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 B2ClassicsCatherine herselfA young girl named Catherine navigates the rhythms of home, school, and church life in a small town, observing the quirks and mysteries of the adults around her while trying to und…
Level B2ClassicsCarolina LeeBorn in Paris but proud of her American heritage, Carolina Lee navigates a world of high society and family legacy, inspired by her father's stirring tales of honor and identity.
Level B2ClassicsCarnac's Folly, Volume 2.After eight months away, Carnac returns to a tangled web of love, betrayal, and power struggles within his family and business.
Level B2ClassicsCaptain Mary MillerIn a small wharf town, a spirited woman challenges the traditional roles and rights of wives as she confronts her husband over ownership and autonomy, sparking a stirring drama abo…
Level B2ClassicsCaptain Jinks, HeroA mild-mannered farmer known as Colonel Jinks buys an unusual gift for his young son—a box of lead soldiers that captivates the boy, sparking a story of innocence, respect for auth…
Level B2ClassicsCaptain CranberryIn a stormy Cape Cod night, Cynthia Tinker faces the upheaval of leaving her home and the mystery of an unknown tenant moving in.
Level B2ClassicsCaptain Billy's Whiz Bang, Vol. 3, No. 32, April, 1922Dive into a sharp, witty collection of musings that peel back the glamor of Hollywood's motion picture world, exposing its mix of ambition, folly, and human longing through humorou…
Level B2ClassicsCaptain Balaam of the 'Cormorant', and other sea comediesAmid the creaking sails and salty air of the Patriarch, a rough-and-tumble crew navigates life under the harsh command of a miserly owner, while Geordie Potts dreams of a kinder, f…
Level B2ClassicsCape Cod StoriesTwo old mariners receive mysterious, ornate invitations to a high-society wedding, thrusting them from their quiet Cape Cod life into a world of wealth and social intrigue.
Level B2ClassicsCap'n Warren's WardsCaught in a fierce storm and a delayed train, a gruff sea captain returns from a mysterious business deal in Cape Cod, sparking curiosity in a weary lawyer trapped on the journey.
Level B2ClassicsCap'n Jonah's fortuneA seasoned mariner arrives at a quiet Cape Cod home bearing a mysterious sea chest, stirring the lives of a spirited young woman left alone and longing for escape.
Level B2ClassicsCap'n EriThree seasoned sea captains share camaraderie and humor in a cozy, weathered seaside home, navigating the small frustrations and simple joys of their daily lives while awaiting the…
Level B2ClassicsCap'n Dan's DaughterIn the fading summer season of a quiet seaside town, Captain Daniel Dott struggles to keep his family’s dry goods store afloat amid fierce competition and dwindling customers.
Level B2ClassicsCamilla: A Tale of a Violin: Being the Artist Life of Camilla UrsoIn a charming French town, a young girl named Camilla grows up surrounded by music, inspired by her parents' artistry.
Level B2ClassicsCalvary: A NovelBorn into a quiet provincial town shadowed by ancient forests and fading traditions, a sickly child recalls a childhood steeped in family legacy, rural mysteries, and the strange i…
Level B2ClassicsCalvary AlleyIn a gritty urban alley transformed by time, spirited young Nance Molloy fiercely claims her place amid longstanding neighborhood rivalries and childhood battles, setting in motion…
Level B2ClassicsBuying a HorseA man sets out to buy the perfect family horse, navigating a colorful cast of dealers and dubious ponies while learning the quirks and pitfalls of equine commerce in the countrysid…
Level B2ClassicsBuffalo Bill's death messageExperience the thrilling life of Buffalo Bill, a legendary scout and showman who shaped the American West through daring adventures, fierce battles, and unforgettable hunts.
Level B2ClassicsBuckin' the airTwo rodeo riders, flush with winnings, face a wild new challenge when a friendly celebration sparks a chaotic clash with a town marshal and a fierce woman wielding a severed leg.
Level B2ClassicsBrunoA newlywed couple’s joy in settling into their first home is doubled when they welcome Bruno, a spirited half-setter, half water-spaniel puppy with a knack for mischief and a heart…
Level B2ClassicsBrought HomeIn the quiet market town of Upton, where society is divided yet united by faith, a beloved rector faces a life-changing decision to leave his parish for health reasons, setting the…
Level B2ClassicsBrother Jacques (Novels of Paul de Kock, Volume XVII)At a lively Parisian wedding party, social graces and hidden tensions intertwine as guests reveal their true characters amid music, dance, and whispered judgments—where appearances…
Level B2ClassicsBroken BarriersGrace Durland returns home abruptly, confronting family tensions and shattered dreams as her world shifts unexpectedly.
Level B2ClassicsBrewster's MillionsMontgomery Brewster, heir to a vast fortune, faces unexpected challenges on his twenty-fifth birthday amidst a lively gathering of wealthy young men.
Level B2ClassicsBreadIn a struggling household where even the simplest necessities like bread are scarce, a young woman confronts the harsh realities behind her mother’s quiet desperation and the famil…
Level B2ClassicsBound southJoe Breedlove, a solitary rider with a keen eye for the rugged southern land, stumbles upon fresh hoofprints and a dead horse, leading him toward a mysterious, fast-moving cavalcad…
Level B2ClassicsBoston Neighbours In Town and OutIn a charming Boston suburb dubbed "Babyland," a group of young mothers form a Tolstoi Club to explore Russian literature and life, sparking unexpected discussions about love, marr…
Level B2ClassicsBlind PolicyA sharp-witted doctor and his charming niece navigate the complexities of love and marriage, while an aging relative warns them of heartbreak and deceit lurking beneath society’s g…
Level B2ClassicsBlackthorn FarmRupert Dale faces ruin as he awaits his final mining exam results, burdened by debt and a desperate gamble on a horse race.
Level B2ClassicsBlack JackIn a dusty cattle town, a daring rider with black hair and twin revolvers sparks chaos as gunfire erupts, leaving a mysterious man shot and sprawled in the street—while Elizabeth a…
Level B2ClassicsBindle: Some Chapters in the Life of Joseph BindleIn the bustling heart of London, Joseph Bindle navigates the trials of Cockney life with wit and wisdom, sharing sharp observations on love, marriage, and the human condition in a…
Level B2ClassicsBiltmore OswaldAn unlikely and hapless recruit with no naval experience attempts to join the Navy, facing skeptical officers and comical trials as he embarks on a chaotic journey to become a sail…
Level B2ClassicsBilly Baxter's LettersA hapless novice joins seasoned hunters on a wild Minnesota expedition, where misfires, storms, and tall tales turn a simple hunting trip into a hilarious adventure full of unexpec…
Level B2ClassicsBill's Paper Chase: Lady of the Barge and Others, Part 3.A dying sailor entrusts a boy to throw his hard-earned money overboard, sparking a secretive and desperate hunt aboard a ship bound for London.
Level B2ClassicsBill Nye's SparksExperience the witty and heartfelt journey of a humble man rising from poverty and obscurity to become a beloved humorist and fearless journalist, whose sharp imagination and cheer…
Level B2ClassicsBill Nye's Red BookA spirited collection of witty reflections, anecdotes, and fresh insights spans topics from schooldays to history, offering a lively blend of humor and wisdom that promises to ente…
Level B2ClassicsBill Nye's Chestnuts Old and NewA lively collection of witty essays and poems explores everything from Shakespearean mysteries and Fourth of July celebrations to quirky characters and social observations, all del…
Level B2ClassicsBill Nye and Boomerang: Or, The Tale of a Meek-Eyed Mule, and Some Other Literary GemsA whimsical collection of tales and musings inspired by a meek-eyed mule, blending humor, nostalgia, and heartfelt reflections on life’s quirks and adventures across the American f…
Level B2ClassicsBetty at Fort BlizzardAt Fort Blizzard, the commanding officer's daughter, Anita, navigates life on a remote cavalry post amidst snowy peaks, where duty, family, and unexpected relationships intertwine…
Level B2ClassicsBest Short StoriesDive into a collection of witty, sharply observed tales that reveal universal human quirks through humor and irony, from military mishaps to clever misunderstandings—all designed t…
Level B2ClassicsBertha GarlanA solitary walk through sunlit vineyards stirs memories and quiet reflections for Bertha, a widow navigating loss and loneliness alongside her young son.
Level B2ClassicsBeasts & Men: Folk Tales Collected in Flanders and Illustrated by Jean de BosschèreIn a drought-stricken valley, cunning Master Fox and clever Mistress Goat embark on a quest for water, but the Fox’s sly trick leaves the Goat trapped and at the mercy of the farme…
Level B2ClassicsBarnaby: A NovelTrapped in the desolate outpost of Paradise Town, a stranded troupe of actors throws themselves into their performances with desperate passion, clinging to the hope that a passing…
Level B2ClassicsBalthasar and Other Works - 1909A young Ethiopian king embarks on a journey to meet the enchanting Queen of Sheba, whose beauty captivates him and stirs a mysterious desire to experience fear, challenging the saf…
Level B2ClassicsBalaam and His Master, and Other Sketches and StoriesIn the peculiar town of Billville, where nearly every man is named Bill, the arrival of Berrien Cozart—a handsome but willful child—sets the stage for a story of unexpected bonds a…
Level B2ClassicsBack to the Woods: The Story of a Fall from GraceA hapless gambler’s streak of bad luck at the racetrack strains his promises and relationships, leading to humorous misadventures and a struggle to regain trust and stability amid…![Cover of Back to back [Night watches, Part 1.] by W. Jacobs](https://dsx1pat3ljtul.cloudfront.net/books/da6jmoapmtvc73csnnj0.webp)
Level B2ClassicsBack to back [Night watches, Part 1.]After a minor railway accident leaves Mr.
Level B2ClassicsBabbittIn the bustling city of Zenith, George Babbitt navigates the relentless grind of real estate and suburban life, haunted by dreams of youth and escape.
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.