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 C1RomanceFair EmAmid political upheaval and hidden identities, a nobleman forsakes his throne for love, while a miller’s daughter embraces humility to protect her family—where honor and passion co…
Level C1RomanceExit BettyOn her wedding night, a young bride’s dream turns to dread as she faces a haunting ordeal amid envious onlookers and unexpected absence.
Level C1RomanceExcavating a HusbandAt fifty, Katherine Boulby embraces her independent life and intellectual pursuits but yearns for romance.
Level C1RomanceEvelyn ByrdAmid the relentless grind of Civil War, a scholarly artillery captain confronts the harsh realities of battle and loss, as loyalty, destruction, and endurance intertwine on Virgini…
Level C1MysteryEveline MandevilleA young woman defies her father's wishes, suspecting a wealthy suitor's fortune is tied to a secret gang of horse thieves.
Level C1RomanceEvelina, Or, the History of a Young Lady's Entrance into the WorldA young woman's letters reveal her delicate navigation through London society, filled with romance, wit, and the challenges of her mysterious lineage.
Level C1RomanceEvelina's GardenBehind a towering hedge lies Evelina's secluded garden, where mystery and melancholy bloom alongside vibrant flowers.
Level C1RomanceEvangeline: A Tale of AcadieIn the peaceful Acadian village of Grand-Pré, young Evangeline embodies hope and devotion amid idyllic farms and faithful hearts, but the shadows of fate loom over this tranquil la…
Level C1RomanceEstherAmid the vast, untamed Oregon Trail, a radiant young woman named Esther embraces the wild beauty and peril of westward expansion, where every step stirs the echoes of vanished peop…
Level C1RomanceErling the BoldTwo fierce Norse warriors clash on a rocky island, each fighting for the hand of a fair maiden caught between duty and desire, where honor and love collide amid the rugged beauty o…
Level C1FantasyEric BrighteyesIn a world shaped by fierce family feuds and heroic deeds, Eric Brighteyes, a warrior of Northern stock, navigates a saga of honor, love, and supernatural intrigue rooted in ancien…
Level C1RomanceEpic and Romance: Essays on Medieval LiteratureExplore the rich tapestry of medieval narrative literature through insightful essays that illuminate epic poetry, romances, and ballads, revealing the intricate connections and cul…
Level B2RomanceEnoch CraneIn a bustling apartment building, a spirited young architect navigates life’s challenges and unexpected connections, bringing warmth and vitality to those around him.
Level B2RomanceEnglefield Grange; or, Mary Armstrong's TroublesA young woman battles her fear of the sea as she embarks on a summer outing by the Solent, where unexpected encounters and social challenges await her at Englefield Grange.
Level C2RomanceEndymion: A Poetic RomanceA young dreamer embarks on a poetic journey through lush forests and sacred altars, seeking beauty and meaning amid nature’s timeless splendor.
Level B2RomanceEndymionOn a warm August night in London, two old friends confront political turmoil and shifting alliances that threaten the future of England.
Level B2RomanceEnchantmentA playwright anxiously awaits the fate of his new play in New York when a mysterious, captivating woman whisks him away on a nighttime adventure, setting the stage for romance and…
Level C1GothicEmmeline, the Orphan of the CastleIn the decaying Mowbray Castle, young Emmeline, orphaned and neglected, grows up under the care of loyal servants, unaware of her mysterious lineage and the secrets tied to the nob…
Level C1RomanceEmmaHandsome, clever, and rich Emma Woodhouse enjoys a life of comfort and influence but faces the sudden loneliness left by her closest friend’s marriage.
Level B2RomanceEm's husbandA young woman escapes the city’s chaos to a paradisiacal island, where she encounters a powerful, blind preacher whose presence captivates her and promises a life transformed by fa…
Level C1RomanceElsket: 1891A traveler ventures into a remote Norwegian fjord, bound by a solemn oath to keep its secrets, where mysterious locals and a forbidden name—Elsket—await.
Level C1RomanceElsie's Kith and KinNewlyweds Zoe and Ned embrace the joys and challenges of married life on a sprawling plantation, finding love, companionship, and unexpected visitors to brighten their quiet days t…
Level C1RomanceEllice Quentin, and other storiesA brooding man in London reflects on a mysterious letter and the haunting memories of Ellice Quentin, a striking woman whose presence shaped his past.
Level C1RomanceElla Barnwell: A historical romance of border lifeAmid the untamed wilderness of early Kentucky, settlers carve out homes on the "dark and bloody ground," facing perilous frontier life and fierce conflicts.
Level C1RomanceElder ConklinA young schoolmaster from Boston finds himself caught between the rustic ways of a Western family and the sharp, independent spirit of the elder’s daughter, whose curiosity and fie…
Level C1RomanceEffie Ogilvie: the story of a young life; vol. 2In the twilight of the Scottish moors, Effie Ogilvie’s simple kindness and natural charm captivate a young man whose admiration stirs unexpected emotions amid the eerie autumn wood…
Level C1RomanceEdith and John: A Story of PittsburghAmid the grimy, rain-soaked streets of industrial Pittsburgh, John Winthrope, a young man from the mountains, struggles to carve out a new life and fortune in the city’s relentless…![Cover of Easy money [Night watches, Part 9.] by W. Jacobs](https://dsx1pat3ljtul.cloudfront.net/books/da6jntipmtvc73csnnv0.webp)
Level B2RomanceEasy money [Night watches, Part 9.]A young man defies cynical advice about love and marriage as he falls for a remarkable girl with mesmerizing eyes and a laughter like music.
Level C1RomanceEastern Shame GirlIn 17th-century Peking, a young scholar falls deeply for Tu Shih-niang, a captivating singing girl torn between a life of honor and the demands of her world.
Level C1RomanceEast of the ShadowsA reserved yet captivating young woman embarks on a journey that reveals the delicate balance between social charm and guarded secrets.
Level C1RomanceEast Angels: A NovelA visitor escapes the relentless northern winters for a tranquil life beneath the endless blue sky of a lakeside home, where quiet routines and hidden desires unfold among its inha…
Level C1RomanceEarle Wayne's nobilityAccused of a crime he insists he did not commit, a proud and noble young man faces a harsh sentence while a determined woman pleads earnestly for his innocence, setting the stage f…
Level C1RomanceDust of the DesertIn the scorching deserts of the Road of the Dead Men, a haunted trail of lost hopes and fierce passions, a legacy of love and heroism unfolds around the Lost Mission and the storie…
Level C1RomanceDulcie Carlyon: A novel. Volume 2 (of 3)Amidst Scottish pines and shadowed turrets, Finella faces a tense farewell with her true love as jealous rivals and secret notes threaten to unravel their bond before departure.
Level C1RomanceDulcie Carlyon: A novel. Volume 1 (of 3)A young captain defies his proud aristocratic family by declaring love for Flora MacIan, a beautiful but penniless governess with a noble military heritage, igniting a fierce clash…
Level B2RomanceDulcibel: A Tale of Old SalemIn a Puritan village torn by disputes and strict devotion, a spirited young man encounters Dulcibel, a feisty woman whose wild horse mirrors her untamed spirit—setting the stage fo…
Level C1Science FictionDrowsyIn a secluded villa overlooking the Adriatic, a world-renowned opera singer and her daring American lover hide from scandal and society’s gossip, bound by love and secrets amid whi…
Level B2RomanceDriven to bay, Vol. 2 (of 3)Aboard the long voyage of the Pandora, flirtations spark and secrets simmer among passengers from all walks of life, while Maggie Greet navigates mystery and affection beneath the…
Level B2RomanceDriven to bay, Vol. 1 (of 3)A determined young sailor torn between duty and desire faces the challenges of securing his future at sea while navigating complex friendships and an alluring romantic invitation.
Level B2RomanceDreamy HollowA powerful tycoon retreats from his empire to the secluded Dreamy Hollow, a mysterious estate built in memory of lost love.
Level C1RomanceDragon's bloodIn a vibrant port where East meets West, a young German clerk embarks on a journey toward mysterious China, grappling with homesickness and ambition amid a mosaic of cultures and b…
Level B2RomanceDr. Rumsey's patientIn a charming village inn, two young men vie for the affection of the spirited Hetty, whose playful teasing stirs jealousy and passion.
Level B2RomanceDr. Paull's Theory: A RomanceA dedicated house-surgeon confronts an unexpected challenge when a distinguished old man, brought in after a frightening carriage accident, lies unconscious under his care—setting…
Level C1RomanceDoubloons—and the GirlA restless clerk on the bustling East River docks encounters a captivating young woman whose presence ignites a longing for adventure and change amid the monotony of his daily life…
Level C1RomanceDouble HarnessAmid the fresh air and rolling downs of a quiet village, two friends grapple with the challenges of marriage, social expectations, and personal freedom.
Level C1MysteryDorothy's Double. Volume 2 (of 3)A young woman faces suspicion and mystery when a series of events involving stolen jewels, secret orders, and veiled identities entangles her family and trusted friends in a tense…
Level C1RomanceDorothy South: A Love Story of Virginia Just Before the WarIn the lush woodlands of pre-Civil War Virginia, a cultured young stranger arrives, stirring curiosity and change as he navigates the intricate social landscape, meeting locals lik…
Level C1RomanceDora ThorneA young nobleman defies his aristocratic father’s warnings as he insists on marrying Dora Thorne, a modest and virtuous lodge keeper’s daughter, challenging the rigid social class…
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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.