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 B2AdventureOpening the iron trailIn the thrilling race to build the transcontinental railroad, follow Terry Richards and his comrades as they battle the rugged plains and mountains, laying iron rails that will uni…
Level B2HistoricalOpening the West With Lewis and Clark: By Boat, Horse and Foot Up the Great River Missouri, Across the Stony Mountains and on to the Pacific, When in the Years 1804, 1805, 1806, Young Captain Lewis, the Long Knife, and His Friend Captain Clark, the Red Head Chief, Aided by Sacajawea, the Birdwoman, Conducted Their Little Band of Men Tried and True Through the Unknown New United StatesJoin Captains Lewis and Clark as they lead a daring expedition through uncharted American territories, navigating rivers, mountains, and meeting Native guides like Sacajawea, to cl…
Level B2HistoricalOowikapun, or, How the Gospel reached the Nelson River IndiansA young Indian hunter’s quiet life is shattered by a fierce encounter with a trapped wolf, sparking a profound inner awakening.
Level B2RomanceOnly one loveA young man lost in the ancient and mysterious Forest of Warden must navigate its shadowy paths as night falls, hoping for rescue amid the wild—and perhaps discovering more than ju…
Level B2ClassicsOnly an Irish GirlIn a windswept Irish village, young Honor Blake faces the legacy of her family's troubled past and the arrival of a charming Englishman, igniting passions and rivalries that threat…
Level B2Children'sOnly an Irish Boy; Or, Andy Burke's FortunesA spirited Irish boy with a determined heart clashes with a proud young aristocrat as he seeks work and a place to belong in a new village, standing up for his family and himself a…
Level B2MysteryOne-Way Ticket to NowhereA space traveler returns to Earth to find his twin brother entangled in a dangerous web of family conflict and business intrigue.
Level B2ClassicsOne way outA middle-class New Englander breaks family tradition by emigrating to America, sharing his personal struggles and sacrifices to offer hope and guidance to those seeking "one way ou…
Level B2AdventureOne of the 28th: A Tale of WaterlooAmid family tensions and hidden pasts, a young boy arrives at Penfold Hall, stirring long-held secrets and challenging the authority of those who have ruled there for years.
Level B2ClassicsOne of OursA young man on a sprawling prairie ranch faces the hardships of rural life and the complexities of family dynamics, all set against the backdrop of a warm summer day and the promis…
Level B2MysteryOne of My SonsA chance encounter with a sick, elderly man and his urgent granddaughter pulls a stranger into a mysterious, life-or-death secret hidden in a cryptic message—one that could change…
Level B2AdventureOne of Clive's Heroes: A Story of the Fight for IndiaAmidst the turbulent years of 1754 to 1757, a young adventurer becomes entwined in the daring capture of Gheria and the fierce Battle of Plassey, navigating loyalty, honor, and the…
Level B2MysteryOne jump aheadA recently paroled rustler returns to a town shaken by mysterious midnight activities beneath a bridge, where two shadowy figures unearth a hidden secret.
Level B2RomanceOne Wonderful Night: A Romance of New YorkA chance discovery of a marriage license leads John Delancy Curtis into a whirlwind New York night filled with mystery, romance, and unexpected confrontations, as he races to claim…
Level B2Science FictionOne Out of TenA charming contestant on a new TV quiz show reveals she's from Mars and hints at a secret invasion underway, with Martians blending invisibly among Earthlings and wielding telepath…
Level B2Science FictionOne Martian AfternoonOn a harsh, sun-scorched Mars, young Marilou struggles with her desire to escape to Earth and the realities of Martian life, including dark survival secrets and cultural clashes th…
Level B2ClassicsOne Hundred Merrie And Delightsome Stories: Right Pleasaunte To Relate In All Goodly Companie By Way Of Joyance And JollityDive into a lively collection of one hundred witty tales brimming with humor, cunning, and unexpected twists, each crafted to entertain and delight readers in good company.
Level B2ClassicsOne Day's Courtship, and The Heralds of FameAn artist ventures into the wilds to capture the majestic Shawenegan Falls with his camera, relying on the help of a wealthy lumber king and local guides.
Level B2Science FictionOnce Upon A PlanetOn a war-torn planet, the mightiest warrior-king Miotis faces an unprecedented crisis: his subjects have abandoned war, leaving him restless and powerless.
Level B2AdventureOn to Pekin; or, Old Glory in ChinaA young lieutenant is sent from Manila to join an international allied force combating the deadly Boxer rebellion in China, facing fierce battles to protect foreigners and restore…
Level B2RomanceOn the wings of fateTorn between duty and desire, a woman navigates the twists of fate and society’s expectations in a tale where love’s unpredictable wings carry her toward an uncertain future.
Level B2HistoricalOn the red staircaseIn the heart of Moscow's Kremlin, a fierce power struggle unfolds as the rabble elects a new czar, defying tradition and stirring bitter court intrigues.
Level B2Children'sOn the mountainA young girl wrestles with harsh judgments and neighborhood gossip about a troubled family, challenging her own beliefs and prejudices in a small community shadowed by secrets and…
Level B2AdventureOn the face of the floodA young boy troubled by his uncle’s mysterious behavior seeks refuge and guidance from trusted friends in a remote forest village, uncovering secrets that threaten his safety and c…
Level B2AdventureOn the dodgeA lone cowboy’s prized horse is stolen under mysterious circumstances, leading him on a wild chase through rugged terrain.
Level B2PoetryOn the Tree TopA miller’s daughter faces a deadly challenge: to spin straw into gold by sunrise or lose her life.
Level B2AdventureOn the Trail of Pontiac; Or, The Pioneer Boys of the OhioYoung pioneers Dave and Henry Morris navigate the uncertain peace after the French and Indian War, facing the wrath of Chief Pontiac and his allies as tensions ignite on the Ohio f…
Level B2MysteryOn the Sweeny wireOn a shared party telephone line, Belle Sweeny eavesdrops on her neighbors' conversations, uncovering secrets and brewing trouble linked to gambling, rivalries, and mysterious char…
Level B2ClassicsOn the Stage--and Off: The Brief Career of a Would-Be ActorA young man’s dream of the stage sparks a humorous and honest journey through the trials of aspiring to act, discovering the harsh realities behind theatrical glamour and the trans…
Level B2AdventureOn the Plantation: A Story of a Georgia Boy's Adventures during the WarIn a small Georgia town on the brink of war, twelve-year-old Joe Maxwell navigates curious post offices, mysterious lawyers, and his own mischievous adventures, all while the world…
Level B2AdventureOn the Plains with Custer: The Western Life and Deeds of the Chief With the Yellow Hair, Under Whom Served Boy Bugler Ned Fletcher, When in the Troublous Years 1866–1876 the Fighting Seventh Cavalry Helped to Win Pioneer Kansas, Nebraska, and Dakota for White Civilization and Today's PeaceExperience the harrowing journey of young bugler Ned Fletcher alongside General Custer and the Seventh Cavalry as they navigate the fierce battles and complex relations on the West…
Level B2AdventureOn the Pampas; Or, The Young SettlersA struggling English architect and his family decide to leave behind their crowded life for the vast, untamed Pampas, seeking new opportunities and a fresh start in the wilderness.
Level B2ClassicsOn the Iron at Big CloudA determined young man takes on the grueling role of Locomotive Foreman in the rugged Hill Division, where tough conditions and fierce competition test every ounce of skill and res…
Level B2HistoricalOn the Heights: A NovelAmidst the serene beauty of a royal summer palace, the king's physician navigates delicate duties and whispered secrets, while a queen seeks counsel on matters of the soul, setting…
Level B2MysteryOn the Edge of the Arctic; Or, An Aeroplane in SnowlandTwo Canadian boys debut their innovative aeroplane, the "Spirit of the Wind," at Calgary's Stampede, hoping to prove its worth in the harsh Arctic wilderness.
Level B2RomanceOn the Brink of a Chasm: A record of plot and passionAmidst lavish parties and looming bankruptcy, a young woman defies expectations by refusing a wealthy but loveless match to follow her heart for a struggling barrister, challenging…
Level B2AdventureOn the Border with Andrew JacksonIn the untamed Muscogee forests of 1812 Alabama, two young frontiersmen and a Cherokee brave navigate a wilderness filled with danger, mystery, and the looming threat of Red Stick…
Level B2Science FictionOn a lark to the planets: A sequel to "The wonderful electric elephant"Soaring beyond Earth’s atmosphere in a magical balloon, young travelers embark on a breathtaking journey through the solar system, encountering dazzling planets and mysterious cele…
Level B2Science FictionOn a Torn-Away World; Or, the Captives of the Great EarthquakeTwo adventurous college friends unveil their groundbreaking airship, the Snowbird, ready for a daring trial flight that promises speed and innovation.
Level B2AdventureOn Your Mark! A Story of College Life and AthleticsAmid the chill of a fading autumn evening, college athletes gather for a tense mile race where seasoned runners face off against ambitious freshmen, including a mysterious freshman…
Level B2RomanceOn With TorchyAn office boy with a fiery spirit navigates love and ambition in bustling New York, chasing the elusive Vee despite obstacles from her formidable aunt and his own uncertain future.
Level B2Children'sOn Time; or, Bound to Get ThereAn enterprising young man seizes a chance to buy a bankrupt boat at auction, dreaming of turning it into a profitable pleasure craft for fishing and lake excursions, despite doubts…
Level B2MysteryOn Secret Service: Detective-Mystery Stories Based on Real Cases Solved by Government AgentsAmidst the shadows of wartime Washington, a Secret Service agent races to uncover the insider leaking crucial troop movements to German submarines, using subtle clues like the tick…
Level B2HistoricalOn PatrolStep aboard the Duty Steam Boat and navigate the strict codes of naval protocol, where every letter and order carries weight and the chain of command dictates life on patrol.
Level B2ClassicsOn Our SelectionA family's grueling struggle to clear and cultivate a wild Australian selection tests their endurance, hope, and unity amid isolation and harsh nature.
Level B2AdventureOn Land and Sea at the DardanellesAmid the looming dangers of the Dardanelles campaign, a soldier haunted by past battles and betrayals navigates war-torn lands and shifting loyalties, determined to confront a shad…
Level B2AdventureOn Foreign Service; Or, The Santa Cruz RevolutionTwo rival British gun-rooms aboard armored cruisers grapple with fierce inter-ship rivalries just as a South American revolution erupts, thrusting them into a high-stakes mission t…
Level B2Children'sOn Angels' WingsConfined to a turret-shaped window, little Violet watches the world pass by, her heart heavy with the loss of her mother and the burden of her difference.
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.