The First of the English: A Novel, Archibald Clavering Gunter

The First of the English: A Novel

Archibald Clavering Gunter

Level
B1
Words
99,077
Chapters
24
First published
1894
Reading time
about 11 hours
Translation
instant AI translation as you read

Read this book freeEvery sentence translated, natural audio, one-tap dictionary

An American engineer in 1890s England invents a device that lets him see into the past, leading to a romance with a medieval lady. The plot mixes time travel, adventure, and social commentary. Its straightforward narrative and dialogue make it accessible for learners.

Learn English with The First of the English: A Novel

  • Suits learners around level B1: you read the original, not a simplified retelling.
  • 8,584 distinct words, each one a tap away from your personal vocabulary list.
  • Read in English, glance at the translation under any sentence you are unsure of, and listen to natural read-aloud voices to train your ear.

How it works

  1. Open the book: no installation, it reads in the browser on any device.
  2. Read a sentence in English. Its translation sits right under it, so you never lose the thread.
  3. Tap a word for its meaning and save it; listen to the chapter read aloud.

More about the method

Create a free accountRead full books, save your progress and vocabulary, upload your own books.

Questions about this book

Can I read The First of the English: A Novel in English for free?

Yes. The first chapters of The First of the English: A Novel open without an account, with the translation, audio and dictionary included. A free account unlocks the rest of the book.

How much English do I need?

The text is estimated at level B1. Because every sentence has its translation underneath, lower levels can follow along too.

Is there audio?

Yes. Each chapter can be read aloud by a natural-sounding voice while the current sentence is highlighted.