One touch of Nature makes the whole world kin."_ William Shakspere was born on the 23d of April, 1564, at the town of Stratford, on the river Avon, Warwickshire County, England; and died in the same town on the 23d of April, 1616, exactly fifty-two years of age, the date of his birth being the date of his death, a remarkable coincidence of spiritual assimilation.

peacenounUS /piːs/

the state prevailing during the absence of war

From this reading For several centuries, his ancestors served their king and crown in war and peace; and were noted in their day and age as country "gentlemen," a term much more significant then than now, when even dressed up "dandy" frauds may lay claim to this much-abused title.

remarkableadjectiveUS /rɪˈmɑːrkəbəl/

unusual or striking

From this reading _"One touch of Nature makes the whole world kin."_ William Shakspere was born on the 23d of April, 1564, at the town of Stratford, on the river Avon, Warwickshire County, England; and died in the same town on the 23d of April, 1616, exactly fifty-two years of age, the date of his birth being the date of his death, a remarkable coincidence of spiritual assimilation.

rivernounUS /ˈrɪvər/

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

From this reading _"One touch of Nature makes the whole world kin."_ William Shakspere was born on the 23d of April, 1564, at the town of Stratford, on the river Avon, Warwickshire County, England; and died in the same town on the 23d of April, 1616, exactly fifty-two years of age, the date of his birth being the date of his death, a remarkable coincidence of spiritual assimilation.

sameadjectiveUS /seɪm/

Identical; not different.

From this reading _"One touch of Nature makes the whole world kin."_ William Shakspere was born on the 23d of April, 1564, at the town of Stratford, on the river Avon, Warwickshire County, England; and died in the same town on the 23d of April, 1616, exactly fifty-two years of age, the date of his birth being the date of his death, a remarkable coincidence of spiritual assimilation.

SCHOOLnounUS /skuːl/

an educational institution

From this reading SCHOOL DAYS.

servedverbUS /sɜːrvd/

past form of “serve” — serve a purpose, role, or function

From this reading For several centuries, his ancestors served their king and crown in war and peace; and were noted in their day and age as country "gentlemen," a term much more significant then than now, when even dressed up "dandy" frauds may lay claim to this much-abused title.

severaladjectiveUS /ˈsevrəl/

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

From this reading For several centuries, his ancestors served their king and crown in war and peace; and were noted in their day and age as country "gentlemen," a term much more significant then than now, when even dressed up "dandy" frauds may lay claim to this much-abused title.

Shaksperenoun

English poet and dramatist considered one of the greatest English writers (1564-1616)

From this reading _"One touch of Nature makes the whole world kin."_ William Shakspere was born on the 23d of April, 1564, at the town of Stratford, on the river Avon, Warwickshire County, England; and died in the same town on the 23d of April, 1616, exactly fifty-two years of age, the date of his birth being the date of his death, a remarkable coincidence of spiritual assimilation.

SHOWSnounUS /ʃoʊz/

plural of “show” — the act of publicly exhibiting or entertaining

From this reading SHOWS.

significantadjectiveUS /səɡˈnɪfɪkənt/

important in effect or meaning

From this reading For several centuries, his ancestors served their king and crown in war and peace; and were noted in their day and age as country "gentlemen," a term much more significant then than now, when even dressed up "dandy" frauds may lay claim to this much-abused title.

spiritualadjectiveUS /ˈspɪrɪtʃuːəl/

concerned with sacred matters or religion or the church

From this reading _"One touch of Nature makes the whole world kin."_ William Shakspere was born on the 23d of April, 1564, at the town of Stratford, on the river Avon, Warwickshire County, England; and died in the same town on the 23d of April, 1616, exactly fifty-two years of age, the date of his birth being the date of his death, a remarkable coincidence of spiritual assimilation.

Stratford

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

From this reading _"One touch of Nature makes the whole world kin."_ William Shakspere was born on the 23d of April, 1564, at the town of Stratford, on the river Avon, Warwickshire County, England; and died in the same town on the 23d of April, 1616, exactly fifty-two years of age, the date of his birth being the date of his death, a remarkable coincidence of spiritual assimilation.

termnounUS /tɜːrm/

a word or expression used for some particular thing

From this reading For several centuries, his ancestors served their king and crown in war and peace; and were noted in their day and age as country "gentlemen," a term much more significant then than now, when even dressed up "dandy" frauds may lay claim to this much-abused title.

thanconjunctionUS /ðæn/

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading For several centuries, his ancestors served their king and crown in war and peace; and were noted in their day and age as country "gentlemen," a term much more significant then than now, when even dressed up "dandy" frauds may lay claim to this much-abused title.

thedeterminerUS /ðə/

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

From this reading _"One touch of Nature makes the whole world kin."_ William Shakspere was born on the 23d of April, 1564, at the town of Stratford, on the river Avon, Warwickshire County, England; and died in the same town on the 23d of April, 1616, exactly fifty-two years of age, the date of his birth being the date of his death, a remarkable coincidence of spiritual assimilation.

theirdeterminerUS /ðer/

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading For several centuries, his ancestors served their king and crown in war and peace; and were noted in their day and age as country "gentlemen," a term much more significant then than now, when even dressed up "dandy" frauds may lay claim to this much-abused title.

thenadverbUS /ðen/

subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)

From this reading For several centuries, his ancestors served their king and crown in war and peace; and were noted in their day and age as country "gentlemen," a term much more significant then than now, when even dressed up "dandy" frauds may lay claim to this much-abused title.

thisdeterminerUS /ðɪs/

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

From this reading For several centuries, his ancestors served their king and crown in war and peace; and were noted in their day and age as country "gentlemen," a term much more significant then than now, when even dressed up "dandy" frauds may lay claim to this much-abused title.

titlenounUS /ˈtaɪtəl/

a heading that names a statute or legislative bill; may give a brief summary of the matters it deals with

From this reading For several centuries, his ancestors served their king and crown in war and peace; and were noted in their day and age as country "gentlemen," a term much more significant then than now, when even dressed up "dandy" frauds may lay claim to this much-abused title.

toparticleUS /tuː/

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

From this reading For several centuries, his ancestors served their king and crown in war and peace; and were noted in their day and age as country "gentlemen," a term much more significant then than now, when even dressed up "dandy" frauds may lay claim to this much-abused title.

touchverbUS /tʌtʃ/

make physical contact with, come in contact with

From this reading _"One touch of Nature makes the whole world kin."_ William Shakspere was born on the 23d of April, 1564, at the town of Stratford, on the river Avon, Warwickshire County, England; and died in the same town on the 23d of April, 1616, exactly fifty-two years of age, the date of his birth being the date of his death, a remarkable coincidence of spiritual assimilation.

townnounUS /taʊn/

an urban area with a fixed boundary that is smaller than a city

From this reading _"One touch of Nature makes the whole world kin."_ William Shakspere was born on the 23d of April, 1564, at the town of Stratford, on the river Avon, Warwickshire County, England; and died in the same town on the 23d of April, 1616, exactly fifty-two years of age, the date of his birth being the date of his death, a remarkable coincidence of spiritual assimilation.

upadjectiveUS /ʌp/

being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level

From this reading For several centuries, his ancestors served their king and crown in war and peace; and were noted in their day and age as country "gentlemen," a term much more significant then than now, when even dressed up "dandy" frauds may lay claim to this much-abused title.

warnounUS /wɔːr/

the waging of armed conflict against an enemy

From this reading For several centuries, his ancestors served their king and crown in war and peace; and were noted in their day and age as country "gentlemen," a term much more significant then than now, when even dressed up "dandy" frauds may lay claim to this much-abused title.

Warwickshire

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

From this reading _"One touch of Nature makes the whole world kin."_ William Shakspere was born on the 23d of April, 1564, at the town of Stratford, on the river Avon, Warwickshire County, England; and died in the same town on the 23d of April, 1616, exactly fifty-two years of age, the date of his birth being the date of his death, a remarkable coincidence of spiritual assimilation.

wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/

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

From this reading _"One touch of Nature makes the whole world kin."_ William Shakspere was born on the 23d of April, 1564, at the town of Stratford, on the river Avon, Warwickshire County, England; and died in the same town on the 23d of April, 1616, exactly fifty-two years of age, the date of his birth being the date of his death, a remarkable coincidence of spiritual assimilation.

wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/

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

From this reading For several centuries, his ancestors served their king and crown in war and peace; and were noted in their day and age as country "gentlemen," a term much more significant then than now, when even dressed up "dandy" frauds may lay claim to this much-abused title.

whenconjunctionUS /wen/

at the time that

From this reading For several centuries, his ancestors served their king and crown in war and peace; and were noted in their day and age as country "gentlemen," a term much more significant then than now, when even dressed up "dandy" frauds may lay claim to this much-abused title.

wholeadjectiveUS /hoʊl/

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

From this reading _"One touch of Nature makes the whole world kin."_ William Shakspere was born on the 23d of April, 1564, at the town of Stratford, on the river Avon, Warwickshire County, England; and died in the same town on the 23d of April, 1616, exactly fifty-two years of age, the date of his birth being the date of his death, a remarkable coincidence of spiritual assimilation.

William

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

From this reading _"One touch of Nature makes the whole world kin."_ William Shakspere was born on the 23d of April, 1564, at the town of Stratford, on the river Avon, Warwickshire County, England; and died in the same town on the 23d of April, 1616, exactly fifty-two years of age, the date of his birth being the date of his death, a remarkable coincidence of spiritual assimilation.

worldnounUS /wɜːrld/

everything that exists anywhere

From this reading _"One touch of Nature makes the whole world kin."_ William Shakspere was born on the 23d of April, 1564, at the town of Stratford, on the river Avon, Warwickshire County, England; and died in the same town on the 23d of April, 1616, exactly fifty-two years of age, the date of his birth being the date of his death, a remarkable coincidence of spiritual assimilation.

yearsnounUS /jɪrz/

a late time of life

From this reading _"One touch of Nature makes the whole world kin."_ William Shakspere was born on the 23d of April, 1564, at the town of Stratford, on the river Avon, Warwickshire County, England; and died in the same town on the 23d of April, 1616, exactly fifty-two years of age, the date of his birth being the date of his death, a remarkable coincidence of spiritual assimilation.

Chapter 2 of Shakspere, Personal Recollections by John A. (John Alexander) Joyce holds 69 sentences, grouped into 14 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 2 of Shakspere, Personal Recollections contain?

Chapter 2 holds 69 sentences of Shakspere, Personal Recollections, unabridged, divided into 14 reading sections.

This page carries chapter 2 of Shakspere, Personal Recollections by John A. (John Alexander) Joyce exactly as it stands in the source edition, without abridgement. It runs to 69 sentences, grouped into 14 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 2 of Shakspere, Personal Recollections?

Work through the 14 sections in order, replaying any sentence and tapping unfamiliar words for their entries.

Each of the 14 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 2 be read aloud to me?

Yes — every sentence and every individual word in chapter 2 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 Shakspere, Personal Recollections

Common questions about reading Shakspere, Personal Recollections by John A. (John Alexander) Joyce on this page, its source edition and its audio.

Is this the complete text of Shakspere, Personal Recollections?

Yes. All 2251 sentences of Project Gutenberg eBook #20487 are kept, with a record of which sentences cover which part.

Which edition of Shakspere, Personal Recollections is used?

Project Gutenberg eBook #20487, unabridged. The Project Gutenberg header, footer and licence are removed.

How long does Shakspere, Personal Recollections take to read?

About 187 minutes of reading across 451 sections of 5 sentences each, at an unhurried pace.

How to read Shakspere, Personal Recollections section by section

How to work through Shakspere, Personal Recollections section by section, using the audio and the tap-to-define vocabulary.

  1. Open a chapter

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    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 Shakspere, Personal Recollections

Words and structures a reader meets early in Shakspere, Personal Recollections, each tappable for pronunciation and meaning.

Author
A word that appears in the opening chapter of Shakspere, Personal Recollections; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Checkered
A word that appears in the opening chapter of Shakspere, Personal Recollections; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Peculiar
A word that appears in the opening chapter of Shakspere, Personal Recollections; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Poems
A word that appears in the opening chapter of Shakspere, Personal Recollections; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.