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The American Prisoner
The American Prisoner

Chapter II

Chapter 2 of The American Prisoner is here in full — 268 sentences across 54 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

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Context Illustration Reading 1/53 · 5 lines
English subtitles · tap any word to listen 1 / 5
THE MALHERB AMPHORA Upon the death of Sir Nicholas Malherb, his second son, Maurice, found himself in possession of fifteen thousand pounds and the famous Malherb amphora, an heirloom of the family.
By arrangement with the elder brother, Maurice took the amphora instead of its equivalent in cash, and thus the succeeding baronet was richer by twenty thousand pounds, which more fully answered his purposes than the ancient treasure.
Concerning this gem a word must be spoken.
While slightly inferior to the Portland vase in size, its workmanship equalled that of the more famous curio, and it was esteemed by connoisseurs as much superior to the Auldjo vase, or another marvellous example of similar cameo glass, still the acquisition of Naples.
In Maurice Malherb's amphora, a bygone vitrarius had immortalised his art.
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AI-generated narration by OpenAI · Slow US English
LEARNER DICTIONARY
Archivist
/ˈɑːrkɪvɪst/
Editorial verification pending

A keeper or guardian of historical records and memories.

The American Prisoner

Chapter II

Chapter 2 of The American Prisoner is here in full — 268 sentences across 54 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

Reading 1/53 · 5 reading units · Lines 1–5

Line 1
THE MALHERB AMPHORA Upon the death of Sir Nicholas Malherb, his second son, Maurice, found himself in possession of fifteen thousand pounds and the famous Malherb amphora, an heirloom of the family.
Line 2
By arrangement with the elder brother, Maurice took the amphora instead of its equivalent in cash, and thus the succeeding baronet was richer by twenty thousand pounds, which more fully answered his purposes than the ancient treasure.
Line 3
Concerning this gem a word must be spoken.
/kənˈsɜːrnɪŋ ðɪs dʒem ə wɜːrd mʌst biː ˈspoʊkən/
Line 4
While slightly inferior to the Portland vase in size, its workmanship equalled that of the more famous curio, and it was esteemed by connoisseurs as much superior to the Auldjo vase, or another marvellous example of similar cameo glass, still the acquisition of Naples.
Line 5
In Maurice Malherb's amphora, a bygone vitrarius had immortalised his art.

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.

acquisition noun US /ˌækwəˈzɪʃən/

the act of contracting or assuming or acquiring possession of something

From this reading “While slightly inferior to the Portland vase in size, its workmanship equalled that of the more famous curio, and it was esteemed by connoisseurs as much superior to the Auldjo vase, or another marvellous example of similar cameo glass, still the acquisition of Naples.”

amphora noun US /ˈæmfərə/

an ancient jar with two handles and a narrow neck; used to hold oil or wine

From this reading “THE MALHERB AMPHORA Upon the death of Sir Nicholas Malherb, his second son, Maurice, found himself in possession of fifteen thousand pounds and the famous Malherb amphora, an heirloom of the family.”

bygone noun US /ˈbaɪɡɔːn/

past events to be put aside

From this reading “In Maurice Malherb's amphora, a bygone vitrarius had immortalised his art.”

cameo noun US /ˈkæmioʊ/

engraving or carving in low relief on a stone (as in a brooch or ring)

From this reading “While slightly inferior to the Portland vase in size, its workmanship equalled that of the more famous curio, and it was esteemed by connoisseurs as much superior to the Auldjo vase, or another marvellous example of similar cameo glass, still the acquisition of Naples.”

connoisseurs noun US /ˌkɑːnəˈsɜːrz/

plural of “connoisseur” — an expert able to appreciate a field; especially in the fine arts

From this reading “While slightly inferior to the Portland vase in size, its workmanship equalled that of the more famous curio, and it was esteemed by connoisseurs as much superior to the Auldjo vase, or another marvellous example of similar cameo glass, still the acquisition of Naples.”

curio noun US /ˈkjʊrioʊ/

something unusual -- perhaps worthy of collecting

From this reading “While slightly inferior to the Portland vase in size, its workmanship equalled that of the more famous curio, and it was esteemed by connoisseurs as much superior to the Auldjo vase, or another marvellous example of similar cameo glass, still the acquisition of Naples.”

heirloom noun US /ˈerluːm/

(law) any property that is considered by law or custom as inseparable from an inheritance is inherited with that inheritance

From this reading “THE MALHERB AMPHORA Upon the death of Sir Nicholas Malherb, his second son, Maurice, found himself in possession of fifteen thousand pounds and the famous Malherb amphora, an heirloom of the family.”

workmanship noun US /ˈwɜːrkmənʃɪp/

skill in an occupation or trade

From this reading “While slightly inferior to the Portland vase in size, its workmanship equalled that of the more famous curio, and it was esteemed by connoisseurs as much superior to the Auldjo vase, or another marvellous example of similar cameo glass, still the acquisition of Naples.”

Word partnerships in these lines

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

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

elder brother noun + noun

In this reading “By arrangement with the elder brother, Maurice took the amphora instead of its equivalent in cash, and thus the succeeding baronet was richer by twenty thousand pounds, which more fully answered his purposes than the ancient treasure.”

twenty thousand noun + noun

In this reading “By arrangement with the elder brother, Maurice took the amphora instead of its equivalent in cash, and thus the succeeding baronet was richer by twenty thousand pounds, which more fully answered his purposes than the ancient treasure.”

fifteen thousand noun + noun

In this reading “THE MALHERB AMPHORA Upon the death of Sir Nicholas Malherb, his second son, Maurice, found himself in possession of fifteen thousand pounds and the famous Malherb amphora, an heirloom of the family.”

second son noun + noun

In this reading “THE MALHERB AMPHORA Upon the death of Sir Nicholas Malherb, his second son, Maurice, found himself in possession of fifteen thousand pounds and the famous Malherb amphora, an heirloom of the family.”

in possession preposition + noun

In this reading “THE MALHERB AMPHORA Upon the death of Sir Nicholas Malherb, his second son, Maurice, found himself in possession of fifteen thousand pounds and the famous Malherb amphora, an heirloom of the family.”

All words in this reading · 90

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.

adeterminerUS /ə/

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

From this reading Concerning this gem a word must be spoken.

acquisitionnounUS /ˌækwəˈzɪʃən/

the act of contracting or assuming or acquiring possession of something

From this reading While slightly inferior to the Portland vase in size, its workmanship equalled that of the more famous curio, and it was esteemed by connoisseurs as much superior to the Auldjo vase, or another marvellous example of similar cameo glass, still the acquisition of Naples.

AMPHORAnounUS /ˈæmfərə/

an ancient jar with two handles and a narrow neck; used to hold oil or wine

From this reading THE MALHERB AMPHORA Upon the death of Sir Nicholas Malherb, his second son, Maurice, found himself in possession of fifteen thousand pounds and the famous Malherb amphora, an heirloom of the family.

andeterminerUS /æn/

the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound

From this reading THE MALHERB AMPHORA Upon the death of Sir Nicholas Malherb, his second son, Maurice, found himself in possession of fifteen thousand pounds and the famous Malherb amphora, an heirloom of the family.

ancientadjectiveUS /ˈeɪn.ʃənt/

Belonging to the very distant past and no longer in existence or deeply revered.

From this reading By arrangement with the elder brother, Maurice took the amphora instead of its equivalent in cash, and thus the succeeding baronet was richer by twenty thousand pounds, which more fully answered his purposes than the ancient treasure.

andconjunctionUS /ənd/

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

From this reading THE MALHERB AMPHORA Upon the death of Sir Nicholas Malherb, his second son, Maurice, found himself in possession of fifteen thousand pounds and the famous Malherb amphora, an heirloom of the family.

anotherdeterminerUS /əˈnʌðər/

one more of the same kind, or a different one

From this reading While slightly inferior to the Portland vase in size, its workmanship equalled that of the more famous curio, and it was esteemed by connoisseurs as much superior to the Auldjo vase, or another marvellous example of similar cameo glass, still the acquisition of Naples.

answeredverbUS /ˈænsərd/

past form of “answer” — react verbally

From this reading By arrangement with the elder brother, Maurice took the amphora instead of its equivalent in cash, and thus the succeeding baronet was richer by twenty thousand pounds, which more fully answered his purposes than the ancient treasure.

arrangementnounUS /ərˈeɪndʒmənt/

the thing arranged or agreed to

From this reading By arrangement with the elder brother, Maurice took the amphora instead of its equivalent in cash, and thus the succeeding baronet was richer by twenty thousand pounds, which more fully answered his purposes than the ancient treasure.

artauxiliary verbUS /ɑːrt/

an old form of “are”, used with “thou”

From this reading In Maurice Malherb's amphora, a bygone vitrarius had immortalised his art.

asconjunctionUS /æz/

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

From this reading While slightly inferior to the Portland vase in size, its workmanship equalled that of the more famous curio, and it was esteemed by connoisseurs as much superior to the Auldjo vase, or another marvellous example of similar cameo glass, still the acquisition of Naples.

Auldjo

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

From this reading While slightly inferior to the Portland vase in size, its workmanship equalled that of the more famous curio, and it was esteemed by connoisseurs as much superior to the Auldjo vase, or another marvellous example of similar cameo glass, still the acquisition of Naples.

baronetnounUS /ˈberənət/

a member of the British order of honor; ranks below a baron but above a knight

From this reading By arrangement with the elder brother, Maurice took the amphora instead of its equivalent in cash, and thus the succeeding baronet was richer by twenty thousand pounds, which more fully answered his purposes than the ancient treasure.

beauxiliary verbUS /biː/

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

From this reading Concerning this gem a word must be spoken.

brothernounUS /ˈbrʌðər/

a male with the same parents as someone else

From this reading By arrangement with the elder brother, Maurice took the amphora instead of its equivalent in cash, and thus the succeeding baronet was richer by twenty thousand pounds, which more fully answered his purposes than the ancient treasure.

ByprepositionUS /baɪ/

showing who or what does the action

From this reading By arrangement with the elder brother, Maurice took the amphora instead of its equivalent in cash, and thus the succeeding baronet was richer by twenty thousand pounds, which more fully answered his purposes than the ancient treasure.

bygonenounUS /ˈbaɪɡɔːn/

past events to be put aside

From this reading In Maurice Malherb's amphora, a bygone vitrarius had immortalised his art.

cameonounUS /ˈkæmioʊ/

engraving or carving in low relief on a stone (as in a brooch or ring)

From this reading While slightly inferior to the Portland vase in size, its workmanship equalled that of the more famous curio, and it was esteemed by connoisseurs as much superior to the Auldjo vase, or another marvellous example of similar cameo glass, still the acquisition of Naples.

cashnounUS /kæʃ/

money in the form of bills or coins

From this reading By arrangement with the elder brother, Maurice took the amphora instead of its equivalent in cash, and thus the succeeding baronet was richer by twenty thousand pounds, which more fully answered his purposes than the ancient treasure.

ConcerningverbUS /kənˈsɜːrnɪŋ/

-ing form of “concern” — be relevant to

From this reading Concerning this gem a word must be spoken.

connoisseursnounUS /ˌkɑːnəˈsɜːrz/

plural of “connoisseur” — an expert able to appreciate a field; especially in the fine arts

From this reading While slightly inferior to the Portland vase in size, its workmanship equalled that of the more famous curio, and it was esteemed by connoisseurs as much superior to the Auldjo vase, or another marvellous example of similar cameo glass, still the acquisition of Naples.

curionounUS /ˈkjʊrioʊ/

something unusual -- perhaps worthy of collecting

From this reading While slightly inferior to the Portland vase in size, its workmanship equalled that of the more famous curio, and it was esteemed by connoisseurs as much superior to the Auldjo vase, or another marvellous example of similar cameo glass, still the acquisition of Naples.

deathnounUS /deθ/

the event of dying or departure from life

From this reading THE MALHERB AMPHORA Upon the death of Sir Nicholas Malherb, his second son, Maurice, found himself in possession of fifteen thousand pounds and the famous Malherb amphora, an heirloom of the family.

eldernounUS /ˈeldər/

a person who is older than you are

From this reading By arrangement with the elder brother, Maurice took the amphora instead of its equivalent in cash, and thus the succeeding baronet was richer by twenty thousand pounds, which more fully answered his purposes than the ancient treasure.

equalled

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

From this reading While slightly inferior to the Portland vase in size, its workmanship equalled that of the more famous curio, and it was esteemed by connoisseurs as much superior to the Auldjo vase, or another marvellous example of similar cameo glass, still the acquisition of Naples.

equivalentnounUS /ɪˈkwɪvələnt/

a person or thing equal to another in value or measure or force or effect or significance etc

From this reading By arrangement with the elder brother, Maurice took the amphora instead of its equivalent in cash, and thus the succeeding baronet was richer by twenty thousand pounds, which more fully answered his purposes than the ancient treasure.

esteemedadjectiveUS /ɪˈstiːmd/

having an illustrious reputation; respected

From this reading While slightly inferior to the Portland vase in size, its workmanship equalled that of the more famous curio, and it was esteemed by connoisseurs as much superior to the Auldjo vase, or another marvellous example of similar cameo glass, still the acquisition of Naples.

examplenounUS /ɪɡˈzæmpəl/

an item of information that is typical of a class or group

From this reading While slightly inferior to the Portland vase in size, its workmanship equalled that of the more famous curio, and it was esteemed by connoisseurs as much superior to the Auldjo vase, or another marvellous example of similar cameo glass, still the acquisition of Naples.

familynounUS /ˈfæməli/

a social unit living together

From this reading THE MALHERB AMPHORA Upon the death of Sir Nicholas Malherb, his second son, Maurice, found himself in possession of fifteen thousand pounds and the famous Malherb amphora, an heirloom of the family.

famousadjectiveUS /ˈfeɪməs/

widely known and esteemed

From this reading THE MALHERB AMPHORA Upon the death of Sir Nicholas Malherb, his second son, Maurice, found himself in possession of fifteen thousand pounds and the famous Malherb amphora, an heirloom of the family.

fifteennounUS /fɪfˈtiːn/

the cardinal number that is the sum of fourteen and one

From this reading THE MALHERB AMPHORA Upon the death of Sir Nicholas Malherb, his second son, Maurice, found himself in possession of fifteen thousand pounds and the famous Malherb amphora, an heirloom of the family.

foundverbUS /faʊnd/

set up or found

From this reading THE MALHERB AMPHORA Upon the death of Sir Nicholas Malherb, his second son, Maurice, found himself in possession of fifteen thousand pounds and the famous Malherb amphora, an heirloom of the family.

fullyadverbUS /ˈfʊli/

to the greatest degree or extent; completely or entirely; (“full” in this sense is used as a combining form)

From this reading By arrangement with the elder brother, Maurice took the amphora instead of its equivalent in cash, and thus the succeeding baronet was richer by twenty thousand pounds, which more fully answered his purposes than the ancient treasure.

gemnounUS /dʒem/

art highly prized for its beauty or perfection

From this reading Concerning this gem a word must be spoken.

glassnounUS /ɡlæs/

a brittle transparent solid with irregular atomic structure

From this reading While slightly inferior to the Portland vase in size, its workmanship equalled that of the more famous curio, and it was esteemed by connoisseurs as much superior to the Auldjo vase, or another marvellous example of similar cameo glass, still the acquisition of Naples.

hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/

the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect

From this reading In Maurice Malherb's amphora, a bygone vitrarius had immortalised his art.

heirloomnounUS /ˈerluːm/

(law) any property that is considered by law or custom as inseparable from an inheritance is inherited with that inheritance

From this reading THE MALHERB AMPHORA Upon the death of Sir Nicholas Malherb, his second son, Maurice, found himself in possession of fifteen thousand pounds and the famous Malherb amphora, an heirloom of the family.

himselfpronounUS /hɪmˈself/

used when the man or boy doing the action is also its object

From this reading THE MALHERB AMPHORA Upon the death of Sir Nicholas Malherb, his second son, Maurice, found himself in possession of fifteen thousand pounds and the famous Malherb amphora, an heirloom of the family.

hisdeterminerUS /hɪz/

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

From this reading THE MALHERB AMPHORA Upon the death of Sir Nicholas Malherb, his second son, Maurice, found himself in possession of fifteen thousand pounds and the famous Malherb amphora, an heirloom of the family.

immortalised

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

From this reading In Maurice Malherb's amphora, a bygone vitrarius had immortalised his art.

inprepositionUS /ɪn/

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

From this reading THE MALHERB AMPHORA Upon the death of Sir Nicholas Malherb, his second son, Maurice, found himself in possession of fifteen thousand pounds and the famous Malherb amphora, an heirloom of the family.

inferioradjectiveUS /ˌɪnˈfɪriər/

of or characteristic of low rank or importance

From this reading While slightly inferior to the Portland vase in size, its workmanship equalled that of the more famous curio, and it was esteemed by connoisseurs as much superior to the Auldjo vase, or another marvellous example of similar cameo glass, still the acquisition of Naples.

insteadadverbUS /ˌɪnˈsted/

in place of, or as an alternative to

From this reading By arrangement with the elder brother, Maurice took the amphora instead of its equivalent in cash, and thus the succeeding baronet was richer by twenty thousand pounds, which more fully answered his purposes than the ancient treasure.

itpronounUS /ɪt/

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading While slightly inferior to the Portland vase in size, its workmanship equalled that of the more famous curio, and it was esteemed by connoisseurs as much superior to the Auldjo vase, or another marvellous example of similar cameo glass, still the acquisition of Naples.

itsdeterminerUS /ɪts/

belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned

From this reading By arrangement with the elder brother, Maurice took the amphora instead of its equivalent in cash, and thus the succeeding baronet was richer by twenty thousand pounds, which more fully answered his purposes than the ancient treasure.

MALHERB

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

From this reading THE MALHERB AMPHORA Upon the death of Sir Nicholas Malherb, his second son, Maurice, found himself in possession of fifteen thousand pounds and the famous Malherb amphora, an heirloom of the family.

Malherb's

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

From this reading In Maurice Malherb's amphora, a bygone vitrarius had immortalised his art.

marvellousadjectiveUS /ˈmɑːrvələs/

extraordinarily good or great; used especially as intensifiers

From this reading While slightly inferior to the Portland vase in size, its workmanship equalled that of the more famous curio, and it was esteemed by connoisseurs as much superior to the Auldjo vase, or another marvellous example of similar cameo glass, still the acquisition of Naples.

Maurice

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

From this reading THE MALHERB AMPHORA Upon the death of Sir Nicholas Malherb, his second son, Maurice, found himself in possession of fifteen thousand pounds and the famous Malherb amphora, an heirloom of the family.

moreadjectiveUS /mɔːr/

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

From this reading By arrangement with the elder brother, Maurice took the amphora instead of its equivalent in cash, and thus the succeeding baronet was richer by twenty thousand pounds, which more fully answered his purposes than the ancient treasure.

muchadverbUS /mʌtʃ/

to a great degree or extent

From this reading While slightly inferior to the Portland vase in size, its workmanship equalled that of the more famous curio, and it was esteemed by connoisseurs as much superior to the Auldjo vase, or another marvellous example of similar cameo glass, still the acquisition of Naples.

mustmodal verbUS /mʌst/

used to say something is necessary, or almost certainly true

From this reading Concerning this gem a word must be spoken.

NaplesnounUS /ˈneɪpəlz/

a port and tourist center in southwestern Italy; capital of the Campania region

From this reading While slightly inferior to the Portland vase in size, its workmanship equalled that of the more famous curio, and it was esteemed by connoisseurs as much superior to the Auldjo vase, or another marvellous example of similar cameo glass, still the acquisition of Naples.

NicholasnounUS /ˈnɪkələs/

a bishop in Asia Minor who is associated with Santa Claus (4th century)

From this reading THE MALHERB AMPHORA Upon the death of Sir Nicholas Malherb, his second son, Maurice, found himself in possession of fifteen thousand pounds and the famous Malherb amphora, an heirloom of the family.

ofprepositionUS /ʌv/

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading THE MALHERB AMPHORA Upon the death of Sir Nicholas Malherb, his second son, Maurice, found himself in possession of fifteen thousand pounds and the famous Malherb amphora, an heirloom of the family.

orconjunctionUS /ɔːr/

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading While slightly inferior to the Portland vase in size, its workmanship equalled that of the more famous curio, and it was esteemed by connoisseurs as much superior to the Auldjo vase, or another marvellous example of similar cameo glass, still the acquisition of Naples.

PortlandnounUS /ˈpɔːrtlənd/

freshwater port and largest city in Oregon; located in northwestern Oregon on the Willamette River which divides the city into east and west sections; renowned for its beautiful natural setting among the mountains

From this reading While slightly inferior to the Portland vase in size, its workmanship equalled that of the more famous curio, and it was esteemed by connoisseurs as much superior to the Auldjo vase, or another marvellous example of similar cameo glass, still the acquisition of Naples.

possessionnounUS /pəˈzeʃən/

the act of having and controlling property

From this reading THE MALHERB AMPHORA Upon the death of Sir Nicholas Malherb, his second son, Maurice, found himself in possession of fifteen thousand pounds and the famous Malherb amphora, an heirloom of the family.

poundsnounUS /paʊndz/

plural of “pound” — 16 ounces avoirdupois

From this reading THE MALHERB AMPHORA Upon the death of Sir Nicholas Malherb, his second son, Maurice, found himself in possession of fifteen thousand pounds and the famous Malherb amphora, an heirloom of the family.

purposesnounUS /ˈpɜːrpəsəz/

plural of “purpose” — an anticipated outcome that is intended or that guides your planned actions

From this reading By arrangement with the elder brother, Maurice took the amphora instead of its equivalent in cash, and thus the succeeding baronet was richer by twenty thousand pounds, which more fully answered his purposes than the ancient treasure.

richeradjectiveUS /ˈrɪtʃər/

comparative of “rich” — possessing material wealth

From this reading By arrangement with the elder brother, Maurice took the amphora instead of its equivalent in cash, and thus the succeeding baronet was richer by twenty thousand pounds, which more fully answered his purposes than the ancient treasure.

secondnounUS /ˈsekənd/

1/60 of a minute; the basic unit of time adopted under the Systeme International d'Unites

From this reading THE MALHERB AMPHORA Upon the death of Sir Nicholas Malherb, his second son, Maurice, found himself in possession of fifteen thousand pounds and the famous Malherb amphora, an heirloom of the family.

similaradjectiveUS /ˈsɪmələr/

marked by correspondence or resemblance

From this reading While slightly inferior to the Portland vase in size, its workmanship equalled that of the more famous curio, and it was esteemed by connoisseurs as much superior to the Auldjo vase, or another marvellous example of similar cameo glass, still the acquisition of Naples.

SirnounUS /sɜːr/

term of address for a man

From this reading THE MALHERB AMPHORA Upon the death of Sir Nicholas Malherb, his second son, Maurice, found himself in possession of fifteen thousand pounds and the famous Malherb amphora, an heirloom of the family.

sizenounUS /saɪz/

the physical magnitude of something (how big it is)

From this reading While slightly inferior to the Portland vase in size, its workmanship equalled that of the more famous curio, and it was esteemed by connoisseurs as much superior to the Auldjo vase, or another marvellous example of similar cameo glass, still the acquisition of Naples.

slightlyadverbUS /ˈslaɪtli/

to a small degree or extent

From this reading While slightly inferior to the Portland vase in size, its workmanship equalled that of the more famous curio, and it was esteemed by connoisseurs as much superior to the Auldjo vase, or another marvellous example of similar cameo glass, still the acquisition of Naples.

sonnounUS /sʌn/

a male human offspring

From this reading THE MALHERB AMPHORA Upon the death of Sir Nicholas Malherb, his second son, Maurice, found himself in possession of fifteen thousand pounds and the famous Malherb amphora, an heirloom of the family.

spokenadjectiveUS /ˈspoʊkən/

uttered through the medium of speech or characterized by speech; sometimes used in combination

From this reading Concerning this gem a word must be spoken.

stilladjectiveUS /stɪl/

not in physical motion

From this reading While slightly inferior to the Portland vase in size, its workmanship equalled that of the more famous curio, and it was esteemed by connoisseurs as much superior to the Auldjo vase, or another marvellous example of similar cameo glass, still the acquisition of Naples.

succeedingadjectiveUS /səkˈsiːdɪŋ/

coming after or following

From this reading By arrangement with the elder brother, Maurice took the amphora instead of its equivalent in cash, and thus the succeeding baronet was richer by twenty thousand pounds, which more fully answered his purposes than the ancient treasure.

superioradjectiveUS /suːˈpɪriər/

of high or superior quality or performance

From this reading While slightly inferior to the Portland vase in size, its workmanship equalled that of the more famous curio, and it was esteemed by connoisseurs as much superior to the Auldjo vase, or another marvellous example of similar cameo glass, still the acquisition of Naples.

thanconjunctionUS /ðæn/

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading By arrangement with the elder brother, Maurice took the amphora instead of its equivalent in cash, and thus the succeeding baronet was richer by twenty thousand pounds, which more fully answered his purposes than the ancient treasure.

thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading While slightly inferior to the Portland vase in size, its workmanship equalled that of the more famous curio, and it was esteemed by connoisseurs as much superior to the Auldjo vase, or another marvellous example of similar cameo glass, still the acquisition of Naples.

THEdeterminerUS /ðə/

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

From this reading THE MALHERB AMPHORA Upon the death of Sir Nicholas Malherb, his second son, Maurice, found himself in possession of fifteen thousand pounds and the famous Malherb amphora, an heirloom of the family.

thisdeterminerUS /ðɪs/

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

From this reading Concerning this gem a word must be spoken.

thousandnounUS /ˈθaʊzənd/

the cardinal number that is the product of 10 and 100

From this reading THE MALHERB AMPHORA Upon the death of Sir Nicholas Malherb, his second son, Maurice, found himself in possession of fifteen thousand pounds and the famous Malherb amphora, an heirloom of the family.

thusadverbUS /ðʌs/

(used to introduce a logical conclusion) from that fact or reason or as a result

From this reading By arrangement with the elder brother, Maurice took the amphora instead of its equivalent in cash, and thus the succeeding baronet was richer by twenty thousand pounds, which more fully answered his purposes than the ancient treasure.

toparticleUS /tuː/

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

From this reading While slightly inferior to the Portland vase in size, its workmanship equalled that of the more famous curio, and it was esteemed by connoisseurs as much superior to the Auldjo vase, or another marvellous example of similar cameo glass, still the acquisition of Naples.

tookverbUS /tʊk/

inflected form of “take” — carry out

From this reading By arrangement with the elder brother, Maurice took the amphora instead of its equivalent in cash, and thus the succeeding baronet was richer by twenty thousand pounds, which more fully answered his purposes than the ancient treasure.

treasurenounUS /ˈtreʒər/

accumulated wealth in the form of money or jewels etc.

From this reading By arrangement with the elder brother, Maurice took the amphora instead of its equivalent in cash, and thus the succeeding baronet was richer by twenty thousand pounds, which more fully answered his purposes than the ancient treasure.

twentynounUS /ˈtwenti/

the cardinal number that is the sum of nineteen and one

From this reading By arrangement with the elder brother, Maurice took the amphora instead of its equivalent in cash, and thus the succeeding baronet was richer by twenty thousand pounds, which more fully answered his purposes than the ancient treasure.

UponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/

a formal word for “on”

From this reading THE MALHERB AMPHORA Upon the death of Sir Nicholas Malherb, his second son, Maurice, found himself in possession of fifteen thousand pounds and the famous Malherb amphora, an heirloom of the family.

vasenounUS /veɪs/

an open jar of glass or porcelain used as an ornament or to hold flowers

From this reading While slightly inferior to the Portland vase in size, its workmanship equalled that of the more famous curio, and it was esteemed by connoisseurs as much superior to the Auldjo vase, or another marvellous example of similar cameo glass, still the acquisition of Naples.

vitrarius

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

From this reading In Maurice Malherb's amphora, a bygone vitrarius had immortalised his art.

wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/

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

From this reading By arrangement with the elder brother, Maurice took the amphora instead of its equivalent in cash, and thus the succeeding baronet was richer by twenty thousand pounds, which more fully answered his purposes than the ancient treasure.

whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/

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

From this reading By arrangement with the elder brother, Maurice took the amphora instead of its equivalent in cash, and thus the succeeding baronet was richer by twenty thousand pounds, which more fully answered his purposes than the ancient treasure.

WhileconjunctionUS /waɪl/

during the time that

From this reading While slightly inferior to the Portland vase in size, its workmanship equalled that of the more famous curio, and it was esteemed by connoisseurs as much superior to the Auldjo vase, or another marvellous example of similar cameo glass, still the acquisition of Naples.

withprepositionUS /wɪð/

in the company of; together with

From this reading By arrangement with the elder brother, Maurice took the amphora instead of its equivalent in cash, and thus the succeeding baronet was richer by twenty thousand pounds, which more fully answered his purposes than the ancient treasure.

wordnounUS /wɜːrd/

a unit of language that native speakers can identify

From this reading Concerning this gem a word must be spoken.

workmanshipnounUS /ˈwɜːrkmənʃɪp/

skill in an occupation or trade

From this reading While slightly inferior to the Portland vase in size, its workmanship equalled that of the more famous curio, and it was esteemed by connoisseurs as much superior to the Auldjo vase, or another marvellous example of similar cameo glass, still the acquisition of Naples.

Chapter 2 of The American Prisoner by Eden Phillpotts holds 268 sentences, grouped into 54 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 The American Prisoner contain?

Chapter 2 holds 268 sentences of The American Prisoner, unabridged, divided into 54 reading sections.

This page carries chapter 2 of The American Prisoner by Eden Phillpotts exactly as it stands in the source edition, without abridgement. It runs to 268 sentences, grouped into 54 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 The American Prisoner?

Work through the 54 sections in order, replaying any sentence and tapping unfamiliar words for their entries.

Each of the 54 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 The American Prisoner

Common questions about reading The American Prisoner by Eden Phillpotts on this page, its source edition and its audio.

Is this the complete text of The American Prisoner?

Yes. All 10321 sentences of Project Gutenberg eBook #58232 are kept, with a record of which sentences cover which part.

Which edition of The American Prisoner is used?

Project Gutenberg eBook #58232, unabridged. The Project Gutenberg header, footer and licence are removed.

How long does The American Prisoner take to read?

About 600 minutes of reading across 2065 sections of 5 sentences each, at an unhurried pace.

How to read The American Prisoner section by section

How to work through The American Prisoner section by section, using the audio and the tap-to-define vocabulary.

  1. Open a chapter

    Choose one of the 40 chapters of The American Prisoner 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 The American Prisoner

Words and structures a reader meets early in The American Prisoner, each tappable for pronunciation and meaning.

Whence
A word that appears in the opening chapter of The American Prisoner; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Mayflower'
A word that appears in the opening chapter of The American Prisoner; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Sailed
A word that appears in the opening chapter of The American Prisoner; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Jeannette
A word that appears in the opening chapter of The American Prisoner; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.