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 B2ClassicsThe wild fawnA proud mother anxiously awaits news from her successful son, William, recently returned from Japan, only to be stunned by a mysterious letter hinting at a secret that could upend…
Level B2Children'sThe whistleA young boy learns a valuable lesson about the true worth of things through a simple whistle, inspiring reflections on ambition, vanity, and the choices people make that cost them…![Cover of The weaker vessel [Night watches, Part 4.] by W. Jacobs](https://dsx1pat3ljtul.cloudfront.net/books/da6jn62pmtvc73csnnng.webp)
Level B2ClassicsThe weaker vessel [Night watches, Part 4.]When Mrs.
Level B2Children'sThe warning clockTwo sisters, Diligence and Indolence, face a life-changing journey back to their father’s house after years of banishment.
Level B2RomanceThe voice at JohnnywaterA weary actor, still painted as a Native American warrior, receives a mysterious phone call promising a surprise that could change everything—especially when a bold woman calls him…![Cover of The vigil [Night watches, Part 8.] by W. Jacobs](https://dsx1pat3ljtul.cloudfront.net/books/da6jnm2pmtvc73csnntg.webp)
Level B2ClassicsThe vigil [Night watches, Part 8.]A determined suitor faces fierce opposition from a soldier father who prizes courage above all.
Level B2HistoricalThe vampire catIn a serene Japanese setting, a mysterious vampire cat weaves its legend through the lives of a prince and his attendants, blending supernatural intrigue with cultural tradition in…
Level B2RomanceThe valley of ArcanaLost in the vast, mysterious redwood forests of Northern California, two hunters must rely on their wits and each other to find shelter as night falls and the wilderness closes in.
Level B2RomanceThe vagabond loverA sensitive young man faces rejection in sports, music, and love as he struggles to find his place at university, dreaming of winning the heart of the campus queen despite repeated…
Level B2MysteryThe unseen earIn a quiet home, a mysterious intruder’s deadly search unravels secrets hidden behind locked doors, drawing newlywed Judith into a chilling web of danger and deception.
Level B2RomanceThe unlit lampOn a bitter night, two friends venture to a distant Staten Island dance, where the warmth and elegance of the Masons' home contrast sharply with the harsh journey—setting the stage…![Cover of The unknown [Night watches, Part 7.] by W. Jacobs](https://dsx1pat3ljtul.cloudfront.net/books/da6jniqpmtvc73csnns0.webp)
Level B2ClassicsThe unknown [Night watches, Part 7.]A night-watchman schemes to free Captain Bill Smithers from his overbearing wife’s jealous grip by sending her on a wild-goose chase with a mysterious love letter, sparking a night…
Level B2ClassicsThe underworld: The story of Robert Sinclair, minerIn the harsh world of mining life, a wounded miner’s wife struggles to provide for her family amid poverty and hardship, revealing the resilience and quiet strength forged undergro…![Cover of The understudy [Night watches, Part 3.] by W. Jacobs](https://dsx1pat3ljtul.cloudfront.net/books/da6jn2qpmtvc73csnnm0.webp)
Level B2ClassicsThe understudy [Night watches, Part 3.]A scrappy dog causes chaos aboard the Henry William, drawing a band of rough men into a night of unexpected companionship and intrigue as they try to claim a reward for their newfo…
Level B2ClassicsThe uncalledIn a bleak Ohio town, a group of women grapple with loyalty, hardship, and judgment as they prepare to lay to rest a troubled friend, revealing the harsh realities and complex bond…
Level B2RomanceThe unbidden guestA mysterious gypsy child is left behind after a cursed eviction, taken in reluctantly by an aristocratic household.
Level B2Children'sThe two kinds of fearTwo boys face temptation: one steals for selfish pleasure, the other resists to honor God despite hardship.
Level B2RomanceThe two countessesAt Sebenberg Castle, the dull post-shooting season is brightened by news of a young Swabian count’s arrival, stirring curiosity and anticipation in the lively Countess Muschi.
Level B2Children'sThe twins in the SouthTwin sisters Janet and Phyllis arrive at Hilltop boarding school, determined to stay together despite the headmistress's plan to separate them.
Level B2Science FictionThe tunnel thru the airBorn into a troubled world on the Texas frontier in 1906, young Robert Gordon’s life unfolds amid financial panic, family hopes, and deep biblical faith.
Level B2ClassicsThe triumph of the nut, and other parodiesA patent washing machine maker in Wisconsin begins to see people as houses and himself as a "bughouse," unraveling his grip on reality through bizarre dreams and naked midnight rit…
Level B2AdventureThe treasure of Mushroom RockTwo adventurous boys, Percy and Tom, escape their strict English school to explore ancient ruins and hidden secrets near Moseley’s.
Level B2RomanceThe trail of the Golden HornIn the frozen Yukon wilderness, a trapper discovers a deserted cabin with no smoke and a crying child inside, hinting at a mysterious and dangerous fate for its occupants.
Level B2PoetryThe tongues of toil, and other poemsExplore powerful poems that give voice to laborers, justice, and the struggles for freedom, weaving themes of toil, courage, and defiance into stirring verses that resonate with th…
Level B2MysteryThe tomb of Ts'inA mysterious series of break-ins aboard a China Sea liner draws a determined investigator into a perilous quest involving an ancient emperor's tomb, a secret society, and a captiva…
Level B2Children'sThe toll-keepersSpend a summer day at Bushgrove farm, where lively siblings Sophy and Nelly Cousens run the toll gate that guards their father's return, turning everyday moments into warm, playful…
Level B2MysteryThe three stringsReturning to her Washington home after a taxing journey, Evelyn Preston finds the house eerily quiet and unprepared, with servants absent and a mysterious tension lingering in the…
Level B2MysteryThe thing in the woodsA young doctor takes a three-month substitute post in a remote Pennsylvania village, expecting a peaceful retreat among the woods and hills.
Level B2ClassicsThe thin matchA misfit matchstick, flawed and overlooked among millions, embarks on a journey through smoky rooms and shifting hands, yearning for its moment to shine and ignite a flame that cou…
Level B2Children'sThe testing of Janice DayJanice Day wakes to a mysterious surprise promised by her distant father, stirring curiosity and hope on a bright morning in Polktown.
Level B2Children'sThe tale of old Mr. CrowIn a lively forest where mischief and mystery abound, bold Mr.
Level B2Children'sThe tale of Solomon OwlIn the quiet woods of Pleasant Valley, Solomon Owl’s deep hoots and laughter both frighten and charm the local children, while his nocturnal adventures reveal a clever, solitary cr…
Level B2Children'sThe tale of Mrs. LadybugIn Pleasant Valley, hardworking Mrs.
Level B2Children'sThe tale of Kiddie KatydidIn the quiet nights of Pleasant Valley, Kiddie Katydid leads his noisy clan in a mysterious chant about the elusive Katy, stirring curiosity and caution as predators like Mr.
Level B2AdventureThe tale of Jolly RobinYoung Jolly Robin leaves the safety of his nest to learn the art of flying, facing fears and cunning lessons from his parents in a lively orchard where danger lurks nearby.
Level B2Children'sThe tale of Jasper JayIn a lively valley, the mischievous Jasper Jay shrieks and plays, teasing neighbors and hiding nuts for winter, while his noisy antics clash with the quiet, gentle Mr.
Level B2Children'sThe tale of Ferdinand FrogMeet Ferdinand Frog, a cheerful and vain amphibian whose lively spirit and charming manners win the hearts of Pleasant Valley’s residents.
Level B2AdventureThe tale of Dickie Deer MouseIn Pleasant Valley, gentle Dickie Deer Mouse seeks the perfect summer home in an abandoned crow's nest, navigating forest dangers and rival creatures.
Level B2AdventureThe tale of Buster BumblebeeIn a bustling meadow, Buster Bumblebee belongs to a huge, lively family known for their music and honey-making, yet he prefers leisure over work.
Level B2Children'sThe tale of Brownie BeaverDive into the underwater village where Brownie Beaver and his friends build their homes beneath the pond’s surface, using sharp teeth to fell trees and clever dams to protect their…
Level B2AdventureThe tale of Benny BadgerBenny Badger loves digging into the homes of his smaller neighbors on the high plains, using his sharp wits and powerful claws to explore and seek out fresh tunnels.
Level B2ClassicsThe sword decidesIn 1343, Prince Andreas of Hungary camps on the Adriatic coast, caught between duty and desire as he prepares to claim his unseen wife Giovanna—and the throne of Naples—with secret…
Level B2ClassicsThe strike at Too DryWhen Percival "Dog" Bigelow receives a surprising letter about his nephew—a pampered poet sent West to toughen up and regain his health—he must prepare for an unexpected visitor an…
Level B2Children'sThe straight road is shortest and surestOn a scorching June day, young Wilfred Marsden ventures through a dense, enchanting thicket to fetch orange blossoms for a grand wedding, only to face unexpected mishaps that test…
Level B2Children'sThe story of the IliadWhen Helen, the fairest woman, is taken from her Spartan husband by Prince Paris of Troy, the Greeks launch a ten-year siege of Troy, where gods and heroes clash in a legendary tal…
Level B2Children'sThe story of ironA young boy named Billy balances chores and dreams as he helps his uncle at a bustling iron foundry.
Level B2HistoricalThe story of a HessianAmidst the dangers of the Thuringerwald forest, a noble hunting party faces ominous signs as wolves threaten a village, intertwining the lives of a grieving family and a proud prin…
Level B2ClassicsThe story of Wandering WillieWandering Willie, a beloved itinerant peddler, travels the moors through snow and mist, bringing gifts, stories, and comfort to village children and families.
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.