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 C1AdventureMontlivetIn 1695, Armand de Montlivet arrives at a French garrison on the edge of the untamed wilderness, where alliances with Native tribes and the pursuit of opportunity intertwine amid t…
Level C1AdventureMontezuma's DaughterAs the Spanish empire wanes, Thomas Wingfield recounts his extraordinary years among the Aztec peoples during Cortes's conquest of Mexico, revealing hidden treasures, fierce battle…
Level B2AdventureMontezuma's Castle, and Other Weird TalesA daring explorer braves treacherous cliffs and ancient caves near Montezuma's Castle, uncovering mysterious relics and untold secrets of long-lost inhabitants.
Level C1RomanceMonte-Cristo's DaughterIn Rome, the enigmatic daughter of Monte-Cristo, Zuleika, navigates love and danger as her suitor becomes entangled in dark suspicions, while the Count himself delves into a myster…
Level A2AdventureMonkey Jack and Other StoriesWhen Monkey Jack’s daring climb to rescue a cherished ball ends in injury, his friends rally to help him heal and return to the treetops.
Level B2AdventureMomotaro; or, Little Peachling: Japanese Fairy Tale Series No. 1An extraordinary boy born from a giant peach embarks on a daring quest to an island of devils, joined by a loyal dog, monkey, and pheasant, to claim their treasures and bring honor…
Level B2RomanceMolly Brown's Orchard HomeA young woman from Kentucky embarks on a thrilling voyage to Paris with her mother, navigating family conflicts and financial troubles tied to an oil land dispute.
Level B2AdventureMollie and the Unwiseman AbroadJoin Mollie, her lively rubber-doll Whistlebinkie, and the quirky Unwiseman as they embark on a whimsical European adventure filled with curious sights, playful banter, and the mag…
Level A2AdventureMitz and Fritz of GermanyIn a cozy German toymaker’s workshop, imaginative siblings Mitz and Fritz bring wooden creations to life amid music, mischief, and the magic of childhood.
Level B2AdventureMitch MillerAwakening from a dreamy haze, a boy slowly discovers the vibrant town of Petersburg, its people, and the curious Mitch Miller—a boy so absorbed in books and stories he brings adven…
Level B2Science FictionMists of MarsIn a Martian desert where Earthmen vanish into a deadly white mist, Special Investigator Barry Williams confronts a mysterious force tied to ancient Martian justice.
Level C1RomanceMistress WildingA tense, scandalous encounter erupts when a young man insults Mr.
Level B2RomanceMistress Nancy Molesworth: A Tale of AdventureA proud young heir faces ruin when he inherits a heavily mortgaged estate, forcing him to choose between strict economy or a strategic marriage—despite his bitter distrust of women…
Level B2AdventureMiss Peck's Adventures: The Second Part of The Conceited PigMiss Peck sets out alone through a dark, eerie lane on a mission to reach the Queen’s house, battling fearsome shadows and unexpected dangers.
Level C1RomanceMiss Fairfax of Virginia: A Romance of Love and Adventure Under the PalmettosIn the shadowed streets of Dublin, a skilled American diplomat encounters a mysterious woman disguised as a nun, who warns him of a deadly plot—sparking a tense game of intrigue an…
Level B2MysteryMiss Cayley's AdventuresA spirited young woman, newly independent and unwilling to teach, sets out to embrace the bustling city of London and seize any adventure or opportunity that fate might offer her.
Level B2RomanceMiss CapriceIn the vibrant setting of Malta's fortified city of Valetta, a spirited Englishwoman and her eclectic companions find their unexpected stopover stirring passions and rivalries.
Level B2RomanceMischievous Maid FaynieIn a snowbound New York, two handsome cousins lead starkly different lives—one a struggling cashier with a heart of gold, the other a charming actor desperate for money.
Level C1Science FictionMinos of SardanesAmidst a cataclysmic volcanic eruption in the Antarctic, a daring crew races against time through ice and fire toward Sardanes, where the fate of a nation hangs in the balance.
Level B2MysteryMinkieWhen a mysterious guest named Schwartz arrives unexpectedly at Dale End on Christmas Eve, Minkie and her quirky gang—led by Bobby, the horse—set out to uncover his secrets, blendin…
Level B2AdventureMilly's errandTwo determined brothers gather seaweed to help their bedridden mother, while a mysterious, tormented doctor battles inner demons near their storm-threatened coastal village.
Level B2Science FictionMilk RunA rusty freighter crew drifts through hyperspace on a routine run, unaware that the mysterious alien creatures they've loaded are awakening—and taking over their ship.
Level C1AdventureMilitary Memoirs of Capt. George CarletonAn English captain’s firsthand account reveals daring naval battles and sieges across Europe and Spain during the turbulent reigns of King Charles and King James II.
Level C1AdventureMiles Wallingford: Sequel to "Afloat and Ashore"Amidst political unrest and personal trials, a seasoned mariner confronts the turbulent social currents of his time while battling peril at sea and the fragile bonds of family loya…
Level B2AdventureMidshipman MerrillA determined young midshipman crafts a perfect model ship to raise funds for his ailing mother, but faces ridicule and challenges from local youths in a rugged Maine seaport.
Level B2AdventureMidnight Jack, or The road-agentStranded in a remote valley, a whisky smuggler battles a broken wagon and relentless pursuit, while the notorious outlaw Midnight Jack lurks nearby, ready to turn the treacherous C…
Level C1AdventureMiddy and EnsignAboard Her Majesty’s ship “Startler,” a spirited midshipman and a proud young ensign clash amid the vivid tropical backdrop of the Malay peninsula, where British forces prepare for…
Level C1AdventureMichael, Brother of JerryA passionate exposé reveals the brutal cruelty behind trained-animal performances, urging readers to confront the dark reality masked by spectacle.
Level C1AdventureMichael Strogoff; Or, The Courier of the CzarAmidst a glittering palace fête, urgent news arrives of a severed telegraph line and a missing dispatch from Tomsk, thrusting an officer of the Czar into a tense mission through a…
Level B2AdventureMetipom's hostageIn the tense early days of King Philip’s War, sixteen-year-old David Lindall wakes to a mysterious red glow signaling danger nearby.
Level C1AdventureMesser Marco PoloA young man is summoned to care for a mysterious ninety-year-old Ulster clansman living far from home, sparking a journey steeped in haunting Irish legends, ancient traditions, and…
Level B2AdventureMessenger No. 48A determined orphan boy lands a job as a messenger in a bustling city, navigating tough work, long hours, and quirky errands as he hustles to earn his way and prove himself in a ch…
Level C1AdventureMercedes of Castile; Or, The Voyage to CathaySet in 15th-century Spain, this adventure follows the perilous voyage inspired by Columbus’s quest to reach Cathay, intertwining historical figures and untold stories amid treacher…
Level C1AdventureMenhardocA young Cornish lad on the brink of manhood learns the hard truths of life and strength from his rough but loyal fisherman companion amid the rugged sea and village life.
Level C1FantasyMen of IronIn a turbulent England shadowed by plots and betrayals, young Myles Falworth faces the fallout of his father’s downfall and blindness, navigating danger and loyalty amid the ruthle…
Level B2AdventureMemories and AdventuresTrace the rich heritage and artistic legacy of a remarkable family, from Irish roots to Edinburgh beginnings, woven with tales of creativity, history, and personal memory that shap…
Level C1AdventureMemoirs of a Cavalier: A Military Journal of the Wars in Germany, and the Wars in England.: From the Year 1632 to the Year 1648.A young gentleman embarks on a perilous journey from Oxford to the battlefields of Europe, serving as a volunteer officer in the Swedish army before fighting for King Charles I dur…
Level C1AdventureMemoirs of Major Alexander Ramkins (1718)A young Highland officer joins the fierce battles and political intrigues of 17th-century Europe, revealing the harsh realities of war, loyalty, and cunning diplomacy through his t…
Level C1AdventureMazeppaTwo young cousins, Mazeppa and his rival, navigate the treacherous world of Polish court life and Cossack loyalty, caught between education, ambition, and the fight for independenc…
Level C1RomanceMaxA young man travels through the wintry night on the north express, clutching a secret treasure as memories of cold landscapes and distant cities flood his dreams—setting the stage…
Level B2AdventureMaw's Vacation: The Story of a Human Being in the YellowstoneAfter decades of hard work, Maw and her family embark on their first adventurous vacation to Yellowstone, navigating winding mountain roads and embracing the wonders of the great o…
Level B2AdventureMavericksIn a sunlit mountain valley, a fierce young teacher confronts a bold rider whose playful kiss sparks a fiery clash of pride and passion.
Level C1AdventureMaurice and the bay mareA seasoned groom warns of a spirited mare recently arrived from Tennessee, known for her fiery independence and hidden tricks.
Level C1AdventureMaurice Tiernay, Soldier of FortuneCaught in the turbulent days of revolution and war, Maurice Tiernay navigates loyalty, honor, and fortune as a soldier amid historic battles and shifting allegiances.
Level C1FantasyMaugis, ye sorcererIn the ancient city of Mouzon, a mysterious suicide and the destruction of priceless manuscripts ignite a journey into legend, revealing the secrets of Maugis, a warrior sorcerer,…
Level C1AdventureMatt: A Story of A CaravanA young gentleman and his quirky driver journey across a desolate moorland in a quaint caravan, seeking shelter from a persistent drizzle.
Level C1AdventureMatilda Montgomerie; Or, The Prophecy FulfilledAmid the tranquil beauty of Amherstburg on the eve of the War of 1812, tensions rise as a small frontier fortress and its surrounding wilderness become the stage for a gripping tal…
Level C1AdventureMasters of the Wheat-LandsIn a harsh prairie settlement where hope meets hardship, a diverse group of settlers gathers for warmth, music, and dance.
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.