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 B2ClassicsSowing and Reaping: A Temperance StoryTwo men set out in life with starkly different values: one pursues wealth at any cost, while the other chooses conscience over profit.
Level B2ClassicsSowing Seeds in DannyIn a small Manitoba town weighed down by winter's chill, a compassionate woman seeks to nurture the struggling Watson family, especially little Danny, through kindness and the wisd…![Cover of South African anecdotes by A. [Compiler] Ellman](https://dsx1pat3ljtul.cloudfront.net/books/daffs9da8p2c739iu9j0.webp)
Level B2ClassicsSouth African anecdotesDiscover a lively collection of humorous and sharp-witted tales from South Africa’s past, where schoolmasters clash with tradition, clever diggers outsmart officials, and even pres…
Level B2ClassicsSome Rambling Notes of an Idle ExcursionEscape the daily grind with a leisurely trip where two brothers debate the best cemetery plots, blending humor and reflection on life’s fleeting nature amid the backdrop of a restf…
Level B2ClassicsSlippy McGee, Sometimes Known as the Butterfly ManIn the heart of Appleboro, South Carolina, a town steeped in tradition and history, the mysterious Slippy McGee, known as the Butterfly Man, weaves through the lives of mill worker…
Level B2ClassicsSkipper WorseIn a small Norwegian coastal town, the fierce clash between devout pietism and worldly life unfolds through vivid portraits, including the complex Skipper Worse and the zealous lay…
Level B2ClassicsSkinner's Dress SuitA modest cashier dubbed the "cage man" battles stage fright and self-doubt as he musters courage to ask his employer for a raise, driven by his devoted wife's hopes and their share…
Level B2ClassicsSketches of GothamIn the bustling streets of old New York, a cunning woman uses charm and wit to ensnare wealthy strangers, weaving a dangerous game of deception and allure where every smile hides a…
Level B2ClassicsSketches New and Old, Part 6.An undertaker reflects on the wishes of a modest man determined to control every detail of his funeral, from a simple coffin to an unconventional hymn.
Level B2ClassicsSketches New and OldDive into a collection of sharp, witty tales and reflections where everyday objects, like a watch, reveal deeper truths through humor and human folly.
Level B2ClassicsSixpenny PiecesIn the gritty streets of London, a battered woman leans on a determined doctor who defies the authorities to care for her at home, revealing the harsh realities of life, loyalty, a…
Level B2ClassicsSix Short PlaysTwo brothers grapple with a chilling confession: one has killed a man in a desperate act tied to a troubled woman’s torment.
Level B2ClassicsSix Bad Husbands and Six Unhappy WivesExplore the unraveling marriage of a once-kind man whose love and confidence erode under his wife's constant criticism and superiority, revealing the painful dynamics behind six un…
Level B2ClassicsSisters ThreeThree sisters trapped in a quiet country home long for excitement beyond daily chores, dreaming of adventure and change as they face the monotony of their sheltered lives and the w…
Level B2ClassicsSir Hilton's SinA young student indulges in marmalade and chemistry lessons under the watchful eye of his devoted aunt, whose hopes and concerns for family, society, and propriety unfold against t…
Level B2ClassicsSir Brook Fossbrooke, Volume II.A fierce storm ravages a rocky island, bringing tales of shipwreck and desperate survival.
Level B2ClassicsSimeon Tetlow's ShadowIn a bustling railroad office, Simeon Tetlow, a relentless and powerful president, clashes with his young assistant John Bennett, whose quiet resignation reveals deeper struggles a…
Level B2ClassicsSilver Pitchers: and Independence, a Centennial Love StoryThree young women face a scandal at a town festival when secret brandy spoils the evening, prompting them to lead a bold social boycott that challenges their community’s customs an…
Level B2ClassicsSilence, and other storiesIn a snowbound village shadowed by the threat of war, Silence senses a lurking danger despite reassurances of safety.
Level B2ClassicsSigning the Contract, and What It CostA chance glimpse of a desperate woman seen from a speeding train sparks a journey into hardship and sorrow.
Level B2ClassicsSielanka: An IdyllNestled in a tranquil forest clearing, a humble forester’s home thrives amid blooming flowers and whispering trees, where young Kasya learns life's gentle lessons from nature’s qui…
Level B2ClassicsSide-stepping with ShortyWhen a tough-talking physical culture expert is hired by a wealthy, demanding client, he faces the challenge of transforming a high-society man out of shape—on terms that test his…
Level B2ClassicsShorty McCabe on the JobWhen a tough streetfighter crosses paths with a polished conman claiming a mysterious legal summons, a gritty showdown unfolds, blending raw brawls with sharp wit in a city where t…
Level B2ClassicsShorty McCabeA former boxer turned trainer teams up with the enigmatic Leonidas Dodge, a slick salesman with a mysterious product, as they navigate the gritty streets and high-stakes hustle of…
Level B2ClassicsShort Stories Old and NewExplore a rich collection of stories where vivid settings, intricate plots, and compelling characters intertwine—from ancient Persian courts to haunting American tales—each crafted…
Level B2ClassicsShort StoriesA solitary bachelor’s quiet life is disrupted when his cook insists on taking in a mysterious lodger—a seasoned soldier with a penchant for storytelling—whose presence soon unveils…
Level B2ClassicsShenac's Work at HomeAmid the sorrow of forced exile from Scotland, two Highland cousins forge new lives in the wild Canadian forests, facing the hardships of pioneering while preserving their cherishe…
Level B2ClassicsShavings: A NovelIn a bustling New England town, Gabriel Bearse stumbles upon vibrant windmills and wooden toys crafted by a mysterious artisan, sparking a wave of gossip and curiosity that promise…![Cover of Shakspeare's Mental Photographs by Anonymous [Compiler]](https://dsx1pat3ljtul.cloudfront.net/books/da8n8ntnmvfc73bier8g.webp)
Level B2ClassicsShakspeare's Mental PhotographsDelve into a unique game exploring Shakespeare’s mind through ten intriguing questions and twenty possible answers each, inviting readers to uncover hidden facets of his genius by…
Level B2ClassicsSevenoaks: A Story of TodayIn a bustling mill town shaped by the roar of its rushing stream, everyday lives intertwine amid factories, shops, and homes.
Level B2ClassicsSeven Short PlaysIn a small, restless town, the arrival of a new magistrate stirs up suspicion and gossip among the locals, revealing a community where everyone minds each other's business and secr…
Level B2ClassicsSettling DayA desperate father races across the harsh Australian bush to save his young son’s life, relying on a gruff but dedicated local doctor in the remote town of Swamp Creek.
Level B2ClassicsSeeing the ElephantA wealthy young man trades city vices for country life, striving to prove himself a hardworking farmer to win the hand of the woman he loves—yet doubts and challenges threaten thei…
Level B2ClassicsSeeing Things at NightA reluctant knight-in-training, Gawaine le Cœur-Hardy, is tasked with slaying real dragons threatening the countryside, but his true challenge lies in overcoming fear and embracing…
Level B2ClassicsSeeing France with Uncle JohnEmbark on a lively voyage across France with Uncle John, where family tensions, unexpected companions, and humorous mishaps turn a simple trip into a memorable adventure at sea.
Level B2ClassicsScottish toastsRaise a glass to Scotland’s spirited gatherings with a collection of toasts, sentiments, and hearty stories that celebrate friendship, patriotism, and conviviality.
Level B2ClassicsSarah's first start in lifeA determined young woman from a humble family prepares to leave home and start work as a kitchen maid, facing the challenges of service life with hope, love, and the support of tho…
Level B2ClassicsSanta Claus's PartnerIn a snowy December, Berryman Livingstone—a self-made capitalist admired and envied—reflects on his relentless climb to success and the hollow social invitations that mask a deeper…
Level B2ClassicsSamantha on the Woman QuestionA determined woman sets out for Washington, D.
Level B2ClassicsSamantha on the Race ProblemWhen Cousin John Richard, a fervent colporter fresh from working with freedmen in the South, unexpectedly visits during a chaotic house-cleaning, he sparks lively debates and heart…
Level B2ClassicsSamantha in EuropeA spirited journey unfolds as Samantha, a curious and lively woman, ventures across the vast Atlantic and into Europe, reflecting on her past and the unfamiliar world around her.
Level B2ClassicsSamantha at the World's FairIn a peaceful evening in Jonesville, a determined woman decides to write about the World's Fair, inspired by the legacy of Columbus and urged by her pragmatic partner.
Level B2ClassicsSamantha at the St. Louis ExpositionJosiah Allen’s secretive behavior and mysterious land measurements hint at a hidden plan tied to the grand St.
Level B2ClassicsSamantha at SaratogaA witty and heartfelt reflection on the restless pursuit of pleasure and the fading sense of home in modern life, told through the eyes of a sharp-tongued observer who mourns the l…
Level B2ClassicsSamantha Among the Colored Folks: "My Ideas on the Race Problem"When a well-meaning minister arrives unexpectedly with tracts and Bibles, a practical woman wrestles with her own suspicions and the challenges of race, faith, and family in the po…
Level B2ClassicsSamantha Among the Brethren, CompleteA determined woman challenges the exclusion of women from church leadership, arguing passionately for their rightful place in the spiritual community.
Level B2ClassicsSalome Shepard, reformerAmidst a tense factory strike, Salome Shepard, a wealthy mill owner, confronts the harsh realities of her workers’ struggles and wrestles with her own role in a world crying out fo…
Level B2ClassicsSalomeIn the serene English countryside, Salome, a thoughtful teenager with a restless spirit, navigates family life and childhood dreams at Maplestone Court, where tranquility hints at…
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.