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 C1ClassicsVagariesA disenchanted young woman finds unexpected joy in dressing dolls for poor children, sparking a compassionate journey that intertwines charity, human connection, and the quiet mome…
Level C1ClassicsV. V.'s EyesTwo men live worlds apart in the same city—one in a grand mansion surrounded by slums, the other in elegant ease—yet a fiery article on factory conditions threatens to bridge the v…
Level C1ClassicsUther and IgraineAs barbarian fires consume the abbey of Avangel, a resolute novice challenges despair with defiant courage, standing amid the ruins of a crumbling empire and the chaos of a Britain…
Level C1ClassicsUseful Phrases in the Shanghai DialectMaster the essentials of everyday conversation in Shanghai's unique dialect with this practical guide, featuring carefully curated phrases, pronunciation tips, and an innovative ro…
Level C1ClassicsUrsulaIn the picturesque town of Nemours, a formidable post master oversees the bustling road to Paris, embodying brute strength and raw nature amid serene landscapes.
Level C1ClassicsUrith: A Tale of DartmoorAmid the wild, fiery expanse of Dartmoor’s desolate moorland, a mysterious girl with bandaged hands watches the burning landscape near an ancient monolith known as Devil Tor, where…
Level C1ClassicsUrban SketchesAn enigmatic figure arrives, blending the innocence of youth with the wisdom of age, captivating a household with his peculiar habits and mysterious past.
Level C1ClassicsUps and Downs in the Life of a Distressed GentlemanA printer’s clumsy attempt to hide his Sunday gin exposes the humor and hardships of a life lived in the public eye.
Level C1ClassicsUp in ArdmuirlandTwin brothers Val and Ted face a profound divide: Val embraces a priestly calling while Ted is sent abroad to forge a different path.
Level C1ClassicsUp and DownA profound love for Italy stirs as the narrator returns, sensing a deep connection beyond art and history—in the dust, the heat, and the everyday scenes of a sunlit road, revealing…
Level C1ClassicsUp Terrapin RiverIn the rugged hills along Terrapin River, a hardworking boy named John Lucas toils through a simple, untamed life marked by loss and hope.
Level C1ClassicsUnvarnished TalesA timid novelist faces harsh criticism claiming his characters lack depth, prompting him to abandon his comfort and truly study human nature firsthand.
Level C1ClassicsUnto This Last, and Other Essays on Political EconomyExplore the true meaning of wealth and the principles of political economy through thought-provoking essays that challenge conventional views on poverty and riches, urging citizens…
Level C1ClassicsUnleavened BreadOn a crisp autumn night, Selma White reflects on her quiet life as a teacher in a small town and the restless possibilities that await in the bustling city of Benham.
Level C1ClassicsUnicornsEnter a world where the mythical Unicorn embodies the eternal clash between idealism and reality, inspiring dreamers with its elusive magic and timeless symbolism in art, nature, a…
Level C1ClassicsUnhuman tourEmbark on a poetic journey through Meiji-era Japan, where an introspective traveler reflects on art, nature, and the human heart with humor and subtle cynicism, unveiling a refined…
Level C1ClassicsUnfinished Portraits: Stories of Musicians and ArtistsIn a Florentine studio, a painter wrestles with the elusive smile of Lady Lisa, whose capricious moods stall the masterpiece meant to immortalize her.
Level C1ClassicsUne Vie, a Piece of String and Other StoriesStep into the vivid world of rural Normandy, where youthful adventures and the harsh realities of life intertwine in stories that capture the raw essence of human experience and th…
Level C1ClassicsUnder the SkylightsA passionate young writer rises from humble beginnings, wielding his fierce pen to expose the struggles of the working farmer and challenge society’s injustices.
Level C1ClassicsUnder the Shadow of Etna: Sicilian Stories from the Italian of Giovanni VergaAmid the rugged landscapes beneath Mount Etna, raw tales of Sicilian peasants unfold, revealing harsh realities, fierce passions, and the unvarnished struggles of a people shaped b…
Level C1ClassicsUnder the RedwoodsIn a stormy mining settlement, a feverish man battles delirium and desperate debts while his neighbor struggles between hope and harsh reality.
Level C1ClassicsUnder a Charm: A Novel. Vol. IIITensions rise at a remote border station where loyalty and power collide amid winter’s harsh grip.
Level C1ClassicsUnder a Charm: A Novel. Vol. IIIn a grand castle, two brothers return home carrying the weight of their contrasting personalities and pasts.
Level C1ClassicsUnder a Charm: A Novel. Vol. IIn a quiet seaside retreat, a resilient widow and her noble brother-in-law await the arrival of a long-absent family, navigating the challenges of loss, legacy, and a fiercely inde…
Level C1ClassicsUnder Sentence of Death; Or, a Criminal's Last HoursA condemned man faces the relentless weight of his death sentence, trapped in a dungeon where every moment is haunted by the shadow of the guillotine.
Level C1ClassicsUnder Fire: The Story of a SquadAs war erupts, a group of wounded men in a mountain sanatorium reflect on the devastating conflict unfolding beyond their isolated refuge, witnessing the shattering impact on natio…
Level C1ClassicsUnconscious ComediansA once impoverished noble turns celebrated landscape painter in Paris, while a distant cousin battles legal woes in the provinces.
Level C1ClassicsUncle's Dream; and The Permanent HusbandIn a provincial town ruled by the formidable Maria Alexandrovna, scandal and social power play collide as this imperious lady wields secrets and influence to maintain her unchallen…
Level C1ClassicsUncle Vanya: Scenes from Country Life in Four ActsTensions simmer on a quiet country estate as a retired professor disrupts the daily rhythms of long-standing residents, stirring feelings of restlessness, unfulfilled dreams, and s…
Level C1ClassicsUncle Tom's CabinIn a Kentucky parlor, two men negotiate the sale of a trusted, pious slave named Tom, revealing the harsh realities and moral conflicts of slavery through their tense conversation…
Level C1ClassicsUncle MaxHaunted by grief and despair after her twin brother's death, a young woman struggles to find hope and purpose until a mysterious figure, Uncle Max, appears, offering a chance to ch…
Level C1ClassicsUnawares: A Story of an Old French TownIn a charming old French town, whispers of a mysterious accident involving an elderly gentleman and a young woman stir the curious townsfolk, revealing a tapestry of gossip, secret…
Level C1ClassicsUnaddressed LettersA diplomatist’s unsent letters reveal vivid reflections on love, life, and the enchanting landscapes of the East, blending personal musings with rich, atmospheric descriptions that…
Level C1ClassicsUna of the hill country: 1911In the shadow of Chilhowee Mountain, a forbidden dance ignites a rare moment of joy and rebellion among mountain youth, set against the tension of a political rally and the stern j…
Level C1ClassicsUkrainian folk songsImmerse yourself in the vibrant soul of Ukraine, where every moment of daily life—from work to celebration—is steeped in song, reflecting a rich heritage shaped by nature, history,…
Level C1ClassicsTypes of Prose Narratives: A Text-Book for the Story WriterExplore the art of storytelling with a guide that traces essential narrative types, blending literary examples and student writings to inspire and instruct aspiring writers in craf…
Level C1ClassicsTypes of News WritingExplore a comprehensive guide designed for aspiring journalists, offering real news story examples that teach effective reporting, writing techniques, and ethical considerations to…
Level C1ClassicsTwo, by Tricks: A NovelAmid the glittering, scandal-swirled world of London society, an army veteran navigates shifting alliances and old friendships rekindled at the opera, where beneath the surface of…
Level C1ClassicsTwo plays for dancersIn a minimalist stage setting, mystical musicians and masked figures evoke ancient Irish myths and heroic tales, blending music, movement, and drama to explore themes of identity,…
Level C1ClassicsTwo Years Ago, Volume II.A young lord returns to his ancestral home, stirring a coastal town into festive excitement with a grand nautical arrival and heartfelt connections to long-standing traditions.
Level C1ClassicsTwo Years Ago, Volume ITwo friends reflect on the turbulent events of two years prior, as war and pestilence reshape their lives and ideals.
Level C1ClassicsTwo Women or One? From the Mss. of Dr. Leonard BenaryA retired English doctor in an American city encounters a mysterious woman wandering alone by the river at midnight, sparking a tense and uncertain encounter that hints at hidden t…
Level C1ClassicsTwo Tragedies of Seneca: Medea and The Daughters of Troy: Rendered into English VerseDelve into two powerful tragedies where ancient myths unravel intense spiritual conflicts and soul crises, revealing how Roman drama shaped the evolution of English theater with it…
Level C1ClassicsTwo StrangersIn a damp autumn drawing-room, tensions stir as a young widow’s arrival piques curiosity and loyalty among family and friends, revealing complex bonds and unspoken stories beneath…
Level C1ClassicsTwo PoetsIn a provincial town where printing is an art and politics a peril, a journeyman pressman grapples with ambition, loyalty, and survival amid the dawn of a new era.
Level C1ClassicsTwo Men: A Romance of SussexOn the windswept Sussex coast, a commanding father encounters his restless, unconventional son, setting the stage for a stirring tale of family ties, tradition, and personal confli…
Level C1ClassicsTwo College FriendsTwo college friends navigate the complexities of loyalty and secrecy when one hides a budding romance, stirring jealousy and concern.
Level C1ClassicsTwin Tales: Are All Men Alike, and, The Lost TitianA spirited young heiress chafes against the stifling expectations of her wealthy world, craving freedom and adventure beyond the gilded cage of high society.
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.