The King in Yellow

Robert W. (Robert William) Chambers (1865-1933)

Approximate level: B2
Length: 73,028 words
Reading time: 6 h 5 min
Chapters: 37
Language: English
On Project Gutenberg since: 2005

Choose how to read it

Original

The book as the author wrote it.

Adapted version, about A2

The same story in simpler words and shorter sentences. Lingo7 makes it with AI from this public domain text, page by page as you read, so details can differ from the original.

Add the adapted version

App Store · Google Play

The book is added to your library in the app. A new one takes up to a minute to prepare.

This collection of short stories, published in 1895, explores themes of horror and psychological instability. The language reflects the formal style of the late nineteenth century, featuring complex sentence structures and a sophisticated vocabulary related to politics, military affairs, and urban development. Readers will encounter descriptive passages that require careful attention to detail. While the prose is elegant, the dense narrative style and historical references make this a challenging read for those who are still developing their proficiency in English.

93,459 downloads on Project Gutenberg

Subjects

Short stories, American
Horror tales, American
United States -- Social life and customs -- 19th century -- Fiction

Questions about this book

What level of English do I need for this book?

The estimate is B2, based on how common the words are and how long the sentences run. It is an approximation, not a test result. With a translation under every sentence you can start one level earlier than you would with a paper copy.

Is this book really free?

Yes. The text is in the public domain and comes from Project Gutenberg, so it costs nothing. In Lingo7 you open the book and read the first page for free; a subscription unlocks the whole library, the audio and the word practice.

How does reading with a translation work?

Lingo7 shows the original sentence and, right under it, the same sentence in your language. Tap a word to see what it means, hear it, and save it for practice. The translation is made while you read, so it works for any book and for 50 languages.

How long does it take to read?

About 6 h 5 min at a native pace, spread over 37 chapters. In a foreign language plan for more: half an hour a day finishes a book of this size in a few weeks.

Is there an easier version of this book?

Yes, in the Lingo7 app. Next to the original, you can add an adapted version that tells the same story of The King in Yellow in simpler words and shorter sentences, at about A2 level. It is made with AI from the public domain text, page by page as you read, and the app marks it as an adaptation. You choose between the two on this page.