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 C1ClassicsGreene Ferne FarmIn a tranquil village where farmers gather and gossip, a newcomer from Australia arrives to learn the ways of rural life, stirring curiosity and quiet intrigue among the locals at…
Level C1ClassicsGreek primer, colloquial and constructiveUnlock the secrets of language learning by exploring natural, effective methods that mirror how children acquire speech, adapted for adult learners seeking mastery and practical us…
Level C1ClassicsGreek in a NutshellMaster the essentials of New Testament Greek with clear lessons on alphabet, accents, breathings, and grammar rules, designed for beginners eager to unlock the original language of…
Level C1ClassicsGreat short stories, Volume 2 (of 3)A devoted priest’s life is shattered by a haunting vision of a radiant woman during his ordination, igniting a mysterious and forbidden passion that blurs the line between sacred d…
Level C1ClassicsGreat PossessionsImmerse yourself in a sensory journey through the countryside, where every scent and flavor tells a story of nature’s fleeting beauty.
Level C1ClassicsGreat Catherine (Whom Glory Still Adores)Amidst the extravagant intrigues of 18th-century Russian court life, a straightforward English gentleman navigates the dazzling and morally complex world of Catherine the Great, wh…
Level C1ClassicsGranny Maumee; The rider of dreams; Simon the CyrenianIn a humble cabin marked by memory and loss, blind Granny Maumee prepares for a long-awaited reunion with her great-grandchild, holding onto hope and the weight of past sorrows as…
Level C1ClassicsGrania, The Story of an Island; vol. 2/2Amid relentless rain and fierce storms on a rugged island, Grania juggles daily farm life while probing a mysterious turf thief in a tightly knit community where suspicion and kins…
Level C1ClassicsGrania, The Story of an Island; vol. 1/2On the remote Aran Isles, a worn fishing hooker sails under a grey sky, carrying Con O’Malley and his daughter Grania, while nearby, the restless and menacing Shan Daly hunts the s…
Level C1ClassicsGrania, The Story of an Island (Complete)Amid the haunting gloom of the Aran Isles, a weathered fisherman and his daughter navigate the uncertain seas, while a restless outsider with a wild, predatory gaze lurks nearby, b…
Level C1ClassicsGrammatical Sketch of the Heve Language: Shea's Library of American Linguistics. Volume III.Explore the rich history and geography of the Heve language, spoken by the Eudeve people in 18th-century Sonora, revealing the culture, lands, and neighboring tribes through detail…
Level C1ClassicsGrammar of the New Zealand language (2nd edition)Explore the rich diversity and deep connections of the Maori language through an insightful grammar that reveals its dialects, origins, and unique structure—offering learners a cle…
Level C1ClassicsGrammar and Vocabulary of the Lau Language, Solomon IslandsExplore the intricate grammar and vocabulary of the Lau language, spoken on artificial islets off Big Malaita in the Solomon Islands, revealing its unique sounds, influences, and d…
Level C1ClassicsGraf von Loeben and the Legend of Lorelei: From "Modern Philology" vol. 13 (1915)Explore the life and literary influence of Graf von Loeben, a prolific but obscure 19th-century poet whose extensive works and connections with prominent romanticists reveal a comp…
Level C1ClassicsGrace Abounding to the Chief of SinnersA soul wrestles with sin and temptation, chronicling a profound journey from despair to faith through God's mercy.
Level C1ClassicsGov. Bob. Taylor's Tales: "The fiddle and the bow," "The paradise of fools," "Visions and dreams"Experience vivid tales woven with humor, music, and vivid imagery that transport you through storms, love, and life's simple joys, all brought to life by a master storyteller whose…
Level C1ClassicsGossamerTorn between loyalty and disillusionment, a man of no country reflects on patriotism and identity while crossing the Atlantic.
Level C1ClassicsGood IndianOn a rugged Western ranch, Peaceful Hart—once a gold prospector—now watches his five unruly sons embrace the wild, untamed spirit of the frontier, challenging the calm he once embo…
Level C1ClassicsGood BloodIn a quiet wine-room, a retired colonel’s intense gaze fixes on a brewing schoolboy fight in the square outside, unraveling a story of curiosity, conflict, and the unexpected drama…
Level C1ClassicsGone to EarthIn the wild beauty of the Callow, Hazel Woodus, a girl with foxlike eyes and a fierce spirit, navigates the mysteries of her gypsy heritage and the quiet power of nature.
Level C1ClassicsGoldsmith: English Men of Letters SeriesExplore the life of a writer whose cheerful optimism masks a troubled career marked by misfortune, wit, and a relentless struggle for recognition in 18th-century England.
Level C1ClassicsGoldsmith's Friend Abroad AgainAn eager immigrant leaves China for America, dreaming of freedom and opportunity, only to confront harsh realities aboard ship and a hostile reception upon arrival in San Francisco…
Level C1ClassicsGolden Fleece: The American Adventures of a Fortune Hunting EarlAn English earl faces financial ruin and must navigate the uneasy alliance of marrying a wealthy American heiress, while his family grapples with pride, class tensions, and the loo…
Level C1ClassicsGold ElsieAmid a snowstorm in the bustling capital, a young woman cloaked in mystery braves the cold, her joyful eyes hinting at a hidden past intertwined with noble legacy and the fading gr…
Level C1ClassicsGoing to Maynooth: Traits and Stories of the Irish Peasantry, The Works of William Carleton, Volume ThreeIn a lively Irish village, young Denis O'Shaughnessy, a sharp-witted and long-winded boy, is groomed by his father to become a priest and master debater, sparking humorous and spir…
Level C1ClassicsGoing into SocietyA wandering showman recalls his time running a curious house adorned with bizarre canvases depicting giants, dwarfs, and exotic spectacles, centered around a mysterious dwarf known…
Level C1ClassicsGodolphin, Volume 6.Torn between past love and present neglect, Constance delves into the troubled heart of her husband Godolphin, uncovering secrets and seeking a path to rekindle their fading bond a…
Level C1ClassicsGodolphin, Volume 5.Torn between duty and desire, a man grapples with a haunting past love and a sacred pledge to another, as a woman waits anxiously in his chamber, uncovering a letter that reveals t…
Level C1ClassicsGodolphin, Volume 4.Haunted by love and regret, a man wrestles with his conscience and the silence of the woman he adores, torn between duty and desire as he prepares to leave the eternal city behind.
Level C1ClassicsGodolphin, Volume 3.A young countess navigates the glittering yet treacherous social and political circles of London, using wit and charm to outmaneuver rivals and shape alliances in a world where app…
Level C1ClassicsGodolphin, Volume 1.A poetically inclined man drifts through the frivolities of high society, his genius stifled by indolence and vanity.
Level C1ClassicsGodolphin, CompleteA young man discovers his true parentage and navigates the allure and pitfalls of high society, exploring the conflict between ambition, intellect, and the seductive distractions o…
Level C1ClassicsGobseckIn a winter salon of 1829 Paris, a young count's promising future and questionable family past stir whispers and warnings among the elite.
Level C1ClassicsGloriana; or, the revolution of 1900In a visionary tale set at the turn of the 20th century, a young girl named Gloriana embodies the fight for women's equality, challenging societal injustices and envisioning a revo…
Level C1ClassicsGloria MundiA chance encounter on a speeding train sparks tension and intrigue between two strangers forced to share a reserved compartment.
Level C1ClassicsGloriaAmidst the dazzling Christmas Eve bustle of New York, a desperate young man races through the theater crowd to confront the woman who has shattered his heart, only to face her cold…
Level C1ClassicsGleanings in Graveyards: A Collection of Curious EpitaphsExplore a fascinating collection of quirky and humorous epitaphs from British graveyards, revealing how wit and whimsy mark the resting places of the departed, alongside reflection…
Level C1ClassicsGleanings from the Harvest-Fields of Literature: A Melange of ExcerptaDive into a rich mosaic of literary snippets and curiosities, from whimsical epigrams to profound reflections, offering a diverse feast for every appetite and a charming companion…
Level C1ClassicsGlassesA painter on holiday in Folkestone becomes captivated by Flora Saunt, a striking young woman whose beauty and presence command attention amidst the seaside crowd.
Level C1ClassicsGladys, the ReaperAs summer sunshine revives a struggling farm, a young girl of uncertain origins finds herself entangled with a desperate group of Irish migrants at the farm’s gate, setting the sta…
Level C1ClassicsGlad ghostsAmid post-war tensions, an unlikely bond forms between an ambitious yet conflicted aristocrat and a struggling artist, united by a shared yearning to break free from societal conve…
Level C1ClassicsGinx's Baby: His Birth and Other Misfortunes; a SatireIn a crowded London home, Ginx and his wife struggle with the relentless challenges of poverty, family, and society as their many children—each birth a public spectacle—highlight t…
Level C1ClassicsGhosts I Have Met and Some OthersEncounters with bizarre, grotesque spectres lead a skeptical narrator to confront the supernatural with wit and curiosity rather than fear.
Level C1ClassicsGhetto TragediesIn an East End Jewish community, Zillah’s fervent fasting finally brings a long-awaited son, Brum, whose frail health challenges their faith and hopes.
Level C1ClassicsGhetto ComediesAn artist sets out to paint a realistic portrayal of the Man of Sorrows, challenging traditional depictions by seeking a deeper truth rooted in reality and cultural identity.
Level C1ClassicsGetting MarriedIn a world where marriage laws are harsh and often hypocritical, rebellious spirits challenge tradition while grappling with the undeniable social and legal pressures to wed.
Level C1ClassicsGet-Rich-Quick Wallingford: A Cheerful Account of the Rise and Fall of an American Business BuccaneerA charming con artist with nothing but a hundred dollars and boundless confidence arrives in a new city, plotting a brilliant scheme to turn the world’s money his way.
Level C1ClassicsGet Next!A day at the racetrack turns into a whirlwind of colorful characters, wild bets, and tall tales as John Henry and his friends navigate the thrills and pitfalls of horse racing in t…
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.