The Library
Read Classic Literature in English
Learn English by reading the books worth reading. Every book is the complete text, labelled A2 to C2 — tap any word for an instant translation, hear natural audio narration, and save the vocabulary you meet as you go. Pick your level and start with a free sample.
Level C1AdventureThe Ice PilotIn the rain-soaked streets of San Francisco, a weathered seafarer known as the Ice Pilot seeks escape from his failed shore life, drawn toward a perilous Arctic expedition whispere…
Level C1AdventureThe Hunters' Feast: Conversations Around the Camp FireSet against the rugged backdrop of Saint Louis, a diverse group of adventurers embarks on a daring hunting expedition into the vast wilderness of the prairies, where untamed landsc…
Level C1AdventureThe Hunters of the OzarkWhen a prized cow goes missing in the rugged frontier settlement of Greville, two boys set out on a hunt that leads them deep into the wild Ozark Mountains, where danger and advent…
Level C1AdventureThe Hunters of the HillsIn the wilderness of colonial New York, two boys and a rugged hunter navigate a vast lake, caught in the fierce struggle between French and English forces and the powerful Iroquois…
Level C1AdventureThe Hunted WomanA veiled woman journeys into the rugged northern frontier, encountering a wild horde of railroad builders and mysterious figures along the way.
Level C1MysteryThe Hunchback of WestminsterA struggling private detective's dull routine is shattered when a mysterious foreigner arrives with a perilous mission involving a treasure worth millions hidden in London.
Level C1FantasyThe Huge Hunter; Or, The Steam Man of the PrairiesOn the vast prairie, two men encounter a colossal steam-powered mechanical giant controlled by a daring driver and a bright-eyed boy.
Level C1RomanceThe House of the Wolf: A RomanceIn the tense summer of 1572, three brothers and their cousin Catherine face a stirring revelation and looming dangers at the French court, where loyalty, love, and the shadow of a…
Level C1AdventureThe House of Cariboo, and Other Tales from ArcadiaJourney through the serene Arcadian Archipelago, where peaceful islanders live untouched by modern strife, and nature’s timeless beauty conceals stirring adventures along the majes…
Level C1Science FictionThe Hour of the DragonIn a shadowed chamber, a powerful sorcery revives Xaltotun, a long-dead magician awakened by the Heart of Ahriman, setting in motion a dark and deadly struggle for a throne and anc…
Level C1AdventureThe Hound From The NorthIn the unforgiving wilderness of the northern Rockies, a desperate man battles freezing cold and starvation, clinging to life and hope as haunting howls echo through the icy mounta…
Level C1AdventureThe Hot SwampSet sail with Captain Arkal and Prince Bladud as they embark on a daring Mediterranean voyage in ancient times, navigating treacherous seas, fierce warriors, and the mysteries of o…
Level C1MysteryThe Hole in the WallIn the shadowy docks of Wapping, a boy recalls his formidable grandfather—a publican with a missing finger and a mysterious past—unraveling secrets of a harsh riverfront world wher…
Level C1AdventureThe History of Thomas HickathriftIn the marshy Isle of Ely, a legendary brewer’s man named Thomas Hickathrift rises to heroic fame, shaping the wild fenlands and battling giants in a tale steeped in ancient folklo…
Level C1AdventureThe History and Remarkable Life of the Truly Honourable Colonel Jacque, Commonly Called Colonel JackBorn a gentleman but raised by a pickpocket, Jacque’s life unfolds through theft, kidnapping to Virginia, and relentless pursuit of commerce and status.
Level C1AdventureThe Hispaniola Plate (1683-1893)Set against the treacherous Silver Bank near San Domingo, this riveting adventure follows the perilous voyages, mutinies, and daring exploits surrounding Sir William Phips and his…
Level C1RomanceThe HighgraderA spirited young girl selling paper stars aboard a tranquil ocean liner captures the attention of a curious American boy, sparking a tender connection amidst the voyage's gentle rh…
Level C1MysteryThe High Toby: Being further chapters in the life and fortunes of Dick Ryder, otherwise Galloping Dick, sometime gentleman of the roadA notorious highwayman, known as Captain Ryder, unexpectedly intercepts a coach under moonlight, only to be faced with a mysterious offer involving a runaway wife and a tempting re…
Level C1AdventureThe Heritage of the Desert: A NovelIn the unforgiving Utah desert, a wounded spy lies among a tense group of Mormon settlers caught between faith and violence as relentless outlaws close in, threatening their land a…
Level C1AdventureThe Heir of Kilfinnan: A Tale of the Shore and OceanA young fisher lad braves the wild Atlantic alone, his heart weighed by the care of his ailing mother and a mysterious heritage tied to an ancient Irish coastal castle.
Level C1AdventureThe HeirAmidst the stirring backdrop of Cambridge’s scholarly contests, a young poet’s vivid recounting of the fall of Czarigrad captivates a foreign professor, hinting at deeper mysteries…
Level C1AdventureThe Heart of the Ancient WoodIn the heart of an ancient, whispering forest, a solitary lumberman named Dave Titus treks a forgotten trail, unaware of the countless unseen eyes tracking his every step.
Level C1RomanceThe Heart of Princess OsraIn a city ruled by a fierce king known as the Lion, a humble smith named Stephen finds himself caught in royal intrigues when Prince Henry’s troubles stir unrest.
Level C1AdventureThe Headless Horseman: A Strange Tale of TexasA mysterious headless rider haunts the Texas plains, unsettling wildlife and travelers alike.
Level C1RomanceThe Hawk of EgyptIn the vibrant chaos of Cairo’s silk market, a striking young woman named Damaris navigates a world of exotic sights, scents, and secrets, where fate weaves an unexpected tale of l…
Level C1RomanceThe Harlequin Opal: A Romance. Vol. 3 (of 3)Amidst the turmoil of war and rebellion, loyal soldiers face fierce battles and uncertain fates while an enchanted opal foretells destiny.
Level C1RomanceThe Harlequin Opal: A Romance. Vol. 2 (of 3)A daring mission unfolds aboard The Bohemian as Englishmen and Cholacacans journey north to challenge a rebel stronghold, navigating political tension and peril beneath tropical sk…
Level C1RomanceThe Harlequin Opal: A Romance. Vol. 1 (of 3)Four old friends vow to reunite after fifteen years, each changed by time and distance, amid a backdrop of exotic lands and mysterious legends.
Level C1AdventureThe Hard-Scrabble of Elm IslandFour young men on Elm Island forge their paths into manhood through hard work, ingenuity, and community spirit, building a vessel against all odds.
Level C1AdventureThe Harbor MasterIn the isolated village of Chance Along, where treacherous tides and jagged cliffs spell danger for sailors, Black Dennis Nolan rises from humble fisherman to ruthless leader, turn…
Level C1AdventureThe Half-HeartedA young man returns to his misty, rugged homeland to settle down and enter politics, navigating the wild landscapes and old friendships that shape his fate.
Level C1AdventureThe Guerilla Chief, and Other TalesAmidst the fierce aftermath of the Battle of Cerro Gordo, a lone soldier reflects on missed glory and the relentless chase of elusive enemies, offering a gripping glimpse into war’…
Level C1AdventureThe Green Hand: Adventures of a Naval LieutenantA young minister's son defies his strict upbringing to embark on a daring naval apprenticeship, facing the harsh realities of life at sea.
Level C1AdventureThe Great White Hand; Or, the Tiger of Cawnpore: A story of the Indian MutinyAmid the brewing storm of the Indian Mutiny in 1857, this gripping tale plunges into the heart of rebellion and valor in the city of Meerut, where history’s fiercest battles and st…
Level C1AdventureThe Great TabooAmidst a turbulent Pacific voyage, Felix Thurstan plunges into dark waters to save Muriel Ellis, a timid rector's daughter clinging for life.
Level C1AdventureThe Great Shadow and Other Napoleonic TalesAmidst the looming threat of Napoleon’s invasion, a vigilant boy watches the beacon fires ignite across the land, signaling a nation on the brink of war.
Level C1MysteryThe Great K. & A. RobberyA railroad superintendent finds himself entangled in a web of corporate rivalry and intrigue when he is tasked with overseeing a high-profile party traveling across the wild Americ…
Level C1AdventureThe Great Gold Rush: A Tale of the KlondikeAmid the fevered rush to the Klondike goldfields, novice dreamers and hardened prospectors alike embark on a perilous journey filled with adventure, toil, and the hope of fortune.
Level C1AdventureThe Great Captain: A Story of the Days of Sir Walter RaleighIn the turbulent days of rebellion and betrayal, a fearless boy is rescued by the legendary Sir Walter Raleigh, whose fierce loyalty and daring spirit shape a tale of war, honor, a…
Level C1MysteryThe Gray MaskA determined detective is tasked with infiltrating the elusive Hennion gang by impersonating a scarred, masked explosives expert.
Level C1AdventureThe Grain ShipA sailor turned line-rider encounters a mysterious, half-witted man and recalls a chilling tale of a merchant ship found deserted at sea, its crew vanished without a trace.
Level C1AdventureThe Golden RoadA mysterious pedler with a bright yellow van arrives in town, bringing with him tales, music, and dreams that captivate two local children.
Level C1AdventureThe Golden MagnetIn the sun-drenched Andes, the majestic Incas guard a temple of dazzling gold and precious stones, unaware that the arrival of greedy Spanish conquistadors threatens to shatter the…
Level C1AdventureThe Golden Hope: A Story of the Time of King Alexander the GreatIn a stirring dawn over ancient Athens, three friends set out on a daring adventure amid political intrigue and youthful revelry, capturing the spirit and turmoil of Alexander the…
Level C1AdventureThe Golden Galleon: Being a Narrative of the Adventures of Master Gilbert Oglander, and of how, in the Year 1591, he fought under the gallant Sir Richard Grenville in the Great Sea-fight off Flores, on board her Majesty's Ship the RevengeA young apprentice torn between duty and dreams of the sea embarks on a perilous journey for rare herbs, setting the stage for his unexpected role in a historic naval battle under…
Level C1RomanceThe Golden Fleece: A RomanceIn the sweltering heat of a veranda, a retired general and a professor reminisce about Susan Brown and her daughter Grace, a shop-girl in New York whose humble job might be the key…
Level C1AdventureThe Golden ButterflyTwo travelers debate whether to camp or push on as the sun sets on a rugged frontier, revealing a world of untamed wilderness and the pursuit of fortune.
Level C1AdventureThe Golden BoughA lone fugitive, disguised and desperate, seeks refuge beyond a mysterious monastery’s high stone wall in the Swiss mountains, drawn into a shadowy world where sanctuary and danger…
Why it works
Why read classics to learn English
Graded by real CEFR level
Every book is labelled B1, B2 or C1 so you can pick something that stretches you without overwhelming you.
Tap any word to translate
Touch a word or phrase to see it in your language instantly — no dictionary, no leaving the page.
Audio narration & pronunciation
Listen to clear, natural narration and read along to train your ear as well as your eye.
Vocabulary from your own reading
Save the words you meet; they become flashcards built from the books you actually read.
Questions
Learning English by reading
Reading exposes you to real grammar, vocabulary and phrasing in context — far more memorably than word lists. With instant translation and audio on every page, you stay in the story instead of stalling on unknown words, which is what builds fluency.
Choose a book one notch above where you feel comfortable: B1 if you read everyday English, B2 if you can follow longer articles, C1 for literary prose. You can always tap words you don’t know — a little stretch is exactly how you level up.
Sample chapters are free to read with no account. To read a full book — with tap-to-translate, audio narration and saved progress — you start your trial at quiz.nikmas.studio.
Not for sample chapters — they open with no signup. To read a whole book you start your trial at quiz.nikmas.studio, which keeps your vocabulary and place across devices.