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 C1FantasyThe Ashes of a GodIn a world where the god of Love is reduced to ashes by divine wrath, passion proves immortal—its remnants sparking longing and regret that bind even the wisest sage.
Level C1PoetryThe Ascent of ManExplore the rugged beauty and spiritual struggles of early Christian monks, where faith, love, and human passion collide in vivid poetic narrative and stirring sonnets that illumin…
Level C1ClassicsThe Asbestos Society of Sinners: detailing the diversions of Dives and others on the playground of Pluto, with some broken threads of drop-stitch history, picked up by a newspaper man in Hades and woven into a Stygian nights' entertainmentA newspaper man receives a mysterious assignment to explore Hades, the playground of Pluto, weaving together dark humor and historical tales from the underworld in a witty and imag…
Level C1ClassicsThe Art of the Moving PictureExplore the emergence of cinema as a revolutionary art form, blending architecture, sculpture, and painting in motion.
Level C1ClassicsThe Art of Theatrical Make-upExplore the transformative world behind the stage as actors harness makeup to breathe life into characters, blending psychology, art, and craftsmanship.
Level C1ClassicsThe Art of Public SpeakingMaster the art of public speaking by focusing on authentic self-expression and inner confidence rather than rigid rules or mimicry.
Level C1PoetryThe Art of PoliticksDive into a witty poetic satire that transforms Horace’s art of poetry into a sharp critique of 18th-century politics, blending rhetoric, political history, and social commentary w…
Level C1PoetryThe Art of Poetry: an Epistle to the Pisos: Q. Horatii Flacci Epistola Ad Pisones, De Arte Poetica.Explore the timeless guidance of a master poet who instructs young writers on the art of composition, blending criticism and creativity in an epistle that reveals the essence of po…
Level C1HistoricalThe Art of LettersDelve into the vivid diary of Mr.
Level C1ClassicsThe Art of LecturingUnlock the secrets to captivating an audience with expert guidance on voice training, personal magnetism, and crafting compelling openings.
Level C1HistoricalThe Art of Kissing: Curiously, Historically, Humorously, Poetically ConsideredExplore the fascinating history and cultural significance of kissing, from ancient religious rites and biblical symbolism to poetic musings and scientific insights, revealing how t…
Level C1ClassicsThe Art of DisappearingWhen a train crash strands Horace Endicott alongside a Monsignor carrying holy oils, an unexpected bond forms amid chaos and questions of faith, duty, and the true meaning of life…
Level C1ClassicsThe Art of Being Bored: A Comedy in Three ActsIn a lively drawing-room at Madame de Céran’s château, a missing letter sparks a search among witty characters embodying the quirks and boredom of high society.
Level C1PoetryThe Art of Architecture: A Poem in Imitation of Horace's Art of PoetryExplore the passionate struggles of an 18th-century architect who seeks to define the art of architecture through poetic form, blending humanist principles with the challenge of a…
Level C1ClassicsThe Arrow-Maker: A Drama in Three ActsIn a Southwestern tribe, a gifted woman known as the Chisera holds the mysterious power of the Medicine Woman, caught between her divine gifts and the tribe’s demands.
Level C1AdventureThe Arrow of Gold: A Story Between Two NotesIn 1870s Marseilles, a young adventurer is drawn into a clandestine plot to smuggle arms to Carlist rebels in Spain, navigating a world of bohemians, sailors, and political intrigu…
Level C1ClassicsThe Arnold Bennett CalendarExplore daily reflections on art, life, love, and human nature through a unique calendar that offers wisdom, wit, and insight, inviting readers to ponder the passions and complexit…
Level C1AdventureThe Armourer's PrenticesAmidst the lush beauty of Tudor England’s New Forest, two young apprentices navigate loyalty, family legacy, and adventure beneath the carved royal shields and ancient woodlands su…
Level C1ClassicsThe Arm-Chair at the InnA charming Normandy inn becomes the setting for warm camaraderie as the landlord prepares a feast and a roaring fire for his close-knit group of friends, each room steeped in histo…
Level C1PoetryThe Arm ChairDiscover a rich tapestry of history and heartfelt stories woven around an armchair crafted long ago, capturing the lives and legacies of those who once gathered near it.
Level C1HistoricalThe Argonauts of North LibertyIn a bleak 1850 Connecticut town, rigid churchgoers endure a cold, joyless Sabbath until a secretive, passionate encounter shatters the austere silence, setting the stage for intri…
Level C1ClassicsThe ArgonautsIn a dazzling mansion built by relentless toil, two men grapple with the extremes of wealth and neglect—one driven mad by duty, the other reduced to dependency by disregard for mon…
Level C1PoetryThe ArgonauticaEmbark on the epic voyage of Jason and the Argonauts as they navigate treacherous seas and face divine challenges in their quest for the Golden Fleece, weaving adventure with the t…
Level C1RomanceThe Arctic QueenIn the icy grip of the Arctic, a daring expedition seeks the lost Sir John Franklin, weaving a tale of courage and discovery where bravery meets the vast, unforgiving polar sea.
Level C1HistoricalThe Arbiter: A NovelIn a world where societal expectations shape every gesture, a spirited woman wrestles with love, duty, and the heavy silence of illness that confines her.
Level C1HistoricalThe Arawack Language of Guiana in its Linguistic and Ethnological RelationsExplore the rich linguistic and cultural heritage of the Arawack people of Guiana, whose peaceful ways and unique language offer insights into early migrations and the history of t…
Level C1ClassicsThe Aran IslandsDiscover the rugged beauty and haunting traditions of the Aran Islands through vivid tales of its people, language, and landscape, where ancient folklore and daily life intertwine…
Level C1Children'sThe Arabian Nights, Volume II of IVIn a bustling city near Great Tartary, a tailor and his wife face a deadly dilemma when a visiting musician dies suddenly in their home, sparking a night of frantic schemes to hide…
Level C1Children'sThe Arabian Nights, Volume I of IVStep into a world of enchanting tales where imagination meets moral lessons, revealing the customs and wonders of distant lands.
Level C1AdventureThe Arabian Nights, Volume 3 (of 4)In a kingdom ruled by two rival viziers, a quest begins to find a slave whose beauty is matched only by her wit and wisdom—one destined to captivate the king and challenge the cour…
Level C1Children'sThe Arabian Nights Entertainments - Volume 01A clever sultan faces a deadly dilemma, marrying a new bride each day only to lose her by morning—until the resourceful Sultaness of the Indies weaves a thousand and one enchanting…
Level C1Children'sThe Arabian Nights Entertainments - CompleteJourney through a realm of magic and adventure where kings, genies, and voyagers weave tales of wisdom, courage, and enchantment.
Level C1HistoricalThe Arab's Pledge: A Tale of Marocco in 1830In 1830 Morocco, amid breathtaking landscapes and harsh oppression, a disgraced nobleman's son entangles with a cunning soldier in a dangerous conspiracy against the Sultan.
Level C1MysteryThe Apple of DiscordA longstanding feud between two powerful families in an Ohio village threatens to erupt into new conflict when Colonel Kendrick suspects his rival, Peter Bolton, of plotting someth…
Level C1PhilosophyThe Apologia and Florida of Apuleius of MadauraA philosopher and traveler from a wealthy Roman colony recounts his education, mystical initiations, and encounters with influential friends, culminating in his defense against acc…
Level C1RomanceThe Antiquary — CompleteIn late 18th-century Scotland, an eccentric antiquary’s passion for history and superstition intertwines with local mysteries and vivid characters, revealing the rich, unvarnished…
Level C1Children'sThe Annals of the PoorAmid humble cottages, true faith shines brightest as the poor discover the power of divine grace in their lives.
Level C1ClassicsThe Annals of the Parish: Or, the Chronicle of Dalmailing During the Ministry of the Rev. Micah BalwhidderA devoted minister reflects on his lifelong service to the parish of Dalmailing, sharing heartfelt sermons, community struggles, and steadfast faith during a time of change and cha…
Level C1HistoricalThe Annals of the CakchiquelsUnearth the rich history and mythology of the Cakchiquels, a sophisticated indigenous nation of Guatemala, through the eyes of a native chronicler whose account preserves their lan…
Level C1PoetryThe Anglican Friar, and the Fish which he Took by Hook and by Crook: A Comic LegendAn avid angler journeys to Ireland, captivated by its scenic rivers and the thrill of the catch.
Level C1FantasyThe Angels of Mons: The Bowmen and Other Legends of the WarAmid the horrors of war, tales emerge of spectral bowmen appearing on the battlefield to protect British soldiers, blending legend and reality in a haunting exploration of faith, c…
Level C1ClassicsThe Angel of the TenementIn a cramped tenement, a mysterious child named Angel appears, abandoned yet strangely confident, drawing a group of women into a web of compassion and curiosity as they seek to un…
Level C1RomanceThe Angel of the Gila: A Tale of ArizonaIn a rough Arizona mining camp where saloon laughter masks hostility, a determined schoolteacher faces scorn and defiance as she strives to bring education and hope to a lawless to…
Level C1MysteryThe Angel of TerrorA man convicted of murder faces a life sentence, but doubts linger over the testimony that sealed his fate.
Level C1ClassicsThe Angel of PainIn the shimmering heat of a lush English garden, Philip Home contemplates the fleeting beauty of summer while his eccentric guests and mysterious acquaintances hint at secrets lurk…
Level C1HistoricalThe Angel of Lonesome Hill; A Story of a PresidentIn the remote settlement of Cold Friday, a mysterious couple living atop Lonesome Hill guards secrets that stir village curiosity and hope.
Level C1PoetryThe Angel of DeathExplore the profound reflections of life, death, and spirituality through majestic yet accessible verse.
Level C1PoetryThe Angel in the CloudExplore heartfelt reflections and poignant verses that weave faith, memory, and nature into a poetic journey, revealing the intimate struggles and hopes of a 19th-century soul comm…
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.