Free English ebook

The Research Magnificent

Written by Wells, H. G. (Herbert George)

"The Research Magnificent" by H. G. Wells is a novel published in 1915. It follows William Porphyry Benham, a man of inherited wealth who devotes his life to an ambitious quest: living nobly and thoroughly. His journey takes him from England across India, Russia, China, and South Africa as he grapples with four fundamental obstacles to human nobility—fear, self-indulgence, jealousy, and prejudice. Through passionate relationships and philosophical struggles, Benham pursues wisdom until a fatal encounter during a labor strike ends his search.

Level C1 pagesEnglish

No reads counted yet

Categories: British Literature Novels

Readers: Adults

Suggested age: 16+ (AI estimate)

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

Download EPUB · 326 KB Download PDF · 1 MB 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: 16+ (AI estimate)
Content in samples is not explicit, but independent enjoyment requires maturity for abstract ideas about noble living and for marital divergence and jealousy; younger teens would likely need supported reading and explanation. 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 Collection of Ballads

Written by Lang, Andrew

"A Collection of Ballads" by Andrew Lang is a comprehensive anthology of traditional ballads, edited with a scholarly introduction and notes, first published in the late 19th century. The collection includes a wide range of ballads that reflect historical themes, romantic tales, and folk traditions, showcasing the rich tapestry of narrative poetry from various cultures, particularly those of Scotland and England. The opening of the collection presents an introduction that discusses the history and evolution of ballads, exploring their origins as spontaneous poetic expressions among various cultures. It highlights the significance of these ballads as reflections of societal values, beliefs, and historical events. This preliminary section sets the stage for the subsequent ballads, which include tales of adventure, love, and tragedy, such as the story of Sir Patrick Spens and the Battle of Otterbourne, each rich in imagery and emotion, inviting readers into a world where history and myth intertwine.

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

No ratings yet

Categories: British Literature Mythology, Legends & Folklore Poetry

Readers: Adults Teens

Suggested age: 13+ (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

Suggested age: 16+ (AI estimate)

Explore book