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 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…
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.
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.