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 C1ClassicsIn Our Convent DaysA convent school where childhood innocence meets strict discipline is stirred by the arrival of Marianus, a mysterious young priest whose presence ignites the imaginations and secr…
Level C1ClassicsIn Old KentuckyIn the rugged Kentucky mountains, a spirited young woman rides an ox through spring's vibrant wilderness, defying both nature’s dangers and the encroaching progress marked by railr…
Level C1ClassicsIn Mr. Knox's CountryIn a wild, rugged landscape where ancient paths wind among cliffs and furze, a mysterious fox den draws the attention of hunters and locals alike.
Level C1ClassicsIn Madeira Place: 1887In a quiet alley near the docks, a diverse group of immigrants gathers nightly at Maison Sorel, where balloons, old war stories, and silent understanding reveal the hopes and hards…
Level C1ClassicsIn Luck at LastIn a tucked-away London bookshop where faded charm meets the hum of city life, the delicate art of second-hand bookselling unfolds, revealing a world where history, mystery, and th…
Level C1ClassicsIn League with Israel: A Tale of the Chattanooga ConferenceAn old rabbi’s deep faith and music intertwine with the lives of a young man and his sister caught between traditions and new friendships.
Level C1ClassicsIn Honour Bound: An Original Play, in One Act.: (Suggested by Scribe's Five Act Comedy, "Une Chaine.")In a richly appointed study, a seasoned lawyer unravels the tangled affairs of love and law, while a young man returns from travels, confessing a new engagement that promises more…
Level C1ClassicsIn Great Waters: Four StoriesOn the island of Marken, a mad fisherman haunted by tragedy wields a mysterious curse feared by all, while love and rivalry entwine among the villagers who navigate the wrath of th…
Level C1ClassicsIn God's Way: A NovelExplore the rich inner life and moral struggles of Norway through a vivid, sympathetic narrative that reveals the true spirit of its people beyond picturesque landscapes.
Level C1ClassicsIn Exile, and Other StoriesIn a rugged Californian mining valley, a schoolmistress and a young miner's helper explore a hidden spring, uncovering the stark beauty and challenges of frontier life as unexpecte…
Level C1ClassicsIn Defence of Harriet ShelleyA sharp critique dismantles a popular biography of Percy Bysshe Shelley, exposing its fanciful style and biased portrayal of his personal life.
Level C1ClassicsIn Connection with the De Willoughby ClaimIn the sweltering heat of Talbot’s Cross-roads, Big Tom D’Willerby runs a bustling country store where laziness meets charm, and local gossip flows as freely as the goods on the sh…
Level C1ClassicsIn Brief AuthorityIn a genteel English drawing-room, a chance visit from Lady Harriet Elmslie stirs the poised Mrs.
Level C1ClassicsIn Black and WhiteIn a vibrant Northern Indian monastery where priests and wanderers mingle, an old holy man named Gobind shares timeless tales that blur the lines between creed and culture, reveali…
Level C1ClassicsImpressions of Theophrastus SuchA solitary bachelor reflects deeply on the elusive nature of self-knowledge, exploring how others perceive him and the hidden follies he unknowingly shares with all humanity.
Level C1ClassicsImpressions and experiencesStep into the world of a 19th-century country newspaper, where a young boy’s memories blend with his father’s passionate fight against slavery through the printed word.
Level C1ClassicsImpressions and CommentsA series of personal reflections captures fleeting moments of life and thought, revealing humanity’s complexities through vivid urban scenes and meditations on nature, art, and soc…
Level C1ClassicsImperium in Imperio: A Study of the Negro Race Problem. A NovelA devoted mother’s fierce determination to educate her children sets in motion a powerful narrative of race, loyalty, and rebellion within a secret African American organization.
Level C1ClassicsImogen; Or, Only EighteenAt the lively estate of Grey Fells Hall, the Helmont family thrives on endless summer visitors and spirited gatherings—until a young, inexperienced guest arrives, stirring tensions…
Level C1ClassicsImmortal MemoriesExplore eloquent tributes to literary giants and the vibrant intellectual circles of historic English cities, revealing the rich legacies of poets, scholars, and the enduring power…
Level C1ClassicsImaginations and ReveriesDive into a rich mosaic of Irish nationalism, art, and spirituality as a restless intellect navigates the tensions between personal expression and collective identity, exploring th…
Level C1ClassicsImaginary InterviewsStep into the storied Easy Chair, a witness to decades of literary reflection and spirited dialogue, as it revives memories and questions the worthiness of those who dare to fill t…
Level C1ClassicsIllustrations of taxationIn a town caught between tradition and progress, the heir to a long-abandoned estate returns to reclaim his family home, uncovering the tensions hidden beneath the surface of chang…
Level C1ClassicsIllustrations of political economy, Volume 9 (of 9)In a bustling household on Budge Row, Jane Farrer navigates the challenges of family, ambition, and unexpected news that could change their future.
Level C1ClassicsIllustrations of political economy, Volume 8 (of 9)In a remote village, a devoted philosopher navigates the silence between worlds, eagerly awaiting news from distant lands while finding solace in his telescope and the quiet compan…
Level C1ClassicsIllustrations of political economy, Volume 7 (of 9)Under a midsummer moon in drought-stricken Yorkshire, two women keep vigil by a fading spring, hoping to ease the harshness of thirst and hardship in their parched land.
Level C1ClassicsIllustrations of political economy, Volume 4 (of 9)In a seemingly idyllic English county, harsh poverty underpins desperate lives, as laborers struggle with unemployment, crime, and fractured families amid fertile orchards and grow…
Level C1ClassicsIllustrations of political economy, Volume 3 (of 9)In the industrial shadows near Manchester, a weary factory worker and his ailing daughter navigate the harsh realities of poverty, labor, and community strife.
Level C1ClassicsIllustrations of political economy, Volume 2 (of 9)In the vibrant tropics of Demerara, two siblings return to their ancestral plantation after years abroad, confronting the complex realities of slavery and colonial life.
Level C1ClassicsIllustrations of political economy, Volume 1 (of 9)Explore the vital principles of political economy, revealing how wealth is produced, distributed, and consumed within society.
Level C1ClassicsIlka on the Hill-Top and Other StoriesA determined father and his son embark on a grueling summer journey through the stunning yet unforgiving Tyrolean mountains, revealing the clash between ambition, social climbing,…
Level C1ClassicsIgnorant EssaysEngage in a whimsical exploration of ghosts, dreams, and the unseen specters that haunt both waking and sleeping minds, as two friends debate the value and nature of illusions in e…
Level C1ClassicsIf, Yes and Perhaps: Four Possibilities and Six Exaggerations with Some Bits of FactExplore a whimsical collection of stories blending fact, fancy, and moral sketches that challenge the boundaries of truth and imagination, revealing human society through possibili…
Level C1ClassicsIf Winter Don't: A.B.C.D.E.F. NotsomuchinsonA sharp-witted parody unfolds as Luke "Flap" Sharper navigates life with ironic misfortunes and peculiar habits, all while his lawyer friend recounts tales of his quirky past and c…
Level C1ClassicsIermolaIn a remote corner of Wolhynian Poland, tradition clashes with change as noble families cling to old customs amidst a landscape untouched by modern roads or officials, where messen…
Level C1ClassicsIdolsA brutal murder sets off a chain reaction beneath the surface of four seemingly gentle lives, unraveling hidden passions and loyalties.
Level C1ClassicsIdealaA mysterious woman quietly enters a community, bringing a mix of charm and contradictions that captivate those around her.
Level C1ClassicsI and My ChimneyAn aging homeowner shares a whimsical and affectionate portrait of his grand, domineering chimney, revealing how this towering fixture shapes every corner of his house and life.
Level C1ClassicsI Saw Three Ships and Other Winter TalesIn a stormy Christmas morning in a remote parish, the church congregation wrestles with tradition, fatigue, and festive spirits, while young Zeb Minards faces the weight of family…
Level C1ClassicsI PoseA young gardener in London, caught between dreams and reality, navigates the quirks of life and love with a mix of awkward charm and thoughtful imagination.
Level C1ClassicsHyperionHaunted by sorrow and loss, a young man wanders the misty banks of the Rhine, seeking solace amidst ancient castles, legends, and the silent whispers of the past that echo along th…
Level C1ClassicsHymns in the Chinook Jargon LanguageExplore a collection of hymns crafted in Chinook Jargon and related indigenous languages, designed for oral memorization and sung to familiar tunes, reflecting Christian teachings…
Level C1ClassicsHusksOn a relentless rainy day in a respectable New York neighborhood, a drenched, impoverished girl selling matches finds unexpected refuge in a young lady’s home, exposing the stark c…
Level C1ClassicsHurlothrumboIn a world where pride sparks rebellion and kings reign among the stars, a tangled web of love, power, and supernatural forces unfolds.
Level C1ClassicsHunting SketchesExplore the paradox of men who chase the thrill of the hunt yet find no joy in it, revealing the quirks, struggles, and subtle pleasures of a pastime pursued more from tradition th…
Level C1ClassicsHungerA young man wanders the streets of Kristiania, battling starvation and isolation while grappling with his pride and desperation.
Level C1ClassicsHumours of Irish LifeDive into the lively world of Irish humor and folklore, where witty political satire, rollicking tales, and enchanting fairy legends bring to life the rich spirit and colorful char…
Level C1ClassicsHumour, Wit, & Satire of the Seventeenth CenturyDive into the lively spirit of seventeenth-century England, where sharp wit, biting satire, and merry jests reveal a vibrant social world filled with humor both timeless and boldly…
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.