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 C1PhilosophyParadise (to be) RegainedExplore visionary ideas of transforming the Earth into a paradise of abundance, luxury, and happiness without labor, as the author challenges us to harness nature’s forces and elev…
Level C1PhilosophyOscar Wilde, Art and Morality: A Defence of "The Picture of Dorian Gray"Explore the fierce defense of "The Picture of Dorian Gray" against Victorian moral outrage, revealing how art challenges societal norms and asserts the artist's true individuality…
Level C1PhilosophyOn the SublimeExplore the essence of grandeur in expression and the art of evoking passion through style, as this treatise dissects the sources and pitfalls of sublimity in literature and though…
Level C1PhilosophyOn the Significance of Science and ArtExplore the clash between old philosophical doctrines and the rise of experimental science as society seeks to justify human roles, labor divisions, and moral reasoning through evo…
Level C1PhilosophyOn the Prospects of Christianity: Bernard Shaw's Preface to Androcles and the LionA skeptical yet thoughtful examination of Christianity explores whether Jesus' teachings, untried by modern society, could offer solutions to humanity's enduring social and politic…
Level C1PhilosophyOn the Future of our Educational Institutions; Homer and Classical Philology: Complete Works, Volume ThreeA young professor challenges the era’s education system, arguing that true culture must nurture exceptional minds through classical wisdom, not mere practical skills.
Level C1PhilosophyOn the Duty of Civil DisobedienceWhen does obedience to government become a betrayal of conscience?
Level C1HistoricalOn poetic interpretation of natureExplore the profound connection between nature and the human soul beyond scientific explanation, as poetry reveals the beauty and deeper truths that arise from their encounter, inv…
Level C1HistoricalOn Heroes, Hero-Worship, and the Heroic in HistoryExplore the nature of heroism through history’s great men, from divine figures like Odin to the spiritual beliefs shaping their world.
Level C1HistoricalNineteenth Century QuestionsExplore the delicate balance between personal emotion and objective storytelling as profound questions of art and literature unfold, revealing how genius often emerges in contrasti…
Level C1PoetryNew Thought PastelsExplore a transformative dialogue between mortal struggle and spiritual guidance, where inner strength, love, and self-realization become the keys to overcoming despair and finding…
Level C1PhilosophyNatureStep into a world where nature is not just a backdrop but a profound teacher, inviting us to rediscover our original connection to the universe and find wisdom beyond tradition.
Level C1PhilosophyMy Autobiography: A FragmentA reflective journey through the early life and scholarly pursuits of a philosopher who, despite setbacks and obscurity, relentlessly follows his passion for language, religion, an…
Level C1PhilosophyMountain PathsExplore the unseen influence of the dead, whose spirits linger within us, shaping our memories and elevating our souls toward higher ideals.
Level C1PhilosophyMontaigne and ShakspereExplore the intriguing influence of Montaigne's Essays on Shakespeare's plays, uncovering how ideas and phrases from the Renaissance philosopher subtly shape some of the Bard's mos…
Level C1PhilosophyMiscellaniesExplore profound reflections on nature, solitude, and the universe that challenge us to seek original insight beyond tradition.
Level C1PhilosophyMiscellaneous Studies; a series of essaysExplore a rich collection of essays that traverse art, literature, and philosophy, revealing deep reflections on figures from Pascal to Renaissance artists.
Level C1PhilosophyMiscellaneous Aphorisms; The Soul of ManDelve into sharp, witty reflections on love, beauty, morality, and human nature, revealing the contradictions and complexities of life through provocative aphorisms that challenge…
Level C1PhilosophyMinor Dialogues, Together With the Dialogue on ClemencyExplore profound Stoic dialogues that challenge the nature of providence, virtue, and adversity, revealing how the wise endure trials as part of a divine order shaping the soul's s…
Level C1Science FictionMicromegasA towering philosopher from Sirius embarks on a cosmic journey to Saturn, challenging earthly perspectives with wit and wisdom.
Level C1PhilosophyMenoA probing dialogue explores whether virtue can be taught by first seeking its true definition, challenging assumptions through Socratic questioning and an extraordinary demonstrati…
Level C1HistoricalMenexenusExplore the intricate debates surrounding the authenticity of ancient writings attributed to a legendary philosopher, as scholars weigh evidence, tradition, and style to distinguis…
Level C1PhilosophyMaxims and ReflectionsDiscover profound insights into life, character, science, and art through a carefully selected collection of maxims that challenge timeless human dilemmas and illuminate the subtle…
Level C1HistoricalMarius the Epicurean — Volume 2Amid the refined courts of ancient Rome, a young epicurean grapples with reconciling his intellectual ideals and the enduring pull of traditional morality, as eloquent Stoic teachi…
Level C1FantasyMardi, and a voyage thither, Vol. 2 (of 2)In the mysterious isle of Maramma, ruled by the enigmatic High Pontiff, a perilous pilgrimage to the shadowed Peak of Ofo beckons those daring enough to seek its secrets.
Level C1PhilosophyMan and Superman: A Comedy and a PhilosophyExplore a daring philosophical drama where the natural attraction between men and women drives the action, challenging societal norms and theatrical conventions with wit, conscienc…
Level C1HistoricalMain currents in American thoughtExplore the evolution of American ideas from Puritan New England through Jeffersonian agrarianism, tracing how European intellectual traditions intertwined with native aspirations…
Level C1PhilosophyLysisSocrates engages two noble youths in a deep dialogue exploring the nature of friendship, questioning whether like truly loves like and probing the complex ties that bind us.
Level C1PhilosophyLures of LifeA reflective journey through life's shifting allure—from the vibrant dreams of youth to the calm acceptance of age—exploring the profound emotions and philosophies that shape our p…
Level C1Science FictionLumenAfter death, the soul awakens to a new existence beyond the physical, where memories fade and consciousness shifts like a dream.
Level C1PhilosophyLudvig Holberg, The Founder of Norwegian Literature and an Oxford StudentExplore the extraordinary journey of Ludvig Holberg, whose transformation from a young Norwegian corporal to a pioneering literary and philosophical figure reshaped two nations’ in…
Level C1PhilosophyLuck, or Cunning, as the Main Means of Organic ModificationExplore a bold critique of Darwinian natural selection, proposing that heredity resembles memory and that intentional design shapes organic evolution.
Level C1PhilosophyLiterary and Philosophical Essays: French, German and ItalianDive into intimate reflections and candid self-portraits that explore human nature, friendship, and the unpredictability of fortune, as one man wrestles with life's uncertainties a…
Level C1PhilosophyLife and HabitExplore the bold theory that heredity is a form of memory, linking life’s habits to evolutionary change and the physical world’s vibrations, challenging and expanding Darwinian ide…
Level C1PhilosophyLife and Death of Mr. BadmanExplore the moral decay and ultimate fate of Mr.
Level C1PhilosophyLibrary NotesExplore the complexities of human perception and judgment in this philosophical reflection on how we see and interpret the world around us, revealing the partial and often contradi…
Level C1HistoricalLetters on EnglandExplore the sharp observations and vivid encounters of a keen mind immersed in English society, politics, and culture during the early 18th century, revealing surprising insights t…
Level C1PhilosophyLetters and social aimsExplore the dynamic interplay between matter's unyielding laws and the mind's boundless currents, revealing a universe in constant transformation where science, philosophy, and ima…
Level C1PhilosophyLesser HippiasExplore the intricate challenge of distinguishing authentic philosophical texts from forgeries in ancient literature, as the dialogue delves into criteria for assessing the genuine…
Level C1PhilosophyLeo TolstoyExplore the radical moral vision inspired by a great thinker, where simplicity and fierce ethical conviction challenge modern norms, sparking acts of profound and surprising faith…
Level C1HistoricalLectures on Dramatic Art and LiteratureExplore the evolution of dramatic art from ancient Greek tragedies to Shakespearean masterpieces, uncovering the spirit of true criticism, theatrical effects, and the cultural forc…
Level C1PhilosophyLectures and biographical sketchesExplore the mysterious realm where dreams blur reality, revealing strange connections between memory, nature, and consciousness.
Level C1PhilosophyLawsDelve into a rigorous dialogue among representatives of Athens, Crete, and Sparta as they debate the foundations of law, governance, and society, revealing a shift from youthful id…
Level C1PhilosophyLaughter: An Essay on the Meaning of the ComicExplore the nature of laughter and the comic through a philosophical lens that reveals how humor springs from distinctly human traits, unaffected by emotion, and offers insight int…
Level C1PhilosophyLachesTwo generals debate the value of military training for educating youth, sparking a deeper philosophical inquiry led by Socrates into the true nature of courage—beyond the battlefie…
Level C1PhilosophyKing Alfred's Old English Version of St. Augustine's Soliloquies: Turned into Modern EnglishA profound journey into the mind and soul, exploring the nature of existence, reason, and faith through intimate dialogues that seek understanding and divine guidance.
Level C1PhilosophyJoyous GardExplore the intimate currents of the inner life, where quiet reflection and cheerful serenity bloom amid the busyness of daily duty, as one seeks to cultivate a personal sanctuary—…
Level C1PhilosophyJoy and Power: Three Messages with One MeaningExplore the profound connection between true happiness and spiritual fulfillment as this collection reveals Christ’s teachings on joy, power, and the pursuit of a meaningful life r…
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.