Learn English through classic literature • Five-line readings • Clear US narration
VELMORA ACADEMY
Academy of Archival Languages & Memory Studies
Menu Close
The Pickwick Papers
The Pickwick Papers

Chapter VII · Chapter 7

Chapter 7 of The Pickwick Papers is here in full — 641 sentences across 129 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

Cover illustration for The Pickwick Papers
Context Illustration Reading 1/128 · 5 lines
English subtitles · tap any word to listen 1 / 5
DISINTERESTEDNESS OF MR.
A. JINGLE’S CHARACTER There are in London several old inns, once the headquarters of celebrated coaches in the days when coaches performed their journeys in a graver and more solemn manner than they do in these times; but which have now degenerated into little more than the abiding and booking- places of country wagons.
The reader would look in vain for any of these ancient hostelries, among the Golden Crosses and Bull and Mouths, which rear their stately fronts in the improved streets of London.
If he would light upon any of these old places, he must direct his steps to the obscurer quarters of the town, and there in some secluded nooks he will find several, still standing with a kind of gloomy sturdiness, amidst the modern innovations which surround them.
In the Borough especially, there still remain some half-dozen old inns, which have preserved their external features unchanged, and which have escaped alike the rage for public improvement and the encroachments of private speculation.
0:00 / 0:00
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.

The Pickwick Papers

Chapter VII · Chapter 7

Chapter 7 of The Pickwick Papers is here in full — 641 sentences across 129 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

Reading 1/128 · 5 reading units · Lines 1–5

Line 1
DISINTERESTEDNESS OF MR.
Line 2
A. JINGLE’S CHARACTER There are in London several old inns, once the headquarters of celebrated coaches in the days when coaches performed their journeys in a graver and more solemn manner than they do in these times; but which have now degenerated into little more than the abiding and booking- places of country wagons.
Line 3
The reader would look in vain for any of these ancient hostelries, among the Golden Crosses and Bull and Mouths, which rear their stately fronts in the improved streets of London.
Line 4
If he would light upon any of these old places, he must direct his steps to the obscurer quarters of the town, and there in some secluded nooks he will find several, still standing with a kind of gloomy sturdiness, amidst the modern innovations which surround them.
Line 5
In the Borough especially, there still remain some half-dozen old inns, which have preserved their external features unchanged, and which have escaped alike the rage for public improvement and the encroachments of private speculation.

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.

Ancient adjective US /ˈeɪn.ʃənt/

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

From this reading “The reader would look in vain for any of these ancient hostelries, among the Golden Crosses and Bull and Mouths, which rear their stately fronts in the improved streets of London.”

All words in this reading · 107

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 A. JINGLE’S CHARACTER There are in London several old inns, once the headquarters of celebrated coaches in the days when coaches performed their journeys in a graver and more solemn manner than they do in these times; but which have now degenerated into little more than the abiding and booking- places of country wagons.

abiding

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

From this reading A. JINGLE’S CHARACTER There are in London several old inns, once the headquarters of celebrated coaches in the days when coaches performed their journeys in a graver and more solemn manner than they do in these times; but which have now degenerated into little more than the abiding and booking- places of country wagons.

alike

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

From this reading In the Borough especially, there still remain some half-dozen old inns, which have preserved their external features unchanged, and which have escaped alike the rage for public improvement and the encroachments of private speculation.

amidst

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

From this reading If he would light upon any of these old places, he must direct his steps to the obscurer quarters of the town, and there in some secluded nooks he will find several, still standing with a kind of gloomy sturdiness, amidst the modern innovations which surround them.

among

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

From this reading The reader would look in vain for any of these ancient hostelries, among the Golden Crosses and Bull and Mouths, which rear their stately fronts in the improved streets of London.

ancientadjectiveUS /ˈeɪn.ʃənt/

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

From this reading The reader would look in vain for any of these ancient hostelries, among the Golden Crosses and Bull and Mouths, which rear their stately fronts in the improved streets of London.

and

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

From this reading A. JINGLE’S CHARACTER There are in London several old inns, once the headquarters of celebrated coaches in the days when coaches performed their journeys in a graver and more solemn manner than they do in these times; but which have now degenerated into little more than the abiding and booking- places of country wagons.

any

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

From this reading The reader would look in vain for any of these ancient hostelries, among the Golden Crosses and Bull and Mouths, which rear their stately fronts in the improved streets of London.

are

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

From this reading A. JINGLE’S CHARACTER There are in London several old inns, once the headquarters of celebrated coaches in the days when coaches performed their journeys in a graver and more solemn manner than they do in these times; but which have now degenerated into little more than the abiding and booking- places of country wagons.

booking

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

From this reading A. JINGLE’S CHARACTER There are in London several old inns, once the headquarters of celebrated coaches in the days when coaches performed their journeys in a graver and more solemn manner than they do in these times; but which have now degenerated into little more than the abiding and booking- places of country wagons.

Borough

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

From this reading In the Borough especially, there still remain some half-dozen old inns, which have preserved their external features unchanged, and which have escaped alike the rage for public improvement and the encroachments of private speculation.

Bull

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

From this reading The reader would look in vain for any of these ancient hostelries, among the Golden Crosses and Bull and Mouths, which rear their stately fronts in the improved streets of London.

but

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

From this reading A. JINGLE’S CHARACTER There are in London several old inns, once the headquarters of celebrated coaches in the days when coaches performed their journeys in a graver and more solemn manner than they do in these times; but which have now degenerated into little more than the abiding and booking- places of country wagons.

celebrated

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

From this reading A. JINGLE’S CHARACTER There are in London several old inns, once the headquarters of celebrated coaches in the days when coaches performed their journeys in a graver and more solemn manner than they do in these times; but which have now degenerated into little more than the abiding and booking- places of country wagons.

CHARACTER

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

From this reading A. JINGLE’S CHARACTER There are in London several old inns, once the headquarters of celebrated coaches in the days when coaches performed their journeys in a graver and more solemn manner than they do in these times; but which have now degenerated into little more than the abiding and booking- places of country wagons.

coaches

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

From this reading A. JINGLE’S CHARACTER There are in London several old inns, once the headquarters of celebrated coaches in the days when coaches performed their journeys in a graver and more solemn manner than they do in these times; but which have now degenerated into little more than the abiding and booking- places of country wagons.

country

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

From this reading A. JINGLE’S CHARACTER There are in London several old inns, once the headquarters of celebrated coaches in the days when coaches performed their journeys in a graver and more solemn manner than they do in these times; but which have now degenerated into little more than the abiding and booking- places of country wagons.

Crosses

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

From this reading The reader would look in vain for any of these ancient hostelries, among the Golden Crosses and Bull and Mouths, which rear their stately fronts in the improved streets of London.

days

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

From this reading A. JINGLE’S CHARACTER There are in London several old inns, once the headquarters of celebrated coaches in the days when coaches performed their journeys in a graver and more solemn manner than they do in these times; but which have now degenerated into little more than the abiding and booking- places of country wagons.

degenerated

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

From this reading A. JINGLE’S CHARACTER There are in London several old inns, once the headquarters of celebrated coaches in the days when coaches performed their journeys in a graver and more solemn manner than they do in these times; but which have now degenerated into little more than the abiding and booking- places of country wagons.

direct

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

From this reading If he would light upon any of these old places, he must direct his steps to the obscurer quarters of the town, and there in some secluded nooks he will find several, still standing with a kind of gloomy sturdiness, amidst the modern innovations which surround them.

DISINTERESTEDNESS

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

From this reading DISINTERESTEDNESS OF MR.

do

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

From this reading A. JINGLE’S CHARACTER There are in London several old inns, once the headquarters of celebrated coaches in the days when coaches performed their journeys in a graver and more solemn manner than they do in these times; but which have now degenerated into little more than the abiding and booking- places of country wagons.

encroachments

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

From this reading In the Borough especially, there still remain some half-dozen old inns, which have preserved their external features unchanged, and which have escaped alike the rage for public improvement and the encroachments of private speculation.

escaped

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

From this reading In the Borough especially, there still remain some half-dozen old inns, which have preserved their external features unchanged, and which have escaped alike the rage for public improvement and the encroachments of private speculation.

especially

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

From this reading In the Borough especially, there still remain some half-dozen old inns, which have preserved their external features unchanged, and which have escaped alike the rage for public improvement and the encroachments of private speculation.

external

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

From this reading In the Borough especially, there still remain some half-dozen old inns, which have preserved their external features unchanged, and which have escaped alike the rage for public improvement and the encroachments of private speculation.

features

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

From this reading In the Borough especially, there still remain some half-dozen old inns, which have preserved their external features unchanged, and which have escaped alike the rage for public improvement and the encroachments of private speculation.

find

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

From this reading If he would light upon any of these old places, he must direct his steps to the obscurer quarters of the town, and there in some secluded nooks he will find several, still standing with a kind of gloomy sturdiness, amidst the modern innovations which surround them.

for

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

From this reading The reader would look in vain for any of these ancient hostelries, among the Golden Crosses and Bull and Mouths, which rear their stately fronts in the improved streets of London.

fronts

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

From this reading The reader would look in vain for any of these ancient hostelries, among the Golden Crosses and Bull and Mouths, which rear their stately fronts in the improved streets of London.

gloomy

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

From this reading If he would light upon any of these old places, he must direct his steps to the obscurer quarters of the town, and there in some secluded nooks he will find several, still standing with a kind of gloomy sturdiness, amidst the modern innovations which surround them.

Golden

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

From this reading The reader would look in vain for any of these ancient hostelries, among the Golden Crosses and Bull and Mouths, which rear their stately fronts in the improved streets of London.

graver

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

From this reading A. JINGLE’S CHARACTER There are in London several old inns, once the headquarters of celebrated coaches in the days when coaches performed their journeys in a graver and more solemn manner than they do in these times; but which have now degenerated into little more than the abiding and booking- places of country wagons.

half-dozen

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

From this reading In the Borough especially, there still remain some half-dozen old inns, which have preserved their external features unchanged, and which have escaped alike the rage for public improvement and the encroachments of private speculation.

have

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

From this reading A. JINGLE’S CHARACTER There are in London several old inns, once the headquarters of celebrated coaches in the days when coaches performed their journeys in a graver and more solemn manner than they do in these times; but which have now degenerated into little more than the abiding and booking- places of country wagons.

he

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

From this reading If he would light upon any of these old places, he must direct his steps to the obscurer quarters of the town, and there in some secluded nooks he will find several, still standing with a kind of gloomy sturdiness, amidst the modern innovations which surround them.

headquarters

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

From this reading A. JINGLE’S CHARACTER There are in London several old inns, once the headquarters of celebrated coaches in the days when coaches performed their journeys in a graver and more solemn manner than they do in these times; but which have now degenerated into little more than the abiding and booking- places of country wagons.

his

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

From this reading If he would light upon any of these old places, he must direct his steps to the obscurer quarters of the town, and there in some secluded nooks he will find several, still standing with a kind of gloomy sturdiness, amidst the modern innovations which surround them.

hostelries

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

From this reading The reader would look in vain for any of these ancient hostelries, among the Golden Crosses and Bull and Mouths, which rear their stately fronts in the improved streets of London.

If

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

From this reading If he would light upon any of these old places, he must direct his steps to the obscurer quarters of the town, and there in some secluded nooks he will find several, still standing with a kind of gloomy sturdiness, amidst the modern innovations which surround them.

improved

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

From this reading The reader would look in vain for any of these ancient hostelries, among the Golden Crosses and Bull and Mouths, which rear their stately fronts in the improved streets of London.

improvement

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

From this reading In the Borough especially, there still remain some half-dozen old inns, which have preserved their external features unchanged, and which have escaped alike the rage for public improvement and the encroachments of private speculation.

in

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

From this reading A. JINGLE’S CHARACTER There are in London several old inns, once the headquarters of celebrated coaches in the days when coaches performed their journeys in a graver and more solemn manner than they do in these times; but which have now degenerated into little more than the abiding and booking- places of country wagons.

innovations

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

From this reading If he would light upon any of these old places, he must direct his steps to the obscurer quarters of the town, and there in some secluded nooks he will find several, still standing with a kind of gloomy sturdiness, amidst the modern innovations which surround them.

inns

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

From this reading A. JINGLE’S CHARACTER There are in London several old inns, once the headquarters of celebrated coaches in the days when coaches performed their journeys in a graver and more solemn manner than they do in these times; but which have now degenerated into little more than the abiding and booking- places of country wagons.

into

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

From this reading A. JINGLE’S CHARACTER There are in London several old inns, once the headquarters of celebrated coaches in the days when coaches performed their journeys in a graver and more solemn manner than they do in these times; but which have now degenerated into little more than the abiding and booking- places of country wagons.

JINGLE'S

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

From this reading A. JINGLE’S CHARACTER There are in London several old inns, once the headquarters of celebrated coaches in the days when coaches performed their journeys in a graver and more solemn manner than they do in these times; but which have now degenerated into little more than the abiding and booking- places of country wagons.

journeys

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

From this reading A. JINGLE’S CHARACTER There are in London several old inns, once the headquarters of celebrated coaches in the days when coaches performed their journeys in a graver and more solemn manner than they do in these times; but which have now degenerated into little more than the abiding and booking- places of country wagons.

kind

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

From this reading If he would light upon any of these old places, he must direct his steps to the obscurer quarters of the town, and there in some secluded nooks he will find several, still standing with a kind of gloomy sturdiness, amidst the modern innovations which surround them.

light

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

From this reading If he would light upon any of these old places, he must direct his steps to the obscurer quarters of the town, and there in some secluded nooks he will find several, still standing with a kind of gloomy sturdiness, amidst the modern innovations which surround them.

little

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

From this reading A. JINGLE’S CHARACTER There are in London several old inns, once the headquarters of celebrated coaches in the days when coaches performed their journeys in a graver and more solemn manner than they do in these times; but which have now degenerated into little more than the abiding and booking- places of country wagons.

London

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

From this reading A. JINGLE’S CHARACTER There are in London several old inns, once the headquarters of celebrated coaches in the days when coaches performed their journeys in a graver and more solemn manner than they do in these times; but which have now degenerated into little more than the abiding and booking- places of country wagons.

look

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

From this reading The reader would look in vain for any of these ancient hostelries, among the Golden Crosses and Bull and Mouths, which rear their stately fronts in the improved streets of London.

manner

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

From this reading A. JINGLE’S CHARACTER There are in London several old inns, once the headquarters of celebrated coaches in the days when coaches performed their journeys in a graver and more solemn manner than they do in these times; but which have now degenerated into little more than the abiding and booking- places of country wagons.

modern

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

From this reading If he would light upon any of these old places, he must direct his steps to the obscurer quarters of the town, and there in some secluded nooks he will find several, still standing with a kind of gloomy sturdiness, amidst the modern innovations which surround them.

more

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

From this reading A. JINGLE’S CHARACTER There are in London several old inns, once the headquarters of celebrated coaches in the days when coaches performed their journeys in a graver and more solemn manner than they do in these times; but which have now degenerated into little more than the abiding and booking- places of country wagons.

Mouths

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

From this reading The reader would look in vain for any of these ancient hostelries, among the Golden Crosses and Bull and Mouths, which rear their stately fronts in the improved streets of London.

MR

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

From this reading DISINTERESTEDNESS OF MR.

must

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

From this reading If he would light upon any of these old places, he must direct his steps to the obscurer quarters of the town, and there in some secluded nooks he will find several, still standing with a kind of gloomy sturdiness, amidst the modern innovations which surround them.

nooks

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

From this reading If he would light upon any of these old places, he must direct his steps to the obscurer quarters of the town, and there in some secluded nooks he will find several, still standing with a kind of gloomy sturdiness, amidst the modern innovations which surround them.

now

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

From this reading A. JINGLE’S CHARACTER There are in London several old inns, once the headquarters of celebrated coaches in the days when coaches performed their journeys in a graver and more solemn manner than they do in these times; but which have now degenerated into little more than the abiding and booking- places of country wagons.

obscurer

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

From this reading If he would light upon any of these old places, he must direct his steps to the obscurer quarters of the town, and there in some secluded nooks he will find several, still standing with a kind of gloomy sturdiness, amidst the modern innovations which surround them.

OF

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

From this reading DISINTERESTEDNESS OF MR.

old

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

From this reading A. JINGLE’S CHARACTER There are in London several old inns, once the headquarters of celebrated coaches in the days when coaches performed their journeys in a graver and more solemn manner than they do in these times; but which have now degenerated into little more than the abiding and booking- places of country wagons.

once

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

From this reading A. JINGLE’S CHARACTER There are in London several old inns, once the headquarters of celebrated coaches in the days when coaches performed their journeys in a graver and more solemn manner than they do in these times; but which have now degenerated into little more than the abiding and booking- places of country wagons.

performed

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

From this reading A. JINGLE’S CHARACTER There are in London several old inns, once the headquarters of celebrated coaches in the days when coaches performed their journeys in a graver and more solemn manner than they do in these times; but which have now degenerated into little more than the abiding and booking- places of country wagons.

places

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

From this reading A. JINGLE’S CHARACTER There are in London several old inns, once the headquarters of celebrated coaches in the days when coaches performed their journeys in a graver and more solemn manner than they do in these times; but which have now degenerated into little more than the abiding and booking- places of country wagons.

preserved

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

From this reading In the Borough especially, there still remain some half-dozen old inns, which have preserved their external features unchanged, and which have escaped alike the rage for public improvement and the encroachments of private speculation.

private

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

From this reading In the Borough especially, there still remain some half-dozen old inns, which have preserved their external features unchanged, and which have escaped alike the rage for public improvement and the encroachments of private speculation.

public

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

From this reading In the Borough especially, there still remain some half-dozen old inns, which have preserved their external features unchanged, and which have escaped alike the rage for public improvement and the encroachments of private speculation.

quarters

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

From this reading If he would light upon any of these old places, he must direct his steps to the obscurer quarters of the town, and there in some secluded nooks he will find several, still standing with a kind of gloomy sturdiness, amidst the modern innovations which surround them.

rage

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

From this reading In the Borough especially, there still remain some half-dozen old inns, which have preserved their external features unchanged, and which have escaped alike the rage for public improvement and the encroachments of private speculation.

reader

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

From this reading The reader would look in vain for any of these ancient hostelries, among the Golden Crosses and Bull and Mouths, which rear their stately fronts in the improved streets of London.

rear

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

From this reading The reader would look in vain for any of these ancient hostelries, among the Golden Crosses and Bull and Mouths, which rear their stately fronts in the improved streets of London.

remain

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

From this reading In the Borough especially, there still remain some half-dozen old inns, which have preserved their external features unchanged, and which have escaped alike the rage for public improvement and the encroachments of private speculation.

secluded

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

From this reading If he would light upon any of these old places, he must direct his steps to the obscurer quarters of the town, and there in some secluded nooks he will find several, still standing with a kind of gloomy sturdiness, amidst the modern innovations which surround them.

several

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

From this reading A. JINGLE’S CHARACTER There are in London several old inns, once the headquarters of celebrated coaches in the days when coaches performed their journeys in a graver and more solemn manner than they do in these times; but which have now degenerated into little more than the abiding and booking- places of country wagons.

solemn

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

From this reading A. JINGLE’S CHARACTER There are in London several old inns, once the headquarters of celebrated coaches in the days when coaches performed their journeys in a graver and more solemn manner than they do in these times; but which have now degenerated into little more than the abiding and booking- places of country wagons.

some

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

From this reading If he would light upon any of these old places, he must direct his steps to the obscurer quarters of the town, and there in some secluded nooks he will find several, still standing with a kind of gloomy sturdiness, amidst the modern innovations which surround them.

speculation

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

From this reading In the Borough especially, there still remain some half-dozen old inns, which have preserved their external features unchanged, and which have escaped alike the rage for public improvement and the encroachments of private speculation.

standing

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

From this reading If he would light upon any of these old places, he must direct his steps to the obscurer quarters of the town, and there in some secluded nooks he will find several, still standing with a kind of gloomy sturdiness, amidst the modern innovations which surround them.

stately

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

From this reading The reader would look in vain for any of these ancient hostelries, among the Golden Crosses and Bull and Mouths, which rear their stately fronts in the improved streets of London.

steps

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

From this reading If he would light upon any of these old places, he must direct his steps to the obscurer quarters of the town, and there in some secluded nooks he will find several, still standing with a kind of gloomy sturdiness, amidst the modern innovations which surround them.

still

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

From this reading If he would light upon any of these old places, he must direct his steps to the obscurer quarters of the town, and there in some secluded nooks he will find several, still standing with a kind of gloomy sturdiness, amidst the modern innovations which surround them.

streets

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

From this reading The reader would look in vain for any of these ancient hostelries, among the Golden Crosses and Bull and Mouths, which rear their stately fronts in the improved streets of London.

sturdiness

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

From this reading If he would light upon any of these old places, he must direct his steps to the obscurer quarters of the town, and there in some secluded nooks he will find several, still standing with a kind of gloomy sturdiness, amidst the modern innovations which surround them.

surround

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

From this reading If he would light upon any of these old places, he must direct his steps to the obscurer quarters of the town, and there in some secluded nooks he will find several, still standing with a kind of gloomy sturdiness, amidst the modern innovations which surround them.

than

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

From this reading A. JINGLE’S CHARACTER There are in London several old inns, once the headquarters of celebrated coaches in the days when coaches performed their journeys in a graver and more solemn manner than they do in these times; but which have now degenerated into little more than the abiding and booking- places of country wagons.

the

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

From this reading A. JINGLE’S CHARACTER There are in London several old inns, once the headquarters of celebrated coaches in the days when coaches performed their journeys in a graver and more solemn manner than they do in these times; but which have now degenerated into little more than the abiding and booking- places of country wagons.

their

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

From this reading A. JINGLE’S CHARACTER There are in London several old inns, once the headquarters of celebrated coaches in the days when coaches performed their journeys in a graver and more solemn manner than they do in these times; but which have now degenerated into little more than the abiding and booking- places of country wagons.

them

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

From this reading If he would light upon any of these old places, he must direct his steps to the obscurer quarters of the town, and there in some secluded nooks he will find several, still standing with a kind of gloomy sturdiness, amidst the modern innovations which surround them.

There

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

From this reading A. JINGLE’S CHARACTER There are in London several old inns, once the headquarters of celebrated coaches in the days when coaches performed their journeys in a graver and more solemn manner than they do in these times; but which have now degenerated into little more than the abiding and booking- places of country wagons.

these

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

From this reading A. JINGLE’S CHARACTER There are in London several old inns, once the headquarters of celebrated coaches in the days when coaches performed their journeys in a graver and more solemn manner than they do in these times; but which have now degenerated into little more than the abiding and booking- places of country wagons.

they

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

From this reading A. JINGLE’S CHARACTER There are in London several old inns, once the headquarters of celebrated coaches in the days when coaches performed their journeys in a graver and more solemn manner than they do in these times; but which have now degenerated into little more than the abiding and booking- places of country wagons.

times

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

From this reading A. JINGLE’S CHARACTER There are in London several old inns, once the headquarters of celebrated coaches in the days when coaches performed their journeys in a graver and more solemn manner than they do in these times; but which have now degenerated into little more than the abiding and booking- places of country wagons.

to

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

From this reading If he would light upon any of these old places, he must direct his steps to the obscurer quarters of the town, and there in some secluded nooks he will find several, still standing with a kind of gloomy sturdiness, amidst the modern innovations which surround them.

town

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

From this reading If he would light upon any of these old places, he must direct his steps to the obscurer quarters of the town, and there in some secluded nooks he will find several, still standing with a kind of gloomy sturdiness, amidst the modern innovations which surround them.

unchanged

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

From this reading In the Borough especially, there still remain some half-dozen old inns, which have preserved their external features unchanged, and which have escaped alike the rage for public improvement and the encroachments of private speculation.

upon

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

From this reading If he would light upon any of these old places, he must direct his steps to the obscurer quarters of the town, and there in some secluded nooks he will find several, still standing with a kind of gloomy sturdiness, amidst the modern innovations which surround them.

vain

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

From this reading The reader would look in vain for any of these ancient hostelries, among the Golden Crosses and Bull and Mouths, which rear their stately fronts in the improved streets of London.

wagons

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

From this reading A. JINGLE’S CHARACTER There are in London several old inns, once the headquarters of celebrated coaches in the days when coaches performed their journeys in a graver and more solemn manner than they do in these times; but which have now degenerated into little more than the abiding and booking- places of country wagons.

when

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

From this reading A. JINGLE’S CHARACTER There are in London several old inns, once the headquarters of celebrated coaches in the days when coaches performed their journeys in a graver and more solemn manner than they do in these times; but which have now degenerated into little more than the abiding and booking- places of country wagons.

which

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

From this reading A. JINGLE’S CHARACTER There are in London several old inns, once the headquarters of celebrated coaches in the days when coaches performed their journeys in a graver and more solemn manner than they do in these times; but which have now degenerated into little more than the abiding and booking- places of country wagons.

will

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

From this reading If he would light upon any of these old places, he must direct his steps to the obscurer quarters of the town, and there in some secluded nooks he will find several, still standing with a kind of gloomy sturdiness, amidst the modern innovations which surround them.

with

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

From this reading If he would light upon any of these old places, he must direct his steps to the obscurer quarters of the town, and there in some secluded nooks he will find several, still standing with a kind of gloomy sturdiness, amidst the modern innovations which surround them.

would

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

From this reading The reader would look in vain for any of these ancient hostelries, among the Golden Crosses and Bull and Mouths, which rear their stately fronts in the improved streets of London.

Chapter 7 of The Pickwick Papers by Charles Dickens holds 641 sentences, grouped into 129 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 7 of The Pickwick Papers contain?

Chapter 7 holds 641 sentences of The Pickwick Papers, unabridged, divided into 129 reading sections.

This page carries chapter 7 of The Pickwick Papers by Charles Dickens exactly as it stands in the public-domain source edition, without abridgement. It runs to 641 sentences, grouped into 129 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 7 of The Pickwick Papers?

Work through the 129 sections in order, replaying any sentence and tapping unfamiliar words for their entries.

Each of the 129 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 7 be read aloud to me?

Yes — every sentence and every individual word in chapter 7 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 Pickwick Papers

Common questions about reading The Pickwick Papers by Charles Dickens on this page, its source edition and its audio.

Is this the complete text of The Pickwick Papers?

Yes. All 14576 sentences of Project Gutenberg eBook #580 are kept, with a record of which sentences cover which part.

Which edition of The Pickwick Papers is used?

Project Gutenberg eBook #580, a public-domain edition. The Project Gutenberg header, footer and licence are removed.

How long does The Pickwick Papers take to read?

About 600 minutes of reading across 2916 sections of 5 sentences each, at an unhurried pace.

How to read The Pickwick Papers section by section

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

  1. Open a chapter

    Choose one of the 35 chapters of The Pickwick Papers 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 Pickwick Papers

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

Pickwickians
A word that appears in the opening chapter of The Pickwick Papers; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
First
A word that appears in the opening chapter of The Pickwick Papers; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Journey
A word that appears in the opening chapter of The Pickwick Papers; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Evening
A word that appears in the opening chapter of The Pickwick Papers; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.