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 War-WorkersIn a bustling wartime depot, the tireless Miss Vivian leads a group of dedicated volunteers managing troop arrivals and vital supplies.
Level B2AdventureThe War-Trail Fort: Further Adventures of Thomas Fox and PitamakanAs the mighty American Fur Company collapses, a young trader and his loyal friend face a new frontier of independence and adventure, venturing beyond trading posts into the wild pl…
Level B2Science FictionThe War in the AirAs early flying balloons captivate a changing English village, Mr.
Level B2MysteryThe War TerrorA brilliant scientist is drawn into a dangerous web of espionage and secret societies on the brink of World War I, as a desperate anarchist seeks his help to commit a murder that c…
Level B2AdventureThe Wanderers; Or, Adventures in the Wilds of Trinidad and OrinocoA family uprooted by financial ruin seeks refuge in Trinidad, risking faith and fortune under a foreign edict protecting settlers.
Level B2ClassicsThe Walking DelegateHigh above the city, steelworkers brave dizzying heights to build a towering hotel, while a tough contractor and his vigilant foreman navigate the tensions and dangers of a massive…
Level B2AdventureThe Waif of the "Cynthia"In a remote Norwegian village, a devoted schoolmaster nurtures the minds of fishermen's children with tales of science and literature, sparking dreams beyond their humble lives whi…
Level B2AdventureThe Wagner Story Book: Firelight Tales of the Great Music DramasBy gazing into the fire’s glowing depths, a child and storyteller unlock magical visions of gods, heroes, and enchanted treasures, revealing timeless adventures hidden in flickerin…
Level B2AdventureThe Voyages of the "Ranger" and "Crusader": And what befell their Passengers and Crews.As young midshipmen prepare to set sail from home, they face the thrilling uncertainties of life at sea aboard the troop-ship Ranger, while their families embark on a daring coloni…
Level B2FantasyThe Voyages of Doctor DolittleA young boy in a small riverside town dreams of adventure beyond the horizon, befriending curious locals and animals along the way.
Level B2AdventureThe Voyages and Adventures of Captain HatterasA mysterious brig, the Forward, prepares to embark on an uncharted polar expedition, sparking curiosity and speculation among sailors about its secretive mission and unknown captai…
Level B2AdventureThe Voyage of the HoppergrassFour boys set sail on the large cat-boat "Hoppergrass," gathering unexpected passengers for a week-long river cruise filled with adventure, pirates, and the challenges of life at s…
Level B2AdventureThe Voyage of the Arrow to the China Seas.: Its Adventures and Perils, Including Its Capture by Sea Vultures from the Countess of Warwick, as Set Down by William Gore, Chief MateA seasoned sailor faces disgrace after losing command of a ship and reluctantly takes a lower rank aboard the Arrow, embarking on a perilous voyage to the China Seas.
Level B2AdventureThe Voyage of the "Steadfast": The Young Missionaries in the PacificAmid a fierce storm on the Welsh coast, a young girl anxiously watches for signs of a ship in peril, while hoping her father’s sturdy vessel, the Steadfast, sails safely through th…
Level B2AdventureThe Voodoo Gold TrailSailing into tropical mystery, a young adventurer joins old friends on a quest for hidden gold, guided by secret tales of kings, dungeons, and clandestine passages.
Level B2MysteryThe Voice on the WireA veteran detective enlists a suave consulting criminal chaser to tackle a complex case involving millions, murder, and high society intrigue.
Level B2ClassicsThe Voice of the PeopleIn the quiet town of Kingsborough, a young boy with big dreams defies his farming roots, longing to rise beyond the soil and become a judge.
Level B2ClassicsThe Visits of ElizabethSeventeen-year-old Elizabeth navigates the curious and often puzzling world of her aristocratic relatives during a Cricket Week at Nazeby Hall, uncovering the quirks and intrigues…
Level B2ClassicsThe Visionary: Pictures From NordlandJourney to the remote, rugged landscapes of Norway and the Arctic Circle, where tales of adventure, shipwreck, and poetic modernity intertwine with the author's own experiences and…
Level B2RomanceThe Vision of DesireA man receives a heartbreaking letter ending their romance, yet he refuses to let go of the passionate night they shared.
Level B2Children'sThe Vision of Dante: A story for little children and a talk to their mothersLost in a dark forest, a frightened man named Dante encounters terrifying beasts blocking his path to a shining mountain.
Level B2ClassicsThe Vision SplendidA spirited boy rebels against confinement and cruelty in a small town, seeking freedom in nature and courage in unexpected fights.
Level B2AdventureThe Vinland ChampionsAmidst the fog-bound seas near Vinland, a young Viking named Alrek faces fierce challenges and fierce rivals as settlers strive to tame the wild new lands.
Level B2FantasyThe Village of Hide and SeekA mysterious vagabond arrives at a sunlit country estate, charming a group of children with promises of enchanting tales from his travels.
Level B2ClassicsThe Village by the RiverIn a quiet village by the river, the death of the old squire stirs gossip and speculation about his mysterious heir—a young, unconventional man rumored to be a Socialist who may ne…
Level B2ClassicsThe Village Watch-TowerNestled in a weathered house on a quiet hill, a rural village unfolds its simple yet vivid stories beneath the watchful branches of an old apple tree, capturing the heartfelt rhyth…
Level B2AdventureThe Village ChampionA determined young man breaks free from a life of deceit and hardship, uncovering his true identity and a mysterious valise he must not open for a year and a day.
Level B2RomanceThe Victim: A Romance of the Real Jefferson DavisAmid the turmoil of the South, a young boy named Jeff Davis faces a painful separation from his family as he is sent away for education, while the shadow of war and leadership loom…
Level B2RomanceThe Vicissitudes of EvangelineA young woman, disinherited and determined to live by her charm alone, faces uncertain prospects after the death of her harsh guardian.
Level B2Children'sThe Vicar's DaughterA vicar’s daughter is asked to continue a beloved family story, chronicling her own life and encounters in London’s poorest parishes.
Level B2Children'sThe Very Small PersonA fastidious woman returns home to find her carefully chosen house next to a lively family with five rambunctious children, led by the charming and mischievous Little Blue Overalls…
Level B2Science FictionThe Very BlackA jet test pilot faces the daunting challenge of flying a cutting-edge, pilot-controlled saucer after a string of deadly crashes, while his psychic girlfriend pleads with him to re…
Level B2Children'sThe Velveteen RabbitA shy velveteen rabbit longs to become real through the love of a child, discovering that true magic lies in being cherished despite wear and tear.
Level B2HistoricalThe Velvet GloveIn the wind-swept city of Saragossa, a white-haired man returns after fifteen years, quietly navigating the ancient Ebro River with a secret purpose unknown to those awaiting him.
Level B2AdventureThe Vast Abyss: The Story of Tom Blount, his Uncles and his Cousin SamStruggling to prove himself worthy of his uncle’s tutelage, Tom Blount faces the daunting challenge of mastering the law while haunted by memories of happier times and overshadowed…
Level B2MysteryThe Vanishing of Betty VarianIn a windswept Maine coastal enclave, an exclusive summer colony thrives amid rugged cliffs and an eerie mansion atop a forbidding headland.
Level B2MysteryThe Vanished MessengerAt a quiet Liverpool Street platform, a determined young man misses his train to The Hague and begs a mysterious traveler, John P.
Level B2ClassicsThe Van Dwellers: A Strenuous Quest for a HomeNewcomers to New York City navigate a bewildering maze of cramped, costly flats and quirky janitors in their earnest search for a suitable home, revealing the challenges and surpri…
Level B2Science FictionThe Valley of the MastersIn a dying world ruled by rigid customs, Henry’s forbidden curiosity brands him an outcast, yet he dares to challenge the dull, controlled lives around him.
Level B2AdventureThe Valiant RunawaysA spirited young Californian nobleman faces forced conscription and chooses daring flight over duty, embarking on a perilous journey across vast ranchlands with his closest friend,…
Level B2ClassicsThe Uphill ClimbAfter a drunken night and a bruised face, Ford wakes to the shocking news that he’s married—to a stranger who claimed him as her fiancé.
Level B2RomanceThe Upas Tree: A Christmas Story for all the YearA husband wrestles with a life-changing decision to journey to Central Africa, while his wife, embodying calm understanding, prepares to share her own urgent news—setting the stage…
Level B2AdventureThe UntamedIn a harsh desert where only the toughest survive, a lone rider and his wolf-like dog navigate a world ruled by relentless sun, rattlesnakes, and scavenging buzzards.
Level B2RomanceThe Unseen Bridegroom; Or, Wedded For a WeekIn a stormy New York night, the rebellious Carl Walraven returns home after twenty years, seeking redemption and a fresh start amidst the grandeur—and hidden tensions—of his mother…
Level B2ClassicsThe Unruly Sprite: A Partial Fairy TaleA man’s creative life is enlivened by delicate, mysterious sprites—except for one unruly sprite whose mischief and restless spirit challenge the harmony between the man, a lady fri…
Level B2AdventureThe Unpublishable MemoirsA determined book collector, robbed of a rare treasure by a wealthy rival, plots to outwit the rich by using his wit, education, and acting skills to acquire priceless art, jewels,…
Level B2Science FictionThe Unprotected SpeciesOn a newly surveyed planet deemed nearly perfect for colonization, a biologist’s trusted team member returns with brutal injuries and a violent madness, sparking a desperate invest…
Level B2AdventureThe Unknown WrestlerA blind violinist and his timid daughter face cruelty and hardship on the city streets, but a mysterious stranger’s fierce protection hints at a deeper story of resilience and just…
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.