Free English ebook

Two Years in the Forbidden City

"Two Years in the Forbidden City" by Princess Der Ling is a historical account written in the early 20th century. The narrative recounts the unique experiences and observations of the author as the First Lady-in-Waiting to the Empress Dowager Cixi of China. It offers intimate insights into the life within the Imperial Palace, focusing on the court's intricate customs, the personalities of its members, and the societal changes occurring during a pivotal time in Chinese history. The beginning of the book introduces Princess Der Ling's family background and their arrival in Shanghai. As part of a high-ranking family with a progressive father, she describes the complexities of their transition from living in Paris to returning to China. The narrative highlights her father's struggle for reform against a conservative backdrop and sets the stage for Princess Der Ling's appointment at the court. Her vivid recollections as she first travels to the Summer Palace to meet the Empress Dowager Cixi reveal her excitement and trepidation, providing readers with a glimpse of the lavish and constricted world of the Qing Dynasty's last empress.

Level C1 pagesEnglish

No reads counted yet

Categories: Biographies History - Other

Readers: Adults Family Teens

Suggested age: 12+ (AI estimate)

EPUB · Layout not assessedPDF · Fixed page layoutIllustrations: not assessed

Download EPUB · 251 KB Download PDF · 864 KB Open PDF

Report a download problem

Saved on this browser only.

No ratings yet

Rate this book

One rating per book on this browser. You can change or remove it.

About this book

Reading guidance

Level C1

Language difficulty is an AI estimate based on sampled text.

Reader and content guidance is an AI estimate based on the title, author, source summary, contents and selected excerpts. Unseen portions have not been assessed.

Recommended age: 12+ (AI estimate)
No adult-only content appears in samples, but court hierarchy, reform politics, war references and diplomatic history need conceptual maturity. Independent enjoyment from about 12; younger readers would likely need supported reading. Based on named-book metadata and selected excerpts; unseen text was not assessed. This is guidance, not an official age rating; individual reading ability varies.

Source: Project Gutenberg · Public domain in the USA.

Report a file or book information problem Report a copyright concern about this book

More books to explore

Level C1 · pages · English

A Footnote to History: Eight Years of Trouble in Samoa

Written by Stevenson, Robert Louis

"A Footnote to History: Eight Years of Trouble in Samoa" by Robert Louis Stevenson is a historical work published in 1892. After settling in Samoa in 1889, Stevenson witnessed the island nation's civil war firsthand, where competing Samoan factions clashed amid interference from three global powers—the United States, Germany, and Britain. His account proved so controversial it led to official recalls and nearly resulted in his own deportation from the islands he had come to call home.

EPUB · Layout not assessedPDF · Fixed page layoutIllustrations: not assessed

No ratings yet

Categories: History - Other

Readers: Adults Teens

Suggested age: 14+ (AI estimate)

Explore book

Level C1 · pages · English

A Personal Record

Written by Conrad, Joseph

"A Personal Record" by Joseph Conrad is a reflective memoir, likely written during the late 19th century. The work serves as a deeply personal account from the author, who contemplates his life experiences, literary aspirations, and the significance of the written word, navigating through memories of his first encounters with the sea and his literary creations like "Almayer's Folly." Conrad's narrative style is introspective, offering insights into the development of his identity as both a writer and a man shaped by his maritime background. At the start of the memoir, Conrad shares his thoughts on the nature of writing and the effects of words, revealing a struggle between sincerity and expressiveness. He humorously recounts the friendly pressure he faced to write this account, emphasizing his reluctance and the mundane moments that influenced his literary pursuits. Through rich imagery, he reflects on a specific time and place aboard a ship in Rouen, transitioning from focused writing on "Almayer's Folly" to the mundanities of life at sea, hinting at the deep connections between his experiences and the narratives he constructs. The opening establishes a tone of candid exploration, inviting readers to witness the complexities of his thoughts as he balances the emotional resonance of his memories with a desire for artistic clarity.

EPUB · Layout not assessedPDF · Fixed page layoutIllustrations: not assessed

No ratings yet

Categories: Biographies British Literature

Readers: Adults

Suggested age: 16+ (AI estimate)

Explore book

Level C1 · pages · English

A Sketch of the Life of Brig. Gen. Francis Marion and a History of His Brigade

Written by James, William Dobein

"A Sketch of the Life of Brig. Gen. Francis Marion and a History of His Brigade" by William Dobein James is a historical account written in the early 19th century. The text focuses on the life of Brigadier General Francis Marion, an important figure in the American Revolutionary War, particularly noted for his guerrilla warfare tactics in South Carolina against British forces and their loyalist supporters. The opening of the book sets the stage for an exploration of Marion's early life, his ancestry as a French Protestant, and the challenges faced during the Revolutionary War. The author reflects on his personal experiences as a member of Marion's militia, sharing how he transitioned from a schoolboy to a soldier at a young age amidst the turmoil of war. The subsequent chapters promise to delve into Marion's strategic exploits, character, and the formation of his brigade, providing a detailed narrative of events that are often overlooked in conventional histories of the war.

EPUB · Layout not assessedPDF · Fixed page layoutIllustrations: not assessed

No ratings yet

Categories: Biographies History - American History - Warfare

Readers: Adults Teens

Suggested age: 14+ (AI estimate)

Explore book

Level C1 · pages · English

A. W. Kinglake: A Biographical and Literary Study

Written by Tuckwell, William

"A. W. Kinglake: A Biographical and Literary Study" by William Tuckwell is a biographical and literary analysis written in the early 20th century. This work focuses on the life and contributions of Alexander William Kinglake, an influential English writer and historian known for his travel writings, particularly "Eothen," and later for his detailed account of the Crimean War. The book provides insights into his character, literary style, and the societal context in which he lived. The opening of the biography sets the tone for an exploration of Kinglake's early years and the cultural milieu that shaped him. Tuckwell begins by reflecting on Kinglake's legacy and the urgency to document his life while the memories of his peers still linger. He delves into Kinglake's Scottish ancestry, his upbringing in Taunton, and educational experiences at various schools, including Eton and Cambridge. The passage brings to life the influences that informed Kinglake's literary voice, illustrating his early existence filled with aspirations and the development of a critical perspective towards societal conventions. Employing a rich narrative style, Tuckwell captures the essence of Kinglake's distinct personality and foreshadows the impact his writings would have on English literature.

EPUB · Layout not assessedPDF · Fixed page layoutIllustrations: not assessed

No ratings yet

Categories: Biographies British Literature

Readers: Adults

Suggested age: 16+ (AI estimate)

Explore book

Level C1 · pages · English

Abraham Lincoln

Written by Lowell, James Russell

"Abraham Lincoln" by James Russell Lowell is a historical account written in the mid-19th century. The book offers a deep reflection on the presidency of Abraham Lincoln during the tumultuous period of the American Civil War. It examines Lincoln's leadership, political challenges, and the moral complexities of his decisions, particularly regarding slavery and national unity. In this work, Lowell portrays Lincoln not just as a political leader but also as a deeply principled and pragmatic statesman navigating an unprecedented crisis in American history. The text elucidates how Lincoln, amid public skepticism and personal resistance, held the nation together while confronting the moral implications of slavery and ensuring the survival of the Union. Lowell illustrates Lincoln's ability to engage with the public's sentiments and instill hope through careful discourse, highlighting his commitment to democratic ideals and ethical governance in a time of severe discord. The narrative serves both as a tribute to Lincoln's character and a reflection on the broader societal struggles of that era.

EPUB · Layout not assessedPDF · Fixed page layoutIllustrations: not assessed

No ratings yet

Categories: Biographies History - American History - Modern (1750+) History - Warfare

Readers: Adults Teens

Suggested age: 14+ (AI estimate)

Explore book

Level C1 · pages · English

Adventures and Letters of Richard Harding Davis

Written by Davis, Richard Harding

"Adventures and Letters of Richard Harding Davis" by Richard Harding Davis is a collection of autobiographical sketches and letters, likely crafted in the late 19th century. The narrative revolves around Davis's life, detailing his early experiences, education, and budding career as a journalist and author. The themes of familial influence, the impact of upbringing, and the exploration of identity in the face of societal expectations are prevalent in the early chapters, showcasing the author's formative experiences that shaped his literary career. At the start of this compilation, the reader is introduced to the author's childhood in Philadelphia, where he grew up in a nurturing yet demanding household. His early days are filled with camaraderie with his brother, and they often engaged in makeshift plays and adventurous explorations of their environment. As Richard transitions into his schooling years, he grapples with the pressures of academic performance while exhibiting a strong moral compass, often rallying against injustices in his academic environment. The opening chapters illustrate the interplay of Richard’s early creative instincts and the support from his family, setting the stage for his future endeavors in writing and journalism.

EPUB · Layout not assessedPDF · Fixed page layoutIllustrations: not assessed

No ratings yet

Categories: American Literature Biographies Essays, Letters & Speeches

Readers: Adults Teens

Suggested age: 13+ (AI estimate)

Explore book