Chapter 1 of The Popular Story of Blue Beard is here in full — 123 sentences across 25 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.
A keeper or guardian of historical records and memories.
Chapter I
Chapter 1 of The Popular Story of Blue Beard is here in full — 123 sentences across 25 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.
BLUE BEARD. THE POPULAR STORY OF BLUE BEARD. Embellished with neat Engravings. COOPERSTOWN: Printed and sold by H. and E. Phinney. _The Alphabet._ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z _a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z_ fi fl ff ffi ffl--_fi fl ff ffi ffl_ .
Chapter 1 of The Popular Story of Blue Beard is here in full — 123 sentences across 25 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.
Reading 1/24 · 5 reading units · Lines 1–5
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.
a character set that includes letters and is used to write a language
From this reading “_The Alphabet._ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z _a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z_ fi fl ff ffi ffl--_fi fl ff ffi ffl_ .”
the hair growing on the lower part of a man's face
From this reading “BLUE BEARD.”
a small town in east central New York; site of the National Baseball Hall of Fame
From this reading “COOPERSTOWN: Printed and sold by H. and E. Phinney.”
past form of “embellish” — add details to
From this reading “Embellished with neat Engravings.”
plural of “engraving” — a print made from an engraving
From this reading “Embellished with neat Engravings.”
clean or organized
From this reading “Embellished with neat Engravings.”
regarded with great favor, approval, or affection especially by the general public
From this reading “THE POPULAR STORY OF BLUE BEARD.”
past form of “print” — put into print
From this reading “COOPERSTOWN: Printed and sold by H. and E. Phinney.”
English keeps certain words together, and knowing the pair is worth more than knowing each word alone. Every partnership below was counted across our whole published library, and earns its place by appearing far more often than two unrelated words of the same frequency would.
Shown as this reading writes them, with the form the library counts, what kind of pairing it is, and how often it occurs.
In this reading “Embellished with neat Engravings.”
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.
used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading _The Alphabet._ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z _a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z_ fi fl ff ffi ffl--_fi fl ff ffi ffl_ .
a character set that includes letters and is used to write a language
From this reading _The Alphabet._ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z _a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z_ fi fl ff ffi ffl--_fi fl ff ffi ffl_ .
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading COOPERSTOWN: Printed and sold by H. and E. Phinney.
aerobic rod-shaped spore-producing bacterium; often occurring in chainlike formations; found primarily in soil
From this reading _The Alphabet._ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z _a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z_ fi fl ff ffi ffl--_fi fl ff ffi ffl_ .
the hair growing on the lower part of a man's face
From this reading BLUE BEARD.
of the color intermediate between green and violet; having a color similar to that of a clear unclouded sky
From this reading BLUE BEARD.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading COOPERSTOWN: Printed and sold by H. and E. Phinney.
a degree on the centigrade scale of temperature
From this reading _The Alphabet._ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z _a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z_ fi fl ff ffi ffl--_fi fl ff ffi ffl_ .
a small town in east central New York; site of the National Baseball Hall of Fame
From this reading COOPERSTOWN: Printed and sold by H. and E. Phinney.
a fat-soluble vitamin that prevents rickets
From this reading _The Alphabet._ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z _a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z_ fi fl ff ffi ffl--_fi fl ff ffi ffl_ .
a fat-soluble vitamin that is essential for normal reproduction; an important antioxidant that neutralizes free radicals in the body
From this reading COOPERSTOWN: Printed and sold by H. and E. Phinney.
past form of “embellish” — add details to
From this reading Embellished with neat Engravings.
plural of “engraving” — a print made from an engraving
From this reading Embellished with neat Engravings.
a degree on the Fahrenheit scale of temperature
From this reading _The Alphabet._ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z _a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z_ fi fl ff ffi ffl--_fi fl ff ffi ffl_ .
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading _The Alphabet._ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z _a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z_ fi fl ff ffi ffl--_fi fl ff ffi ffl_ .
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading _The Alphabet._ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z _a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z_ fi fl ff ffi ffl--_fi fl ff ffi ffl_ .
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading _The Alphabet._ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z _a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z_ fi fl ff ffi ffl--_fi fl ff ffi ffl_ .
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading _The Alphabet._ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z _a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z_ fi fl ff ffi ffl--_fi fl ff ffi ffl_ .
a state in southeastern United States between the Atlantic and the Gulf of Mexico; one of the Confederate states during the American Civil War
From this reading _The Alphabet._ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z _a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z_ fi fl ff ffi ffl--_fi fl ff ffi ffl_ .
a metric unit of weight equal to one thousandth of a kilogram
From this reading _The Alphabet._ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z _a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z_ fi fl ff ffi ffl--_fi fl ff ffi ffl_ .
a nonmetallic univalent element that is normally a colorless and odorless highly flammable diatomic gas; the simplest and lightest and most abundant element in the universe
From this reading COOPERSTOWN: Printed and sold by H. and E. Phinney.
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading _The Alphabet._ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z _a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z_ fi fl ff ffi ffl--_fi fl ff ffi ffl_ .
a unit of electrical energy equal to the work done when a current of one ampere passes through a resistance of one ohm for one second
From this reading _The Alphabet._ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z _a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z_ fi fl ff ffi ffl--_fi fl ff ffi ffl_ .
the basic unit of thermodynamic temperature adopted under the Systeme International d'Unites
From this reading _The Alphabet._ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z _a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z_ fi fl ff ffi ffl--_fi fl ff ffi ffl_ .
a metric unit of capacity, formerly defined as the volume of one kilogram of pure water under standard conditions; now equal to 1,000 cubic centimeters (or approximately 1.75 pints)
From this reading _The Alphabet._ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z _a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z_ fi fl ff ffi ffl--_fi fl ff ffi ffl_ .
the basic unit of length adopted under the Systeme International d'Unites (approximately 1.094 yards)
From this reading _The Alphabet._ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z _a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z_ fi fl ff ffi ffl--_fi fl ff ffi ffl_ .
a common nonmetallic element that is normally a colorless odorless tasteless inert diatomic gas; constitutes 78 percent of the atmosphere by volume; a constituent of all living tissues
From this reading _The Alphabet._ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z _a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z_ fi fl ff ffi ffl--_fi fl ff ffi ffl_ .
clean or organized
From this reading Embellished with neat Engravings.
a nonmetallic bivalent element that is normally a colorless odorless tasteless nonflammable diatomic gas; constitutes 21 percent of the atmosphere by volume; the most abundant element in the earth's crust
From this reading _The Alphabet._ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z _a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z_ fi fl ff ffi ffl--_fi fl ff ffi ffl_ .
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading THE POPULAR STORY OF BLUE BEARD.
a multivalent nonmetallic element of the nitrogen family that occurs commonly in inorganic phosphate rocks and as organic phosphates in all living cells; is highly reactive and occurs in several allotropic forms
From this reading _The Alphabet._ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z _a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z_ fi fl ff ffi ffl--_fi fl ff ffi ffl_ .
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading COOPERSTOWN: Printed and sold by H. and E. Phinney.
regarded with great favor, approval, or affection especially by the general public
From this reading THE POPULAR STORY OF BLUE BEARD.
past form of “print” — put into print
From this reading COOPERSTOWN: Printed and sold by H. and E. Phinney.
the 17th letter of the Roman alphabet
From this reading _The Alphabet._ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z _a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z_ fi fl ff ffi ffl--_fi fl ff ffi ffl_ .
a unit of radiation exposure; the dose of ionizing radiation that will produce 1 electrostatic unit of electricity in 1 cc of dry air
From this reading _The Alphabet._ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z _a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z_ fi fl ff ffi ffl--_fi fl ff ffi ffl_ .
1/60 of a minute; the basic unit of time adopted under the Systeme International d'Unites
From this reading _The Alphabet._ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z _a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z_ fi fl ff ffi ffl--_fi fl ff ffi ffl_ .
disposed of to a purchaser
From this reading COOPERSTOWN: Printed and sold by H. and E. Phinney.
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 THE POPULAR STORY OF BLUE BEARD.
a base found in DNA (but not in RNA) and derived from pyrimidine; pairs with adenine
From this reading _The Alphabet._ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z _a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z_ fi fl ff ffi ffl--_fi fl ff ffi ffl_ .
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading THE POPULAR STORY OF BLUE BEARD.
a base containing nitrogen that is found in RNA (but not in DNA) and derived from pyrimidine; pairs with adenine
From this reading _The Alphabet._ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z _a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z_ fi fl ff ffi ffl--_fi fl ff ffi ffl_ .
a unit of potential equal to the potential difference between two points on a conductor carrying a current of 1 ampere when the power dissipated between the two points is 1 watt
From this reading _The Alphabet._ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z _a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z_ fi fl ff ffi ffl--_fi fl ff ffi ffl_ .
a heavy grey-white metallic element; the pure form is used mainly in electrical applications; it is found in several ores including wolframite and scheelite
From this reading _The Alphabet._ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z _a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z_ fi fl ff ffi ffl--_fi fl ff ffi ffl_ .
in the company of; together with
From this reading Embellished with neat Engravings.
the cardinal number that is the sum of nine and one; the base of the decimal system
From this reading _The Alphabet._ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z _a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z_ fi fl ff ffi ffl--_fi fl ff ffi ffl_ .
a silvery metallic element that is common in rare-earth minerals; used in magnesium and aluminum alloys
From this reading _The Alphabet._ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z _a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z_ fi fl ff ffi ffl--_fi fl ff ffi ffl_ .
the ending of a series or sequence
From this reading _The Alphabet._ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z _a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z_ fi fl ff ffi ffl--_fi fl ff ffi ffl_ .
Chapter 1 of The Popular Story of Blue Beard by Charles Perrault holds 123 sentences, grouped into 25 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.
Chapter 1 holds 123 sentences of The Popular Story of Blue Beard, unabridged, divided into 25 reading sections.
This page carries chapter 1 of The Popular Story of Blue Beard by Charles Perrault exactly as it stands in the source edition, without abridgement. It runs to 123 sentences, grouped into 25 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.
Work through the 25 sections in order, replaying any sentence and tapping unfamiliar words for their entries.
Each of the 25 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.
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.
Common questions about reading The Popular Story of Blue Beard by Charles Perrault on this page, its source edition and its audio.
Yes. All 123 sentences of Project Gutenberg eBook #43457 are kept, with a record of which sentences cover which part.
Project Gutenberg eBook #43457, unabridged. The Project Gutenberg header, footer and licence are removed.
About 10 minutes of reading across 25 sections of 5 sentences each, at an unhurried pace.
How to work through The Popular Story of Blue Beard section by section, using the audio and the tap-to-define vocabulary.
Choose one of the 1 chapters of The Popular Story of Blue Beard to begin.
Each section holds 5 sentences; read it once through.
Play the section aloud, then tap any unfamiliar word for its entry.
Words and structures a reader meets early in The Popular Story of Blue Beard, each tappable for pronunciation and meaning.
