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.
![Cover of The Vulture Maiden [Die Geier-Wally.] by Wilhelmine von Hillern](https://dsx1pat3ljtul.cloudfront.net/books/da89b2kv7nos73d6p85g.webp)
Level C1ClassicsThe Vulture Maiden [Die Geier-Wally.]High above a roaring mountain gorge, the defiant and fearless Vulture Maiden stands alone, wild and untamed like the rugged Tyrolean peaks she calls home.
Level C1ClassicsThe Voyage of Captain PopanillaOn the mystical Isle of Fantaisie, a vibrant, carefree people revel under endless twilight, untouched by the outside world.
Level C1ClassicsThe Von Toodleburgs; Or, The History of a Very Distinguished FamilyIn early 19th-century Nyack, the honest and hearty farmer Hanz Toodleburg lives simply, unaware that his family name—and legacy—will one day become distinguished in ways he never i…
Level B2ClassicsThe Voice of the PeopleIn the quiet town of Kingsborough, a young boy with big dreams defies his farming roots, longing to rise beyond the soil and become a judge.
Level C1ClassicsThe Voice of the City: Further Stories of the Four MillionAmid the bustling streets and diverse voices of four million New Yorkers, a curious observer seeks to uncover the true "Voice of the City"—the collective story and spirit hidden be…
Level C1ClassicsThe VoiceIn a quiet town divided by tradition and change, an old man devoted to a mysterious new sect and his thoughtful daughter navigate faith, skepticism, and community whispers as they…
Level B2ClassicsThe Visits of ElizabethSeventeen-year-old Elizabeth navigates the curious and often puzzling world of her aristocratic relatives during a Cricket Week at Nazeby Hall, uncovering the quirks and intrigues…
Level C1ClassicsThe Visions of QuevedoIn 17th-century Seville, a possessed man undergoes a dramatic exorcism performed by a famed holy priest, drawing a vast and eager crowd.
Level C1ClassicsThe Visions of Dom Francisco de Quevedo VillegasDive into a sharp satire where devils and corrupt officials blur, revealing a world where catchpoles (sheriff's officers) wield wickedness as deftly as demons.
Level C1ClassicsThe Visioning: A NovelKatherine Wayneworth Jones, a spirited "army girl," contemplates marriage and the quiet charms of a serene Mississippi island on her twenty-fifth birthday, navigating family comple…
Level B2ClassicsThe Visionary: Pictures From NordlandJourney to the remote, rugged landscapes of Norway and the Arctic Circle, where tales of adventure, shipwreck, and poetic modernity intertwine with the author's own experiences and…
Level C1ClassicsThe Vision of Elijah BerlIn a rapidly transforming California, Elijah Berl pursues a visionary plan that challenges faith, loyalty, and the promise of prosperity.
Level C1ClassicsThe Vision SplendidIn 1830, Horatia Grenville grapples with the expectations of marriage and society while yearning for a life of meaningful purpose beyond the confines of domesticity.
Level B2ClassicsThe Vision SplendidA spirited boy rebels against confinement and cruelty in a small town, seeking freedom in nature and courage in unexpected fights.
Level C1ClassicsThe Virgins of the RocksAmidst the vivid landscapes and devout rituals of rural Italy, a haunting narrative unfolds, exploring the lives, passions, and tragedies of its people with poetic intensity and pe…
Level B2ClassicsThe Village by the RiverIn a quiet village by the river, the death of the old squire stirs gossip and speculation about his mysterious heir—a young, unconventional man rumored to be a Socialist who may ne…
Level B2ClassicsThe Village Watch-TowerNestled in a weathered house on a quiet hill, a rural village unfolds its simple yet vivid stories beneath the watchful branches of an old apple tree, capturing the heartfelt rhyth…
Level C1ClassicsThe Village RectorIn a crumbling medieval shop in Limoges, a resourceful hawker transforms scraps of metal into fortune, sparking a chain of events that reshapes the town and unveils the hidden life…
Level C1ClassicsThe Village Convict: First published in the "Century Magazine"A young man returns to his coastal village after serving time in prison, facing suspicion and uneasy whispers among the locals.
Level C1ClassicsThe Vikings of HelgelandIn stormy Helgeland, fierce Viking chieftains Ornulf and Sigurd confront past betrayals and blood debts, as honor, family ties, and power collide on the rugged Norwegian coast.
Level C1ClassicsThe Vicissitudes of Bessie FairfaxIn a quiet forest town untouched by time, Bessie Fairfax grows up amidst loss and humble kindness, navigating life’s hardships with a loving heart and steadfast courage.
Level C1ClassicsThe Vicar's PeopleIn a Cornish coastal town, a young engineer arrives full of hope, while the local banker and his daughter grapple with the harsh realities of mining speculations and the struggles…
Level C1ClassicsThe Vicar of WrexhillIn the picturesque village of Wrexhill, the arrival of its new vicar stirs the tranquil community, revealing hidden tensions and the intricate ties between the Mowbray family, loca…
Level C1ClassicsThe Vicar of ToursIn 1826 Tours, the ailing Abbe Birotteau eagerly anticipates a coveted promotion to canon, a prize that promises status and comfort amidst the shadows of the cathedral.
Level C1ClassicsThe Vicar of BullhamptonIn the quiet town of Bullhampton, a vicar confronts society’s harsh judgment of a fallen young woman, exploring themes of compassion, redemption, and the hidden struggles behind ge…
Level C1ClassicsThe VenetiansDuring Venice’s vibrant Carnival, a charming Englishman navigates the city's dazzling canals and crowded ballrooms, drawn into the mysterious lives of two enigmatic ladies cloaked…
Level C1ClassicsThe Veiled Lady, and Other Men and WomenAmidst the vibrant and tumultuous streets of Stamboul, a diverse cast of characters—from cunning Levantines to bold New Englanders—navigate love, loyalty, and intrigue in a collect…
Level C1ClassicsThe Vegetable; or, From President to PostmanA disenchanted railroad clerk navigates the mundane frustrations of small-town life and fading dreams in a cramped, aging house filled with memories and unspoken regrets.
Level B2ClassicsThe Van Dwellers: A Strenuous Quest for a HomeNewcomers to New York City navigate a bewildering maze of cramped, costly flats and quirky janitors in their earnest search for a suitable home, revealing the challenges and surpri…
Level C1ClassicsThe Valley of the MoonIn a sweltering laundry filled with relentless labor, Saxon struggles against exhaustion and hardship alongside her fellow ironers.
Level C1ClassicsThe Valley of the KingsIn a sun-scorched land where faith and conflict intertwine, a mother fiercely defends her son Iskender, caught between old loyalties and harsh new judgments from the mission that o…
Level C1ClassicsThe Valley of ContentIn a modest bungalow, Marjorie Benton balances the demands of motherhood, household chores, and her quiet yearning for a break while preparing a meal for her husband’s return.
Level C1ClassicsThe ValkyriesAs storms rage and ancient omens darken the earth, gods and mortals alike face a destiny shaped by love, power, and the relentless passage of fate.
Level C1ClassicsThe Uses of Diversity: A book of essaysExplore a witty critique of how seriousness distorts human attitudes, especially in our relationships with animals, blending humor and insight to challenge idolatry and celebrate a…
Level C1ClassicsThe Upton LettersA collection of intimate letters unfolds a thoughtful dialogue on exile, friendship, and the bittersweet adjustments to change.
Level B2ClassicsThe Uphill ClimbAfter a drunken night and a bruised face, Ford wakes to the shocking news that he’s married—to a stranger who claimed him as her fiancé.
Level C1ClassicsThe Untilled FieldAn artist wakes to find his latest sculpture, a delicate Virgin and Child, destroyed overnight, shattering his hopes and fueling his resolve to leave Ireland’s stifling art scene b…
Level C1ClassicsThe Untempered WindIn a small village stirring to spring, a mother shunned by society carries the heavy weight of judgment as she navigates daily hardship and silent scorn, revealing the harsh truths…
Level B2ClassicsThe Unruly Sprite: A Partial Fairy TaleA man’s creative life is enlivened by delicate, mysterious sprites—except for one unruly sprite whose mischief and restless spirit challenge the harmony between the man, a lady fri…
Level C1ClassicsThe Unpublished Legends of VirgilEnter a world where Virgil, renowned poet and sage, emerges as a benevolent magician weaving spells, myths, and magic from lost Etrusco-Roman lore.
Level C1ClassicsThe Unknown SeaA fearless young fisher defies ancient superstitions as he navigates the treacherous Isle Sinister, seeking to conquer a dark legacy that has kept all others at bay.
Level C1ClassicsThe Unknown Masterpiece: 1845A young, aspiring artist nervously seeks the mentorship of a renowned master painter in early 17th-century Paris, stepping into a world where passion, talent, and the haunting myst…
Level C1ClassicsThe Unjust Steward; or, The Minister's DebtIn a quiet Scottish town, Elsie and Roderick Buchanan, known as the inseparable Twins, navigate childhood alongside the expectations of their respected minister father, finding sol…
Level C1ClassicsThe Unicorn from the Stars and Other PlaysStep into a world where ancient dreams and rustic life intertwine, as passionate characters navigate the tensions of religion, humor, and patriotism.
Level B2ClassicsThe Unforgiving OffenderAt a bustling country club, old money clashes with new wealth as social climbers maneuver for status and acceptance, revealing the tensions beneath polished surfaces and the shifti…
Level C1ClassicsThe Undying PastUnder the relentless midday sun, a distinguished family returns to a provincial station, their arrival stirring tensions over their sons' reckless social escapades and the fragile…
Level B2ClassicsThe Undesirable GovernessIn a lively household where two mischievous girls defy convention, the arrival of a new governess promises to stir old family tensions and test the bounds of discipline and freedom…
Level B2ClassicsThe UndercurrentA young woman wrestles with doubts and ambition as she marries Emil, a determined young businessman starting his own path.
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.