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 C1ClassicsJournals of Dorothy Wordsworth, Vol. 1 (of 2)Step into the intimate daily life of Dorothy Wordsworth as she chronicles nature's changing seasons, family moments, and poetic inspirations alongside her brother in the serene Eng…
Level C1ClassicsJournalism for Women: A Practical GuideDiscover how journalism transforms the mundane into the captivating, revealing the art of making everyday life intriguing and engaging through the journalist’s unique perspective a…
Level C1ClassicsJoshua MarvelIn a bustling Stepney neighborhood, the Marvel family struggles to make ends meet, while young Joshua dreams of breaking free from his wood-turner father's humble trade to forge a…
Level C1ClassicsJoshua Haggard's daughter, Vol. 3 (of 3)Naomi awaits her lover’s return with desperate hope, torn between faith in his love and fear of betrayal.
Level C1ClassicsJoshua Haggard's daughter, Vol. 2 (of 3)In a quiet chapel far from home, a preacher’s heartfelt sermon on faith, sacrifice, and the beauty of worship stirs a simple congregation—and captivates Cynthia, whose innocent awe…
Level C1ClassicsJoshua Haggard's daughter, Vol. 1 (of 3)A dark storm looms over the coastal village of Combhaven, where fierce seas mirror the turbulent lives of its inhabitants.
Level C1ClassicsJosh Billings' Farmer's Allminax, 1870-1879Discover a humor-filled almanac blending witty family lore, quirky advice, and homespun wisdom, where each month comes alive with playful monographs, practical tips, and the charmi…
Level C1ClassicsJoseph in the Snow, and The Clockmaker. In Three Volumes. Vol. III.In a tranquil mountain home, newlyweds navigate the quiet joys and subtle challenges of domestic life, discovering peace, humor, and the warmth of shared memories amid the stillnes…
Level C1ClassicsJoseph in the Snow, and The Clockmaker. In Three Volumes. Vol. I.A restless child’s repeated question marks the start of a day steeped in family strife, lost children, and secrets in a quiet village.
Level C1ClassicsJoseph and His Friend: A Story of PennsylvaniaIn a quiet Pennsylvania community, Joseph navigates the delicate tensions of family expectations and social gatherings, seeking his own path between tradition and youthful independ…
Level C1ClassicsJoseph ConradExplore the life and art of Joseph Conrad, whose experiences from a turbulent Polish childhood to years at sea shape his profound literary vision.
Level C1ClassicsJoseph Addison and his timeDive into the lively world of Joseph Addison, a man of letters and public life, whose spirited friendship with the irrepressible Richard Steele reveals the wit, flaws, and jovial a…
Level C1ClassicsJorrocks' Jaunts and JollitiesJoin the lively Surrey foxhounds on spirited hunts through rugged hills and dense woods, where city sportsmen blend business talk with bold pursuit.
Level C1ClassicsJonahIn the gritty streets of Waterloo, a rowdy gang of larrikins rule the night, clashing with the vibrant life of shops and the ominous presence of the Salvation Army.
Level C1ClassicsJoking apartA witty author wrestles with criticism and the challenge of capturing everyday life and its characters without conventional descriptions.
Level C1ClassicsJokes For All Occasions: Selected and Edited by One of America's Foremost Public SpeakersMaster the art of storytelling with timeless jokes and expert advice on delivering humor that captivates any audience, whether brief and punchy or richly detailed and amusing.
Level C1ClassicsJohnstone of the BorderA determined soldier-turned-adventurer finds solace in the rugged Canadian wilderness, where solitude and the echoes of his past beckon.
Level C1ClassicsJohnny Ludlow, Third SeriesIn a quiet village, the return of delicate Jessy Page stirs hidden tensions and unspoken desires, as John Drench’s admiration shifts from sensible Susan to the enchanting youngest…
Level C1ClassicsJohnny Ludlow, Fourth SeriesIn a quiet town shaken by ruin and mystery, young William Brook seeks purpose amid family downfall and unexpected challenges, while the disappearance that puzzles the local doctor…
Level C1ClassicsJohnny Ludlow, Fifth SeriesIn a quiet Worcestershire village, intertwined lives unfold through the eyes of Featherston, the dedicated doctor, and his lively sister Mary Ann, whose marriage to a French master…
Level C1ClassicsJohn the Baptist: A PlayIn a turbulent Jerusalem, the enigmatic John the Baptist gathers the suffering and hopeful, preaching silent prayer and sanctification as whispers of a coming deliverer stir the de…
Level C1ClassicsJohn de Lancaster: a novel; vol. III.As John de Lancaster and his companions arrive at the elegant Kray Castle, they confront the shadows of past tragedies and the weight of justice, while hidden family secrets and my…
Level C1ClassicsJohn de Lancaster: a novel; vol. II.Amidst the looming shadows of Kray-Castle, a haunting experiment unfolds as music and mystery intertwine to confront an unseen evil.
Level C1ClassicsJohn Wesley, Jr.: The Story of an ExperimentA dedicated preacher launches an ambitious ten-year experiment to transform a young man's life and reveal new possibilities for the church's mission.
Level C1ClassicsJohn Rawn, Prominent CitizenBorn to humble Methodist parents in a small Texas village, John Rawn defies his modest origins with an unshakable belief in his destined greatness.
Level C1ClassicsJohn Lothrop Motley, A Memoir — CompleteBorn into a distinguished New England family, young John Lothrop Motley grows up amid rich intellectual and social influences, nurturing a love of literature, drama, and history th…
Level C1ClassicsJohn Leech's Pictures of Life and CharacterStep into a bygone era where childhood memories are shaped by haunting portraits, wax figures, and vivid tales of knights and royalty.
Level C1ClassicsJohn Ingerfield, and Other StoriesIn a gritty London neighborhood shadowed by a weathered churchyard, the tale of John Ingerfield unfolds—a saga of a hard-headed family whose legacy is forged in battle, business, a…
Level C1ClassicsJohn Halifax, GentlemanA strong, determined boy named John Halifax appears at a rain-soaked alley, seeking work and shelter.
Level C1ClassicsJohn Gabriel BorkmanA disgraced banker clings to lost power while entangled in the lives of two contrasting sisters, revealing the haunting consequences of ambition and betrayal.
Level C1ClassicsJohn Forster: By One of His FriendsA formidable literary figure rises from humble beginnings to become a respected guide and arbiter among London's elite writers and politicians, wielding a sharp tongue and indomita…
Level C1ClassicsJohn Cheap, the Chapman's Library. Vol. 1: Comic and Humorous: The Scottish Chap Literature of Last Century, ClassifiedExplore the vibrant world of 19th-century Scottish chap-books, revealing raw, humorous, and unfiltered glimpses into rural life, popular beliefs, and peasant culture through the ey…
Level C1ClassicsJohn CaldigateA stern country squire mourns his lost family while struggling to connect with his rebellious son, whose wild pursuits and affection for lively cousins clash with his father's rigi…
Level C1ClassicsJohn Bull; Or, The Englishman's Fireside: A Comedy, in Five ActsIn a rustic Cornish inn, Dennis Brulgruddery grapples with ill fortune and a new marriage, while sharp wit and lively characters expose the follies and generosity of human nature i…
Level C1ClassicsJohn Bull's Other IslandWhen Broadbent, a spirited civil engineer, receives a curious visitor from Ireland, he prepares for a journey to the island that promises unexpected encounters and lively adventure…
Level C1ClassicsJohn BarleycornA man reflects on his lifelong struggle with alcohol, exploring its grip as both a tormentor and a revealer of harsh truths.
Level C1ClassicsJoe Miller's Jests, with Copious AdditionsDive into a lively collection of sharp jests, witty repartees, and clever anecdotes attributed to the famously humorless Joe Miller, whose name ironically became synonymous with ti…
Level C1ClassicsJoe Miller's Jests, or The Wits Vade-MecumDive into a lively collection of the wittiest jests, sharp repartees, and amusing short stories, capturing the vibrant humor and social quirks of the age with sparkling dialogue an…
Level C1ClassicsJocelynGiles Legard confronts a stirring transformation as he grapples with the stark realities of life during a sunlit afternoon in Hôtel Milano, where isolation and desire intertwine wi…
Level C1ClassicsJoan of Arc of the North WoodsIn the timber-rich Tomah country, young Ward Latisan clashes with the powerful Comas Paper Company over control of the forests, igniting a fierce battle between independent operato…
Level C1ClassicsJoan Thursday: A NovelCaught between youthful hope and harsh reality, a tired young woman navigates the relentless grind of city life and the looming threat of lost employment, all while striving to mai…
Level C1ClassicsJoan HasteIn a windswept coastal village shadowed by ancient ruins, Joan Haste, a bright and restless young woman, wrestles with her lowly station, unfulfilled desires, and a haunting sense…
Level C1ClassicsJinny the CarrierIn a charming rural landscape inspired by Essex, Jinny the Carrier navigates love and life among simple, kindly country folk, capturing the spirit and dialect of a timeless village…
Level C1ClassicsJimmy Quixote: A NovelAn aging countryman returns from the bustling city burdened with mysterious parcels and a mission tied to "Old Paul's babies," blending nostalgia and quiet determination in a quain…
Level C1ClassicsJimmie Moore of BucktownIn the harsh slums of Bucktown, young Jimmie Moore carries burdens far beyond his years, seeking help for his ailing, desperate family.
Level C1ClassicsJilted! Or, My Uncle's Scheme, Volume 1An idle young man drifts through a monotonous life in a sleepy French town under the watchful eye of his charming but reckless army major father.
Level C1ClassicsJezebel's DaughterTwo strangers die on the same day, leaving behind widows bound by fate and secrets.
Level C1ClassicsJewel WeedIn a bustling Western city, young Ellery Norris navigates new friendships and ambitions amid a gathering that contrasts worldly ambition with mysterious Eastern spirituality, where…
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.