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 C1Children'sTen Girls from DickensDiscover the lives of ten remarkable girls from Dickens’ stories, including the mysterious Marchioness, a tiny servant hidden away yet full of quiet strength, whose world unfolds w…
Level C1ClassicsTen Degrees BackwardA reserved man at forty-two, long shielded from love by his determined sister, faces an unexpected awakening when an old question stirs memories of a past he never dared to explore…
Level C1PhilosophyTemporal Power: A Study in SupremacyA sovereign contemplates humanity’s endless struggle against nature’s immutable laws, pondering whether our failure lies in our own material self-interest or a deeper cosmic cause.
Level C1RomanceTempest-Driven: A Romance (Vol. 3 of 3)Amid family tensions and secret affections, two sisters navigate love and societal expectations while a captivating widow stirs unexpected emotions.
Level C1RomanceTempest and SunshineA young Northerner arrives in a small Kentucky town seeking a teaching position, only to encounter suspicion, kindness, and the rugged ways of the South.
Level C1Children'sTell Me a StoryAs twilight falls, a group of eager children beg their aunty for stories from her childhood and beyond, sparking a cozy evening of shared memories, fairy tales, and adventures that…
Level C1RomanceTekla: A Romance of Love and WarA young emperor, disguised as a traveler, approaches the ancient city of Treves, navigating political intrigue and the looming threat of war.
Level C1ClassicsTedious brief tales of Granta and GramaryeStep into the shadowy chamber of Jesus College, where a secret club of seven young men bound by eerie, unbreakable rules gathers.
Level C1Children'sTeddy: The Story of a Little PickleA tiny, fiercely independent child appears alone on a snowy train platform, demanding to "do d’an’ma" with unwavering confidence.
Level C1HistoricalTecumseh : a DramaIn a time of growing tension between Native tribes and encroaching settlers, a visionary Shawanoe chief returns to unite the nations against deceitful treaties, while his brother w…
Level C1RomanceTattle-tales of CupidIn a stable where horses converse, tales of love, loyalty, and memory unfold through their lively debates and reflections, revealing the secret bonds between humans and their equin…
Level C1ClassicsTatterdemalionIn the summer of 1914, a refined widow with a lifelong love of French culture finds herself quietly isolated in a southern French town, knitting comforts for soldiers as the Great…
Level C1FantasyTarzan the UntamedIn the heart of a war-torn African jungle, a relentless German captain pursues the elusive Tarzan, unaware that the legendary ape-man races homeward to protect his wife and reclaim…
Level C1FantasyTarzan the TerribleIn a perilous jungle where savage tribes and deadly beasts roam, a fierce warrior stalks the shadows driven by a relentless quest to find his lost wife.
Level C1FantasyTarzan of the ApesA young English nobleman and his wife embark on a perilous journey to a British West African colony, only to vanish mysteriously at sea.
Level C1FantasyTarzan and the Jewels of OparIn the heart of the Congo, a disgraced officer on the run crosses paths with the feared Arab chieftain Achmet Zek, igniting a dangerous quest for the legendary Jewels of Opar hidde…
Level C1ClassicsTartuffe; Or, The HypocriteA cunning impostor ingratiates himself into Orgon's household, preaching piety while sowing discord and challenging family loyalty.
Level C1AdventureTartarin on the AlpsA mysterious, oddly outfitted alpinist arrives at a grand mountaintop hotel shrouded in fog, sparking curiosity and whispers among the diverse guests.
Level C1ClassicsTartarin de TarasconIn a small French town, a boastful yet good-hearted man surrounds himself with exotic plants and an impressive arsenal, dreaming of grand adventures far beyond his ordinary life.
Level C1RomanceTarry thou till I come; or, Salathiel, the wandering Jew.An immortal man wanders through history, bearing witness to the tumultuous clash between early Judaism and Christianity after the Crucifixion.
Level C1PoetryTargum: Or Metrical Translations From Thirty Languages And DialectsDive into a rich tapestry of poetic voices from thirty languages, revealing the soul and character of diverse cultures through metrical translations.
Level C1HistoricalTaras Bulba, and Other TalesAmidst the vibrant spirit of the Ukrainian Cossacks, a passionate tale unfolds, blending fierce loyalty, ancient songs, and a struggle for identity against the backdrop of a turbul…
Level C1HistoricalTara: A Mahratta TaleAmidst the turbulent decline of great Indian kingdoms, the rise of the fierce Mahrattas under Sivaji ignites a saga of power, intrigue, and cultural clash in 17th-century Dekhan.
Level C1PoetryTar-Heel Tales in Vernacular VerseDive into vivid, vernacular verse capturing the tales of Tar-Heel refugees during Sherman’s campaign in North Carolina, blending humor, hardship, and local color through the eyes o…
Level C1ClassicsTaquisaraA young princess reluctantly signs a will favoring her ambitious aunt, trapped between duty and desire for freedom.
Level C1ClassicsTanteIn foggy London, devoted music lovers gather for the rare concert of the enchanting Madame Okraska, whose fame as a pianist and beauty captivates all.
Level C1PoetryTannhäuserA visionary seeker battles illusions, doubts, and cosmic ironies in a mystical quest to penetrate the deepest truths of existence, challenging old religious symbols and uncovering…
Level C1Children'sTanglewood TalesIn a quaint hillside cottage, a young friend shares enchanting new tales drawn from classic myths, inviting readers into a world where rustic charm meets magical storytelling benea…
Level C1ClassicsTancred; Or, The New CrusadeIn a genteel London district where servants and tradesfolk mirror the refined lives of their masters, a young artist named Leander arrives, stirring quiet streets with the promise…
Level C1ClassicsTamawaca Folks: A Summer ComedyAfter years entangled with lawless clients, Jarrod seeks a peaceful summer retreat at Tamawaca, a charming Lake Michigan resort promising quiet, nature, and a chance to restore his…
Level C1RomanceTamaIn a province buzzing with anticipation, a foreign professor arrives to teach at a Japanese university, stirring excitement and unease alike.
Level C1ClassicsTalks on the study of literature.Explore the essence of literature as an art form, uncovering how written works express human emotions and forge connections between minds.
Level C1ClassicsTalks on Teaching LiteratureExplore the challenges and possibilities of teaching literature, where understanding goes beyond intellect to engage emotions and imagination, revealing the art’s inexpressible qua…
Level C1ClassicsTalks on TalkingMaster the art of engaging conversation through naturalness, kindness, and adaptability, learning how personality and courtesy shape every interaction.
Level C1AdventureTales, Traditions and Romance of Border and Revolutionary TimesAmid the dangers of the American frontier, a daring scout faces savage Indian warriors and thrilling adventures during the Revolutionary era.
Level C1RomanceTales of two peopleAn erratic aristocrat with a rebellious streak inherits a title and fortune, returning from wild adventures abroad to face the expectations of English society.
Level C1HorrorTales of the uneasyAn independent woman navigates London's high society with charm and calculated flirtations, resisting love and marriage despite mounting pressures.
Level C1ClassicsTales of the turfStep into the world of horse racing where grit and heart define both man and steed.
Level C1FantasyTales of the supernatural: Six romantic storiesTwo deadly bravos, bound by dark sorcery and a blood oath, confront the eerie depths of Italy’s Bottomless Lake on a sinister night when the forces of hell stir.
Level C1RomanceTales of the peerage and the peasantryIn the shadow of exile and loyalty to a lost king, a young noblewoman embraces a convent life, torn between faith, family sacrifice, and the turbulent politics of Jacobite Scotland…
Level C1AdventureTales of the clipper shipsWhen Captain David Broughton attends the funeral of a shipowner, a quiet sea tale of duty and hidden depths begins to unfold, revealing the steadfast resolve behind the calm exteri…
Level C1FantasyTales of the Wonder Club, Volume IIIA secretive club of eccentric members gathers for tales spun from mysterious curiosities and strange encounters, blending fantasy with wit and intrigue.
Level C1FantasyTales of the Wonder Club, Volume IIn a secluded English inn, a secretive club of distinguished gentlemen gathers annually to share marvelous tales, shunning business and politics for stories that spark the imaginat…
Level C1ClassicsTales of the WildernessExplore the radical transformation of Russian literature after Chekhov's death, as poetry overtakes prose and new voices challenge old traditions, revealing a vibrant, often misund…![Cover of Tales of the Wild and the Wonderful [1867] by Mary Diana Dods](https://dsx1pat3ljtul.cloudfront.net/books/da8sfttnmvfc73bihhag.webp)
Level C1AdventureTales of the Wild and the Wonderful [1867]In a remote Welsh village where superstition reigns and social ranks blur, a mysterious stranger with a commanding spirit stirs curiosity and unease.![Cover of Tales of the Wild and the Wonderful [1825] by Mary Diana Dods](https://dsx1pat3ljtul.cloudfront.net/books/da8s49tnmvfc73bihbag.webp)
Level C1AdventureTales of the Wild and the Wonderful [1825]In a remote Welsh village where farmers and oyster dredgers live as equals, a mysterious stranger with a powerful spirit arrives, stirring curiosity and hinting at untold adventure…
Level C1Science FictionTales of the UnexpectedA sudden, mysterious seizure leaves Sidney Davidson seeing and interacting with an unseen world, shattering reality in a laboratory where science and perception collide.
Level C1ClassicsTales of the Trains: Being Some Chapters of Railroad Romance by Tilbury Tramp, Queen's MessengerAs steam-powered trains revolutionize travel, a new world of romance and adventure unfolds at unprecedented speeds.
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.