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 C1AdventureKronstadtAmid the icy waters of the Baltic, a mysterious fortress looms—Kronstadt, an impregnable island citadel guarding Russia’s gates.
Level C1RomanceKnightly Legends of Wales; or, The Boy's Mabinogion: Being the Earliest Welsh Tales of King Arthur in the Famous Red Book of HergestDive into the earliest Welsh tales of King Arthur, where wild adventures, chivalry, and ancient magic intertwine in vivid stories drawn from the mysterious Red Book of Hergest, rev…
Level C1AdventureKit Musgrave's LuckA young Liverpool clerk leaves behind his modest life and quiet romance to take a risky post on a Spanish steamer bound for the Canaries, chasing opportunity amid unfamiliar cultur…
Level C1AdventureKings in AdversityIn a New York mansion turned refuge for European exiles, a secret letter reveals a crown prince’s covert journey to America, sparking a dangerous conspiracy that could reshape a mo…
Level C1RomanceKing--of the Khyber Rifles: A Romance of AdventureAthelstan King, a British officer deeply entwined with India, is summoned to Peshawur amid the brewing tensions of war.
Level C1AdventureKing Solomon's MinesAn experienced hunter recounts a perilous expedition into uncharted African lands, drawn by the promise of legendary treasure and the lure of wild adventure in a realm of fierce wa…
Level C1RomanceKing Penda's Captain: A Romance of Fighting in the Days of the Anglo-SaxonsIn a land torn by faith and war, the fierce pagan King Penda rallies his allies to challenge the rising Christian powers, while young warrior Feargus, pledged to Penda, rises amids…
Level C1AdventureKing Olaf's Kinsman: A Story of the Last Saxon Struggle against the Danes in the Days of Ironside and CnutAs the Danish fleet looms off the coast, young Redwald faces the loss of his father and the fierce struggle for England’s survival against Viking invaders.
Level C1AdventureKing Alfred's Viking: A Story of the First English FleetA fierce Viking prince, dispossessed by a ruthless king, finds himself commanding King Alfred’s first English fleet.
Level C1AdventureKimIn the bustling streets of Lahore, a clever boy named Kim navigates a world of secret missions, shifting identities, and ancient magic, caught between his English heritage and nati…
Level C1AdventureKilgorman: A Story of Ireland in 1798Amidst the turbulent backdrop of Ireland in 1798, young heroes Barry Gallagher, Tim, and Kit embark on thrilling adventures filled with youthful energy, hope, and the spirit of boy…
Level C1AdventureKidnapped (Illustrated): Being Memoirs of the Adventures of David Balfour in the Year 1751A young orphan sets off on a mysterious journey to the House of Shaws, carrying a secret inheritance and a letter from his late father.
Level C1AdventureKiana: a Tradition of HawaiiA white priest and a refined woman are shipwrecked on ancient Hawaii, where they gain influence and become entwined with the island’s chiefs and customs, blending foreign knowledge…
Level C1FantasyKhaled, A Tale of ArabiaIn a celestial realm where angels record destinies, Khaled, a faithful genie, seeks to become human and live on Earth.
Level C1RomanceKeith of the Border: A Tale of the PlainsA rugged plainsman navigates the vast, hostile frontier in 1868, caught between restless Native tribes united against settlers and his dangerous mission to deliver crucial news acr…
Level C1FantasyKeeping Tryst: A Tale of King Arthur's TimeA young page yearns for knighthood but lacks the strength for heroic battle—until a mysterious minstrel reveals a secret quest that calls for unwavering faithfulness and courage be…
Level C1RomanceKaterfelto: A Story of ExmoorIn 1763 England, amid political turmoil and spirited tavern debates, a group of gentlemen navigate loyalty, defiance, and intrigue.
Level C1AdventureKate Meredith, FinancierA steamer arrives at a challenging West African coast, where cargo and commerce collide amid scorching heat and local intrigue.
Level C1AdventureKate Aylesford: A Story of the RefugeesAs a young woman and her aunt voyage across the Atlantic, breathtaking sunsets and mysterious cloud shapes hint at the adventure and upheaval awaiting these refugees far from home.
Level C1MysteryKarl GrierA man with a mysterious sixth sense, Karl Grier navigates a world where his extraordinary mental powers clash with skeptical science and societal norms.
Level C1AdventureKadjamanIn the wilds of Borneo and the rugged northern fjords, a seasoned hunter-turned-manager reflects on a mysterious orang-utan named Kadjaman and the haunting events tied to his past…
Level C1FantasyJungle Tales of TarzanRaised by apes in the wild jungle, a young Tarzan grapples with his identity and newfound feelings as he watches his beloved playmate Teeka, stirring a fierce jealousy and awakenin…
Level C1AdventureJungle TalesIn the sweltering jungles of India, a weary subaltern navigates the costly and chaotic Christmas season, seeking escape from relentless demands and unexpected family visits.
Level C1AdventureJoseph Andrews, Vol. 2Two clergymen meet under rustic circumstances, revealing quirks and conflicts in a world where piety and practicality collide.
Level C1AdventureJoseph Andrews, Vol. 1Follow the adventures of Joseph Andrews, a virtuous young man navigating social satire and unexpected challenges in 18th-century England, blending humor, irony, and keen observatio…
Level C1AdventureJohnny Nut and the Golden GooseAn innocent young cow-boy named Johnny Nut sets off on a whimsical journey to taste the famed roast goose of Hergnies, encountering quirky characters, unexpected tasks, and lively…
Level C1AdventureJohn Vytal: A Tale of the Lost ColonyAmid the mystery of the vanished Roanoke colony, a young man of fierce vitality navigates the turbulent Elizabethan world, where adventure and enigma intertwine on the edge of the…
Level C1AdventureJohn Splendid: The Tale of a Poor Gentleman, and the Little Wars of LornA young Highlander returns from foreign wars, dreaming of reclaiming his place in the rugged glens and lively villages of his homeland, where loyalty, love, and old rivalries simme…
Level C1AdventureJohn Solomon—SupercargoAmid the gritty cattle-wharf at Deptford, a sharp-eyed yachtsman and a rough, defiant sunfish cross paths, sparking tension and mystery.
Level C1AdventureJohn Holdsworth, Chief MateIn a quaint English village where tradition and daily life intertwine, a gripping tale of duty and adventure begins as John Holdsworth, a steadfast chief mate, navigates the challe…
Level C1AdventureJohn Frewen, South Sea Whaler: 1904Caught in a fierce standoff with a massive bull sperm whale, Captain Keller’s crew faces danger and tension on the high seas, while missing men and cryptic messages hint at deeper…
Level C1RomanceJohn Burnet of Barns: A RomanceA young boy escapes his strict tutor to fish in the sun-scorched woods of Tweed, embarking on a journey through stirring times and strange scenes that reveal the trials and triumph…
Level C1RomanceJohn BrentIn the rugged California frontier, a gold miner wrestles with barren quartz and dashed hopes, revealing a raw tale of perseverance, human ambition, and the harsh laws of nature whe…
Level C1RomanceJoan, the CurateAmidst the wild marsh coast plagued by smugglers and wreckers, a courageous curate’s daughter races against time to aid a wounded sailor from a daring revenue cutter, braving tempe…
Level C1RomanceJoan of the Sword HandIn a rugged hillland ruled by the proud young Duchess Joan, political intrigue and soldierly camaraderie intertwine as captains Jorian and Boris navigate loyalty, love, and the wei…
Level C1AdventureJimgrim and Allah's PeaceIn the turbulent aftermath of World War I, a journalist arrives in Jerusalem, a city teeming with political intrigue, religious tensions, and conflicting promises.
Level C1AdventureJill, Vol. 1 (of 2)An intrepid young woman challenges the notion that adventure is a man's realm, revealing a restless spirit that drives her away from monotony and into a life full of bold departure…
Level C1MysteryJessica Trent: Her Life on a RanchA spirited horseback chase through narrow canyon trails leads a stranger to the remote Sobrante ranch, where he meets Jessica Trent, a fearless rider who shares her unique life amo…
Level C1MysteryJesse James' Desperate Game; Or, The Robbery of the Ste. Genevieve BankIn a lively Missouri spring town where danger lurks beneath carefree revelry, three sharply dressed outlaws led by Jesse James blend into the crowd, plotting a daring $10,000 bank…
Level C1AdventureJessIn scorching Transvaal heat, a weary soldier stumbles upon a fierce ostrich attacking a young woman, forcing him into a sudden, dangerous confrontation that will change his quiet l…
Level C1AdventureJerry of the IslandsStranded in the perilous Solomon Islands, an Irish terrier named Jerry embarks on a gripping adventure through a world of headhunters and danger, where loyalty and survival are tes…
Level C1RomanceJerryAn American traveler’s summer plans are upended when a surprising letter from his sister arrives, promising unexpected family reunions and restless adventures in picturesque Europe…
Level C1AdventureJasper LyleTwo English officers embark on a daring hunting expedition into the wilds of South Africa, facing fierce storms and breathtaking landscapes.
Level C1Science FictionJason, Son of JasonIn a world where death is just a gateway, a physician's astral travels lead him to a distant planet and a mysterious twin soul who challenges the boundaries of life, spirit, and re…
Level C1AdventureJaphet, in Search of a FatherAbandoned as an infant on the doorstep of a Foundling Hospital, Japhet embarks on a whirlwind journey through London’s underbelly, adopting wild disguises and schemes to uncover th…
Level C1AdventureJames Braithwaite, the Supercargo: The Story of his Adventures Ashore and AfloatAmid the bustling naval preparations at Portsmouth, an eager supercargo embarks on the merchant ship Barbara, navigating the chaos of press-gangs, spirited sailors, and the thrill…
Level C1AdventureJacob FaithfulBorn on a Thames lighter to a pipe-smoking father and a gin-loving mother, young Jacob faces early loss and hardship.
Level C1AdventureJack the Giant KillerIn a world where giants roam and griffins soar, a fearless young hero trains to face monstrous foes and win glory.
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.