Free English ebook

The Hidden Masterpiece

"The Hidden Masterpiece" by Honoré de Balzac is a short story first published in 1831. Set in seventeenth-century Paris, it follows young painter Nicolas Poussin as he encounters the enigmatic master Frenhofer, who has spent ten years perfecting a secret painting of a beautiful courtesan. When Poussin offers his own lover as a model to help complete the work, the unveiling of Frenhofer's hidden canvas leads to an unexpected revelation about art, obsession, and the gap between vision and reality.

Level C1 pagesEnglish

No reads counted yet

Categories: Art French Literature Novels

Readers: Adults Teens

Suggested age: 14+ (AI estimate)

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

Download EPUB · 89 KB Download PDF · 172 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: 14+ (AI estimate)
Conceptual maturity about art, obsession, ambition and delusion is the main barrier, not explicit content. Independent reading suits mid-teens and older; younger teens would likely need supported reading and discussion. 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

“I Say No”

Written by Collins, Wilkie

"I Say No" by Wilkie Collins is a novel written during the late 19th century. Set in a boarding school for young ladies, the story revolves around the dynamics of schoolgirl friendships and rivalries, particularly focusing on a new student named Francine de Sor, and her interactions with the other girls, including the spirited Emily Brown. The book engages with themes of social class, education, and the complexities of youth. The opening of the novel introduces readers to the setting of Miss Ladd's school, establishing an atmosphere of quietude interrupted by the nighttime antics of the students. As the midnight hour strikes, we witness a clandestine gathering in the girls' dormitory, where the students plan a smuggled supper. Through witty dialogues and varied personalities, we are introduced to the central figures: Emily, who asserts her leadership, and Francine, the insecure newcomer from the West Indies. The tension between their characters surfaces as they navigate misunderstandings and form tentative connections. Emily’s warmth contrasts with Francine’s defensiveness, setting the stage for further exploration of their relationship as the narrative unfolds.

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

No ratings yet

Categories: British Literature Novels

Readers: Adults Teens

Explore book

Level C1 · pages · English

1492

Written by Johnston, Mary

"1492" by Mary Johnston is a historical novel written in the early 20th century. The story unfolds during a pivotal moment in Spanish history, focusing on Jayme de Marchena, a man of complex heritage caught amidst the tumult of the Spanish Inquisition and the cultural conflicts of the time. It explores themes of identity, faith, and the quest for knowledge against the backdrop of significant historical events, such as the expulsion of Jews from Spain and Columbus's journey into the unknown. The opening of the novel introduces Jayme de Marchena, who reflects on his life filled with academic pursuits and personal anguish due to his Jewish ancestry. As tensions rise in Spain, he feels the weight of danger from the Inquisition and contemplates his fate. Jayme seeks refuge at a Franciscan convent, where he meets Fray Juan Perez, with whom he discusses his precarious situation and future. The chapter sets a tone of melancholy and introspection, hinting at Jayme's internal struggles and the larger historical currents surrounding him as he prepares to take a significant step toward both survival and adventure. The chapter ends with Jayme contemplating the vast, untamed ocean, foreshadowing the exploration that lies ahead.

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

No ratings yet

Categories: Novels

Readers: Adults Teens

Explore book

Level C1 · pages · English

A Cathedral Courtship

Written by Wiggin, Kate Douglas Smith

"A Cathedral Courtship" by Kate Douglas Smith Wiggin is a charming novel written in the late 19th century. The book is a romantic narrative that unfolds the relationship between two main characters, Katharine Schuyler and Jack Copley, as they journey through the picturesque English cathedral towns. The story primarily explores themes of love, social conventions, and the contrasting perceptions of beauty and architecture in Victorian society. The narrative alternates between the perspectives of Katharine and Jack, providing a delightful look at their developing romance as they navigate their way through cathedrals and the complexities of their personalities. Katharine is accompanied by her overbearing Aunt Celia, while Jack, an architect, admires Katharine's beauty from a distance initially. Humorous incidents, such as Katharine's mistaken identity over her aunt’s belongings and Jack's awkward attempts to plan their encounters without alerting Aunt Celia, contribute to the lighthearted tone of the book. Their shared experiences at various cathedrals enhance their bond, reflecting Witiggin's exploration of the intersection of architecture and personal connection, ultimately leading to a deeper understanding and love between the two characters.

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

No ratings yet

Categories: British Literature Novels Romance

Readers: Adults Family Teens

Suggested age: 12+ (AI estimate)

Explore book

Level C1 · pages · English

A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur’s Court

Written by Twain, Mark

"A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court" by Mark Twain is a novel published in 1889. When Hank Morgan, a Connecticut engineer, receives a blow to the head, he awakens in medieval England during King Arthur's reign. Using his modern knowledge, he poses as a powerful magician and becomes the king's chief adviser. Hank attempts to modernize the past and implement democratic reforms, but faces opposition from Merlin, the nobility, and the Church in this satirical tale about progress, power, and conflicting eras.

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

No ratings yet

Categories: American Literature Classics Humor Novels Science-Fiction & Fantasy

Readers: Adults Teens

Suggested age: 13+ (AI estimate)

Explore book

Level C1 · pages · English

A Distinguished Provincial at Paris

Written by Balzac, Honoré de

"A Distinguished Provincial at Paris" by Honoré de Balzac is a novel written in the early 19th century. The story is part two of a trilogy, focusing on the protagonist, Lucien de Rubempre, as he transitions from provincial life in Angouleme to the bustling society of Paris. This section explores the challenges and disillusionments he faces in his pursuit of love and ambition in the glamorous yet harsh urban environment. The opening of the novel introduces Lucien de Rubempre and his companion, Madame de Bargeton, as they embark on their journey to Paris. From the start, Lucien is depicted as an idealistic young poet, filled with aspirations but also naive about the complexities of love and societal expectations. The narrative emphasizes his disarray as he navigates Parisian life, particularly through his interactions with Madame de Bargeton, who begins to reconsider the wisdom of their union amid the realities of sophisticated Parisian society. The early chapters reveal Lucien's vulnerabilities, the socio-economic disparities he encounters, and the shifting dynamics in his relationship with Louise, setting the stage for his eventual confrontation with the harsh truths of ambition and societal acceptance in Paris.

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

No ratings yet

Categories: French Literature Novels

Readers: Adults Teens

Explore book

Level C1 · pages · English

A Dream of John Ball; and, A King’s Lesson

Written by Morris, William

"A Dream of John Ball; and, A King's Lesson" by William Morris is a novel published in 1888. It tells the story of a time-traveller who meets the medieval rebel priest John Ball during the Great Revolt of 1381. Through their encounter, Morris contrasts the ethics of medieval and modern worlds, exploring why Ball's dreams of an egalitarian society remain unfulfilled centuries later. Unlike other depictions of the era, Morris portrays the Middle Ages as a golden period of prosperity and happiness.

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

No ratings yet

Categories: British Literature Novels

Readers: Adults Teens

Suggested age: 14+ (AI estimate)

Explore book