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The Letters of Robert Louis Stevenson — Volume 2
The Letters of Robert Louis Stevenson — Volume 2

Chapter XXI

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Context Illustration Reading 1/32 · 5 lines
English subtitles · tap any word to listen 1 / 5
ROBERT LOUIS STEVENSON, _Author of a vast quantity of little books_.
TO E. L. BURLINGAME [_Vailima_, _December_ 1891.]
MY DEAR BURLINGAME,—The end of _The Wrecker_ having but just come in, you will, I dare say, be appalled to receive three (possibly four) chapters of a new book of the least attractive sort: a history of nowhere in a corner, for no time to mention, running to a volume!
Well, it may very likely be an illusion; it is very likely no one could possibly wish to read it, but I wish to publish it.
If you don’t cotton to the idea, kindly set it up at my expense, and let me know your terms for publishing.
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AI-generated narration by OpenAI · Slow US English
LEARNER DICTIONARY
Archivist
/ˈɑːrkɪvɪst/
Editorial verification pending

A keeper or guardian of historical records and memories.

The Letters of Robert Louis Stevenson — Volume 2

Chapter XXI

Reading 1/32 · 5 reading units · Lines 1–5

Line 1
ROBERT LOUIS STEVENSON, _Author of a vast quantity of little books_.
Line 2
TO E. L. BURLINGAME [_Vailima_, _December_ 1891.]
Line 3
MY DEAR BURLINGAME,—The end of _The Wrecker_ having but just come in, you will, I dare say, be appalled to receive three (possibly four) chapters of a new book of the least attractive sort: a history of nowhere in a corner, for no time to mention, running to a volume!
Line 4
Well, it may very likely be an illusion; it is very likely no one could possibly wish to read it, but I wish to publish it.
Line 5
If you don’t cotton to the idea, kindly set it up at my expense, and let me know your terms for publishing.

Learner Dictionary

Oxford-style entry order: headword, part of speech, US IPA, concise definition, contextual example, audio, and collocations from this reading.

Books noun US /bʊks/

Bound written or printed works.

Come noun US /come/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “MY DEAR BURLINGAME,—The end of _The Wrecker_ having but just come in, you will, I dare say, be appalled to receive three (possibly four) chapters of a new book of the least attractive sort: a history of nowhere in a corner, for no time to mention, running to a volume!”

Could modal verb US /kʊd/

the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests

From this reading “Well, it may very likely be an illusion; it is very likely no one could possibly wish to read it, but I wish to publish it.”

Having auxiliary verb US /ˈhævɪŋ/

the -ing form of “have”

From this reading “MY DEAR BURLINGAME,—The end of _The Wrecker_ having but just come in, you will, I dare say, be appalled to receive three (possibly four) chapters of a new book of the least attractive sort: a history of nowhere in a corner, for no time to mention, running to a volume!”

Know noun US /know/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “If you don’t cotton to the idea, kindly set it up at my expense, and let me know your terms for publishing.”

Least noun US /least/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “MY DEAR BURLINGAME,—The end of _The Wrecker_ having but just come in, you will, I dare say, be appalled to receive three (possibly four) chapters of a new book of the least attractive sort: a history of nowhere in a corner, for no time to mention, running to a volume!”

Let auxiliary verb US /let/

used to make a suggestion or a command including the speaker

From this reading “If you don’t cotton to the idea, kindly set it up at my expense, and let me know your terms for publishing.”

Little noun US /little/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “ROBERT LOUIS STEVENSON, _Author of a vast quantity of little books_.”

May modal verb US /meɪ/

used to say something is possible, or to give permission

From this reading “Well, it may very likely be an illusion; it is very likely no one could possibly wish to read it, but I wish to publish it.”

One pronoun US /wʌn/

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading “Well, it may very likely be an illusion; it is very likely no one could possibly wish to read it, but I wish to publish it.”

Running noun US /ˈrunning/

a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage

From this reading “MY DEAR BURLINGAME,—The end of _The Wrecker_ having but just come in, you will, I dare say, be appalled to receive three (possibly four) chapters of a new book of the least attractive sort: a history of nowhere in a corner, for no time to mention, running to a volume!”

Time noun US /time/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “MY DEAR BURLINGAME,—The end of _The Wrecker_ having but just come in, you will, I dare say, be appalled to receive three (possibly four) chapters of a new book of the least attractive sort: a history of nowhere in a corner, for no time to mention, running to a volume!”

Well noun US /well/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “Well, it may very likely be an illusion; it is very likely no one could possibly wish to read it, but I wish to publish it.”

All words in this reading · 82

Every word is available to listen to. Dictionary details are shown only when verified; these are not licensed Oxford entries.

1891

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

From this reading TO E. L. BURLINGAME [_Vailima_, _December_ 1891.]

adeterminerUS /ə/

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

From this reading ROBERT LOUIS STEVENSON, _Author of a vast quantity of little books_.

andeterminerUS /æn/

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

From this reading Well, it may very likely be an illusion; it is very likely no one could possibly wish to read it, but I wish to publish it.

andconjunctionUS /ənd/

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

From this reading If you don’t cotton to the idea, kindly set it up at my expense, and let me know your terms for publishing.

appalled

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

From this reading MY DEAR BURLINGAME,—The end of _The Wrecker_ having but just come in, you will, I dare say, be appalled to receive three (possibly four) chapters of a new book of the least attractive sort: a history of nowhere in a corner, for no time to mention, running to a volume!

atprepositionUS /æt/

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading If you don’t cotton to the idea, kindly set it up at my expense, and let me know your terms for publishing.

attractive

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

From this reading MY DEAR BURLINGAME,—The end of _The Wrecker_ having but just come in, you will, I dare say, be appalled to receive three (possibly four) chapters of a new book of the least attractive sort: a history of nowhere in a corner, for no time to mention, running to a volume!

Author

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

From this reading ROBERT LOUIS STEVENSON, _Author of a vast quantity of little books_.

beauxiliary verbUS /biː/

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

From this reading MY DEAR BURLINGAME,—The end of _The Wrecker_ having but just come in, you will, I dare say, be appalled to receive three (possibly four) chapters of a new book of the least attractive sort: a history of nowhere in a corner, for no time to mention, running to a volume!

book

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

From this reading MY DEAR BURLINGAME,—The end of _The Wrecker_ having but just come in, you will, I dare say, be appalled to receive three (possibly four) chapters of a new book of the least attractive sort: a history of nowhere in a corner, for no time to mention, running to a volume!

booksnounUS /bʊks/

Bound written or printed works.

From this reading ROBERT LOUIS STEVENSON, _Author of a vast quantity of little books_.

BURLINGAME

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

From this reading TO E. L. BURLINGAME [_Vailima_, _December_ 1891.]

butconjunctionUS /bʌt/

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading MY DEAR BURLINGAME,—The end of _The Wrecker_ having but just come in, you will, I dare say, be appalled to receive three (possibly four) chapters of a new book of the least attractive sort: a history of nowhere in a corner, for no time to mention, running to a volume!

chapters

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

From this reading MY DEAR BURLINGAME,—The end of _The Wrecker_ having but just come in, you will, I dare say, be appalled to receive three (possibly four) chapters of a new book of the least attractive sort: a history of nowhere in a corner, for no time to mention, running to a volume!

comenounUS /come/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading MY DEAR BURLINGAME,—The end of _The Wrecker_ having but just come in, you will, I dare say, be appalled to receive three (possibly four) chapters of a new book of the least attractive sort: a history of nowhere in a corner, for no time to mention, running to a volume!

corner

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

From this reading MY DEAR BURLINGAME,—The end of _The Wrecker_ having but just come in, you will, I dare say, be appalled to receive three (possibly four) chapters of a new book of the least attractive sort: a history of nowhere in a corner, for no time to mention, running to a volume!

cotton

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

From this reading If you don’t cotton to the idea, kindly set it up at my expense, and let me know your terms for publishing.

couldmodal verbUS /kʊd/

the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests

From this reading Well, it may very likely be an illusion; it is very likely no one could possibly wish to read it, but I wish to publish it.

dare

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

From this reading MY DEAR BURLINGAME,—The end of _The Wrecker_ having but just come in, you will, I dare say, be appalled to receive three (possibly four) chapters of a new book of the least attractive sort: a history of nowhere in a corner, for no time to mention, running to a volume!

DEAR

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

From this reading MY DEAR BURLINGAME,—The end of _The Wrecker_ having but just come in, you will, I dare say, be appalled to receive three (possibly four) chapters of a new book of the least attractive sort: a history of nowhere in a corner, for no time to mention, running to a volume!

December

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

From this reading TO E. L. BURLINGAME [_Vailima_, _December_ 1891.]

don't

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

From this reading If you don’t cotton to the idea, kindly set it up at my expense, and let me know your terms for publishing.

E

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

From this reading TO E. L. BURLINGAME [_Vailima_, _December_ 1891.]

end

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

From this reading MY DEAR BURLINGAME,—The end of _The Wrecker_ having but just come in, you will, I dare say, be appalled to receive three (possibly four) chapters of a new book of the least attractive sort: a history of nowhere in a corner, for no time to mention, running to a volume!

expense

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

From this reading If you don’t cotton to the idea, kindly set it up at my expense, and let me know your terms for publishing.

forprepositionUS /fɔːr/

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading MY DEAR BURLINGAME,—The end of _The Wrecker_ having but just come in, you will, I dare say, be appalled to receive three (possibly four) chapters of a new book of the least attractive sort: a history of nowhere in a corner, for no time to mention, running to a volume!

four

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

From this reading MY DEAR BURLINGAME,—The end of _The Wrecker_ having but just come in, you will, I dare say, be appalled to receive three (possibly four) chapters of a new book of the least attractive sort: a history of nowhere in a corner, for no time to mention, running to a volume!

havingauxiliary verbUS /ˈhævɪŋ/

the -ing form of “have”

From this reading MY DEAR BURLINGAME,—The end of _The Wrecker_ having but just come in, you will, I dare say, be appalled to receive three (possibly four) chapters of a new book of the least attractive sort: a history of nowhere in a corner, for no time to mention, running to a volume!

history

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

From this reading MY DEAR BURLINGAME,—The end of _The Wrecker_ having but just come in, you will, I dare say, be appalled to receive three (possibly four) chapters of a new book of the least attractive sort: a history of nowhere in a corner, for no time to mention, running to a volume!

IpronounUS /aɪ/

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

From this reading MY DEAR BURLINGAME,—The end of _The Wrecker_ having but just come in, you will, I dare say, be appalled to receive three (possibly four) chapters of a new book of the least attractive sort: a history of nowhere in a corner, for no time to mention, running to a volume!

idea

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

From this reading If you don’t cotton to the idea, kindly set it up at my expense, and let me know your terms for publishing.

IfconjunctionUS /ɪf/

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading If you don’t cotton to the idea, kindly set it up at my expense, and let me know your terms for publishing.

illusion

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

From this reading Well, it may very likely be an illusion; it is very likely no one could possibly wish to read it, but I wish to publish it.

inprepositionUS /ɪn/

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

From this reading MY DEAR BURLINGAME,—The end of _The Wrecker_ having but just come in, you will, I dare say, be appalled to receive three (possibly four) chapters of a new book of the least attractive sort: a history of nowhere in a corner, for no time to mention, running to a volume!

isauxiliary verbUS /ɪz/

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

From this reading Well, it may very likely be an illusion; it is very likely no one could possibly wish to read it, but I wish to publish it.

itpronounUS /ɪt/

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading Well, it may very likely be an illusion; it is very likely no one could possibly wish to read it, but I wish to publish it.

just

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

From this reading MY DEAR BURLINGAME,—The end of _The Wrecker_ having but just come in, you will, I dare say, be appalled to receive three (possibly four) chapters of a new book of the least attractive sort: a history of nowhere in a corner, for no time to mention, running to a volume!

kindly

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

From this reading If you don’t cotton to the idea, kindly set it up at my expense, and let me know your terms for publishing.

knownounUS /know/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading If you don’t cotton to the idea, kindly set it up at my expense, and let me know your terms for publishing.

L

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

From this reading TO E. L. BURLINGAME [_Vailima_, _December_ 1891.]

leastnounUS /least/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading MY DEAR BURLINGAME,—The end of _The Wrecker_ having but just come in, you will, I dare say, be appalled to receive three (possibly four) chapters of a new book of the least attractive sort: a history of nowhere in a corner, for no time to mention, running to a volume!

letauxiliary verbUS /let/

used to make a suggestion or a command including the speaker

From this reading If you don’t cotton to the idea, kindly set it up at my expense, and let me know your terms for publishing.

likely

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

From this reading Well, it may very likely be an illusion; it is very likely no one could possibly wish to read it, but I wish to publish it.

littlenounUS /little/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading ROBERT LOUIS STEVENSON, _Author of a vast quantity of little books_.

LOUIS

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

From this reading ROBERT LOUIS STEVENSON, _Author of a vast quantity of little books_.

maymodal verbUS /meɪ/

used to say something is possible, or to give permission

From this reading Well, it may very likely be an illusion; it is very likely no one could possibly wish to read it, but I wish to publish it.

mepronounUS /miː/

the person speaking, as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading If you don’t cotton to the idea, kindly set it up at my expense, and let me know your terms for publishing.

mention

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

From this reading MY DEAR BURLINGAME,—The end of _The Wrecker_ having but just come in, you will, I dare say, be appalled to receive three (possibly four) chapters of a new book of the least attractive sort: a history of nowhere in a corner, for no time to mention, running to a volume!

MYdeterminerUS /maɪ/

belonging to the person speaking

From this reading MY DEAR BURLINGAME,—The end of _The Wrecker_ having but just come in, you will, I dare say, be appalled to receive three (possibly four) chapters of a new book of the least attractive sort: a history of nowhere in a corner, for no time to mention, running to a volume!

new

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

From this reading MY DEAR BURLINGAME,—The end of _The Wrecker_ having but just come in, you will, I dare say, be appalled to receive three (possibly four) chapters of a new book of the least attractive sort: a history of nowhere in a corner, for no time to mention, running to a volume!

nodeterminerUS /noʊ/

not any; not one

From this reading MY DEAR BURLINGAME,—The end of _The Wrecker_ having but just come in, you will, I dare say, be appalled to receive three (possibly four) chapters of a new book of the least attractive sort: a history of nowhere in a corner, for no time to mention, running to a volume!

nowhere

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

From this reading MY DEAR BURLINGAME,—The end of _The Wrecker_ having but just come in, you will, I dare say, be appalled to receive three (possibly four) chapters of a new book of the least attractive sort: a history of nowhere in a corner, for no time to mention, running to a volume!

ofprepositionUS /ʌv/

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading ROBERT LOUIS STEVENSON, _Author of a vast quantity of little books_.

onepronounUS /wʌn/

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading Well, it may very likely be an illusion; it is very likely no one could possibly wish to read it, but I wish to publish it.

possibly

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

From this reading MY DEAR BURLINGAME,—The end of _The Wrecker_ having but just come in, you will, I dare say, be appalled to receive three (possibly four) chapters of a new book of the least attractive sort: a history of nowhere in a corner, for no time to mention, running to a volume!

publish

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

From this reading Well, it may very likely be an illusion; it is very likely no one could possibly wish to read it, but I wish to publish it.

publishing

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

From this reading If you don’t cotton to the idea, kindly set it up at my expense, and let me know your terms for publishing.

quantity

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

From this reading ROBERT LOUIS STEVENSON, _Author of a vast quantity of little books_.

read

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

From this reading Well, it may very likely be an illusion; it is very likely no one could possibly wish to read it, but I wish to publish it.

receive

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

From this reading MY DEAR BURLINGAME,—The end of _The Wrecker_ having but just come in, you will, I dare say, be appalled to receive three (possibly four) chapters of a new book of the least attractive sort: a history of nowhere in a corner, for no time to mention, running to a volume!

ROBERT

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

From this reading ROBERT LOUIS STEVENSON, _Author of a vast quantity of little books_.

runningnounUS /ˈrunning/

a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage

From this reading MY DEAR BURLINGAME,—The end of _The Wrecker_ having but just come in, you will, I dare say, be appalled to receive three (possibly four) chapters of a new book of the least attractive sort: a history of nowhere in a corner, for no time to mention, running to a volume!

say

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

From this reading MY DEAR BURLINGAME,—The end of _The Wrecker_ having but just come in, you will, I dare say, be appalled to receive three (possibly four) chapters of a new book of the least attractive sort: a history of nowhere in a corner, for no time to mention, running to a volume!

set

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

From this reading If you don’t cotton to the idea, kindly set it up at my expense, and let me know your terms for publishing.

sort

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

From this reading MY DEAR BURLINGAME,—The end of _The Wrecker_ having but just come in, you will, I dare say, be appalled to receive three (possibly four) chapters of a new book of the least attractive sort: a history of nowhere in a corner, for no time to mention, running to a volume!

STEVENSON

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

From this reading ROBERT LOUIS STEVENSON, _Author of a vast quantity of little books_.

terms

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

From this reading If you don’t cotton to the idea, kindly set it up at my expense, and let me know your terms for publishing.

ThedeterminerUS /ðə/

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

From this reading MY DEAR BURLINGAME,—The end of _The Wrecker_ having but just come in, you will, I dare say, be appalled to receive three (possibly four) chapters of a new book of the least attractive sort: a history of nowhere in a corner, for no time to mention, running to a volume!

three

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

From this reading MY DEAR BURLINGAME,—The end of _The Wrecker_ having but just come in, you will, I dare say, be appalled to receive three (possibly four) chapters of a new book of the least attractive sort: a history of nowhere in a corner, for no time to mention, running to a volume!

timenounUS /time/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading MY DEAR BURLINGAME,—The end of _The Wrecker_ having but just come in, you will, I dare say, be appalled to receive three (possibly four) chapters of a new book of the least attractive sort: a history of nowhere in a corner, for no time to mention, running to a volume!

TOparticleUS /tuː/

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

From this reading TO E. L. BURLINGAME [_Vailima_, _December_ 1891.]

up

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

From this reading If you don’t cotton to the idea, kindly set it up at my expense, and let me know your terms for publishing.

Vailima

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

From this reading TO E. L. BURLINGAME [_Vailima_, _December_ 1891.]

vast

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

From this reading ROBERT LOUIS STEVENSON, _Author of a vast quantity of little books_.

very

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

From this reading Well, it may very likely be an illusion; it is very likely no one could possibly wish to read it, but I wish to publish it.

volume

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

From this reading MY DEAR BURLINGAME,—The end of _The Wrecker_ having but just come in, you will, I dare say, be appalled to receive three (possibly four) chapters of a new book of the least attractive sort: a history of nowhere in a corner, for no time to mention, running to a volume!

Well

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

From this reading Well, it may very likely be an illusion; it is very likely no one could possibly wish to read it, but I wish to publish it.

willmodal verbUS /wɪl/

used to talk about the future, or about willingness

From this reading MY DEAR BURLINGAME,—The end of _The Wrecker_ having but just come in, you will, I dare say, be appalled to receive three (possibly four) chapters of a new book of the least attractive sort: a history of nowhere in a corner, for no time to mention, running to a volume!

wish

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

From this reading Well, it may very likely be an illusion; it is very likely no one could possibly wish to read it, but I wish to publish it.

Wrecker

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

From this reading MY DEAR BURLINGAME,—The end of _The Wrecker_ having but just come in, you will, I dare say, be appalled to receive three (possibly four) chapters of a new book of the least attractive sort: a history of nowhere in a corner, for no time to mention, running to a volume!

youpronounUS /juː/

the person or people being spoken to

From this reading MY DEAR BURLINGAME,—The end of _The Wrecker_ having but just come in, you will, I dare say, be appalled to receive three (possibly four) chapters of a new book of the least attractive sort: a history of nowhere in a corner, for no time to mention, running to a volume!

yourdeterminerUS /jɔːr/

belonging to the person or people being spoken to

From this reading If you don’t cotton to the idea, kindly set it up at my expense, and let me know your terms for publishing.