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 B2ClassicsRussian Silhouettes: More Stories of Russian LifeAmid a snowy Russian winter, schoolboys Volodia and his somber friend Tchetchevitsin arrive home, their minds already wandering far beyond the festive chaos—plotting daring journey…
Level B2ClassicsRudder GrangeA newlywed couple struggles to find the perfect country home that’s affordable, well-located, and fully furnished—only to discover the challenges and absurdities of house hunting a…
Level B2ClassicsRuben and Ivy SênIn a world where society expects a noblewoman to remarry, Mrs.
Level B2ClassicsRound the SofaA young girl sent to Edinburgh for health treatment faces the harsh realities of poverty and loneliness in a dreary lodging, where every comfort is measured against the strict econ…
Level B2ClassicsRosemary: A Christmas storyA wealthy young man visits the Riviera at Christmas, haunted by memories of a lost love and the dreams they once shared.
Level B2ClassicsRosemary in Search of a FatherA wealthy young man wanders the sunlit terraces of Monte Carlo, haunted by a lost love he once dreamed of sharing this perfect Riviera Christmas with.
Level B2ClassicsRose of Dutcher's CoollyA bright, imaginative girl named Rose navigates childhood marked by early loss and solitude, finding comfort in her vivid inner world and the quiet companionship of her father on t…
Level B2ClassicsRoger TrewinionIn rugged Cornwall, a mysterious old house with a feudal tower beckons two travelers exploring a coast rich in forgotten legends and fading superstitions.
Level B2ClassicsRobert Hardy's Seven Days: A Dream and Its ConsequencesCaught between self-interest and family discord, Robert Hardy faces a restless Sunday night that challenges his old-fashioned values and forces him to confront the cost of his self…
Level B2ClassicsRobert FalconerA fourteen-year-old boy wrestles with memories of a mysterious man he believes might be his father, sparking a journey through family secrets and the quiet, restless moments of a l…
Level B2ClassicsRobert Burns: A playAmid the rolling Scottish countryside, a passionate young poet defies rigid piety and social scorn as he embraces love, song, and the vibrant spirit of life, challenging the harsh…
Level B2ClassicsRoads of DestinyA young poet leaves his village to chase fame and honor, but his journey takes an unexpected turn when he aids a mysterious marquis and a silent lady stranded on a dark road, plung…
Level B2ClassicsRide 'em and weepA daring red-headed pilot joins a Texas air circus known for its risky stunts and tight landings, challenging the cautious crew with his wild California flying tales and a reputati…
Level B2ClassicsRevolution, and Other EssaysAn unprecedented global movement of millions unites under the red banner of revolution, challenging old orders with passionate solidarity and a vision for a new world.
Level B2ClassicsRetained for the Defence: A Farce, in One ActIn a drawing room set for a high-society party, a sharp-witted lawyer juggles a curious mix of guests, including a greengrocer turned hapless waiter, as secrets and social blunders…
Level B2ClassicsReno — a Book of Short Stories and InformationDiscover the hidden soul of Reno, a city famed for its divorce laws yet rich with industry, stories, and vibrant life.
Level B2ClassicsRemarksDive into a lively collection of thoughts and tales spanning humor, history, science, and everyday wisdom, all carefully curated to entertain and enlighten readers from all walks o…
Level B2ClassicsReflections of a beginning husbandA young couple rekindles their desire to marry but wrestles with society’s expectations and their uncertain futures.
Level B2ClassicsRed oleandersIn an underground city obsessed with buried gold, Nandini brings light and hope amidst darkness and fear.
Level B2ClassicsRed Saunders' Pets and Other CrittersIn a remote, rugged landscape, a group of men find companionship and chaos in an unlikely menagerie—from a hawk and a bull-snake to a fierce bobcat named Bob—each pet adding wild h…
Level B2ClassicsRebellionIn a bustling ward controlled by the powerful "big fellow," Jim Connor navigates the gritty world of political favors, loyalty, and the tension between public duty and private stri…
Level B2ClassicsRe-creationsA determined young woman leaves college abruptly to care for her ailing mother and manage her family’s struggles, facing the harsh realities of sacrifice, duty, and lost dreams.
Level B2ClassicsRalph Sinclair's AtonementA troubled man steps into a well-established metalworks firm in London, poised to replace a beloved manager retiring after fifty years.
Level B2ClassicsQuinneys'After inheriting his father's antique shop and modest fortune, Young Joe Quinney faces the challenge of transforming his father's dusty, disorganized business into a thriving enter…
Level B2ClassicsQuinWounded soldier Quinby Graham, restless after months of hospital confinement, sneaks into a lively dance hall seeking escape, companionship, and the chance to reclaim his spirited…
Level B2ClassicsQuill's WindowBy a lazy river under scorching August sun, a young man and an old fisherman share sharp-witted reflections on life, habits, and the past, weaving humor and nostalgia into a quiet…
Level B2ClassicsQueenie's whim, Volume 3 (of 3)Tensions simmer as Dora departs on a journey to care for an ailing sister, while Garth grapples with restless nights and simmering resentment at home.
Level B2ClassicsQueenie's whim, Volume 1 (of 3)In a strict boarding school, Queenie Marriott supports herself and her little sister Emmie as a young teacher, navigating cold indifference and hidden struggles while clinging to h…
Level B2ClassicsProud LadyIn a quiet town shadowed by war's aftermath, Mary Lavinia navigates the tense return of soldiers and the storm of emotions that follow, caught between duty, family strife, and a st…
Level B2ClassicsProfessor Tim & Paul TwyningIn a sunlit Irish farmhouse, Peggy and Hugh confront the shattering end of their love amid looming poverty and an impending auction, weaving a tale of heartbreak, pride, and the bi…
Level B2ClassicsProbable SonsAn unexpected orphan niece arrives to disrupt the bachelor life of Sir Edward, who must navigate the challenges of guardianship, society’s expectations, and a fragile child’s quiet…
Level B2ClassicsPrivate Spud TamsonA rough but spirited recruit joins the quirky Glesca Mileeshy militia, facing the challenges of military life with humor and heart.
Level B2ClassicsPrince FortunatusAmid the dazzling world of London’s theatre, a curious matron and her brother are drawn backstage to uncover the secrets of stagecraft and high society’s hidden dramas.
Level B2ClassicsPrairie FolksOn the vast, untamed prairie, settlers battle relentless bugs, harsh weather, and dubious traveling salesmen peddling patent medicines—capturing the grit and pioneer spirit behind…
Level B2ClassicsPractical recitationsSharpen reading and speaking skills with carefully selected recitations and exercises designed for classroom use, holidays, and special occasions.
Level B2ClassicsPotash and Perlmutter Settle ThingsTwo garment manufacturers navigate post-war challenges, strikes, and fashion trends as they debate who should brave Paris to secure the latest styles, humorously capturing their st…
Level B2ClassicsPotash & Perlmutter: Their Copartnership Ventures and AdventuresAbe Potash, weary of failed partnerships, navigates the tough cloak and suit business with sharp wit and skepticism.
Level B2ClassicsPost-Impressions: An Irresponsible ChronicleStep into a world where the stage boldly exposes the truths of steam engines, tariffs, and society’s hidden corners, challenging conventions with unflinching realism and sharp wit…
Level B2ClassicsPoppy: The Story of a South African GirlA young girl named Poppy endures harsh chores and hunger under her aunt’s strict rule in South Africa, escaping into vivid daydreams of love and happiness.
Level B2ClassicsPomona's Travels: A Series of Letters to the Mistress of Rudder Grange from her Former HandmaidenAn uneducated yet sharp-witted young woman embarks on a journey through England and Scotland with her husband, documenting their adventures and cultural discoveries in a series of…
Level B2ClassicsPoganuc People: Their Loves and LivesStep into a cozy New England kitchen where a spirited young woman kneads dough and shares the curious holiday preparations at her church, unveiling the warmth and traditions of a c…
Level B2ClassicsPlease pass the cream: A comedyA lively breakfast scene unravels as Mr.
Level B2ClassicsPlaysIn a quiet farmhouse kitchen, a mysterious death disrupts the daily routine, leaving neighbors and officials to unravel unsettling secrets hidden beneath ordinary domestic life.
Level B2ClassicsPirates: A comedy in one actIn a charming Victorian parlor, a circle of ladies navigates the delicate art of gossip, comparing it to piracy that steals reputations.
Level B2ClassicsPillars of SocietyIn a Norwegian coastal town, a respected shipbuilder's family navigates the tensions between tradition, progress, and hidden discord as new ideas challenge their community’s fragil…
Level B2ClassicsPigs is PigsA man battles a stubborn express agent over shipping rates for two guinea pigs, sparking a comical clash of rules and reason.
Level B2ClassicsPierre and JeanTwo brothers, Pierre and Jean, return home for the holidays, each pursuing different careers and harboring a subtle rivalry beneath their affection.
Level B2ClassicsPhyllisA wealthy girl moves from the city to the rural Byrdsville, struggling to find her place among wary peers and the shadow of the girl who once lived in her new home.
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.