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 C1ClassicsJane Sinclair; Or, The Fawn Of Springvale: The Works of William Carleton, Volume TwoA young woman’s intellect shatters under the weight of first love’s betrayal, plunging her into a haunting madness that evokes both sorrow and reverence.
Level B2ClassicsJane Journeys OnIn a quiet Vermont village where tradition and expectation reign, Jane Vail faces the pressure to marry well—especially to Martin Wetherby, the perfect suitor everyone expects her…
Level B2ClassicsJane Field: A NovelIn a quiet cottage filled with sea treasures and braided rugs, Amanda Pratt clings to routine and tradition, revealing the gentle monotony and hidden depths of a life shaped by her…
Level C1ClassicsJane EyreAn orphaned governess navigates hardship, love, and mystery within the imposing Thornfield Hall, where secrets and passion intertwine in this gripping five-act drama adapted from a…
Level B2ClassicsJan and Her JobAboard a quiet P.
Level C1ClassicsJan Vedder's WifeIn the rugged Shetland town of Lerwick, Jan Vedder’s betrothal to Margaret Fae sets the stage for a tale steeped in seafaring tradition, Norse heritage, and the stirring passions o…
Level C1ClassicsJames Russell Lowell, A Biography; vol. 1/2Dive into the rich life of James Russell Lowell, tracing his roots to the historic Elmwood estate in Cambridge, and explore the intimate letters, writings, and friendships that sha…
Level B2ClassicsJames Russell Lowell and His FriendsStep into the intimate world of a distinguished Boston literary circle, guided by personal memories and rare letters revealing the boyhood and formative years of a poet born amidst…
Level C1ClassicsJames Fenimore Cooper: American Men of LettersExplore the origins and early life of a renowned American novelist, tracing his family's pioneering settlement in the scenic village that bears their name and uncovering the myths…
Level C1ClassicsJames Fenimore CooperExplore the life behind the legendary creator of American romance, tracing his roots from a childhood shaped by family fortune in the wilderness of Otsego to the world that inspire…
Level C1ClassicsJafferyIn a blossoming garden, an urbane narrator begins to unravel the spirited life of his indomitable friend Jaffery Chayne, weaving together wit, philosophy, and intimate musings on f…
Level C1ClassicsJacqueline — CompleteIn the lively salons of Paris, Jacqueline stands apart—a striking young girl whose rare beauty and individuality captivate her circle of friends.
Level C1ClassicsJacob's RoomA young boy named Jacob wanders a windswept seaside, caught between childhood's fragile moments and the vast, silent world around him.
Level C1ClassicsJack Hinton: The GuardsmanAn English guardsman navigates the complexities of Irish society and culture during the early 19th century, encountering colorful characters and unexpected adventures that challeng…
Level C1ClassicsJack Brag, vol. 3 (of 3)After a wild night of gambling and family revelations, Jack wakes to a tangled web of secrets, lost money, and uneasy alliances.
Level C1ClassicsJack Brag, vol. 2 (of 3)Caught between the affections of two charming women, Jack Brag must navigate social intrigues and rival suitors in London’s clubs, all while seeking advice from friends and facing…
Level C1ClassicsJack Brag, vol. 1 (of 3)Caught between his family’s modest wax and tallow business and his high-society pursuits, Jack Brag navigates the clash of trade and leisure, seeking acceptance among the elite whi…
Level C1ClassicsJack Ballington, ForesterA forester reflects on humanity's deep bond with nature and the enduring hope rooted in the soil, weaving a tale of life, faith, and the timeless connection between man and the lan…
Level C1ClassicsJ. S. Le Fanu's Ghostly Tales, Volume 4In the haunting village of Chapelizod, where ancient ruins and eerie legends linger, a ruthless bully reigns supreme—until a young underdog challenges his brutal reign, sparking a…
Level C1ClassicsJ. Comyns Carr: Stray Memories, by His WifeA young dramatic critic’s chance encounter with a spirited woman new to London sparks a delicate courtship amidst the vibrant theatrical and artistic circles of 1870s Bohemia.
Level C1ClassicsIxion In HeavenA disgraced king, accused of murder and shunned by all, seeks refuge among the gods of Olympus.
Level C1ClassicsIvanoff: A PlayA troubled landowner faces mounting debts and personal tensions at his countryside estate, where strained relationships and financial woes threaten to unravel his life and ambition…
Level C1ClassicsItalian Letters, Vols. I and II; Or, The History of the Count de St. JulianA heartfelt letter from the Count de St.
Level B2ClassicsIt's time something happenedCaught in a tangled love triangle, two lovers grapple with emotions and dilemmas, while a mysterious playwright is summoned to untangle their complicated story—challenging the conv…
Level C1ClassicsIt was a Lover and His LassIn the eerie twilight of northern Scotland, an unfinished, grand palace stands abandoned, its eerie presence stirring local superstition.
Level B2ClassicsIt pays to advertiseWhen an enterprising secretary battles language barriers and a determined French countess to protect her absent employer’s soap business, a farcical tale of advertising and ambitio…
Level C1ClassicsIt Never Can Happen AgainIn a gritty London neighborhood, young Lizarann guides her blind father through the maze of streets, unaware of his mysterious daily routine, while navigating the harsh realities a…
Level B2ClassicsIt May Be True, Vol. 2 (of 3)In a quiet village, Matthew the pikeman encounters the enigmatic Mrs.
Level C1ClassicsIt May Be True, Vol. 1 (of 3)In the tranquil village of Ashleigh, surrounded by lush forests and rolling hills, young Amy Neville wanders through blooming lanes and sunlit bridges, carrying the quiet weight of…
Level C1ClassicsIt Is Never Too Late to MendA struggling Berkshire farmer faces the harsh realities of rural life and a tempting offer from an honorable gentleman seeking fortune in Australia, challenging George to choose be…
Level B2ClassicsIt Happened in JapanOn a voyage to Japan, two men observe a mysterious woman whose scandalous past stirs whispers among the passengers.
Level C1ClassicsIsola; or, The disinherited: A revolt for woman and all the disinheritedA visionary queen challenges outdated laws and superstitions, demanding justice and equality for all living beings, women, and rulers alike.
Level C1ClassicsIsland Tales / On the Makaloa MatAmidst the lush beauty of Hawaii, Martha Scandwell’s grand estate teems with family, tradition, and the vibrant mingling of cultures.
Level C1ClassicsIsland Nights' EntertainmentsStranded on a remote South Sea island, a solitary man encounters enigmatic traders and navigates the mysterious customs, dangers, and secrets of island life, where the line between…
Level C1ClassicsIsabel Clarendon, Vol. 2 (of 2)Vincent Lacour cherishes a life of leisurely ease, dreaming of escape and travel, until an unexpected visitor disrupts his quiet existence, revealing hidden tensions and uncertain…
Level C1ClassicsIsabel Clarendon, Vol. 1 (of 2)A solitary traveler chooses the winding, forgotten old road over the new highway, encountering quaint rural scenes and curious characters that hint at deeper stories in this quiet…
Level C1ClassicsIsaac Watts; his life and writings, his homes and friendsExplore the serene and devout life of Isaac Watts, whose profound hymns and theological writings reveal a mind illuminated by piety and charity.
Level C1ClassicsIsaac Bickerstaff, Physician and AstrologerStep into the witty world of Isaac Bickerstaff, a shrewd physician and astrologer who dispenses sharp social commentary through lively essays that challenge the vices and follies o…
Level C1ClassicsIs Shakespeare Dead?: From My AutobiographyExplore the enigmatic world of historical claimants, from lost heirs to literary legends, as a seasoned observer unravels the enduring mysteries and passionate debates surrounding…
Level C1ClassicsIs Polite Society Polite? and Other EssaysExplore the true nature of polite society as it unveils the contrast between genuine manners and superficial flattery, questioning whether social graces mask selfishness or reflect…
Level C1ClassicsIrvin Cobb, His Book:: Friendly Tributes upon the Occasion of a Dinner Tendered to Irvin Shrewsbury Cobb at the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel, New York, April Twenty-Fifth, MCMXVCelebrate the wit and insight of a renowned storyteller who captures the spirit of American life—from Southern roots to bustling New York streets—with humor, pathos, and vivid char…
Level C1ClassicsIrresolute CatherineAmid rugged mountain slopes and a tight-knit chapel community, Heber Moorhouse, known as ‘Black Heber,’ grapples with duty and fiery independence while a delicate young woman named…
Level B2ClassicsIronheartThree tramps with sharply different backgrounds and secrets cross the scorching western desert, navigating harsh survival and clashing codes in a world where pride and pasts weigh…
Level C1ClassicsIrish Wit and Humor: Anecdote Biography of Swift, Curran, O'Leary and O'ConnellDive into lively anecdotes and sharp wit as this collection brings to life the spirited tales and clever humor of Swift, Curran, O'Leary, and O'Connell, revealing the vibrant perso…
Level B2ClassicsIrish Ned: The Winnipeg NewsyIn bustling Winnipeg, young Irish Ned sells newspapers by day and leads his lively Boy Scout troop by night, navigating the challenges of city life with cheer, courage, and a sharp…
Level C1ClassicsIrish MemoriesDelve into a tender memoir capturing the vibrant spirit of Martin Ross and a fading era of Irish life, as remembered through intimate letters, diaries, and reflections on family an…
Level C2ClassicsIphigenia in TaurisIn a sacred grove before Diana's temple, Iphigenia serves as a priestess far from home, while Orestes and his loyal friend Pylades arrive, setting the stage for a dramatic reunion…
Level C1ClassicsIola Leroy; Or, Shadows UpliftedAmid the upheaval of the Civil War and its aftermath, voices from the Anglo-African community reveal struggles for freedom, education, and dignity.
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.