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 C1Children'sJane Allen, CenterA spirited girl faces the bittersweet end of summer at her family ranch before returning to college, embracing life’s storms and sunshine with resilience and joy.
Level C1HistoricalJackanapes, Daddy Darwin's Dovecot and Other StoriesAmid the quaint village of Goose Green, where age-old tales and local lore intertwine, residents face the turmoil of war and strange visitors, all while children fear the ominous B…
Level C1Children'sJack: 1877A young boy named Jack, burdened by exile and new surroundings, arrives at a prestigious Jesuit school in 1858 Paris with his enigmatic mother, whose charm masks hidden secrets.
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.
Level C1AdventureJack at Sea: All Work and No Play Made Him a Dull BoyA delicate, bookish boy struggles to meet his outdoorsy father's expectations of health and vigor, sparking a journey from quiet study to adventures in nature, collecting insects a…
Level C1FantasyJack and the Check BookA desperate mother faces ruin until her resourceful son, Jack, trades their cow for a mysterious pot of beans—only to wake to a giant, magical beanstalk leading to an unexpected ad…
Level C1PoetryJack and the Bean-Stalk: English HexametersA lazy boy trades his cow for magic beans that grow into a towering beanstalk leading to a mysterious island guarded by a fearsome giant and his wife.
Level C1AdventureJack BuntlineA blue-eyed apprentice and a seasoned sea captain navigate the harsh realities of maritime life, revealing both the gallantry and brutal hardships faced by sailors.
Level C1AdventureIvar the Viking: A romantic history based upon authentic facts of the third and fourth centuriesStep into the fierce and vivid world of Norse chiefs as a young Viking rises through rites, battles, and voyages to shape history during the twilight of Rome’s power.
Level C1AdventureIsles of the sea; or, Young America homeward boundA young academy squadron embarks on a thrilling homeward voyage across the Atlantic, exploring exotic islands like Madeira and the Azores while navigating the challenges of rank, r…
Level C1AdventureIsla HeronA young preacher visits a rugged New England coastal village, where she encounters the gruff but kind-hearted Joe Brazybone and his fearsome sister-in-law, setting the stage for a…
Level C1Children'sIrish Fairy TalesStep into a world where ancient Irish hills and streams come alive with enchanting fairy tales crafted to inspire love for Ireland’s rich traditions.
Level C1FantasyIrish Fairy TalesIn a clash of old beliefs and new faiths, a determined abbot besieges a steadfast gentleman who refuses to abandon ancient gods and customs.
Level C1Children'sInterruptedIn a bustling church society, Claire Benedict juggles leadership, friendship, and countless responsibilities with grace and determination, all while those around her wonder how muc…
Level C1RomanceInstead of the Thorn: A NovelAmid the elegant South Shore Club, a spirited young woman dazzles with her vibrant charm, while her sensible sister navigates the complexities of family expectations and modern ide…
Level C1Children'sIndian Fairy TalesDiscover enchanting tales rooted in Indian tradition, where ancient fables and lively folk stories reveal the shared origins of myths across East and West, inviting children to exp…
Level C1HistoricalIn the hollow of His handAmidst the harsh persecution of the Stundists in Russia, a mother lies dying far from home, urging her son to hold fast to faith and courage despite the cruel trials they face.
Level C1AdventureIn the Wars of the Roses: A Story for the YoungIn a land torn by the fierce Wars of the Roses, young Paul longs to prove himself amidst royal processions and looming battles.
Level C1AdventureIn the Track of the TroopsA young inventor’s passion for explosives leads him to create a powerful torpedo, but a test goes awry with explosive consequences, sparking a thrilling tale of innovation, danger,…
Level C1HistoricalIn the SaddleAmid the turmoil of the Civil War, two branches of the Lyon family stand divided—loyal Unionists and Southern secessionists—clashing over plantation life, loyalty, and survival.
Level C1Children'sIn the Roar of the SeaA young girl spends a sunny afternoon lost in playful reverie while her weary father battles the relentless sea winds threatening their coastal church.
Level C1AdventureIn the Pecos CountryA band of New England settlers, led by the idealistic Caleb Barnwell, seek to build a new community in the perilous Rio Pecos valley, unaware that the fearsome Apache chief Lone Wo…
Level C1Children'sIn the LineA spirited young athlete returns to America after years abroad, eager to prove himself on and off the football field.
Level C1AdventureIn the Land of the Great Snow Bear: A Tale of Love and HeroismAmid the wild Scottish Highlands, young Claude Alwyn’s unusual character unfolds against the backdrop of Dunallan Towers and its vibrant community.
Level C1AdventureIn the King's Name: The Cruise of the "Kestrel"Aboard the swift cutter Kestrel, young midshipman Hilary Leigh navigates duty and ambition while patrolling the Channel for smugglers and rebels in King George II’s navy.
Level C1AdventureIn the Irish Brigade: A Tale of War in Flanders and SpainAmidst religious persecution and exile, young Desmond Kennedy joins the famed Irish Brigade in France, seeking honor and belonging while navigating the shadows of his family's past…
Level C1RomanceIn the Garden of the GodsCaught between a tense standoff and a daring rescue, a sharp-witted outsider and a defiant young woman confront danger amid the rugged beauty of the Garden of the Gods, where secre…
Level C1AdventureIn the Eastern SeasA seasoned captain navigates his battered ship through stormy seas, spotting a dismasted vessel in peril.
Level C1Children'sIn Touch with Nature: Tales and Sketches from the LifeAmid a fierce winter storm, a family bonds over tales and tender care for fragile Maggie May, recovering from a terrifying runaway horse accident; warmth and love fill their cottag…
Level C1HistoricalIn Taunton town : a story of the rebellion of James Duke of Monmouth in 1685In 1685 Somerset, a farmer’s son recounts his family's deep ties to Taunton and the brewing inns at the heart of James Duke of Monmouth’s rebellion, revealing a vivid portrait of l…
Level C1AdventureIn Freedom's Cause : A Story of Wallace and BruceIn a wild Scottish valley torn by feuds and shifting power, young Archie Forbes grows up under his mother's cautious care, learning to navigate the dangers that threaten their ance…
Level C1AdventureIn Doublet and Hose: A Story for GirlsIn the heart of the ancient New Forest, spirited Francis Stafford defies expectations with her daring hunts and sharp wit, challenging the old ways while navigating the perils of t…
Level C1AdventureIn Desert and WildernessTwo children, Nell and Stas, navigate the tense mysteries of colonial Egypt, caught between family ties, political intrigue, and the looming threat of the Mahdi’s uprising, as they…
Level C1RomanceImprudenceIn the shadow of Wortheton’s towering chimneys, a young woman burdened by premature sorrow seeks refuge in nature’s embrace, while a powerful family navigates wealth, duty, and soc…
Level C1Children'sIdols in the Heart: A TaleWhen their father marries a young, inexperienced woman from a humble background, three motherless siblings brace themselves for a new stepmother who threatens their carefully guard…
Level C1Children'sIda NicolariIn a Chelsea artist’s studio, young Ida Nicolari embodies the grace and beauty of the mythic Psyche as her father, a dedicated sculptor, balances his passion for art with the chall…
Level C1PoetryHymns, Songs, and Fables, for Young PeopleDelight in a collection of hymns, songs, and fables crafted to inspire and entertain children, blending joyous and thoughtful themes that nurture young minds with lessons of faith,…
Level C1AdventureHunting the LionsTom Brown, a settler’s son from Cape Town, embarks on daring adventures into Africa’s wild interior, driven by an irresistible urge to explore unknown lands and encounter the untam…
Level C1AdventureHunted and HarriedA determined troop of dragoons hunts a mysterious man rumored to aid rebels, navigating rugged Scottish moors and treacherous paths.
Level C1Children'sHow little Bessie kept the wolf from the doorIn a once-grand London mansion now home to struggling families, Matthew Reardon fights to support his loved ones by copying legal papers, while young Bessie faces the looming threa…
Level C1Children'sHow a Farthing Made a Fortune; or "Honesty is the best policy"In a grim London slum, young Dick Nason, the ragman's son, clings to hope and honesty amidst poverty and hardship.
Level C1Children'sHomespun TalesStep into an imagined Maine village where a lively river, a quaint meeting house, and the humble lives of villagers unfold through heartwarming tales of community, love, and tradit…
Level C1Children'sHollyhock House: A Story for GirlsThree sisters, each uniquely spirited and bound by loss, navigate life with strength and loyalty under the care of devoted guardians, discovering the meaning of family and resilien…
Level C1HistoricalHolidays at Roselands: A Sequel to Elsie DinsmoreElsie faces the challenge of navigating family love, social expectations, and her own feelings during a holiday season filled with tender moments, unexpected gifts, and the promise…
Level C1Children'sHoliday RomanceTwo childhood friends, united by secret vows and daring schemes, face a hilarious battle of wits and courage to rescue their brides from a strict school.
Level C1Children'sHoliday House: A Series of TalesMischievous and lively children challenge the rigid, overly strict education of their time, revealing the sparks of natural genius and heartfelt enthusiasm amid lessons and discipl…
Level C1HistoricalHistory of the Plague in LondonAmid the turmoil of 17th-century London, witness the gripping account of the plague’s devastating impact on the city and its people, revealing the resilience and chaos that defined…
Level C1RomanceHis fortunate GraceAn heiress determined to redistribute her immense fortune champions socialism and women's suffrage, challenging her privileged upbringing and societal expectations as she prepares…
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.