The Humbugs of the World

Chapter II

Chapter 2 of The Humbugs of the World is here in full — 111 sentences across 23 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

By P. T. (Phineas Taylor) Barnum • Curated US English Learning Edition

Cover illustration for The Humbugs of the World

English subtitles · tap any word to listen 1 / 5

DEFINITION OF THE WORD HUMBUG.--WARREN OF LONDON.--GENIN, THE HATTER.--GOSLING'S BLACKING.

Upon a careful consideration of my undertaking to give an account of the "Humbugs of the World," I find myself somewhat puzzled in regard to the true definition of that word.

To be sure, Webster says that humbug, as a noun, is an "imposition under fair pretences;" and as a verb, it is "to deceive; to impose on."

With all due deference to Doctor Webster, I submit that, according to present usage, this is not the only, nor even the generally accepted definition of that term.

We will suppose, for instance, that a man with "fair pretences" applies to a wholesale merchant for credit on a large bill of goods.

Narrator

Speed 0.75x

AI-generated narration by OpenAI · Slow US English

LEARNER DICTIONARY

Archivist

/ˈɑːrkɪvɪst/

Editorial verification pending

A keeper or guardian of historical records and memories.

Chapter II Reading 1/22

The Humbugs of the World P. T. (Phineas Taylor) Barnum

Chapter II

Chapter 2 of The Humbugs of the World is here in full — 111 sentences across 23 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

DEFINITION OF THE WORD HUMBUG.--WARREN OF LONDON.--GENIN, THE HATTER.--GOSLING'S BLACKING. Upon a careful consideration of my undertaking to give an account of the "Humbugs of the World," I find myself somewhat puzzled in regard to the true definition of that word. To be sure, Webster says that humbug, as a noun, is an "imposition under fair pretences;" and as a verb, it is "to deceive; to impose on." With all due deference to Doctor Webster, I submit that, according to present usage, this is not the only, nor even the generally accepted definition of that term. We will suppose, for instance, that a man with "fair pretences" applies to a wholesale merchant for credit on a large bill of goods.

The Humbugs of the World

Chapter II

Chapter 2 of The Humbugs of the World is here in full — 111 sentences across 23 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

Reading 1/22 · 5 reading units · Lines 1–5

Line 1

DEFINITION OF THE WORD HUMBUG.--WARREN OF LONDON.--GENIN, THE HATTER.--GOSLING'S BLACKING.

Line 2

Upon a careful consideration of my undertaking to give an account of the "Humbugs of the World," I find myself somewhat puzzled in regard to the true definition of that word.

Line 3

To be sure, Webster says that humbug, as a noun, is an "imposition under fair pretences;" and as a verb, it is "to deceive; to impose on."

Line 4

With all due deference to Doctor Webster, I submit that, according to present usage, this is not the only, nor even the generally accepted definition of that term.

/wɪð ɔːl duː ˈdefərəns tuː ˈdɑːktər ˈwebstər aɪ səbˈmɪt ðæt əˈkɔːrdɪŋ tuː ˈprezənt ˈjuːsədʒ ðɪs ɪz nɑːt ðə ˈoʊnli nɔːr ˈiːvɪn ðə ˈdʒenərəli ækˈseptɪd ˌdefəˈnɪʃən ʌv ðæt tɜːrm/

Line 5

We will suppose, for instance, that a man with "fair pretences" applies to a wholesale merchant for credit on a large bill of goods.

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.

applies verb US /əˈplaɪz/

third-person singular of “apply” — put into service; make work or employ for a particular purpose or for its inherent or natural purpose

From this reading “We will suppose, for instance, that a man with "fair pretences" applies to a wholesale merchant for credit on a large bill of goods.”

definition noun US /ˌdefəˈnɪʃən/

a concise explanation of the meaning of a word or phrase or symbol

From this reading “DEFINITION OF THE WORD HUMBUG.--WARREN OF LONDON.--GENIN, THE HATTER.--GOSLING'S BLACKING.”

hatter noun US /ˈhætər/

someone who makes and sells hats

From this reading “DEFINITION OF THE WORD HUMBUG.--WARREN OF LONDON.--GENIN, THE HATTER.--GOSLING'S BLACKING.”

humbug noun US /ˈhʌmbʌɡ/

pretentious or silly talk or writing

From this reading “DEFINITION OF THE WORD HUMBUG.--WARREN OF LONDON.--GENIN, THE HATTER.--GOSLING'S BLACKING.”

imposition noun US /ˌɪmpəˈzɪʃən/

the act of imposing something (as a tax or an embargo)

From this reading “To be sure, Webster says that humbug, as a noun, is an "imposition under fair pretences;" and as a verb, it is "to deceive; to impose on."”

noun noun US /naʊn/

a content word that can be used to refer to a person, place, thing, quality, or action

From this reading “To be sure, Webster says that humbug, as a noun, is an "imposition under fair pretences;" and as a verb, it is "to deceive; to impose on."”

verb noun US /vɜːrb/

the word class that serves as the predicate of a sentence

From this reading “To be sure, Webster says that humbug, as a noun, is an "imposition under fair pretences;" and as a verb, it is "to deceive; to impose on."”

wholesale adverb US /ˈhoʊlseɪl/

at a wholesale price

From this reading “We will suppose, for instance, that a man with "fair pretences" applies to a wholesale merchant for credit on a large bill of goods.”

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.

due deference adjective + noun

In this reading “With all due deference to Doctor Webster, I submit that, according to present usage, this is not the only, nor even the generally accepted definition of that term.”

careful consideration adjective + noun

In this reading “Upon a careful consideration of my undertaking to give an account of the "Humbugs of the World," I find myself somewhat puzzled in regard to the true definition of that word.”

generally accepted adverb + adjective

In this reading “With all due deference to Doctor Webster, I submit that, according to present usage, this is not the only, nor even the generally accepted definition of that term.”

somewhat puzzled adverb + adjective

In this reading “Upon a careful consideration of my undertaking to give an account of the "Humbugs of the World," I find myself somewhat puzzled in regard to the true definition of that word.”

for instance preposition + noun

as an example

In this reading “We will suppose, for instance, that a man with "fair pretences" applies to a wholesale merchant for credit on a large bill of goods.”

impose on verb + particle

In this reading “To be sure, Webster says that humbug, as a noun, is an "imposition under fair pretences;" and as a verb, it is "to deceive; to impose on."”

give an account verb + article + noun counted as “give … account”

In this reading “Upon a careful consideration of my undertaking to give an account of the "Humbugs of the World," I find myself somewhat puzzled in regard to the true definition of that word.”

in regard preposition + noun

In this reading “Upon a careful consideration of my undertaking to give an account of the "Humbugs of the World," I find myself somewhat puzzled in regard to the true definition of that word.”

All words in this reading · 79

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 Upon a careful consideration of my undertaking to give an account of the "Humbugs of the World," I find myself somewhat puzzled in regard to the true definition of that word.

acceptedadjectiveUS /ækˈseptɪd/

generally approved or compelling recognition

From this reading With all due deference to Doctor Webster, I submit that, according to present usage, this is not the only, nor even the generally accepted definition of that term.

accordingadjectiveUS /əˈkɔːrdɪŋ/

(followed by “to”) in agreement with or accordant with

From this reading With all due deference to Doctor Webster, I submit that, according to present usage, this is not the only, nor even the generally accepted definition of that term.

accountnounUS /əˈkaʊnt/

a record or narrative description of past events

From this reading Upon a careful consideration of my undertaking to give an account of the "Humbugs of the World," I find myself somewhat puzzled in regard to the true definition of that word.

alladjectiveUS /ɔːl/

(quantifier) used with either mass or count nouns to indicate the whole number or amount of or every one of a class

From this reading With all due deference to Doctor Webster, I submit that, according to present usage, this is not the only, nor even the generally accepted definition of that term.

andeterminerUS /æn/

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

From this reading Upon a careful consideration of my undertaking to give an account of the "Humbugs of the World," I find myself somewhat puzzled in regard to the true definition of that word.

andconjunctionUS /ənd/

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

From this reading To be sure, Webster says that humbug, as a noun, is an "imposition under fair pretences;" and as a verb, it is "to deceive; to impose on."

appliesverbUS /əˈplaɪz/

third-person singular of “apply” — put into service; make work or employ for a particular purpose or for its inherent or natural purpose

From this reading We will suppose, for instance, that a man with "fair pretences" applies to a wholesale merchant for credit on a large bill of goods.

asconjunctionUS /æz/

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

From this reading To be sure, Webster says that humbug, as a noun, is an "imposition under fair pretences;" and as a verb, it is "to deceive; to impose on."

beauxiliary verbUS /biː/

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

From this reading To be sure, Webster says that humbug, as a noun, is an "imposition under fair pretences;" and as a verb, it is "to deceive; to impose on."

billnounUS /bɪl/

a statute in draft before it becomes law

From this reading We will suppose, for instance, that a man with "fair pretences" applies to a wholesale merchant for credit on a large bill of goods.

BLACKINGnoun

a substance used to produce a shiny protective surface on footwear

From this reading DEFINITION OF THE WORD HUMBUG.--WARREN OF LONDON.--GENIN, THE HATTER.--GOSLING'S BLACKING.

carefuladjectiveUS /ˈkerfəl/

exercising caution or showing care or attention

From this reading Upon a careful consideration of my undertaking to give an account of the "Humbugs of the World," I find myself somewhat puzzled in regard to the true definition of that word.

considerationnounUS /kənˌsɪdərˈeɪʃən/

the process of giving careful thought to something

From this reading Upon a careful consideration of my undertaking to give an account of the "Humbugs of the World," I find myself somewhat puzzled in regard to the true definition of that word.

creditnounUS /ˈkredət/

approval

From this reading We will suppose, for instance, that a man with "fair pretences" applies to a wholesale merchant for credit on a large bill of goods.

deceiveverbUS /dɪˈsiːv/

be false to; be dishonest with

From this reading To be sure, Webster says that humbug, as a noun, is an "imposition under fair pretences;" and as a verb, it is "to deceive; to impose on."

deferencenounUS /ˈdefərəns/

a courteous expression (by word or deed) of esteem or regard

From this reading With all due deference to Doctor Webster, I submit that, according to present usage, this is not the only, nor even the generally accepted definition of that term.

DEFINITIONnounUS /ˌdefəˈnɪʃən/

a concise explanation of the meaning of a word or phrase or symbol

From this reading DEFINITION OF THE WORD HUMBUG.--WARREN OF LONDON.--GENIN, THE HATTER.--GOSLING'S BLACKING.

DoctornounUS /ˈdɑːktər/

a licensed medical practitioner

From this reading With all due deference to Doctor Webster, I submit that, according to present usage, this is not the only, nor even the generally accepted definition of that term.

dueadjectiveUS /duː/

owed and payable immediately or on demand

From this reading With all due deference to Doctor Webster, I submit that, according to present usage, this is not the only, nor even the generally accepted definition of that term.

evenadjectiveUS /ˈiːvɪn/

divisible by two

From this reading With all due deference to Doctor Webster, I submit that, according to present usage, this is not the only, nor even the generally accepted definition of that term.

fairadjectiveUS /fer/

free from favoritism or self-interest or bias or deception; conforming with established standards or rules

From this reading To be sure, Webster says that humbug, as a noun, is an "imposition under fair pretences;" and as a verb, it is "to deceive; to impose on."

findverbUS /faɪnd/

come upon, as if by accident; meet with

From this reading Upon a careful consideration of my undertaking to give an account of the "Humbugs of the World," I find myself somewhat puzzled in regard to the true definition of that word.

forprepositionUS /fɔːr/

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading We will suppose, for instance, that a man with "fair pretences" applies to a wholesale merchant for credit on a large bill of goods.

generallyadverbUS /ˈdʒenərəli/

usually; as a rule

From this reading With all due deference to Doctor Webster, I submit that, according to present usage, this is not the only, nor even the generally accepted definition of that term.

GENIN

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

From this reading DEFINITION OF THE WORD HUMBUG.--WARREN OF LONDON.--GENIN, THE HATTER.--GOSLING'S BLACKING.

giveverbUS /ɡɪv/

cause to have, in the abstract sense or physical sense

From this reading Upon a careful consideration of my undertaking to give an account of the "Humbugs of the World," I find myself somewhat puzzled in regard to the true definition of that word.

goodsnounUS /ɡʊdz/

plural of “good” — benefit

From this reading We will suppose, for instance, that a man with "fair pretences" applies to a wholesale merchant for credit on a large bill of goods.

GOSLING'S

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

From this reading DEFINITION OF THE WORD HUMBUG.--WARREN OF LONDON.--GENIN, THE HATTER.--GOSLING'S BLACKING.

HATTERnounUS /ˈhætər/

someone who makes and sells hats

From this reading DEFINITION OF THE WORD HUMBUG.--WARREN OF LONDON.--GENIN, THE HATTER.--GOSLING'S BLACKING.

HUMBUGnounUS /ˈhʌmbʌɡ/

pretentious or silly talk or writing

From this reading DEFINITION OF THE WORD HUMBUG.--WARREN OF LONDON.--GENIN, THE HATTER.--GOSLING'S BLACKING.

Humbugs

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

From this reading Upon a careful consideration of my undertaking to give an account of the "Humbugs of the World," I find myself somewhat puzzled in regard to the true definition of that word.

IpronounUS /aɪ/

the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb

From this reading Upon a careful consideration of my undertaking to give an account of the "Humbugs of the World," I find myself somewhat puzzled in regard to the true definition of that word.

imposeverbUS /ˌɪmˈpoʊz/

compel to behave in a certain way

From this reading To be sure, Webster says that humbug, as a noun, is an "imposition under fair pretences;" and as a verb, it is "to deceive; to impose on."

impositionnounUS /ˌɪmpəˈzɪʃən/

the act of imposing something (as a tax or an embargo)

From this reading To be sure, Webster says that humbug, as a noun, is an "imposition under fair pretences;" and as a verb, it is "to deceive; to impose on."

inprepositionUS /ɪn/

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

From this reading Upon a careful consideration of my undertaking to give an account of the "Humbugs of the World," I find myself somewhat puzzled in regard to the true definition of that word.

instancenounUS /ˈɪnstəns/

an occurrence of something

From this reading We will suppose, for instance, that a man with "fair pretences" applies to a wholesale merchant for credit on a large bill of goods.

isauxiliary verbUS /ɪz/

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

From this reading To be sure, Webster says that humbug, as a noun, is an "imposition under fair pretences;" and as a verb, it is "to deceive; to impose on."

itpronounUS /ɪt/

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading To be sure, Webster says that humbug, as a noun, is an "imposition under fair pretences;" and as a verb, it is "to deceive; to impose on."

largeadjectiveUS /lɑːrdʒ/

above average in size or number or quantity or magnitude or extent

From this reading We will suppose, for instance, that a man with "fair pretences" applies to a wholesale merchant for credit on a large bill of goods.

LONDONnounUS /ˈlʌndən/

the capital and largest city of England; located on the Thames in southeastern England; financial and industrial and cultural center

From this reading DEFINITION OF THE WORD HUMBUG.--WARREN OF LONDON.--GENIN, THE HATTER.--GOSLING'S BLACKING.

mannounUS /mæn/

an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)

From this reading We will suppose, for instance, that a man with "fair pretences" applies to a wholesale merchant for credit on a large bill of goods.

merchantnounUS /ˈmɜːr.tʃənt/

A person or company involved in wholesale trade, especially with foreign countries.

From this reading We will suppose, for instance, that a man with "fair pretences" applies to a wholesale merchant for credit on a large bill of goods.

mydeterminerUS /maɪ/

belonging to the person speaking

From this reading Upon a careful consideration of my undertaking to give an account of the "Humbugs of the World," I find myself somewhat puzzled in regard to the true definition of that word.

myselfpronounUS /ˌmaɪˈself/

used when the speaker is also the object of the action

From this reading Upon a careful consideration of my undertaking to give an account of the "Humbugs of the World," I find myself somewhat puzzled in regard to the true definition of that word.

norconjunctionUS /nɔːr/

and not; used after a negative to add a second negative

From this reading With all due deference to Doctor Webster, I submit that, according to present usage, this is not the only, nor even the generally accepted definition of that term.

notadverbUS /nɑːt/

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading With all due deference to Doctor Webster, I submit that, according to present usage, this is not the only, nor even the generally accepted definition of that term.

nounnounUS /naʊn/

a content word that can be used to refer to a person, place, thing, quality, or action

From this reading To be sure, Webster says that humbug, as a noun, is an "imposition under fair pretences;" and as a verb, it is "to deceive; to impose on."

OFprepositionUS /ʌv/

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading DEFINITION OF THE WORD HUMBUG.--WARREN OF LONDON.--GENIN, THE HATTER.--GOSLING'S BLACKING.

onprepositionUS /ɑːn/

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading To be sure, Webster says that humbug, as a noun, is an "imposition under fair pretences;" and as a verb, it is "to deceive; to impose on."

onlyadverbUS /ˈoʊnli/

and nothing more

From this reading With all due deference to Doctor Webster, I submit that, according to present usage, this is not the only, nor even the generally accepted definition of that term.

presentverbUS /ˈprezənt/

give an exhibition of to an interested audience

From this reading With all due deference to Doctor Webster, I submit that, according to present usage, this is not the only, nor even the generally accepted definition of that term.

pretences

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

From this reading To be sure, Webster says that humbug, as a noun, is an "imposition under fair pretences;" and as a verb, it is "to deceive; to impose on."

puzzledadjectiveUS /ˈpʌzəld/

filled with bewilderment

From this reading Upon a careful consideration of my undertaking to give an account of the "Humbugs of the World," I find myself somewhat puzzled in regard to the true definition of that word.

regardnounUS /rɪˈɡɑːrd/

(usually preceded by “in”) a detail or point

From this reading Upon a careful consideration of my undertaking to give an account of the "Humbugs of the World," I find myself somewhat puzzled in regard to the true definition of that word.

saysnounUS /sez/

plural of “say” — the chance to speak

From this reading To be sure, Webster says that humbug, as a noun, is an "imposition under fair pretences;" and as a verb, it is "to deceive; to impose on."

somewhatadverbUS /ˈsʌmˈwʌt/

to a small degree or extent

From this reading Upon a careful consideration of my undertaking to give an account of the "Humbugs of the World," I find myself somewhat puzzled in regard to the true definition of that word.

submitverbUS /səbˈmɪt/

refer for judgment or consideration

From this reading With all due deference to Doctor Webster, I submit that, according to present usage, this is not the only, nor even the generally accepted definition of that term.

supposeverbUS /səˈpoʊz/

express a supposition

From this reading We will suppose, for instance, that a man with "fair pretences" applies to a wholesale merchant for credit on a large bill of goods.

sureadjectiveUS /ʃʊr/

having or feeling no doubt or uncertainty; confident and assured

From this reading To be sure, Webster says that humbug, as a noun, is an "imposition under fair pretences;" and as a verb, it is "to deceive; to impose on."

termnounUS /tɜːrm/

a word or expression used for some particular thing

From this reading With all due deference to Doctor Webster, I submit that, according to present usage, this is not the only, nor even the generally accepted definition of that term.

thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading Upon a careful consideration of my undertaking to give an account of the "Humbugs of the World," I find myself somewhat puzzled in regard to the true definition of that word.

THEdeterminerUS /ðə/

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

From this reading DEFINITION OF THE WORD HUMBUG.--WARREN OF LONDON.--GENIN, THE HATTER.--GOSLING'S BLACKING.

thisdeterminerUS /ðɪs/

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

From this reading With all due deference to Doctor Webster, I submit that, according to present usage, this is not the only, nor even the generally accepted definition of that term.

toparticleUS /tuː/

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

From this reading Upon a careful consideration of my undertaking to give an account of the "Humbugs of the World," I find myself somewhat puzzled in regard to the true definition of that word.

trueadjectiveUS /truː/

consistent with fact or reality; not false

From this reading Upon a careful consideration of my undertaking to give an account of the "Humbugs of the World," I find myself somewhat puzzled in regard to the true definition of that word.

underprepositionUS /ˈʌndər/

below or beneath something; less than

From this reading To be sure, Webster says that humbug, as a noun, is an "imposition under fair pretences;" and as a verb, it is "to deceive; to impose on."

undertakingnounUS /ˈʌndərteɪkɪŋ/

any piece of work that is undertaken or attempted

From this reading Upon a careful consideration of my undertaking to give an account of the "Humbugs of the World," I find myself somewhat puzzled in regard to the true definition of that word.

UponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/

a formal word for “on”

From this reading Upon a careful consideration of my undertaking to give an account of the "Humbugs of the World," I find myself somewhat puzzled in regard to the true definition of that word.

usagenounUS /ˈjuːsədʒ/

the act of using

From this reading With all due deference to Doctor Webster, I submit that, according to present usage, this is not the only, nor even the generally accepted definition of that term.

verbnounUS /vɜːrb/

the word class that serves as the predicate of a sentence

From this reading To be sure, Webster says that humbug, as a noun, is an "imposition under fair pretences;" and as a verb, it is "to deceive; to impose on."

WARRENnounUS /ˈwɔːrən/

United States writer and poet (1905-1989)

From this reading DEFINITION OF THE WORD HUMBUG.--WARREN OF LONDON.--GENIN, THE HATTER.--GOSLING'S BLACKING.

WepronounUS /wiː/

the speaker together with one or more other people

From this reading We will suppose, for instance, that a man with "fair pretences" applies to a wholesale merchant for credit on a large bill of goods.

WebsternounUS /ˈwebstər/

English playwright (1580-1625)

From this reading To be sure, Webster says that humbug, as a noun, is an "imposition under fair pretences;" and as a verb, it is "to deceive; to impose on."

wholesaleadverbUS /ˈhoʊlseɪl/

at a wholesale price

From this reading We will suppose, for instance, that a man with "fair pretences" applies to a wholesale merchant for credit on a large bill of goods.

willmodal verbUS /wɪl/

used to talk about the future, or about willingness

From this reading We will suppose, for instance, that a man with "fair pretences" applies to a wholesale merchant for credit on a large bill of goods.

WithprepositionUS /wɪð/

in the company of; together with

From this reading With all due deference to Doctor Webster, I submit that, according to present usage, this is not the only, nor even the generally accepted definition of that term.

WORDnounUS /wɜːrd/

a unit of language that native speakers can identify

From this reading DEFINITION OF THE WORD HUMBUG.--WARREN OF LONDON.--GENIN, THE HATTER.--GOSLING'S BLACKING.

WorldnounUS /wɜːrld/

everything that exists anywhere

From this reading Upon a careful consideration of my undertaking to give an account of the "Humbugs of the World," I find myself somewhat puzzled in regard to the true definition of that word.

Chapter 2 of The Humbugs of the World by P. T. (Phineas Taylor) Barnum holds 111 sentences, grouped into 23 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 Humbugs of the World contain?

Chapter 2 holds 111 sentences of The Humbugs of the World, unabridged, divided into 23 reading sections.

This page carries chapter 2 of The Humbugs of the World by P. T. (Phineas Taylor) Barnum exactly as it stands in the source edition, without abridgement. It runs to 111 sentences, grouped into 23 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 Humbugs of the World?

Work through the 23 sections in order, replaying any sentence and tapping unfamiliar words for their entries.

Each of the 23 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 Humbugs of the World

Common questions about reading The Humbugs of the World by P. T. (Phineas Taylor) Barnum on this page, its source edition and its audio.

Is this the complete text of The Humbugs of the World?

Yes. All 4632 sentences of Project Gutenberg eBook #26640 are kept, with a record of which sentences cover which part.

Which edition of The Humbugs of the World is used?

Project Gutenberg eBook #26640, unabridged. The Project Gutenberg header, footer and licence are removed.

How long does The Humbugs of the World take to read?

About 386 minutes of reading across 927 sections of 5 sentences each, at an unhurried pace.

How to read The Humbugs of the World section by section

How to work through The Humbugs of the World section by section, using the audio and the tap-to-define vocabulary.

Open a chapter

Choose one of the 40 chapters of The Humbugs of the World to begin.
Read one section

Each section holds 5 sentences; read it once through.
Listen and tap

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

Vocabulary met early in The Humbugs of the World

Words and structures a reader meets early in The Humbugs of the World, each tappable for pronunciation and meaning.

Humbugs: A word that appears in the opening chapter of The Humbugs of the World; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
World: A word that appears in the opening chapter of The Humbugs of the World; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Account: A word that appears in the opening chapter of The Humbugs of the World; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Delusions: A word that appears in the opening chapter of The Humbugs of the World; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.

Chapter II

What does chapter 2 of The Humbugs of the World contain?

How do I study chapter 2 of The Humbugs of the World?

Can chapter 2 be read aloud to me?

Questions about reading The Humbugs of the World

How to read The Humbugs of the World section by section

Open a chapter

Read one section

Listen and tap

Vocabulary met early in The Humbugs of the World