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 C1ClassicsEast of EdenEva Litchfield, a brilliant but emotionally distant woman, navigates the turbulent social and literary circles of New York while trapped in a loveless marriage.
Level C1ClassicsEarth's Enigmas: A Volume of StoriesIn the shadowed wilderness, two starving panthers stalk silently under a rising full moon, drawn by the cry of a lost child near a solitary cabin abandoned by its careless owner.
Level C1ClassicsEarly memories; some chapters of autobiographyA lifelong artist reflects on his journey from law to art, childhood solitude, and the influence of his father, capturing the beauty and wisdom of memory, creativity, and family ti…
Level C1ClassicsEarly Plays — Catiline, the Warrior's Barrow, Olaf LiljekransDive into the stirring early dramas of a young playwright as he reimagines history and folklore—from the inner turmoil of a Roman revolutionary to fierce Viking warriors and haunti…
Level C1ClassicsDynevor Terrace; Or, The Clue of Life — Volume 2Amid whispers of scandal and secret pasts, a young man battles societal prejudice and personal doubt to claim love and fortune in the enigmatic Dynevor Terrace, where every letter…
Level C1ClassicsDynevor Terrace; Or, The Clue of Life — Volume 1In a dusty village where social divides shape dreams and destinies, a spirited young girl and a rebellious lad challenge their stations and confront the promises and betrayals of t…
Level B2ClassicsDynamite Stories, and Some Interesting Facts About ExplosivesExplore the explosive science behind dynamite and smokeless powder, revealing the chemistry, mechanics, and dramatic real-life stories tied to powerful blasts shaping industries an…
Level C1ClassicsDwellers in the HillsIn the rugged hills, a boy's bond with his wild, enigmatic horse El Mahdi reveals a world of untamed nature and mysterious legends.
Level C1ClassicsDwala: A romanceIn the shadow of Borneo’s wilds, a weathered man and his enigmatic ape companion share a strange bond, blurring lines between human and beast as they prepare for a journey that pro…
Level B2ClassicsDustA struggling family battles relentless dust and drought on the harsh Kansas prairie, clinging to the hope of a farm that promises a better future.
Level C1ClassicsDuologues and scenes from the novels of Jane AustenExperience the wit and charm of Jane Austen’s world brought to life through seven carefully adapted duologues and scenes, perfect for intimate performances that capture the humor a…
Level C1ClassicsDuffelsJourney through tales spanning centuries and regions, from rugged traders navigating Mohawk waters to Adirondack guides in the North Woods, each story a unique “duffel” of human na…
Level C1ClassicsDublinersIn a quiet Dublin neighborhood, a young boy grapples with the death of Father Flynn, an enigmatic and troubled priest whose life and secrets haunt the streets and the boy’s imagina…
Level C1ClassicsDu Bose Heyward: A Critical and Biographical SketchExplore the complex realities of Southern life through the lens of Du Bose Heyward, who portrays the fading plantation culture and its diverse inhabitants with a blend of intimate…
Level C1ClassicsDry fish and wetIn a bustling town shaped by trade and tradition, Knut G.
Level B2ClassicsDrusilla with a MillionAn unexpected visit from two mysterious men disrupts the quiet life of Drusilla Doane, a solitary woman with no known family, stirring curiosity and whispers among the residents of…
Level C1ClassicsDroll Stories — Volume 3A collection of ten lively tales that blend wit, mischief, and French spirit, revealing the joyous, rebellious heart of a society both scandalous and charming.
Level C1ClassicsDroll Stories — Volume 2Dive into a collection of seventy witty and ribald tales, brimming with humor, tricks, and lively plots drawn from the depths of human nature and imagination.
Level C1ClassicsDroll Stories — Volume 1Step into 16th-century France where gallant knights, witty dames, and merry monks share ribald tales and hearty laughter, painting a vivid picture of an age when humor and merrimen…
Level C1ClassicsDriven to bay, Vol. 3 (of 3)A warm-hearted actress devotes herself to coaching fellow passengers for a shipboard performance, unknowingly sparking unrequited love and jealousy among them.
Level C1ClassicsDrift from Two ShoresA solitary man lives alone by a river’s edge, haunted by memories of a lost love and finding solace in the enduring rhythms of sea, sky, and drifting tides.
Level C1ClassicsDreamthorpNestled in a timeless village where centuries slip by unnoticed, a weary traveler finds peace amid mossy roofs, ancient ruins, and quiet country roads.
Level C1ClassicsDreams, Waking Thoughts, and IncidentsA wanderer drifts through dreamy landscapes and bustling ports, caught between vivid illusions and harsh realities.
Level C1ClassicsDreams and delightsVenture with a young woman who escapes society’s constraints for a thrilling journey through the mystic Orient, where dreams and desires intertwine beneath ancient suns and whisper…
Level C1ClassicsDreamsStep into a surreal theater where patrons are asked to leave their legs behind, unraveling a world where dreams defy logic and imagination roams free beyond the bounds of waking th…
Level C1ClassicsDream Tales and Prose PoemsIn 19th-century Moscow, a delicate young man named Yakov Aratov lives under the care of his anxious aunt while grappling with fragile health, scientific curiosity, and the mysterio…
Level C1ClassicsDream Life: A Fable of the SeasonsJourney through the changing seasons in a lyrical fable that intertwines nature’s beauty with heartfelt reflections and vivid observations, inspired by close encounters with a belo…
Level B2ClassicsDream Life and Real Life: A Little African StoryIn the harsh African plains, young Jannita dreams of a kinder life far from her harsh reality as a poor indentured child.
Level B2ClassicsDrawing Rooms, Second Floor, and Attics: A Farce, in One ActIn a bustling London household preparing for a grand ball, a spirited servant and her quirky uncle navigate mishaps and social ambitions amidst chaotic preparations, promising a ni…
Level C1ClassicsDramatic TechniqueUnlock the secrets of playwriting through historical practice and expert guidance, as this work distills timeless techniques to transform aspiring dramatists from hopeful beginners…
Level C1ClassicsDragon's teethIn the sultry heat of a Lisbon summer, Jorge, a mining engineer, faces the looming disruption of his tranquil life as he prepares to leave his beloved wife, Luiza, behind.
Level C1ClassicsDr. Wainwright's Patient: A NovelIn a seaside village transformed by progress and gossip, the close-knit community of Beachborough navigates secrets and rivalries beneath its picturesque facade.
Level C1ClassicsDr. Vermont's fantasy, and other storiesA solitary woman ventures onto a mysterious island shrouded in decay and silence, where the echoes of history mingle with the quiet pulse of life.
Level C1ClassicsDr. SevierIn mid-19th century New Orleans, a stern and principled physician navigates the bustling commercial heart of the city, balancing his commitment to fight disease with a sharp critiq…
Level C1ClassicsDr. Lavendar's PeopleIn a small town, Miss Ellen Baily runs a humble school while her brother David, haunted by lost love and misfortune, drifts through life marked by sorrow and failure.
Level C1ClassicsDr. JonathanIn 1917 New England, tensions rise as George, a young army lieutenant, and his father Asher, a powerful industrialist, confront the clash between war, class, and democracy amid the…
Level C1ClassicsDr. Breen's PracticeA remote seaside hotel offers a peaceful retreat where nature and quiet charm prevail, drawing a close-knit group of regular visitors who cherish the simple pleasures of sunbathing…
Level C1ClassicsDr. AdriaanUnder heavy, brooding skies, a family navigates secrets and shifting loyalties in a gloomy villa surrounded by restless pines.
Level B2ClassicsDown the line with John HenryFollow John Henry’s wild bets and witty schemes through the thrilling chaos of the racetrack, where luck, hunches, and high stakes collide in a rollicking adventure filled with col…
Level C1ClassicsDoubly falseA young woman and her father embark on a luxurious Atlantic steamer voyage, surrounded by a diverse crowd of travelers, from restless adventurers to dreamers who find poetry in the…
Level C1ClassicsDostoevskyExplore the profound psychological and moral depths of Dostoevsky's work through a series of insightful addresses that illuminate his genius as a narrator, prophet, and uniquely Ru…
Level C1ClassicsDorset dearIn a Dorset village simmering with superstition and wild weather, elderly Ann Kerley wakes to find herself feared as a witch by local boys, sparking a clash between kindness and su…
Level C1ClassicsDorrien of CranstonA stern general wrestles with bitter memories and unyielding pride as his estranged son, long exiled after a fierce family rift, announces an unexpected return to England—threateni…
Level C1ClassicsDorothy, and Other Italian StoriesSet against the enchanting backdrop of a Tuscan villa, American expatriates navigate cultural contrasts, social rituals, and the timeless allure of Italy’s landscapes.
Level C1ClassicsDorothy Wordsworth: The Story of a Sister's LoveExplore the profound bond between William Wordsworth and his sister Dorothy, whose love and companionship shaped the revival of English poetry and illuminated the intimate influenc…
Level B2ClassicsDorothy PageWhen Dorothy Page moves from her isolated Western ranch to a grand Kentucky home, her vibrant spirit and fresh perspective captivate her wealthy neighbor Sterling.
Level B2ClassicsDorothy Harcourt's secretOn a snowy Christmas night, a mysterious sleigh ride brings joy to children in troubled neighborhoods, while Roma, devoted to rescuing lost children, grapples with the uncertain fa…
Level B2ClassicsDorianA young boy’s simple quest for shoes leads him to a treasure trove of books, forcing a tough choice between practicality and passion.
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.