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The pirates own book
The pirates own book

Chapter I · Chapter 1

Chapter 1 of The pirates own book is here in full — 409 sentences across 82 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

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Context Illustration Reading 1/81 · 5 lines
English subtitles · tap any word to listen 1 / 5
Authentic Narratives of the Most Celebrated Sea Robbers.
PREFACE.
In the mind of the mariner, there is a superstitious horror connected with the name of Pirate; and there are few subjects that interest and excite the curiosity of mankind generally, more than the desperate exploits, foul doings, and diabolical career of these monsters in human form.
A piratical crew is generally formed of the desperadoes and runagates of every clime and nation.
The pirate, from the perilous nature of his occupation, when not cruising on the ocean, the great highway of nations, selects the most lonely isles of the sea for his retreat, or secretes himself near the shores of rivers, bays and lagoons of thickly wooded and uninhabited countries, so that if pursued he can escape to the woods and mountain glens of the interior.
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LEARNER DICTIONARY
Archivist
/ˈɑːrkɪvɪst/
Editorial verification pending

A keeper or guardian of historical records and memories.

The pirates own book

Chapter I · Chapter 1

Chapter 1 of The pirates own book is here in full — 409 sentences across 82 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

Reading 1/81 · 5 reading units · Lines 1–5

Line 1
Authentic Narratives of the Most Celebrated Sea Robbers.
/əˈθentɪk ˈnærətɪvz ʌv ðə moʊst ˈseləbreɪtɪd siː ˈrɒb.ərz/
Line 2
PREFACE.
/ˈprefəs/
Line 3
In the mind of the mariner, there is a superstitious horror connected with the name of Pirate; and there are few subjects that interest and excite the curiosity of mankind generally, more than the desperate exploits, foul doings, and diabolical career of these monsters in human form.
/ɪn ðə maɪnd ʌv ðə ˈmerənər ðer ɪz ə ˌsuːpərˈstɪʃəs ˈhɔːrər kəˈnektɪd wɪð ðə neɪm ʌv ˈpaɪrət ənd ðer ɑːr fjuː ˈsʌbdʒɪkts ðæt ˈɪntrəst ənd ɪkˈsaɪt ðə ˌkjʊriˈɑːsəti ʌv ˈmænˈkaɪnd ˈdʒenərəli mɔːr ðæn ðə ˈdesprɪt ˈeksplɔɪts faʊl ˈduːɪŋz ənd ˌdaɪəˈbɑːlɪkəl kərˈɪr ʌv ðiːz ˈmɑːnstərz ɪn ˈhjuːmən fɔːrm/
Line 4
A piratical crew is generally formed of the desperadoes and runagates of every clime and nation.
Line 5
The pirate, from the perilous nature of his occupation, when not cruising on the ocean, the great highway of nations, selects the most lonely isles of the sea for his retreat, or secretes himself near the shores of rivers, bays and lagoons of thickly wooded and uninhabited countries, so that if pursued he can escape to the woods and mountain glens of the interior.

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.

bays noun US /beɪz/

plural of “bay” — an indentation of a shoreline larger than a cove but smaller than a gulf

From this reading “The pirate, from the perilous nature of his occupation, when not cruising on the ocean, the great highway of nations, selects the most lonely isles of the sea for his retreat, or secretes himself near the shores of rivers, bays and lagoons of thickly wooded and uninhabited countries, so that if pursued he can escape to the woods and mountain glens of the interior.”

cruising verb US /ˈkruːzɪŋ/

-ing form of “cruise” — drive around aimlessly but ostentatiously and at leisure

From this reading “The pirate, from the perilous nature of his occupation, when not cruising on the ocean, the great highway of nations, selects the most lonely isles of the sea for his retreat, or secretes himself near the shores of rivers, bays and lagoons of thickly wooded and uninhabited countries, so that if pursued he can escape to the woods and mountain glens of the interior.”

desperadoes noun US /ˌdespərˈɑːdoʊz/

plural of “desperado” — a bold outlaw (especially on the American frontier)

From this reading “A piratical crew is generally formed of the desperadoes and runagates of every clime and nation.”

glens noun US /ɡlenz/

plural of “glen” — a narrow secluded valley (in the mountains)

From this reading “The pirate, from the perilous nature of his occupation, when not cruising on the ocean, the great highway of nations, selects the most lonely isles of the sea for his retreat, or secretes himself near the shores of rivers, bays and lagoons of thickly wooded and uninhabited countries, so that if pursued he can escape to the woods and mountain glens of the interior.”

lagoons noun US /ləˈɡuːnz/

plural of “lagoon” — a body of water cut off from a larger body by a reef of sand or coral

From this reading “The pirate, from the perilous nature of his occupation, when not cruising on the ocean, the great highway of nations, selects the most lonely isles of the sea for his retreat, or secretes himself near the shores of rivers, bays and lagoons of thickly wooded and uninhabited countries, so that if pursued he can escape to the woods and mountain glens of the interior.”

Narratives noun US /ˈnærətɪvz/

plural of “narrative” — a message that tells the particulars of an act or occurrence or course of events; presented in writing or drama or cinema or as a radio or television program

From this reading “Authentic Narratives of the Most Celebrated Sea Robbers.”

selects verb US /səˈlekts/

third-person singular of “select” — pick out, select, or choose from a number of alternatives

From this reading “The pirate, from the perilous nature of his occupation, when not cruising on the ocean, the great highway of nations, selects the most lonely isles of the sea for his retreat, or secretes himself near the shores of rivers, bays and lagoons of thickly wooded and uninhabited countries, so that if pursued he can escape to the woods and mountain glens of the interior.”

uninhabited adjective US /ˌʌnɪnˈhæbətɪd/

not having inhabitants; not lived in

From this reading “The pirate, from the perilous nature of his occupation, when not cruising on the ocean, the great highway of nations, selects the most lonely isles of the sea for his retreat, or secretes himself near the shores of rivers, bays and lagoons of thickly wooded and uninhabited countries, so that if pursued he can escape to the woods and mountain glens of the interior.”

All words in this reading · 92

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 In the mind of the mariner, there is a superstitious horror connected with the name of Pirate; and there are few subjects that interest and excite the curiosity of mankind generally, more than the desperate exploits, foul doings, and diabolical career of these monsters in human form.

andconjunctionUS /ənd/

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

From this reading In the mind of the mariner, there is a superstitious horror connected with the name of Pirate; and there are few subjects that interest and excite the curiosity of mankind generally, more than the desperate exploits, foul doings, and diabolical career of these monsters in human form.

areauxiliary verbUS /ɑːr/

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

From this reading In the mind of the mariner, there is a superstitious horror connected with the name of Pirate; and there are few subjects that interest and excite the curiosity of mankind generally, more than the desperate exploits, foul doings, and diabolical career of these monsters in human form.

AuthenticadjectiveUS /əˈθentɪk/

conforming to fact and therefore worthy of belief

From this reading Authentic Narratives of the Most Celebrated Sea Robbers.

baysnounUS /beɪz/

plural of “bay” — an indentation of a shoreline larger than a cove but smaller than a gulf

From this reading The pirate, from the perilous nature of his occupation, when not cruising on the ocean, the great highway of nations, selects the most lonely isles of the sea for his retreat, or secretes himself near the shores of rivers, bays and lagoons of thickly wooded and uninhabited countries, so that if pursued he can escape to the woods and mountain glens of the interior.

canmodal verbUS /kæn/

to be able to, or to be allowed to

From this reading The pirate, from the perilous nature of his occupation, when not cruising on the ocean, the great highway of nations, selects the most lonely isles of the sea for his retreat, or secretes himself near the shores of rivers, bays and lagoons of thickly wooded and uninhabited countries, so that if pursued he can escape to the woods and mountain glens of the interior.

careernounUS /kərˈɪr/

the particular occupation for which you are trained

From this reading In the mind of the mariner, there is a superstitious horror connected with the name of Pirate; and there are few subjects that interest and excite the curiosity of mankind generally, more than the desperate exploits, foul doings, and diabolical career of these monsters in human form.

CelebratedadjectiveUS /ˈseləbreɪtɪd/

widely known and esteemed

From this reading Authentic Narratives of the Most Celebrated Sea Robbers.

climenoun

the weather in some location averaged over some long period of time

From this reading A piratical crew is generally formed of the desperadoes and runagates of every clime and nation.

connectedadjectiveUS /kəˈnektɪd/

being joined in close association

From this reading In the mind of the mariner, there is a superstitious horror connected with the name of Pirate; and there are few subjects that interest and excite the curiosity of mankind generally, more than the desperate exploits, foul doings, and diabolical career of these monsters in human form.

countriesnounUS /ˈkʌntriz/

plural of “country” — a politically organized body of people under a single government

From this reading The pirate, from the perilous nature of his occupation, when not cruising on the ocean, the great highway of nations, selects the most lonely isles of the sea for his retreat, or secretes himself near the shores of rivers, bays and lagoons of thickly wooded and uninhabited countries, so that if pursued he can escape to the woods and mountain glens of the interior.

crewnounUS /kruː/

the men and women who man a vehicle (ship, aircraft, etc.)

From this reading A piratical crew is generally formed of the desperadoes and runagates of every clime and nation.

cruisingverbUS /ˈkruːzɪŋ/

-ing form of “cruise” — drive around aimlessly but ostentatiously and at leisure

From this reading The pirate, from the perilous nature of his occupation, when not cruising on the ocean, the great highway of nations, selects the most lonely isles of the sea for his retreat, or secretes himself near the shores of rivers, bays and lagoons of thickly wooded and uninhabited countries, so that if pursued he can escape to the woods and mountain glens of the interior.

curiositynounUS /ˌkjʊriˈɑːsəti/

a state in which you want to learn more about something

From this reading In the mind of the mariner, there is a superstitious horror connected with the name of Pirate; and there are few subjects that interest and excite the curiosity of mankind generally, more than the desperate exploits, foul doings, and diabolical career of these monsters in human form.

desperadoesnounUS /ˌdespərˈɑːdoʊz/

plural of “desperado” — a bold outlaw (especially on the American frontier)

From this reading A piratical crew is generally formed of the desperadoes and runagates of every clime and nation.

desperateadjectiveUS /ˈdesprɪt/

arising from or marked by despair or loss of hope

From this reading In the mind of the mariner, there is a superstitious horror connected with the name of Pirate; and there are few subjects that interest and excite the curiosity of mankind generally, more than the desperate exploits, foul doings, and diabolical career of these monsters in human form.

diabolicaladjectiveUS /ˌdaɪəˈbɑːlɪkəl/

showing the cunning or ingenuity or wickedness typical of a devil

From this reading In the mind of the mariner, there is a superstitious horror connected with the name of Pirate; and there are few subjects that interest and excite the curiosity of mankind generally, more than the desperate exploits, foul doings, and diabolical career of these monsters in human form.

doingsnounUS /ˈduːɪŋz/

manner of acting or controlling yourself

From this reading In the mind of the mariner, there is a superstitious horror connected with the name of Pirate; and there are few subjects that interest and excite the curiosity of mankind generally, more than the desperate exploits, foul doings, and diabolical career of these monsters in human form.

escapenounUS /ɪˈskeɪp/

the act of escaping physically

From this reading The pirate, from the perilous nature of his occupation, when not cruising on the ocean, the great highway of nations, selects the most lonely isles of the sea for his retreat, or secretes himself near the shores of rivers, bays and lagoons of thickly wooded and uninhabited countries, so that if pursued he can escape to the woods and mountain glens of the interior.

everydeterminerUS /ˈevəri/

all the members of a group, with none left out

From this reading A piratical crew is generally formed of the desperadoes and runagates of every clime and nation.

exciteverbUS /ɪkˈsaɪt/

arouse or elicit a feeling

From this reading In the mind of the mariner, there is a superstitious horror connected with the name of Pirate; and there are few subjects that interest and excite the curiosity of mankind generally, more than the desperate exploits, foul doings, and diabolical career of these monsters in human form.

exploitsnounUS /ˈeksplɔɪts/

plural of “exploit” — a notable achievement

From this reading In the mind of the mariner, there is a superstitious horror connected with the name of Pirate; and there are few subjects that interest and excite the curiosity of mankind generally, more than the desperate exploits, foul doings, and diabolical career of these monsters in human form.

fewadjectiveUS /fjuː/

a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “a”; a small but indefinite number

From this reading In the mind of the mariner, there is a superstitious horror connected with the name of Pirate; and there are few subjects that interest and excite the curiosity of mankind generally, more than the desperate exploits, foul doings, and diabolical career of these monsters in human form.

forprepositionUS /fɔːr/

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading The pirate, from the perilous nature of his occupation, when not cruising on the ocean, the great highway of nations, selects the most lonely isles of the sea for his retreat, or secretes himself near the shores of rivers, bays and lagoons of thickly wooded and uninhabited countries, so that if pursued he can escape to the woods and mountain glens of the interior.

formnounUS /fɔːrm/

the phonological or orthographic sound or appearance of a word that can be used to describe or identify something

From this reading In the mind of the mariner, there is a superstitious horror connected with the name of Pirate; and there are few subjects that interest and excite the curiosity of mankind generally, more than the desperate exploits, foul doings, and diabolical career of these monsters in human form.

formedadjectiveUS /fɔːrmd/

having or given a form or shape

From this reading A piratical crew is generally formed of the desperadoes and runagates of every clime and nation.

fouladjectiveUS /faʊl/

highly offensive; arousing aversion or disgust

From this reading In the mind of the mariner, there is a superstitious horror connected with the name of Pirate; and there are few subjects that interest and excite the curiosity of mankind generally, more than the desperate exploits, foul doings, and diabolical career of these monsters in human form.

fromprepositionUS /frʌm/

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading The pirate, from the perilous nature of his occupation, when not cruising on the ocean, the great highway of nations, selects the most lonely isles of the sea for his retreat, or secretes himself near the shores of rivers, bays and lagoons of thickly wooded and uninhabited countries, so that if pursued he can escape to the woods and mountain glens of the interior.

generallyadverbUS /ˈdʒenərəli/

usually; as a rule

From this reading In the mind of the mariner, there is a superstitious horror connected with the name of Pirate; and there are few subjects that interest and excite the curiosity of mankind generally, more than the desperate exploits, foul doings, and diabolical career of these monsters in human form.

glensnounUS /ɡlenz/

plural of “glen” — a narrow secluded valley (in the mountains)

From this reading The pirate, from the perilous nature of his occupation, when not cruising on the ocean, the great highway of nations, selects the most lonely isles of the sea for his retreat, or secretes himself near the shores of rivers, bays and lagoons of thickly wooded and uninhabited countries, so that if pursued he can escape to the woods and mountain glens of the interior.

greatadjectiveUS /ɡreɪt/

relatively large in size or number or extent; larger than others of its kind

From this reading The pirate, from the perilous nature of his occupation, when not cruising on the ocean, the great highway of nations, selects the most lonely isles of the sea for his retreat, or secretes himself near the shores of rivers, bays and lagoons of thickly wooded and uninhabited countries, so that if pursued he can escape to the woods and mountain glens of the interior.

hepronounUS /hiː/

a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading The pirate, from the perilous nature of his occupation, when not cruising on the ocean, the great highway of nations, selects the most lonely isles of the sea for his retreat, or secretes himself near the shores of rivers, bays and lagoons of thickly wooded and uninhabited countries, so that if pursued he can escape to the woods and mountain glens of the interior.

highwaynounUS /ˈhaɪweɪ/

a major road for any form of motor transport

From this reading The pirate, from the perilous nature of his occupation, when not cruising on the ocean, the great highway of nations, selects the most lonely isles of the sea for his retreat, or secretes himself near the shores of rivers, bays and lagoons of thickly wooded and uninhabited countries, so that if pursued he can escape to the woods and mountain glens of the interior.

himselfpronounUS /hɪmˈself/

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

From this reading The pirate, from the perilous nature of his occupation, when not cruising on the ocean, the great highway of nations, selects the most lonely isles of the sea for his retreat, or secretes himself near the shores of rivers, bays and lagoons of thickly wooded and uninhabited countries, so that if pursued he can escape to the woods and mountain glens of the interior.

hisdeterminerUS /hɪz/

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

From this reading The pirate, from the perilous nature of his occupation, when not cruising on the ocean, the great highway of nations, selects the most lonely isles of the sea for his retreat, or secretes himself near the shores of rivers, bays and lagoons of thickly wooded and uninhabited countries, so that if pursued he can escape to the woods and mountain glens of the interior.

horrornounUS /ˈhɔːrər/

intense and profound fear

From this reading In the mind of the mariner, there is a superstitious horror connected with the name of Pirate; and there are few subjects that interest and excite the curiosity of mankind generally, more than the desperate exploits, foul doings, and diabolical career of these monsters in human form.

humanadjectiveUS /ˈhjuːmən/

characteristic of humanity

From this reading In the mind of the mariner, there is a superstitious horror connected with the name of Pirate; and there are few subjects that interest and excite the curiosity of mankind generally, more than the desperate exploits, foul doings, and diabolical career of these monsters in human form.

ifconjunctionUS /ɪf/

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading The pirate, from the perilous nature of his occupation, when not cruising on the ocean, the great highway of nations, selects the most lonely isles of the sea for his retreat, or secretes himself near the shores of rivers, bays and lagoons of thickly wooded and uninhabited countries, so that if pursued he can escape to the woods and mountain glens of the interior.

InprepositionUS /ɪn/

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

From this reading In the mind of the mariner, there is a superstitious horror connected with the name of Pirate; and there are few subjects that interest and excite the curiosity of mankind generally, more than the desperate exploits, foul doings, and diabolical career of these monsters in human form.

interestnounUS /ˈɪntrəst/

a sense of concern with and curiosity about someone or something

From this reading In the mind of the mariner, there is a superstitious horror connected with the name of Pirate; and there are few subjects that interest and excite the curiosity of mankind generally, more than the desperate exploits, foul doings, and diabolical career of these monsters in human form.

interioradjectiveUS /ˌɪnˈtɪriər/

situated within or suitable for inside a building

From this reading The pirate, from the perilous nature of his occupation, when not cruising on the ocean, the great highway of nations, selects the most lonely isles of the sea for his retreat, or secretes himself near the shores of rivers, bays and lagoons of thickly wooded and uninhabited countries, so that if pursued he can escape to the woods and mountain glens of the interior.

isauxiliary verbUS /ɪz/

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

From this reading In the mind of the mariner, there is a superstitious horror connected with the name of Pirate; and there are few subjects that interest and excite the curiosity of mankind generally, more than the desperate exploits, foul doings, and diabolical career of these monsters in human form.

islesnounUS /aɪlz/

plural of “isle” — a small island

From this reading The pirate, from the perilous nature of his occupation, when not cruising on the ocean, the great highway of nations, selects the most lonely isles of the sea for his retreat, or secretes himself near the shores of rivers, bays and lagoons of thickly wooded and uninhabited countries, so that if pursued he can escape to the woods and mountain glens of the interior.

lagoonsnounUS /ləˈɡuːnz/

plural of “lagoon” — a body of water cut off from a larger body by a reef of sand or coral

From this reading The pirate, from the perilous nature of his occupation, when not cruising on the ocean, the great highway of nations, selects the most lonely isles of the sea for his retreat, or secretes himself near the shores of rivers, bays and lagoons of thickly wooded and uninhabited countries, so that if pursued he can escape to the woods and mountain glens of the interior.

lonelyadjectiveUS /ˈloʊnli/

lacking companions or companionship

From this reading The pirate, from the perilous nature of his occupation, when not cruising on the ocean, the great highway of nations, selects the most lonely isles of the sea for his retreat, or secretes himself near the shores of rivers, bays and lagoons of thickly wooded and uninhabited countries, so that if pursued he can escape to the woods and mountain glens of the interior.

mankindnounUS /ˈmænˈkaɪnd/

all of the living human inhabitants of the earth

From this reading In the mind of the mariner, there is a superstitious horror connected with the name of Pirate; and there are few subjects that interest and excite the curiosity of mankind generally, more than the desperate exploits, foul doings, and diabolical career of these monsters in human form.

marinernounUS /ˈmerənər/

a man who serves as a sailor

From this reading In the mind of the mariner, there is a superstitious horror connected with the name of Pirate; and there are few subjects that interest and excite the curiosity of mankind generally, more than the desperate exploits, foul doings, and diabolical career of these monsters in human form.

mindnounUS /maɪnd/

The element of a person that enables awareness and thought.

From this reading In the mind of the mariner, there is a superstitious horror connected with the name of Pirate; and there are few subjects that interest and excite the curiosity of mankind generally, more than the desperate exploits, foul doings, and diabolical career of these monsters in human form.

monstersnounUS /ˈmɑːnstərz/

plural of “monster” — an imaginary creature usually having various human and animal parts

From this reading In the mind of the mariner, there is a superstitious horror connected with the name of Pirate; and there are few subjects that interest and excite the curiosity of mankind generally, more than the desperate exploits, foul doings, and diabolical career of these monsters in human form.

moreadjectiveUS /mɔːr/

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

From this reading In the mind of the mariner, there is a superstitious horror connected with the name of Pirate; and there are few subjects that interest and excite the curiosity of mankind generally, more than the desperate exploits, foul doings, and diabolical career of these monsters in human form.

MostadverbUS /moʊst/

used to form the superlative

From this reading Authentic Narratives of the Most Celebrated Sea Robbers.

mountainnounUS /ˈmaʊntən/

a land mass that projects well above its surroundings; higher than a hill

From this reading The pirate, from the perilous nature of his occupation, when not cruising on the ocean, the great highway of nations, selects the most lonely isles of the sea for his retreat, or secretes himself near the shores of rivers, bays and lagoons of thickly wooded and uninhabited countries, so that if pursued he can escape to the woods and mountain glens of the interior.

nameverbUS /neɪm/

assign a specified (usually proper) proper name to

From this reading In the mind of the mariner, there is a superstitious horror connected with the name of Pirate; and there are few subjects that interest and excite the curiosity of mankind generally, more than the desperate exploits, foul doings, and diabolical career of these monsters in human form.

NarrativesnounUS /ˈnærətɪvz/

plural of “narrative” — a message that tells the particulars of an act or occurrence or course of events; presented in writing or drama or cinema or as a radio or television program

From this reading Authentic Narratives of the Most Celebrated Sea Robbers.

nationnounUS /ˈneɪʃən/

a politically organized body of people under a single government

From this reading A piratical crew is generally formed of the desperadoes and runagates of every clime and nation.

nationsnounUS /ˈneɪʃənz/

plural of “nation” — a politically organized body of people under a single government

From this reading The pirate, from the perilous nature of his occupation, when not cruising on the ocean, the great highway of nations, selects the most lonely isles of the sea for his retreat, or secretes himself near the shores of rivers, bays and lagoons of thickly wooded and uninhabited countries, so that if pursued he can escape to the woods and mountain glens of the interior.

naturenounUS /ˈneɪtʃər/

the essential qualities or characteristics by which something is recognized

From this reading The pirate, from the perilous nature of his occupation, when not cruising on the ocean, the great highway of nations, selects the most lonely isles of the sea for his retreat, or secretes himself near the shores of rivers, bays and lagoons of thickly wooded and uninhabited countries, so that if pursued he can escape to the woods and mountain glens of the interior.

nearadverbUS /nɪr/

near in time or place or relationship

From this reading The pirate, from the perilous nature of his occupation, when not cruising on the ocean, the great highway of nations, selects the most lonely isles of the sea for his retreat, or secretes himself near the shores of rivers, bays and lagoons of thickly wooded and uninhabited countries, so that if pursued he can escape to the woods and mountain glens of the interior.

notadverbUS /nɑːt/

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading The pirate, from the perilous nature of his occupation, when not cruising on the ocean, the great highway of nations, selects the most lonely isles of the sea for his retreat, or secretes himself near the shores of rivers, bays and lagoons of thickly wooded and uninhabited countries, so that if pursued he can escape to the woods and mountain glens of the interior.

occupationnounUS /ˌɑːkjəˈpeɪʃən/

the principal activity in your life that you do to earn money

From this reading The pirate, from the perilous nature of his occupation, when not cruising on the ocean, the great highway of nations, selects the most lonely isles of the sea for his retreat, or secretes himself near the shores of rivers, bays and lagoons of thickly wooded and uninhabited countries, so that if pursued he can escape to the woods and mountain glens of the interior.

oceannounUS /ˈoʊʃən/

a large body of water constituting a principal part of the hydrosphere

From this reading The pirate, from the perilous nature of his occupation, when not cruising on the ocean, the great highway of nations, selects the most lonely isles of the sea for his retreat, or secretes himself near the shores of rivers, bays and lagoons of thickly wooded and uninhabited countries, so that if pursued he can escape to the woods and mountain glens of the interior.

ofprepositionUS /ʌv/

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading Authentic Narratives of the Most Celebrated Sea Robbers.

onprepositionUS /ɑːn/

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading The pirate, from the perilous nature of his occupation, when not cruising on the ocean, the great highway of nations, selects the most lonely isles of the sea for his retreat, or secretes himself near the shores of rivers, bays and lagoons of thickly wooded and uninhabited countries, so that if pursued he can escape to the woods and mountain glens of the interior.

orconjunctionUS /ɔːr/

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading The pirate, from the perilous nature of his occupation, when not cruising on the ocean, the great highway of nations, selects the most lonely isles of the sea for his retreat, or secretes himself near the shores of rivers, bays and lagoons of thickly wooded and uninhabited countries, so that if pursued he can escape to the woods and mountain glens of the interior.

perilousadjectiveUS /ˈperələs/

fraught with danger

From this reading The pirate, from the perilous nature of his occupation, when not cruising on the ocean, the great highway of nations, selects the most lonely isles of the sea for his retreat, or secretes himself near the shores of rivers, bays and lagoons of thickly wooded and uninhabited countries, so that if pursued he can escape to the woods and mountain glens of the interior.

PiratenounUS /ˈpaɪrət/

someone who uses another person's words or ideas as if they were his own

From this reading In the mind of the mariner, there is a superstitious horror connected with the name of Pirate; and there are few subjects that interest and excite the curiosity of mankind generally, more than the desperate exploits, foul doings, and diabolical career of these monsters in human form.

piraticaladjective

characteristic of pirates

From this reading A piratical crew is generally formed of the desperadoes and runagates of every clime and nation.

PREFACEnounUS /ˈprefəs/

a short introductory essay preceding the text of a book

From this reading PREFACE.

pursuednounUS /pərˈsuːd/

a person who is being chased

From this reading The pirate, from the perilous nature of his occupation, when not cruising on the ocean, the great highway of nations, selects the most lonely isles of the sea for his retreat, or secretes himself near the shores of rivers, bays and lagoons of thickly wooded and uninhabited countries, so that if pursued he can escape to the woods and mountain glens of the interior.

retreatnounUS /riˈtriːt/

(military) withdrawal of troops to a more favorable position to escape the enemy's superior forces or after a defeat

From this reading The pirate, from the perilous nature of his occupation, when not cruising on the ocean, the great highway of nations, selects the most lonely isles of the sea for his retreat, or secretes himself near the shores of rivers, bays and lagoons of thickly wooded and uninhabited countries, so that if pursued he can escape to the woods and mountain glens of the interior.

riversnounUS /ˈrɪvərz/

plural of “river” — a large natural stream of water (larger than a creek)

From this reading The pirate, from the perilous nature of his occupation, when not cruising on the ocean, the great highway of nations, selects the most lonely isles of the sea for his retreat, or secretes himself near the shores of rivers, bays and lagoons of thickly wooded and uninhabited countries, so that if pursued he can escape to the woods and mountain glens of the interior.

RobbersnounUS /ˈrɒb.ərz/

Persons who steal from a person or place, especially using violence or threats.

From this reading Authentic Narratives of the Most Celebrated Sea Robbers.

runagates

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

From this reading A piratical crew is generally formed of the desperadoes and runagates of every clime and nation.

SeanounUS /siː/

a division of an ocean or a large body of salt water partially enclosed by land

From this reading Authentic Narratives of the Most Celebrated Sea Robbers.

secretes

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

From this reading The pirate, from the perilous nature of his occupation, when not cruising on the ocean, the great highway of nations, selects the most lonely isles of the sea for his retreat, or secretes himself near the shores of rivers, bays and lagoons of thickly wooded and uninhabited countries, so that if pursued he can escape to the woods and mountain glens of the interior.

selectsverbUS /səˈlekts/

third-person singular of “select” — pick out, select, or choose from a number of alternatives

From this reading The pirate, from the perilous nature of his occupation, when not cruising on the ocean, the great highway of nations, selects the most lonely isles of the sea for his retreat, or secretes himself near the shores of rivers, bays and lagoons of thickly wooded and uninhabited countries, so that if pursued he can escape to the woods and mountain glens of the interior.

shoresnounUS /ʃɔːrz/

plural of “shore” — the land along the edge of a body of water

From this reading The pirate, from the perilous nature of his occupation, when not cruising on the ocean, the great highway of nations, selects the most lonely isles of the sea for his retreat, or secretes himself near the shores of rivers, bays and lagoons of thickly wooded and uninhabited countries, so that if pursued he can escape to the woods and mountain glens of the interior.

soconjunctionUS /soʊ/

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading The pirate, from the perilous nature of his occupation, when not cruising on the ocean, the great highway of nations, selects the most lonely isles of the sea for his retreat, or secretes himself near the shores of rivers, bays and lagoons of thickly wooded and uninhabited countries, so that if pursued he can escape to the woods and mountain glens of the interior.

subjectsnounUS /ˈsʌbdʒɪkts/

plural of “subject” — the subject matter of a conversation or discussion

From this reading In the mind of the mariner, there is a superstitious horror connected with the name of Pirate; and there are few subjects that interest and excite the curiosity of mankind generally, more than the desperate exploits, foul doings, and diabolical career of these monsters in human form.

superstitiousadjectiveUS /ˌsuːpərˈstɪʃəs/

showing ignorance of the laws of nature and faith in magic or chance

From this reading In the mind of the mariner, there is a superstitious horror connected with the name of Pirate; and there are few subjects that interest and excite the curiosity of mankind generally, more than the desperate exploits, foul doings, and diabolical career of these monsters in human form.

thanconjunctionUS /ðæn/

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading In the mind of the mariner, there is a superstitious horror connected with the name of Pirate; and there are few subjects that interest and excite the curiosity of mankind generally, more than the desperate exploits, foul doings, and diabolical career of these monsters in human form.

thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading In the mind of the mariner, there is a superstitious horror connected with the name of Pirate; and there are few subjects that interest and excite the curiosity of mankind generally, more than the desperate exploits, foul doings, and diabolical career of these monsters in human form.

thedeterminerUS /ðə/

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

From this reading Authentic Narratives of the Most Celebrated Sea Robbers.

thereadverbUS /ðer/

in or at that place or location

From this reading In the mind of the mariner, there is a superstitious horror connected with the name of Pirate; and there are few subjects that interest and excite the curiosity of mankind generally, more than the desperate exploits, foul doings, and diabolical career of these monsters in human form.

thesedeterminerUS /ðiːz/

the plural of “this”: the people or things near, or just mentioned

From this reading In the mind of the mariner, there is a superstitious horror connected with the name of Pirate; and there are few subjects that interest and excite the curiosity of mankind generally, more than the desperate exploits, foul doings, and diabolical career of these monsters in human form.

thicklyadverbUS /ˈθɪkli/

spoken with poor articulation as if with a thick tongue

From this reading The pirate, from the perilous nature of his occupation, when not cruising on the ocean, the great highway of nations, selects the most lonely isles of the sea for his retreat, or secretes himself near the shores of rivers, bays and lagoons of thickly wooded and uninhabited countries, so that if pursued he can escape to the woods and mountain glens of the interior.

toparticleUS /tuː/

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

From this reading The pirate, from the perilous nature of his occupation, when not cruising on the ocean, the great highway of nations, selects the most lonely isles of the sea for his retreat, or secretes himself near the shores of rivers, bays and lagoons of thickly wooded and uninhabited countries, so that if pursued he can escape to the woods and mountain glens of the interior.

uninhabitedadjectiveUS /ˌʌnɪnˈhæbətɪd/

not having inhabitants; not lived in

From this reading The pirate, from the perilous nature of his occupation, when not cruising on the ocean, the great highway of nations, selects the most lonely isles of the sea for his retreat, or secretes himself near the shores of rivers, bays and lagoons of thickly wooded and uninhabited countries, so that if pursued he can escape to the woods and mountain glens of the interior.

whenconjunctionUS /wen/

at the time that

From this reading The pirate, from the perilous nature of his occupation, when not cruising on the ocean, the great highway of nations, selects the most lonely isles of the sea for his retreat, or secretes himself near the shores of rivers, bays and lagoons of thickly wooded and uninhabited countries, so that if pursued he can escape to the woods and mountain glens of the interior.

withprepositionUS /wɪð/

in the company of; together with

From this reading In the mind of the mariner, there is a superstitious horror connected with the name of Pirate; and there are few subjects that interest and excite the curiosity of mankind generally, more than the desperate exploits, foul doings, and diabolical career of these monsters in human form.

woodedadjectiveUS /ˈwʊdɪd/

covered with growing trees and bushes etc

From this reading The pirate, from the perilous nature of his occupation, when not cruising on the ocean, the great highway of nations, selects the most lonely isles of the sea for his retreat, or secretes himself near the shores of rivers, bays and lagoons of thickly wooded and uninhabited countries, so that if pursued he can escape to the woods and mountain glens of the interior.

woodsnounUS /wʊdz/

the trees and other plants in a large densely wooded area

From this reading The pirate, from the perilous nature of his occupation, when not cruising on the ocean, the great highway of nations, selects the most lonely isles of the sea for his retreat, or secretes himself near the shores of rivers, bays and lagoons of thickly wooded and uninhabited countries, so that if pursued he can escape to the woods and mountain glens of the interior.

Chapter 1 of The pirates own book by Charles Ellms holds 409 sentences, grouped into 82 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 1 of The pirates own book contain?

Chapter 1 holds 409 sentences of The pirates own book, unabridged, divided into 82 reading sections.

This page carries chapter 1 of The pirates own book by Charles Ellms exactly as it stands in the source edition, without abridgement. It runs to 409 sentences, grouped into 82 sections of at most 5 sentences so that a reader can take the chapter in steady, finishable pieces. The chapter also stores a coverage record mapping every one of its sentences to a part of the work, which is how the edition demonstrates that no line was dropped.

How do I study chapter 1 of The pirates own book?

Work through the 82 sections in order, replaying any sentence and tapping unfamiliar words for their entries.

Each of the 82 sections in this chapter is short enough to read once, hear once, and then re-read with the vocabulary in view. Tapping a word plays it alone and opens its dictionary entry with IPA, part of speech and meaning, so the reader is never forced to guess a pronunciation from spelling. Working section by section keeps a long chapter from becoming an undifferentiated wall of text, which is the usual reason a reader abandons a work of this period.

Can chapter 1 be read aloud to me?

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

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

Questions about reading The pirates own book

Common questions about reading The pirates own book by Charles Ellms on this page, its source edition and its audio.

Is this the complete text of The pirates own book?

Yes. All 4327 sentences of Project Gutenberg eBook #12216 are kept, with a record of which sentences cover which part.

Which edition of The pirates own book is used?

Project Gutenberg eBook #12216, unabridged. The Project Gutenberg header, footer and licence are removed.

How long does The pirates own book take to read?

About 360 minutes of reading across 866 sections of 5 sentences each, at an unhurried pace.

How to read The pirates own book section by section

How to work through The pirates own book section by section, using the audio and the tap-to-define vocabulary.

  1. Open a chapter

    Choose one of the 11 chapters of The pirates own book 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 pirates own book

Words and structures a reader meets early in The pirates own book, each tappable for pronunciation and meaning.

Authentic
A word that appears in the opening chapter of The pirates own book; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Narratives
A word that appears in the opening chapter of The pirates own book; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Celebrated
A word that appears in the opening chapter of The pirates own book; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Robbers
A word that appears in the opening chapter of The pirates own book; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.