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 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 B2ClassicsIf Any Man SinIn a mist-shrouded city, a disgraced man haunted by his past secretly follows a woman whose voice stirs deep emotions within him, forcing him to confront memories of disgrace and a…
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 B2ClassicsIdle Ideas in 1905Wry observations on social awkwardness and human nature unfold at a gathering where introductions and polite conversation reveal the quirks of societal expectations.
Level B2ClassicsIdealia, a Utopian Dream; or, ResthavenA chance visit to a serene country hamlet reveals a hidden utopia where nature and thoughtful design invite rest and reflection.
Level C1ClassicsIdealaA mysterious woman quietly enters a community, bringing a mix of charm and contradictions that captivate those around her.
Level B2ClassicsI.N.R.I.: A prisoner's Story of the CrossIn a city gripped by fear and unrest, a condemned prisoner awaits his fate amid a crowd divided by judgment and sympathy.
Level C2ClassicsI, Mary MacLane: A Diary of Human DaysA fiercely introspective diary delves into the restless mind of a woman confronting her complex, contradictory self amid solitude and societal estrangement.
Level B2ClassicsI've Been Thinking; or, the Secret of SuccessTwo brothers wrestle with the challenge of turning their bountiful harvest into profit in a struggling rural town.
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…
Level C1ClassicsHumour of the NorthDive into a lively collection of witty and heartfelt Canadian humor, featuring poems, toasts, and tales that celebrate the quirks and spirit of the North.
Level B2ClassicsHumorous Masterpieces from American LiteratureOld friends reunite and reminisce about a quirky 1845 summer society filled with eccentric characters, idealistic philosophies, and humorous adventures.
Level C1ClassicsHumorous Hits and How to Hold an Audience: A Collection of Short Selections, Stories and Sketches for All OccasionsMaster the art of captivating any audience with a collection of engaging stories, sketches, and practical tips drawn from years of public speaking experience.
Level C1ClassicsHumorous Ghost StoriesDiscover a world where ghosts have shed their solemn gloom for playful mischief, blending humor and haunting in stories that turn fear into laughter and reveal the spirited antics…
Level C1ClassicsHumbugIn a family where appearances mask harsh truths, Lily navigates the cruel favoritism and misunderstood love between herself and her mentally challenged sister, challenging the rigi…
Level C1ClassicsHumanly SpeakingWhen logic declares something impossible, facts often prove otherwise—especially in the tangled realities of empires and republics.
Level C1ClassicsHuman Follies (La Bêtise Humaine.)A young man inherits a fortune and embarks on a journey to Paris, the ultimate stage for observing human nature.
Level C1ClassicsHugh: Memoirs of a BrotherA brother reflects on the vivid personality and varied life of Hugh, a man whose charm and zeal enlivened every circle he entered—from family to faith—offering an intimate glimpse…
Level C1ClassicsHugh WorthingtonAmid the wild Kentucky winter, Hugh Worthington returns to Spring Bank, a decaying estate where rugged independence clashes with the echoes of refinement and the haunting legacy of…
Level C1ClassicsHugh Walpole: An AppreciationExplore the vivid worlds of Hugh Walpole through a passionate exploration of his novels, where inner turmoil and outer realities intertwine with haunting atmospheres—from decaying…
Level C1ClassicsHubert's Wife: A Story for YouIn the wake of Ellice Lisle’s funeral, tensions simmer on the Kennons plantation as servants whisper of a mysterious woman’s sudden return, stirring fears of rivalry and secrets th…
Level B2ClassicsHow to write photoplaysUnlock the secrets of crafting compelling silent film scripts with clear, practical guidance on plot development, character action, and cinematic techniques essential for successfu…
Level C1ClassicsHow to study "The best short stories"Unlock the secrets of crafting compelling short stories through insightful analysis and advice from successful authors.
Level B2ClassicsHow to become an actorDiscover practical guidance on acting, stage management, and creating theatrical effects at home, including how to rig a stage, make scenery, and produce sound and lighting effects…
Level C1ClassicsHow to Write a Play: Letters from Augier, Banville, Dennery, Dumas, Gondinet, Labiche, Legouvé, Pailleron, Sardou and ZolaDiscover the elusive art of playwriting through candid letters from renowned dramatists who confess the mysteries and challenges behind crafting compelling drama, revealing that no…
Level C1ClassicsHow to Write a Novel: A Practical Guide to the Art of FictionDiscover the art behind crafting compelling fiction through clear, practical lessons that explore everything from local color to plotting and love scenes, challenging the notion th…
Level C1ClassicsHow to Tell a Story, and Other EssaysDiscover the art of telling a humorous story, where the teller's subtle delivery and rambling charm create laughter that bubbles gently and unexpectedly, revealing the unique Ameri…
Level B2ClassicsHow to Solve Conundrums: Containing All the Leading Conundrums of the Day, Amusing Riddles, Curious Catches, and Witty SayingsDive into a collection of witty riddles, amusing conundrums, and clever wordplays that challenge your mind and entertain with puns and playful twists on language.
Level C1ClassicsHow to Master the Spoken Word: Designed as a Self-Instructor for all who would Excel in the Art of Public SpeakingUnlock the power of effective public speaking with step-by-step guidance on breathing, voice control, speech construction, and audience engagement to confidently express ideas and…
Level C1ClassicsHow to Fail in Literature: A LectureExplore the trials of aspiring writers who wrestle with ambition, talent, and rejection in their quest to succeed in literature.
Level B2ClassicsHow to Cook HusbandsDiscover witty domestic advice disguised as recipes for managing husbands and family life, blending humor and heartfelt reflection on marriage’s challenges and charms.
Level C1ClassicsHow to Become a Public Speaker: Showing the best manner of arranging thought so as to gain: conciseness, ease and fluency in speechExplore the art of public speaking through practical methods that turn ordinary individuals into confident, eloquent speakers by combining theory with hands-on training.
Level C1ClassicsHow they loved him, Vol. 2 (of 3)A young, lonely woman with a heart too large for her own good falls deeply for a charming but morally weak man whose love is as self-serving as it is genuine.
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.