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 C1RomanceIndian SummerAmidst the brewing storm in a small New York village, Lavinia Larimore wrestles with doubt and longing as the man she loves delays their long-promised wedding, his secret trips to…
Level C1RomanceIndia's Love LyricsPassion and longing intertwine in a vivid tapestry of love poems set against the sunlit landscapes and ancient temples of India, where desire blooms transiently beneath the poppies…
Level C1RomanceIncognita; Or, Love and Duty Reconcil'dIn the vibrant city of Florence, young Aurelian navigates the intricate dance of love and duty over just three fateful days, where unexpected obstacles challenge the unions of two…
Level B2RomanceIn two years' time, Vol. 1 (of 2)In the sunbaked Australian outback, a family awaits news of the wool market that could change their fortunes—and with it, the promise of a new life.
Level C1RomanceIn the Palace of the King: A Love Story of Old MadridIn the shadowed halls of old Madrid’s Moorish palace, a young noblewoman clings to hope and love as her soldier beloved faces perilous battles and bitter court intrigues.
Level C1RomanceIn the Name of the PeopleAmid political intrigue and daring adventure, a stirring romance unfolds where bold characters navigate a world of danger, passion, and unexpected alliances.
Level B2RomanceIn the Name of a Woman: A RomanceIn the lawless streets of Sofia, a fierce red-haired woman fights for her life against ruthless attackers, only to be rescued by a determined stranger armed with a sword-stick.
Level C1RomanceIn the Garden of the GodsCaught between a tense standoff and a daring rescue, a sharp-witted outsider and a defiant young woman confront danger amid the rugged beauty of the Garden of the Gods, where secre…
Level C1RomanceIn the Fire of the Forge: A Romance of Old Nuremberg — CompleteUnder moonlight in 1281 Nuremberg, a noble scion silently visits a young woman in a guarded mansion, hinting at secret bonds and whispered romances amid the city's political grande…
Level C1RomanceIn the Dead of Night: A Novel. Volume 1 (of 3)On a stormy night along treacherous cliffs, Lionel Dering confronts danger and the haunting memory of a lost love.
Level B2RomanceIn the Days of Poor RichardAmidst the turbulent backdrop of pre-Revolutionary America, spirited young Jack Irons and the seasoned scout Solomon Binkus navigate danger, friendship, and adventure in the untame…
Level C1RomanceIn the Days of My Youth: A NovelIn a quaint English hamlet rich with history and charm, a young woman’s deep connection to her ancestral home sets the stage for a heartfelt journey through love, tradition, and th…
Level B2RomanceIn the Cause of FreedomIn a tense encounter with a suspicious Russian police agent, an English sportsman finds himself entangled in the dangerous politics of Polish patriots.
Level B2MysteryIn the Bishop's CarriageA quick-witted young woman, caught with a stolen watch, escapes an eager pursuer by slipping into the luxurious carriage of a bishop, setting off a daring game of cat and mouse thr…
Level B2RomanceIn love's handsA tangled web of secrets and desires unfolds as hearts are tested and love’s true power is revealed in a world where every choice carries weight.
Level C1RomanceIn Trust: The Story of a Lady and Her LoverA determined young woman defies her father’s warnings and threatens their family fortune to stand by a man he distrusts—a charming lawyer with a past she chooses to believe in.
Level C1RomanceIn Spite of All: A NovelIn a wintry Hereford garden, childhood innocence clashes with harsh realities as Gabriel faces a fierce mastiff’s bite, while news of political turmoil and sacrifice looms—where tr…
Level C1RomanceIn Silk Attire: A NovelA passionate marquis wrestles with jealousy and societal scandal as he prepares to declare his love for Annie Napier, London's captivating actress, risking everything for a chance…
Level C1RomanceIn Search of MademoiselleAmid the fierce clash between French and Spanish colonists in 16th-century Florida, a mariner’s fierce love and hatred intertwine with historic battles and deceptions, revealing a…
Level B2MysteryIn JeopardyA distant cousin’s sudden death draws a Philadelphia lawyer to a secluded Maryland estate, where old family wounds and unexpected inheritances stir secrets and suspicions.
Level C1MysteryIn Her Own RightA devastating financial collapse shatters fortunes and reveals ruthless betrayals among high society’s elite, where friendship is a facade and survival demands sharp wits.
Level C1RomanceIn Direst PerilAn honorable soldier of fortune recounts how a daring theft won the hand of the woman he loves, setting the stage for a romance born amidst danger, loyalty, and irresistible attrac…
Level C1RomanceImre: A MemorandumIn a vibrant Hungarian café, a chance encounter between two men sparks a profound exploration of love, identity, and society’s hidden truths about desire.
Level C1RomanceImprudenceIn the shadow of Wortheton’s towering chimneys, a young woman burdened by premature sorrow seeks refuge in nature’s embrace, while a powerful family navigates wealth, duty, and soc…
Level C1RomanceImogen: A Pastoral RomanceIn a richly imagined Welsh setting, ancient pagan traditions clash with emerging narratives as a mysterious manuscript reveals a pastoral romance steeped in classical beauty and de…
Level C1RomanceImmenseeAn elderly man revisits memories of his youth and a cherished friendship with Elisabeth, unfolding a tender tale of childhood innocence and the bittersweet passage of time in a qui…
Level C1RomanceIf Only etc.A young doctor impulsively marries Bella, a charming and innocent music-hall performer, hoping for love amidst uncertain futures and the challenges of new family ties.
Level C2RomanceIdylls of the KingAmid a land torn by war and wilderness, a young king rises to unite fractured kingdoms and tame wild beasts threatening his people.
Level C1FantasyIdolatry: A RomanceIn 1853 Boston, two mysterious guests check into neighboring rooms at a grand hotel overlooking a graveyard, setting the stage for uncanny adventures that blur the lines between fa…
Level C1RomanceI, Thou, and the Other One: A Love StoryIn the rugged hills of Yorkshire, a spirited wrestling match between a proud squire and a mysterious stranger sparks a clash of tradition and revolutionary ideas, setting the stage…
Level C2RomanceHypnerotomachia: The Strife of Loue in a DreameIn a dreamlike journey through a mysterious, enchanted landscape, a solitary traveler confronts the fleeting nature of worldly pleasures and the vanities of life, guided by vivid v…
Level C1RomanceHurricane IslandA disillusioned doctor trapped in London's grim East End finds escape in the mysteries of the bustling river and the arrival of a secretive steam-yacht, promising a chance to break…
Level C1RomanceHurricane HurryBorn to a seafaring fate, a young sailor embarks on perilous voyages across the seas, facing duels, war, and shipwrecks while forging unbreakable bonds and chasing adventure on the…
Level C1RomanceHugo: A Fantasia on Modern ThemesIn a magnificent London dome, a vibrant bachelor on the cusp of midlife grapples with newfound love and whimsical desires—including a lady’s hat—while navigating the curious rhythm…
Level C1RomanceHugh Crichton's RomanceIn sunlit Civita Bella, a young Italian girl named Violante prepares for a performance that masks her pale sadness, while the arrival of the enigmatic Englishman Hugh Crichton hint…
Level C1RomanceHow to Settle Accounts with your Laundress: An Original Farce, in One ActIn a tailor’s showroom, a hopeful gentleman prepares for a secret supper with a captivating ballet dancer, but unexpected complications and comedic misunderstandings threaten his r…
Level C1RomanceHope Leslie: or, early times in the Massachusetts, volume 2 (of 2)In a tense colonial Massachusetts setting, Hope Leslie encounters Magawisca, a mysterious Native woman bearing news of her lost sister.
Level C1RomanceHooking Watermelons: 1898A successful young lawyer returns to his small hometown, where warm memories and familiar faces await amidst the summer heat and the simple rhythms of village life.
Level B2RomanceHolly: The Romance of a Southern GirlA young Southern girl, grieving the loss of her father, embarks on her first journey beyond home, seeking new experiences to soothe her sorrow and discover the deeper meanings of l…
Level C1RomanceHistoric Tales: The Romance of Reality. Vol. 14 (of 15), King Arthur (2)Jealousy and treachery ignite as King Mark plots against the valiant Tristram, while knights clash and secrets unravel at Arthur’s court, where love and honor collide in a perilous…
Level C1RomanceHistoric Tales: The Romance of Reality. Vol. 13 (of 15), King Arthur (1)In a time when Celtic kings clash with Saxon invaders, a mystical star heralds the rise of Uther Pendragon and his legendary son Arthur, destined to become the greatest knight and…
Level B2RomanceHis love storyA solitary French cavalry captain unexpectedly bonds with a fragile newborn puppy just as he's invited to a grand dinner where an American visitor longs to meet a soldier.
Level C1RomanceHis fortunate GraceAn heiress determined to redistribute her immense fortune champions socialism and women's suffrage, challenging her privileged upbringing and societal expectations as she prepares…
Level B2RomanceHis Unknown WifeA condemned American prisoner in a South American jail faces a shocking proposal: to marry a mysterious veiled woman who insists on wedlock before his imminent execution.
Level C1RomanceHis Majesty's Well-Beloved: An Episode in the Life of Mr. Thomas Betteron as told by His Friend John HoneywoodIn 1662 London, a devoted friend seeks to clear the tarnished name of the celebrated actor Thomas Betterton, revealing a tale of love, envy, and loyalty that tests the bonds betwee…
Level C1RomanceHis Little World: The Story of Hunch BadeauA rugged schooner captain navigates the challenges of life, love, and loyalty in a small lakeside town where every encounter could change his world.
Level C1RomanceHis HourAlone beneath the enigmatic gaze of the Sphinx, a young widow wrestles with the confines of her conventional life and yearns to seize a bolder, more passionate destiny amid the int…
Level B2RomanceHis Heart's QueenA chance encounter on a Cincinnati incline car brings together a wealthy young woman and a humble carpenter, their lives intertwined as a sudden mechanical failure turns a joyful 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.