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 C1Science FictionWhen the World Shook: Being an Account of the Great Adventure of Bastin, Bickley and ArbuthnotThree men embark on a thrilling adventure that challenges the very fabric of reality, as ancient mysteries and spiritual insights collide with the modern world in a quest that coul…
Level C1AdventureWhen everybody knewA towering, fearsome stranger known as Rearin’ Bill storms into the lawless town of Boxelder, sending ripples of tension through its saloons and streets.
Level C1AdventureWhen dreams come trueIn the rugged Chihuahuan desert, a determined captain and his fierce, untamable Arabian stallion embark on a perilous journey toward the mysterious Fiesta of the Corn, where ancien…
Level C1FantasyWhen Valmond Came to Pontiac: The Story of a Lost Napoleon. Volume 1.A mysterious man named Valmond, believed to be a lost son of Napoleon, appears in a French-Canadian village, stirring legends and secrets as his extraordinary past unfolds against…
Level C1AdventureWhen London Burned : a Story of Restoration Times and the Great FireAmid the turmoil of Charles II’s reign, a neglected young boy faces the challenges of loss and loyalty while London teeters on the brink of disaster.
Level C1AdventureWhen All the Woods Are Green: A NovelAs night falls over a vast Canadian river, a diverse family prepares to embark on a daring canoe journey guided by rugged locals, where nature's beauty and hidden dangers await ben…
Level C1AdventureWhat Happened at Quasi: The Story of a Carolina CruiseFour boys endure the scorching Charleston summer of 1886, discovering the secret rhythms of coastal life and the sudden relief brought by the tide’s breeze.
Level C1AdventureWesty Martin on the Santa Fe TrailWesty Martin, a celebrated scout, embarks on an exciting journey with a film crew to capture the Santa Fe Trail, stepping into the spotlight with high hopes and the weight of heroi…
Level C1AdventureWestward Ho! Or, The Voyages and Adventures of Sir Amyas Leigh, Knight, of Burrough, in the County of Devon, in the Reign of Her Most Glorious Majesty Queen ElizabethIn the bustling port of Bideford, young Amyas Leigh is drawn into the daring exploits of Devon’s seafaring heroes as England rises to naval glory against Spain’s mighty Armada.
Level C1AdventureWest Wind DriftA massive steamer laden with distinguished passengers and mysterious cargo vanishes without a trace in the vast Atlantic, sparking international intrigue and a desperate search aga…
Level C1AdventureWells Brothers: The Young Cattle KingsAmid the rugged cattle drives of 1885, two orphaned boys struggle to save their homestead while a trail crew battles the dangers of the open plains.
Level C1AdventureWee Willie Winkie, and Other Stories. Volume 2 (of 2)A chance encounter on a dusty train leads to a daring quest for a lost kingdom in the wilds of Central India, where loyalty, cunning, and survival intertwine in a thrilling tale of…
Level C1AdventureWe and the World: A Book for Boys. Part IIA runaway boy ventures into Liverpool’s grim streets, relying on the unexpected kindness of a stranger to navigate a harsh new life.
Level C1RomanceWau-nan-gee; Or, the Massacre at Chicago: A Romance of the American RevolutionAmid the looming chaos of the War of 1812, a fort's commandant receives urgent news of hostile forces and dire threats from Native American alliances.
Level C1AdventureWarrior Gap: A Story of the Sioux Outbreak of '68.A young cavalry lieutenant leads his troop through the rugged foothills and endless prairies of the West, haunted by the looming Sioux outbreak of 1868.
Level C1AdventureWacousta : a tale of the Pontiac conspiracy — Volume 3As a schooner drifts ominously under a ghostly night sky, haunted mariners grapple with supernatural fears and a mysterious visitation that threatens their perilous journey, while…
Level C1AdventureWacousta : a tale of the Pontiac conspiracy — Volume 2Amid the tense siege of Detroit, two disguised English officers prepare for a secret mission, navigating a landscape fraught with danger and distrust.
Level C1AdventureWacousta : a tale of the Pontiac conspiracy — Volume 1As Pontiac unites Native tribes to besiege British forts in the Western frontier, a daring supply mission through dangerous wilderness becomes the last hope for survival at Fort De…
Level C1AdventureWacousta : a tale of the Pontiac conspiracy (Complete)Amidst the turmoil of Pontiac’s fierce alliance against British forts, a daring officer embarks on a perilous mission to deliver vital supplies through hostile wilderness, risking…
Level C1RomanceVillegagnon: A Tale of the Huguenot PersecutionIn the shadowed gardens of the Louvre, a determined Scottish youth with reformist beliefs seeks fortune and favor amid the perilous intrigues of the French court, where loyalty to…
Level C1RomanceVayenneA restless traveller arrives in the mysterious duchy of Montvilliers, drawn by a long-held childhood fascination with the dreamlike city of Vayenne.
Level C1AdventureVane of the TimberlandsTwo rugged bushmen navigate the wilds of British Columbia, having struck mineral wealth against city financiers.
Level C1AdventureVandrad the Viking; Or, The Feud and the SpellIn a time when kingdoms rise and the North is wild with war, warriors of Sogn prepare for a perilous voyage to the West Sea.
Level C1RomanceVanderdeckenA young heir navigates the shadows of wealth and danger in Prohibition-era San Francisco, where yacht raids and underground schemes stir unrest among artists and outlaws alike.
Level C1AdventureVaiti of the IslandsIn the shadow of a stormy Scottish dawn, a disgraced captain flees to the South Pacific, where his daughter Vaiti navigates a world of danger and intrigue among island tribes and c…
Level C1AdventureUp the River; or, Yachting on the MississippiSet sail on the Mississippi River with Alick and his cousin Owen as they navigate unexpected challenges and adventurous twists aboard their steamer, exploring the mighty "Father of…
Level C1AdventureUnder the red robeIn 17th-century Paris, a sharp-witted gambler faces accusations of cheating that ignite a tense duel under the shadow of the Cardinal’s strict anti-dueling laws.
Level C1AdventureUnder the RoseIn a lively court where jesters and philosophers mingle, the cunning and mysterious Jacqueline captivates all, especially the wary king of jesters, Triboulet.
Level C1AdventureUnder the Meteor Flag: Log of a Midshipman during the French Revolutionary WarA young midshipman embarks on his naval career aboard the hastily prepared gun-brig “Scourge” amidst the stormy seas and political turmoil of the French Revolutionary War, facing c…
Level C1AdventureUnder the Flag of France: A Tale of Bertrand du GuesclinIn 14th-century Brittany, a fierce, misunderstood youth with extraordinary strength wrestles with his outcast status and yearns to prove his valor on the battlefield, setting the s…
Level C1RomanceUnder Two FlagsIn the glittering world of the Household Regiments, the Hon.
Level C1AdventureUnder SailAmid the bustling harbor of Hong Kong, a seasoned sailor reveals the surprising similarities between East and West through the tale of Captain Wilbur and the mysterious fate of the…
Level C1MysteryUnder Honour's FlagA father and son return to a quaint English town after years abroad, uncovering old memories and secrets beneath the surface of the sleepy inn where they seek refuge.
Level C1AdventureUnder Handicap: A NovelTwo young men escape the monotony of a vast desert on a luxurious train bound for San Francisco, carrying a mysterious inheritance and the promise of adventure.
Level C1AdventureUnder Drake's Flag: A Tale of the Spanish MainAs a fierce storm barrels toward the Devon coast in 1572, daring sailors and soldiers dream of joining Captain Drake’s legendary expeditions against the Spanish on the high seas, w…
Level C1MysteryUnder CoverIn sun-soaked Paris, Monty Vaughan, a wealthy American disinterested in the tourist crowds, seeks purpose while waiting for a mysterious visitor.
Level C1AdventureUlric the Jarl: A Story of the Penitent ThiefIn a rugged Viking village by a frozen fiord, a mighty new warship stands ready to brave icy seas and fierce battles.
Level C1RomanceUarda : a Romance of Ancient Egypt — CompleteAmidst the solemn tombs and timeless monuments of ancient Thebes, this romance breathes life into Egypt’s vibrant past, weaving a tale of passion, intrigue, and the enduring spirit…
Level C1AdventureTyphoonCaught in the grip of a fierce typhoon, Captain MacWhirr must navigate his steamship and crew through relentless elemental fury, revealing the profound human challenges beneath the…
Level C1AdventureTypee: A Romance of the South SeasA sailor recounts his captivating adventures among the mysterious and exotic Polynesian islanders, revealing their unique customs and the raw realities of life in the South Seas fa…
Level C1AdventureTwo on the Trail: A Story of the Far NorthwestIn a remote Western restaurant, two strangers find themselves sharing a cramped table in awkward silence, each intrigued yet restrained by the other's mysterious demeanor.
Level C1AdventureTwo Knapsacks: A Novel of Canadian Summer LifeTwo bachelors, united by a love of literature and science, seek escape from city life for a tranquil summer filled with fishing, friendship, and adventure.
Level C1AdventureTwo Gallant Sons of Devon: A Tale of the Days of Queen BessTwo young men of Devon—an imaginative apothecary’s assistant and a strong, practical shipwright apprentice—set out one summer evening for a simple sail that soon plunges them into…
Level C1AdventureTurned AdriftA swift, sleek clipper races against time to secure a monopoly on the London-Natal passenger trade, but when a mysterious burning scent spreads aboard, the crew must confront dange…
Level C1AdventureTuffy Todd's Adventure: A True StoryJoin Tuffy Todd on a thrilling summer adventure in the Catskill Mountains, chronicled through charming verses that capture the real-life excitement and warmth of a memorable vacati…
Level C1RomanceTruxton King: A Story of GraustarkA restless young adventurer returns from exotic travels across Asia and Africa, disillusioned by the absence of true romance in a modern world.
Level C1RomanceTrusia: A Princess of KrovitchA battle-hardened veteran turned financier reflects on his Cuban campaign and the mysterious past of his loyal valet, whose hidden nobility may unlock secrets amid rising tensions…
Level C1AdventureTrue to the Old Flag: A Tale of the American War of IndependenceAmid rising tensions on the American frontier in 1774, a young boy is sent westward to learn frontier life and witness the unfolding conflict between loyal British settlers and reb…
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.