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 C1RomanceThe HighgraderA spirited young girl selling paper stars aboard a tranquil ocean liner captures the attention of a curious American boy, sparking a tender connection amidst the voyage's gentle rh…
Level C1MysteryThe High Toby: Being further chapters in the life and fortunes of Dick Ryder, otherwise Galloping Dick, sometime gentleman of the roadA notorious highwayman, known as Captain Ryder, unexpectedly intercepts a coach under moonlight, only to be faced with a mysterious offer involving a runaway wife and a tempting re…
Level C1RomanceThe High History of the Holy GraalEmbark on a medieval quest filled with chivalry and mystery as knights of the Round Table seek the elusive Holy Grail, weaving tales of valor, romance, and ancient legend from a ri…
Level C1RomanceThe High HeartIn a genteel summer setting, a determined governess navigates social constraints and uncertain prospects for love and security, caught between fleeting flirtations and the hope of…
Level C1RomanceThe Hidden ChildrenAmid the fading legacy of the Iroquois Confederacy, a tale unfolds where history and romance intertwine, revealing the struggles and spirit of noble tribes bound by loyalty, betray…
Level B2RomanceThe Hidden Cabin: a pathetic story in condensed formHigh atop Palomar Mountain, a mysterious hidden cabin becomes the backdrop for a heartfelt romance filled with nature’s beauty, deep friendship, and inspiring messages of manhood a…
Level B2RomanceThe Hero of the People: A Historical Romance of Love, Liberty and LoyaltyAmid the turmoil of the French Revolution, a skilled artisan with secret motives watches the royal procession, weaving a tale of love, liberty, and loyalty as hidden forces stir th…
Level C1RomanceThe Heir of MondolfoIn a sun-drenched castle overlooking the Mediterranean, young Ludovico battles his tyrannical father’s hatred and vows to forge his own path as a courageous cavalier, defying the f…
Level C1RomanceThe Heather-MoonBarrie, a young woman starved for romance, discovers the garret door to a mysterious "Fairyland" unlocked for the first time—an irresistible invitation into a secret world that pro…
Level C1RomanceThe Heart's Secret; Or, the Fortunes of a Soldier: a Story of Love and the Low Latitudes.In the sultry twilight of Havana, a young boy’s keen eyes witness the secrets of the sea and society, surrounded by military men and aristocrats amid whispers of forbidden trade an…
Level C1RomanceThe Heart's Highway: A Romance of Virginia in the Seventeenth CenturyIn 1682 Virginia, a disgraced English convict turned tutor accompanies the spirited young Mistress Mary Cavendish through the colonial wilderness, where social boundaries blur and…
Level B2RomanceThe Heart of the Desert (Kut-Le of the Desert)In the vast, scorching desert, Rhoda’s solitary walk turns perilous when a scorpion sting cripples her foot—only the swift and steady Charley Cartwell stands between her and the me…
Level C1MysteryThe Heart of a WomanLouisa Harris, a sensible Englishwoman leading a quiet, ordinary life, unexpectedly receives a love letter that challenges her steadfast rejection of romance.
Level B2RomanceThe Heart of Una SackvilleA young woman leaves school, stepping into the uncertain world armed with a diary that will capture her joys, sorrows, and the thrilling journey toward love and self-discovery.
Level C1RomanceThe Heart of Princess OsraIn a city ruled by a fierce king known as the Lion, a humble smith named Stephen finds himself caught in royal intrigues when Prince Henry’s troubles stir unrest.
Level C1RomanceThe Heart of HyacinthIn tranquil Sendai, a foreign missionary embraces a new life with a local wife and child, only to face heartbreak and duty when his past calls him away, leaving love and loss entwi…
Level C1RomanceThe Hawk of EgyptIn the vibrant chaos of Cairo’s silk market, a striking young woman named Damaris navigates a world of exotic sights, scents, and secrets, where fate weaves an unexpected tale of l…
Level C1FantasyThe Haunted Homestead: A NovelA fearless girl fascinated by ghosts embarks on a summer journey with her inseparable friend Mathilde to Saratoga Springs, where amid bustling crowds and new acquaintances, eerie m…
Level C1MysteryThe Haunted Chamber: A NovelAs dusk settles over an ancient castle shrouded in chilling legends and bloodstained secrets, Sir Adrian Dynecourt prepares to host guests who may soon uncover the dark mysteries l…
Level C1RomanceThe Harlequin Opal: A Romance. Vol. 3 (of 3)Amidst the turmoil of war and rebellion, loyal soldiers face fierce battles and uncertain fates while an enchanted opal foretells destiny.
Level C1RomanceThe Harlequin Opal: A Romance. Vol. 2 (of 3)A daring mission unfolds aboard The Bohemian as Englishmen and Cholacacans journey north to challenge a rebel stronghold, navigating political tension and peril beneath tropical sk…
Level C1RomanceThe Harlequin Opal: A Romance. Vol. 1 (of 3)Four old friends vow to reunite after fifteen years, each changed by time and distance, amid a backdrop of exotic lands and mysterious legends.
Level B2RomanceThe Happy AverageA recent college graduate nervously visits the Carters' home, where playful banter and quiet tension hint at the complexities of young romance and social expectations on a warm Jul…
Level C1RomanceThe Hand but Not the Heart; Or, The Life-Trials of Jessie LoringIn a society where wealth and appearances deceive, a young man wrestles with his feelings for Jessie Loring, whose heart may be swayed by riches he lacks.
Level C1RomanceThe Hampstead mystery: a novel. Volume 1 (of 3)A young woman’s secret romance sparks a fierce family feud, as her strict father battles to control her suitors and protect the family fortune—igniting tensions between love, duty,…
Level C1RomanceThe Guarded HeightsA skilled horseman from a struggling family becomes the trusted companion of a proud heiress, sparking a restless longing that challenges social boundaries and ignites a passionate…
Level B2RomanceThe Grip of Honor: A Story of Paul Jones and the American RevolutionAmidst the stormy seas of the American Revolution, a daring captain and his loyal lieutenant chase a mysterious merchant ship near treacherous reefs, their pursuit fueled by honor,…
Level B2RomanceThe Grey CloakIn the shadowy streets of Paris, a masked man in a grey cloak embarks on a perilous quest to steal a secret paper that could save his life and fortune, weaving intrigue, danger, an…
Level C1RomanceThe Greek Romances of Heliodorus, Longus and Achilles Tatius: Comprising the Ethiopics; or, Adventures of Theagenes and Chariclea; The pastoral amours of Daphnis and Chloe; and the loves of Clitopho and LeucippeJourney into a world where imagination weaves tales of love, adventure, and the customs of ancient life, revealing the passions and trials of heroes and heroines bound by fate and…
Level B2RomanceThe Great AccidentIn the quiet town of Hardiston, where iron furnaces stand sentinel and apple blossoms hint at renewal, lives intertwine amid fading industries and enduring pride.
Level C1RomanceThe Graysons: A Story of IllinoisIn a vibrant Illinois countryside, Rachel Albaugh captivates as the area's unmatched beauty and sought-after belle, yet her heart remains unclaimed amidst a lively social scene.
Level C1RomanceThe GrandissimesIn 1803 New Orleans, amid masked balls and Creole society’s intrigues, old loyalties clash with new realities as families like the Grandissimes navigate love, honor, and the shadow…
Level C1RomanceThe Grain of Dust: A NovelA quiet stenographer enters the bustling world of a powerful New York law firm, where ambition and intrigue swirl around the charismatic young partner Frederick Norman.
Level C1RomanceThe GraftersIn a booming frontier town built on speculation and ambition, lawyer David Kent navigates the highs and imminent crash of a wild real estate rush, balancing hope and risk in a rapi…
Level C1RomanceThe Gorgeous Isle: A Romance; Scene-- Nevis, B.W.I. 1842In the vibrant winter retreat of Nevis, amidst tropical gardens and dazzling fashion, a spirited young woman challenges the refined conventions of a glamorous yet fading Caribbean…
Level C1RomanceThe Gorgeous GirlIn a bustling leather company office, Trudy defies traditional roles, determined to win love and success on her own terms, while observing the lives of those around her—especially…
Level B2RomanceThe Golden SilenceAmid scandal and whispers, Stephen Knight faces the challenge of defending Margot Lorenzi, a woman whose mysterious past threatens his reputation and heart.
Level C1RomanceThe Golden Lion of GranpereIn the peaceful village of Granpere, nestled among the Vosges mountains, a quiet community thrives amid changing empires and old rivalries.
Level C1RomanceThe Golden Key; Or, A Heart's Silent WorshipGrieving a tragic loss, a young mother clings to life under her devoted sister’s care, while a mysterious abandoned infant appears, setting in motion a heartfelt tale of love, sorr…
Level C1RomanceThe Golden Fleece: A RomanceIn the sweltering heat of a veranda, a retired general and a professor reminisce about Susan Brown and her daughter Grace, a shop-girl in New York whose humble job might be the key…
Level B2MysteryThe Golden Face: A Great 'Crook' RomanceAn ex-officer struggling to find his place after the war accepts a mysterious, high-paying job driving a Rolls for the enigmatic Rudolph Rayne.
Level C1RomanceThe Gold of ChickareeA young woman bound by a strict will faces a choice between love and fortune, navigating society’s expectations and her own secret desires.
Level B2RomanceThe God of Civilization: A RomanceYearning to escape her endless social routine, a young woman seizes the chance to embark on a months-long sailing voyage to Australia, seeking adventure and change.
Level C1RomanceThe Glory of the Conquered: The Story of a Great LoveTorn between the worlds of science and art, Ernestine faces a powerful choice when promised to one of the greatest scientists alive.
Level C1RomanceThe Glimpses of the MoonA newlywed couple embarks on a honeymoon at a famed lakeside villa, savoring the magic of love and luxury while quietly grappling with the financial strains beneath their blissful…
Level B2RomanceThe Girls of St. Olave'sOn the eve of her engagement, Denys navigates the bittersweet shift from family life to new beginnings, caught between cherished memories and the promise of love.
Level C1RomanceThe Girl of the Golden GateIn the vibrant port of Yokohama, a stoic sea captain haunted by past storms and mutiny crosses paths with a striking golden-haired woman whose arrival stirs intrigue and longing am…
Level B2RomanceThe Girl from MontanaA resolute young woman faces heartbreak and hardship in her Montana cabin, standing alone after the loss of her family to tragedy.
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.