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Tales and Fantasies
Tales and Fantasies

Chapter I · Chapter 1

Chapter 1 of Tales and Fantasies is here in full — 72 sentences across 15 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

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Context Illustration Reading 1/14 · 5 lines
English subtitles · tap any word to listen 1 / 5
JOHN VAREY NICHOLSON was stupid; yet, stupider men than he are now sprawling in Parliament, and lauding themselves as the authors of their own distinction.
He was of a fat habit, even from boyhood, and inclined to a cheerful and cursory reading of the face of life; and possibly this attitude of mind was the original cause of his misfortunes.
Beyond this hint philosophy is silent on his career, and superstition steps in with the more ready explanation that he was detested of the gods.
His fatherthat iron gentlemanhad long ago enthroned himself on the heights of the Disruption Principles.
What these are (and in spite of their grim name they are quite innocent) no array of terms would render thinkable to the merely English intelligence; but to the Scot they often prove unctuously nourishing, and Mr. Nicholson found in them the milk of lions.
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LEARNER DICTIONARY
Archivist
/ˈɑːrkɪvɪst/
Editorial verification pending

A keeper or guardian of historical records and memories.

Tales and Fantasies

Chapter I · Chapter 1

Chapter 1 of Tales and Fantasies is here in full — 72 sentences across 15 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

Reading 1/14 · 5 reading units · Lines 1–5

Line 1
JOHN VAREY NICHOLSON was stupid; yet, stupider men than he are now sprawling in Parliament, and lauding themselves as the authors of their own distinction.
Line 2
He was of a fat habit, even from boyhood, and inclined to a cheerful and cursory reading of the face of life; and possibly this attitude of mind was the original cause of his misfortunes.
Line 3
Beyond this hint philosophy is silent on his career, and superstition steps in with the more ready explanation that he was detested of the gods.
Line 4
His fatherthat iron gentlemanhad long ago enthroned himself on the heights of the Disruption Principles.
Line 5
What these are (and in spite of their grim name they are quite innocent) no array of terms would render thinkable to the merely English intelligence; but to the Scot they often prove unctuously nourishing, and Mr. Nicholson found in them the milk of lions.

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.

Mind noun US /maɪnd/

The element of a person that enables awareness and thought.

From this reading “He was of a fat habit, even from boyhood, and inclined to a cheerful and cursory reading of the face of life; and possibly this attitude of mind was the original cause of his misfortunes.”

Philosophy noun US /fɪˈlɑː.sə.fi/

The study of the fundamental nature of knowledge, reality, and existence. (Triết học, đạo lý nhân sinh.)

From this reading “Beyond this hint philosophy is silent on his career, and superstition steps in with the more ready explanation that he was detested of the gods.”

All words in this reading · 101

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.

a

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

From this reading He was of a fat habit, even from boyhood, and inclined to a cheerful and cursory reading of the face of life; and possibly this attitude of mind was the original cause of his misfortunes.

ago

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

From this reading His father—that iron gentleman—had long ago enthroned himself on the heights of the Disruption Principles.

and

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

From this reading JOHN VAREY NICHOLSON was stupid; yet, stupider men than he are now sprawling in Parliament, and lauding themselves as the authors of their own distinction.

are

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

From this reading JOHN VAREY NICHOLSON was stupid; yet, stupider men than he are now sprawling in Parliament, and lauding themselves as the authors of their own distinction.

array

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

From this reading What these are (and in spite of their grim name they are quite innocent) no array of terms would render thinkable to the merely English intelligence; but to the Scot they often prove unctuously nourishing, and Mr. Nicholson found in them the milk of lions.

as

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

From this reading JOHN VAREY NICHOLSON was stupid; yet, stupider men than he are now sprawling in Parliament, and lauding themselves as the authors of their own distinction.

attitude

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

From this reading He was of a fat habit, even from boyhood, and inclined to a cheerful and cursory reading of the face of life; and possibly this attitude of mind was the original cause of his misfortunes.

authors

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From this reading JOHN VAREY NICHOLSON was stupid; yet, stupider men than he are now sprawling in Parliament, and lauding themselves as the authors of their own distinction.

Beyond

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

From this reading Beyond this hint philosophy is silent on his career, and superstition steps in with the more ready explanation that he was detested of the gods.

boyhood

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

From this reading He was of a fat habit, even from boyhood, and inclined to a cheerful and cursory reading of the face of life; and possibly this attitude of mind was the original cause of his misfortunes.

but

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

From this reading What these are (and in spite of their grim name they are quite innocent) no array of terms would render thinkable to the merely English intelligence; but to the Scot they often prove unctuously nourishing, and Mr. Nicholson found in them the milk of lions.

career

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

From this reading Beyond this hint philosophy is silent on his career, and superstition steps in with the more ready explanation that he was detested of the gods.

cause

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

From this reading He was of a fat habit, even from boyhood, and inclined to a cheerful and cursory reading of the face of life; and possibly this attitude of mind was the original cause of his misfortunes.

cheerful

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

From this reading He was of a fat habit, even from boyhood, and inclined to a cheerful and cursory reading of the face of life; and possibly this attitude of mind was the original cause of his misfortunes.

cursory

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

From this reading He was of a fat habit, even from boyhood, and inclined to a cheerful and cursory reading of the face of life; and possibly this attitude of mind was the original cause of his misfortunes.

detested

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

From this reading Beyond this hint philosophy is silent on his career, and superstition steps in with the more ready explanation that he was detested of the gods.

Disruption

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

From this reading His father—that iron gentleman—had long ago enthroned himself on the heights of the Disruption Principles.

distinction

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

From this reading JOHN VAREY NICHOLSON was stupid; yet, stupider men than he are now sprawling in Parliament, and lauding themselves as the authors of their own distinction.

English

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

From this reading What these are (and in spite of their grim name they are quite innocent) no array of terms would render thinkable to the merely English intelligence; but to the Scot they often prove unctuously nourishing, and Mr. Nicholson found in them the milk of lions.

enthroned

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

From this reading His father—that iron gentleman—had long ago enthroned himself on the heights of the Disruption Principles.

even

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

From this reading He was of a fat habit, even from boyhood, and inclined to a cheerful and cursory reading of the face of life; and possibly this attitude of mind was the original cause of his misfortunes.

explanation

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

From this reading Beyond this hint philosophy is silent on his career, and superstition steps in with the more ready explanation that he was detested of the gods.

face

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

From this reading He was of a fat habit, even from boyhood, and inclined to a cheerful and cursory reading of the face of life; and possibly this attitude of mind was the original cause of his misfortunes.

fat

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

From this reading He was of a fat habit, even from boyhood, and inclined to a cheerful and cursory reading of the face of life; and possibly this attitude of mind was the original cause of his misfortunes.

father

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

From this reading His father—that iron gentleman—had long ago enthroned himself on the heights of the Disruption Principles.

found

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

From this reading What these are (and in spite of their grim name they are quite innocent) no array of terms would render thinkable to the merely English intelligence; but to the Scot they often prove unctuously nourishing, and Mr. Nicholson found in them the milk of lions.

from

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

From this reading He was of a fat habit, even from boyhood, and inclined to a cheerful and cursory reading of the face of life; and possibly this attitude of mind was the original cause of his misfortunes.

gentleman

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

From this reading His father—that iron gentleman—had long ago enthroned himself on the heights of the Disruption Principles.

gods

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

From this reading Beyond this hint philosophy is silent on his career, and superstition steps in with the more ready explanation that he was detested of the gods.

grim

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

From this reading What these are (and in spite of their grim name they are quite innocent) no array of terms would render thinkable to the merely English intelligence; but to the Scot they often prove unctuously nourishing, and Mr. Nicholson found in them the milk of lions.

habit

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

From this reading He was of a fat habit, even from boyhood, and inclined to a cheerful and cursory reading of the face of life; and possibly this attitude of mind was the original cause of his misfortunes.

had

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

From this reading His father—that iron gentleman—had long ago enthroned himself on the heights of the Disruption Principles.

he

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

From this reading JOHN VAREY NICHOLSON was stupid; yet, stupider men than he are now sprawling in Parliament, and lauding themselves as the authors of their own distinction.

heights

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

From this reading His father—that iron gentleman—had long ago enthroned himself on the heights of the Disruption Principles.

himself

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

From this reading His father—that iron gentleman—had long ago enthroned himself on the heights of the Disruption Principles.

hint

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

From this reading Beyond this hint philosophy is silent on his career, and superstition steps in with the more ready explanation that he was detested of the gods.

his

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

From this reading He was of a fat habit, even from boyhood, and inclined to a cheerful and cursory reading of the face of life; and possibly this attitude of mind was the original cause of his misfortunes.

in

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

From this reading JOHN VAREY NICHOLSON was stupid; yet, stupider men than he are now sprawling in Parliament, and lauding themselves as the authors of their own distinction.

inclined

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

From this reading He was of a fat habit, even from boyhood, and inclined to a cheerful and cursory reading of the face of life; and possibly this attitude of mind was the original cause of his misfortunes.

innocent

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

From this reading What these are (and in spite of their grim name they are quite innocent) no array of terms would render thinkable to the merely English intelligence; but to the Scot they often prove unctuously nourishing, and Mr. Nicholson found in them the milk of lions.

intelligence

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

From this reading What these are (and in spite of their grim name they are quite innocent) no array of terms would render thinkable to the merely English intelligence; but to the Scot they often prove unctuously nourishing, and Mr. Nicholson found in them the milk of lions.

iron

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

From this reading His father—that iron gentleman—had long ago enthroned himself on the heights of the Disruption Principles.

is

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

From this reading Beyond this hint philosophy is silent on his career, and superstition steps in with the more ready explanation that he was detested of the gods.

JOHN

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

From this reading JOHN VAREY NICHOLSON was stupid; yet, stupider men than he are now sprawling in Parliament, and lauding themselves as the authors of their own distinction.

lauding

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

From this reading JOHN VAREY NICHOLSON was stupid; yet, stupider men than he are now sprawling in Parliament, and lauding themselves as the authors of their own distinction.

life

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

From this reading He was of a fat habit, even from boyhood, and inclined to a cheerful and cursory reading of the face of life; and possibly this attitude of mind was the original cause of his misfortunes.

lions

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

From this reading What these are (and in spite of their grim name they are quite innocent) no array of terms would render thinkable to the merely English intelligence; but to the Scot they often prove unctuously nourishing, and Mr. Nicholson found in them the milk of lions.

long

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

From this reading His father—that iron gentleman—had long ago enthroned himself on the heights of the Disruption Principles.

men

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

From this reading JOHN VAREY NICHOLSON was stupid; yet, stupider men than he are now sprawling in Parliament, and lauding themselves as the authors of their own distinction.

merely

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

From this reading What these are (and in spite of their grim name they are quite innocent) no array of terms would render thinkable to the merely English intelligence; but to the Scot they often prove unctuously nourishing, and Mr. Nicholson found in them the milk of lions.

milk

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

From this reading What these are (and in spite of their grim name they are quite innocent) no array of terms would render thinkable to the merely English intelligence; but to the Scot they often prove unctuously nourishing, and Mr. Nicholson found in them the milk of lions.

mindnounUS /maɪnd/

The element of a person that enables awareness and thought.

From this reading He was of a fat habit, even from boyhood, and inclined to a cheerful and cursory reading of the face of life; and possibly this attitude of mind was the original cause of his misfortunes.

misfortunes

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

From this reading He was of a fat habit, even from boyhood, and inclined to a cheerful and cursory reading of the face of life; and possibly this attitude of mind was the original cause of his misfortunes.

more

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

From this reading Beyond this hint philosophy is silent on his career, and superstition steps in with the more ready explanation that he was detested of the gods.

Mr

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

From this reading What these are (and in spite of their grim name they are quite innocent) no array of terms would render thinkable to the merely English intelligence; but to the Scot they often prove unctuously nourishing, and Mr. Nicholson found in them the milk of lions.

name

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

From this reading What these are (and in spite of their grim name they are quite innocent) no array of terms would render thinkable to the merely English intelligence; but to the Scot they often prove unctuously nourishing, and Mr. Nicholson found in them the milk of lions.

NICHOLSON

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

From this reading JOHN VAREY NICHOLSON was stupid; yet, stupider men than he are now sprawling in Parliament, and lauding themselves as the authors of their own distinction.

no

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

From this reading What these are (and in spite of their grim name they are quite innocent) no array of terms would render thinkable to the merely English intelligence; but to the Scot they often prove unctuously nourishing, and Mr. Nicholson found in them the milk of lions.

nourishing

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

From this reading What these are (and in spite of their grim name they are quite innocent) no array of terms would render thinkable to the merely English intelligence; but to the Scot they often prove unctuously nourishing, and Mr. Nicholson found in them the milk of lions.

now

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

From this reading JOHN VAREY NICHOLSON was stupid; yet, stupider men than he are now sprawling in Parliament, and lauding themselves as the authors of their own distinction.

of

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

From this reading JOHN VAREY NICHOLSON was stupid; yet, stupider men than he are now sprawling in Parliament, and lauding themselves as the authors of their own distinction.

often

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

From this reading What these are (and in spite of their grim name they are quite innocent) no array of terms would render thinkable to the merely English intelligence; but to the Scot they often prove unctuously nourishing, and Mr. Nicholson found in them the milk of lions.

on

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

From this reading Beyond this hint philosophy is silent on his career, and superstition steps in with the more ready explanation that he was detested of the gods.

original

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

From this reading He was of a fat habit, even from boyhood, and inclined to a cheerful and cursory reading of the face of life; and possibly this attitude of mind was the original cause of his misfortunes.

own

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

From this reading JOHN VAREY NICHOLSON was stupid; yet, stupider men than he are now sprawling in Parliament, and lauding themselves as the authors of their own distinction.

Parliament

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

From this reading JOHN VAREY NICHOLSON was stupid; yet, stupider men than he are now sprawling in Parliament, and lauding themselves as the authors of their own distinction.

philosophynounUS /fɪˈlɑː.sə.fi/

The study of the fundamental nature of knowledge, reality, and existence. (Triết học, đạo lý nhân sinh.)

From this reading Beyond this hint philosophy is silent on his career, and superstition steps in with the more ready explanation that he was detested of the gods.

possibly

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

From this reading He was of a fat habit, even from boyhood, and inclined to a cheerful and cursory reading of the face of life; and possibly this attitude of mind was the original cause of his misfortunes.

Principles

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

From this reading His father—that iron gentleman—had long ago enthroned himself on the heights of the Disruption Principles.

prove

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

From this reading What these are (and in spite of their grim name they are quite innocent) no array of terms would render thinkable to the merely English intelligence; but to the Scot they often prove unctuously nourishing, and Mr. Nicholson found in them the milk of lions.

quite

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

From this reading What these are (and in spite of their grim name they are quite innocent) no array of terms would render thinkable to the merely English intelligence; but to the Scot they often prove unctuously nourishing, and Mr. Nicholson found in them the milk of lions.

reading

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

From this reading He was of a fat habit, even from boyhood, and inclined to a cheerful and cursory reading of the face of life; and possibly this attitude of mind was the original cause of his misfortunes.

ready

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

From this reading Beyond this hint philosophy is silent on his career, and superstition steps in with the more ready explanation that he was detested of the gods.

render

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

From this reading What these are (and in spite of their grim name they are quite innocent) no array of terms would render thinkable to the merely English intelligence; but to the Scot they often prove unctuously nourishing, and Mr. Nicholson found in them the milk of lions.

Scot

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

From this reading What these are (and in spite of their grim name they are quite innocent) no array of terms would render thinkable to the merely English intelligence; but to the Scot they often prove unctuously nourishing, and Mr. Nicholson found in them the milk of lions.

silent

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

From this reading Beyond this hint philosophy is silent on his career, and superstition steps in with the more ready explanation that he was detested of the gods.

spite

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

From this reading What these are (and in spite of their grim name they are quite innocent) no array of terms would render thinkable to the merely English intelligence; but to the Scot they often prove unctuously nourishing, and Mr. Nicholson found in them the milk of lions.

sprawling

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

From this reading JOHN VAREY NICHOLSON was stupid; yet, stupider men than he are now sprawling in Parliament, and lauding themselves as the authors of their own distinction.

steps

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

From this reading Beyond this hint philosophy is silent on his career, and superstition steps in with the more ready explanation that he was detested of the gods.

stupid

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

From this reading JOHN VAREY NICHOLSON was stupid; yet, stupider men than he are now sprawling in Parliament, and lauding themselves as the authors of their own distinction.

stupider

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

From this reading JOHN VAREY NICHOLSON was stupid; yet, stupider men than he are now sprawling in Parliament, and lauding themselves as the authors of their own distinction.

superstition

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

From this reading Beyond this hint philosophy is silent on his career, and superstition steps in with the more ready explanation that he was detested of the gods.

terms

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

From this reading What these are (and in spite of their grim name they are quite innocent) no array of terms would render thinkable to the merely English intelligence; but to the Scot they often prove unctuously nourishing, and Mr. Nicholson found in them the milk of lions.

than

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

From this reading JOHN VAREY NICHOLSON was stupid; yet, stupider men than he are now sprawling in Parliament, and lauding themselves as the authors of their own distinction.

that

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

From this reading Beyond this hint philosophy is silent on his career, and superstition steps in with the more ready explanation that he was detested of the gods.

the

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

From this reading JOHN VAREY NICHOLSON was stupid; yet, stupider men than he are now sprawling in Parliament, and lauding themselves as the authors of their own distinction.

their

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

From this reading JOHN VAREY NICHOLSON was stupid; yet, stupider men than he are now sprawling in Parliament, and lauding themselves as the authors of their own distinction.

them

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

From this reading What these are (and in spite of their grim name they are quite innocent) no array of terms would render thinkable to the merely English intelligence; but to the Scot they often prove unctuously nourishing, and Mr. Nicholson found in them the milk of lions.

themselves

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

From this reading JOHN VAREY NICHOLSON was stupid; yet, stupider men than he are now sprawling in Parliament, and lauding themselves as the authors of their own distinction.

these

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

From this reading What these are (and in spite of their grim name they are quite innocent) no array of terms would render thinkable to the merely English intelligence; but to the Scot they often prove unctuously nourishing, and Mr. Nicholson found in them the milk of lions.

they

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

From this reading What these are (and in spite of their grim name they are quite innocent) no array of terms would render thinkable to the merely English intelligence; but to the Scot they often prove unctuously nourishing, and Mr. Nicholson found in them the milk of lions.

thinkable

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

From this reading What these are (and in spite of their grim name they are quite innocent) no array of terms would render thinkable to the merely English intelligence; but to the Scot they often prove unctuously nourishing, and Mr. Nicholson found in them the milk of lions.

this

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

From this reading He was of a fat habit, even from boyhood, and inclined to a cheerful and cursory reading of the face of life; and possibly this attitude of mind was the original cause of his misfortunes.

to

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

From this reading He was of a fat habit, even from boyhood, and inclined to a cheerful and cursory reading of the face of life; and possibly this attitude of mind was the original cause of his misfortunes.

unctuously

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

From this reading What these are (and in spite of their grim name they are quite innocent) no array of terms would render thinkable to the merely English intelligence; but to the Scot they often prove unctuously nourishing, and Mr. Nicholson found in them the milk of lions.

VAREY

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

From this reading JOHN VAREY NICHOLSON was stupid; yet, stupider men than he are now sprawling in Parliament, and lauding themselves as the authors of their own distinction.

was

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

From this reading JOHN VAREY NICHOLSON was stupid; yet, stupider men than he are now sprawling in Parliament, and lauding themselves as the authors of their own distinction.

What

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

From this reading What these are (and in spite of their grim name they are quite innocent) no array of terms would render thinkable to the merely English intelligence; but to the Scot they often prove unctuously nourishing, and Mr. Nicholson found in them the milk of lions.

with

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

From this reading Beyond this hint philosophy is silent on his career, and superstition steps in with the more ready explanation that he was detested of the gods.

would

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

From this reading What these are (and in spite of their grim name they are quite innocent) no array of terms would render thinkable to the merely English intelligence; but to the Scot they often prove unctuously nourishing, and Mr. Nicholson found in them the milk of lions.

yet

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

From this reading JOHN VAREY NICHOLSON was stupid; yet, stupider men than he are now sprawling in Parliament, and lauding themselves as the authors of their own distinction.

Chapter 1 of Tales and Fantasies by Robert Louis Stevenson holds 72 sentences, grouped into 15 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 1 of Tales and Fantasies contain?

Chapter 1 holds 72 sentences of Tales and Fantasies, unabridged, divided into 15 reading sections.

This page carries chapter 1 of Tales and Fantasies by Robert Louis Stevenson exactly as it stands in the public-domain source edition, without abridgement. It runs to 72 sentences, grouped into 15 sections of at most 5 sentences so that a reader can take the chapter in steady, finishable pieces. The chapter also stores a coverage record mapping every one of its sentences to a part of the work, which is how the edition demonstrates that no line was dropped.

How do I study chapter 1 of Tales and Fantasies?

Work through the 15 sections in order, replaying any sentence and tapping unfamiliar words for their entries.

Each of the 15 sections in this chapter is short enough to read once, hear once, and then re-read with the vocabulary in view. Tapping a word plays it alone and opens its dictionary entry with IPA, part of speech and meaning, so the reader is never forced to guess a pronunciation from spelling. Working section by section keeps a long chapter from becoming an undifferentiated wall of text, which is the usual reason a reader abandons a work of this period.

Can chapter 1 be read aloud to me?

Yes — every sentence and every individual word in chapter 1 can be played aloud in United States English.

Audio covers the whole chapter: any sentence can be played, and any single word within it can be played on its own. The voice uses United States English. For a work of this period that matters, because spelling is an unreliable guide to pronunciation for vocabulary that has fallen out of daily use, and a learner who guesses wrong tends to keep the error. Hearing the word in its own sentence, and then alone, settles it.

Questions about reading Tales and Fantasies

Common questions about reading Tales and Fantasies by Robert Louis Stevenson on this page, its source edition and its audio.

Is this the complete text of Tales and Fantasies?

Yes. All 2496 sentences of Project Gutenberg eBook #426 are kept, with a record of which sentences cover which part.

Which edition of Tales and Fantasies is used?

Project Gutenberg eBook #426, a public-domain edition. The Project Gutenberg header, footer and licence are removed.

How long does Tales and Fantasies take to read?

About 208 minutes of reading across 500 sections of 5 sentences each, at an unhurried pace.

How to read Tales and Fantasies section by section

How to work through Tales and Fantasies section by section, using the audio and the tap-to-define vocabulary.

  1. Open a chapter

    Choose one of the 18 chapters of Tales and Fantasies 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 Tales and Fantasies

Words and structures a reader meets early in Tales and Fantasies, each tappable for pronunciation and meaning.

Varey
A word that appears in the opening chapter of Tales and Fantasies; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Nicholson
A word that appears in the opening chapter of Tales and Fantasies; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Stupid
A word that appears in the opening chapter of Tales and Fantasies; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Stupider
A word that appears in the opening chapter of Tales and Fantasies; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.