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 C1ClassicsEthelyn's MistakeOn the morning of her wedding day in a quiet New England town, Ethelyn faces a restless heart and a future clouded with doubt, as her devoted Aunt Barbara prepares for a celebratio…
Level B2ClassicsEthan FromeIn the bleak winter town of Starkfield, a mysterious man named Ethan Frome carries the weight of a tragic past and a haunting accident that changed his life forever, revealing the…
Level B2ClassicsEsther WatersA young kitchen-maid arrives at Woodview, a grand estate in a bleak coastal town, burdened with heavy hopes and a heavy bundle.
Level C1ClassicsEstherIn a refined French tragedy unfolding within a single day and place, a gripping tale of character and passion emerges, rooted in biblical history and crafted with classical eleganc…
Level C1ClassicsEstherIn the vibrant new church of St.
Level C1ClassicsEssays — Second SeriesExplore the profound role of the poet as the embodiment of beauty and truth, revealing the deep connection between soul, nature, and expression beyond mere form or action.
Level C1ClassicsEssays on thingsAwaken to the majestic drama of dawn, where celestial music and the promise of renewal unfold in vivid detail.
Level C1ClassicsEssays on Work and CultureExplore a world where versatility is seen as weakness and specialization reigns supreme, challenging the notion that a man can excel in multiple fields without suspicion.
Level C1ClassicsEssays on Various Subjects, Principally Designed for Young LadiesGuiding young women through the delicate balance of virtue and society, these essays explore the unique strengths and qualities of femininity, offering thoughtful reflections on ch…
Level C1ClassicsEssays of TravelExperience a vivid voyage across the Atlantic, where the uneasy camaraderie of emigrants unfolds aboard a vast ocean steamer.
Level C1ClassicsEssays of Robert Louis Stevenson: Selected and Edited With an Introduction and Notes by William Lyon PhelpsExplore the vibrant mind behind iconic tales through essays that reveal his personality, philosophy, and humor, offering intimate insights into a restless spirit shaped by illness,…
Level C1ClassicsEssays of Michel de Montaigne — CompleteDive into a profound exploration of human nature, society, and philosophy through a series of reflective essays touching on sorrow, friendship, custom, and the art of living though…
Level C1ClassicsEssays in RebellionExplore the fierce spirit of rebellion shaping an era through candid essays that reveal how writers and thinkers challenge societal norms, authority, and complacency with bold indi…
Level C1ClassicsEssays in IdlenessA witty meditation on the elusive charm of cats, exploring their proud independence and inscrutable nature through affectionate reflections and playful anecdotes.
Level C1ClassicsEssays and TalesExplore a world of wit and wisdom through essays that blend sharp observation with gentle humor, tackling everything from public credit to art, friendship, and human nature.
Level C1ClassicsEssays and LecturesExplore the evolution of historical criticism as a revolutionary force shaping freedom, democracy, and philosophy, alongside vivid lectures and whimsical prose poems reflecting wit…
Level C1ClassicsEssays Irish and AmericanExplore a collection of essays that celebrate the natural, unspoiled beauty of humanity and art, revealing profound wisdom and lively reflections on life, creativity, and the endur…
Level C1ClassicsEssaysWitty and insightful prose pieces penned by a bright young mind at Eton, exploring themes from friendship and youth to society’s quirks.
Level C1ClassicsEssaysAmid the ancient ruins and soaring architecture of Rome, wild grasses and flowers defiantly reclaim the city’s forgotten corners, weaving a vivid tapestry of nature’s resilience ag…
Level C1ClassicsEssay on the Principles of TranslationExplore the art of poetic translation through a detailed essay that dissects principles, rules, and challenges, revealing the delicate balance between fidelity and literary grace i…
Level C1ClassicsEssay on BurnsExplore a profound critique of Robert Burns’s life and legacy through the lens of sharp literary analysis and historical insight, revealing the man behind the myth and the cultural…
Level C1ClassicsEsperanto Self-Taught with Phonetic PronunciationMaster the international language designed for travelers, students, and professionals with practical vocabularies, conversational phrases, and clear phonetic pronunciation guidance…
Level B2ClassicsEspecially dance hall womenIn a rowdy dance hall where debts and tempers flare, Long Jim Briggs steps into danger to rescue the fiery Rosie from a violent clash with the ruthless manager.
Level C1ClassicsEsmeraldaIn 19th-century Paris, a humble language teacher and his artist wife observe a mysterious, out-of-place father and daughter in the Louvre, sparking curiosity about their story and…
Level C1ClassicsEscape, and Other EssaysExplore serene riverbanks and timeless villages, then confront the stark realities of war and its toll on the human spirit through poignant essays that contrast peaceful landscapes…
Level C1ClassicsErnest Maltravers — CompleteDive into the nuanced journey of Ernest Maltravers, a modern-day author navigating the spiritual and practical trials of life and love, shaped by time and circumstance in a world s…
Level B2ClassicsErnest Linwood; or, The Inner Life of the AuthorA shy twelve-year-old girl bravely reveals her hidden poetic talent before a harsh schoolmaster, facing public ridicule and personal doubt.
Level C1ClassicsErlach CourtAt Erlach Court, a vine-clad castle on the Save, a diverse group gathers under starlit July skies—veteran aristocrats, a jilted beauty, and a lively child—each carrying secrets and…
Level B2ClassicsErisIn a struggling farmstead where twenty years of hope for a son end with the birth of a daughter, a sudden illness casts a shadow over the family’s future, forcing a weary farmer to…
Level C1ClassicsErewhon; Or, Over the RangeA traveler discovers Erewhon, a mysterious land with customs and beliefs that challenge conventional logic and morality.
Level C2ClassicsErechtheusIn a world where gods and mortals intertwine, Erechtheus faces divine challenges that test fate, loyalty, and sacrifice.
Level C1ClassicsErchie, My Droll FriendIn bustling Glasgow, Erchie navigates life as a church beadle by day and witty waiter by night, blending solemn duty with sharp humor.
Level C1ClassicsEpisodes in Van Bibber's LifeAmid the chaotic backstage world of a comic opera's opening night, a calm and mysterious visitor named Van Bibber navigates friendships, theatrical drama, and the high stakes of sh…
Level C1ClassicsEpisodes before thirtyA young Englishman recalls his harrowing early days in a cramped New York boarding-house, where hunger, vermin, and a menacing roommate test his endurance and spirit.
Level C1ClassicsEpicoene; Or, The Silent WomanA sharp-witted playwright navigates the turbulent world of Elizabethan theater, blending wit and conflict with the era’s fierce rivalries and personal struggles.
Level C1ClassicsEnter BridgetTensions rise as Carrissima Rosser, seen by some as an adventuress, unexpectedly returns home and disrupts the quiet dinner plans of the Faversham family.
Level C1ClassicsEnsign Knightley, and Other StoriesIn a besieged Tangier, a mysterious lieutenant wrestles with lost memories and hidden passions as danger looms and loyalties are tested amidst the chaos of war and intrigue.![Cover of English-Bisaya Grammar, in Twenty Eight Lessons by Pedro [Editor] Jiménez](https://dsx1pat3ljtul.cloudfront.net/books/daf13ege1ofc73dhaan0.webp)
Level C1ClassicsEnglish-Bisaya Grammar, in Twenty Eight LessonsExplore the intricacies of the Bisaya language through clear lessons on grammar, articles, and pronunciation, designed to bridge communication between English speakers and the Bisa…
Level B2ClassicsEnglish ways and by-waysTwo young Americans navigate English life before the Great War, sharing vivid, humorous letters that reveal cultural quirks and heartfelt moments amid personal trials and unexpecte…
Level C1ClassicsEnglish as she is spoke; or, a jest in sober earnestA comically earnest attempt to teach English through literal, often baffling translations from Portuguese reveals a quirky guide where language lessons turn into hilarious misunder…
Level C1ClassicsEnglish as She is Wrote: Showing Curious Ways in which the English Language may be made to Convey Ideas or obscure them.Discover a collection of hilarious and bewildering English language blunders, where earnest attempts at communication often lead to unintended meanings and charming confusion, reve…
Level C1ClassicsEnglish and Scottish Ballads, Volume VIIIDive into a rich collection of English and Scottish ballads where cunning riddles, medieval wit-combats, and timeless tales unfold through clever dialogues between kings, abbots, a…
Level C1ClassicsEnglish and Scottish Ballads, Volume IVDive into a rich collection of traditional English and Scottish ballads, where ancient tales of love, valor, and mystery unfold through beautifully preserved versions and rendition…
Level C1ClassicsEnglish SatiresExplore the evolution of English satire through centuries of sharp wit, irony, and social critique, tracing its roots from personal lampoons to powerful literary commentary on soci…
Level C1ClassicsEnglish Men of Letters: ColeridgeExplore the life of Samuel Taylor Coleridge, tracing his journey from early years through literary triumphs, struggles with health and opium, and profound influence on poetry and p…
Level C1ClassicsEnglish Jests and Anecdotes, Collected from Various SourcesDive into a collection of sharp wit and humorous tales from England’s past, where clever jests and amusing anecdotes reveal the quirks of historical figures and everyday life with…
Level C1ClassicsEngland, My EnglandAmid ancient Hampshire commons and a timeworn cottage, a young couple, Egbert and Winifred, seek to revive a fading England through love, tradition, and the wild beauty of their la…
Level C1ClassicsEneas AfricanusAmid the turmoil of the Civil War South, a loyal old negro named Eneas embarks on a perilous journey carrying a precious family silver cup, weaving a tale of faithfulness, loss, an…
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.