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 C1PhilosophyStatesmanPhilosophical dialogues explore the elusive nature of true statesmanship and the ideal ruler, blending political theory with sharp dialectical method and satirical insight into hum…
Level C1RomanceStarvecrow FarmAmidst the treacherous tides and shifting loyalties of the Lancashire coast, a young woman flees a loveless past toward an uncertain future, bound by a fragile pact with her enigma…
Level C1AdventureStarlight Ranch, and Other Stories of Army Life on the FrontierA cavalry detachment embarks on a tense mountain scout to track renegade Apaches, but suspicion grows that their cautious leader has other motives.
Level C1AdventureStar: The Story of an Indian PonyAmid the vast Southwest plains, a spirited Indian pony named Star awakens to a world of Comanche braves, buffalo hunts, and fierce battles for survival—where honor and courage defi…
Level C1Science FictionStar-Crossed LoverA chance encounter with a mysterious old woman leads an ordinary man into a bewildering world where nothing is as it seems, forcing him to confront illusions, danger, and secrets b…
Level C1HistoricalStar of MerciaIn a rugged land where ancient Welsh legends intertwine with Saxon tales, a weary traveler seeks refreshment and news of the enigmatic King Gwrtheyrn, setting the stage for a vivid…
Level C1HistoricalStar of IndiaIn a quiet English village, seventeen-year-old Stella Carrington feels trapped by her stifling life and envies the privileged Maud Verrall, sparking a restless yearning to break fr…
Level C1ClassicsStanford Stories: Tales of a Young UniversityAmid the blossoming gardens and festive receptions of a Stanford winter, a young mandolin player navigates college life, music tours, and a captivating encounter with a charming Lo…
Level C1RomanceStandish of Standish: A Story of the PilgrimsAmid the harsh new world of 1620 Plymouth, the Pilgrim Mothers’ steadfast traditions and the Pilgrim Fathers’ resolve collide with humor and heart.
Level C1ClassicsStandard Selections: A Collection and Adaptation of Superior Productions from Best Authors for Use in Class Room and on the PlatformExplore a powerful collection of eloquent selections designed to inspire public speaking, featuring vivid narratives, stirring oratory, and dramatic scenes that bring timeless them…
Level C1RomanceStand Fast, Craig-Royston! (Volume III)In a world of political intrigue and hidden alliances, a determined young man seeks answers about a mysterious figure, navigating the sharp wit and veiled intentions of London's jo…
Level C1RomanceStand Fast, Craig-Royston! (Volume II)A young man grapples with a shocking letter accusing a revered Scottish elder of betrayal and fraud, threatening the bonds of friendship and trust.
Level C1ClassicsStand Fast, Craig-Royston! (Volume I)In Victorian London, an enigmatic grandfather and his quietly captivating granddaughter seek to unite scattered Scots worldwide through shared heritage and heartfelt poetry, reveal…
Level C1ClassicsStage Confidences: Talks About Players and Play ActingA seasoned actress offers candid advice to aspiring young women dreaming of the stage, revealing the fierce competition, harsh realities, and rare chances for success in the crowde…
Level C1ClassicsStaccato Notes of a Vanished Summer (from Literature and Life)As a fierce storm brews off the coast, a tranquil summer returns to a seaside village where the rhythms of life revolve around mail deliveries and the lingering spirit of a fading…
Level C1HistoricalSt. Winifred's; or, The World of SchoolA bright young boy leaves the warmth of his idyllic lakeside home to enter the bustling world of a large public school, embarking on a journey of growth, friendship, and discovery…
Level C1HistoricalSt. Ronan's WellAt a provincial spa known for its snobbish society and simmering tensions, characters clash amid scandal and sharp wit.
Level C1HistoricalSt. Patrick's EveIn a remote Irish valley, villagers gather to celebrate St.
Level C1ClassicsSt. Patrick's Day; Or, The Scheming Lieutenant: A Farce in One ActIn a lively English town, Lieutenant O’Connor faces unruly soldiers and a stern justice who opposes his romance with the justice’s daughter, sparking a playful plot full of farcica…
Level C1HistoricalSt. Martin's SummerIn a grand Dauphiny chamber, the indolent yet vain Seneschal is roused from his nap by urgent news: the formidable Dowager of Condillac demands an immediate audience, setting the s…
Level C1GothicSt. Martin's Eve: A NovelIn a grand English mansion shrouded by the bleak November gloom, a young mother lies on the brink of death, leaving a newborn heir to a fate entwined with sorrow and mystery.
Level C1GothicSt. Leon: A Tale of the Sixteenth CenturyIn 1687 Venice, a mysterious stranger known as Signor Gualdi captivates high society with his vast knowledge and priceless art collection—yet his true identity and uncanny connecti…
Level C1RomanceSt. Ives: Being the Adventures of a French Prisoner in EnglandA French soldier imprisoned in Edinburgh crafts delicate toys to trade with curious locals, using wit and charm to navigate captivity.
Level C1HistoricalSt. George's Cross; Or, England Above AllAmidst the turmoil of 17th-century England and the Channel Islands, a suspended Member of Parliament and an exiled magistrate navigate political exile, personal enmities, and the s…
Level C1HistoricalSt. George and St. MichaelIn a time of political and spiritual upheaval, an aging clergyman and his family grapple with the looming storm threatening their church and kingdom, while hope flickers through th…
Level C1HistoricalSt. ElmoIn the serene Appalachian mountains, a pure-hearted Tennessee girl lives in harmony with nature, unaware of the darker intrigues beyond her world—until the sudden crack of gunshots…
Level C1ClassicsSt. Bernard's: The Romance of a Medical StudentA determined young medical student joins the prestigious St.
Level C1HistoricalSt Baldred of the Bass, a Pictish legendIn a turbulent era of Pictish kings and war, a devout disciple of Saint Kentigern retreats to the solitude of the Bass island, performing miracles and inspiring fierce loyalty amon…
Level C1ClassicsSquire PhinIn the sleepy village of Palermo, a parade of eccentric locals and a city visitor stir quiet summer days, weaving a tapestry of rural life marked by small-town quirks, simmering te…
Level C1ClassicsSquire Arden; volume 3 of 3Tensions rise as Arthur Arden confronts Mrs.
Level C1ClassicsSquire Arden; volume 2 of 3A young man wrestles with his duty to protect his sister Clare as she navigates a complex and uncertain romance with their questionable cousin.
Level C1ClassicsSquire Arden; volume 1 of 3In a quaint village where joy bells ring for a returning heir, the young Squire Arden arrives home to claim his place—bringing hope, memories, and a stirring change to the close-kn…
Level C1HistoricalSpringhaven: A Tale of the Great WarIn a tranquil English valley threatened by war, the peaceful village of Springhaven shelters a proud family whose Saxon roots run deep.
Level C1ClassicsSpring DaysAn overlooked novel grapples with rejection and revival as its author confronts harsh criticism and unexpected praise, revealing the complex journey of a work misunderstood in its…
Level C1PoetrySpoon River AnthologyVoices from a small town rise from their graves, revealing secrets, regrets, and passions that shaped their lives.
Level C1PoetrySplores of a Halloween, Twenty Years AgoVivid verses recall a Halloween from twenty years past, blending nostalgia with haunting imagery as the poet challenges conventional tastes to reveal the deeper literary spirit beh…
Level C1MysterySplashes of redIn the thrilling world of rodeo competitions, Millie Wayne navigates fierce rivalries and shifting loyalties as Curly Bratton’s attention turns to a glamorous newcomer, sparking te…
Level C1ClassicsSpiritual vampirism: The history of Etherial Softdown, and her friends of the "New Light"An enigmatic cabinet, left by a mysterious friend, contains startling revelations about spiritual vampirism and the hidden forces influencing mankind.
Level C1HistoricalSpirit of Chambers's JournalIn 17th-century Scotland, Lady Jean, the youngest and most beautiful daughter of the Earl of Wigton, is confined to her family estate to protect her sisters’ marriage prospects, sp…
Level C1ClassicsSpinster of This ParishIn a meticulously kept London maisonette, a young woman seeks solace from a reserved, elegant spinster whose quiet life conceals untold stories.
Level C1PoetrySpider-webs in Verse: A Collection of Lyrics for Leisure Moments, Spun at Idle HoursReflect on the delicate interplay between life's fleeting moments and deeper ideals through a collection of lyrical verses crafted during quiet, idle hours.
Level C1PoetrySpenser's The Faerie Queene, Book IAmid the vibrant England of Queen Elizabeth’s reign, a revival of chivalry and national pride sparks an epic allegory of ideal knighthood, weaving romance, classical learning, and…
Level C1PoetrySpenser's Faerie Queene, Vol. 1 (of 2)Enter a richly imagined realm where knights embark on quests embodying virtues, encountering enchantments and allegories that weave a tapestry of morality and chivalry in an epic p…
Level C1PoetrySpenserExplore the rise of English poetry through the life of a pioneering poet whose work bridges the gap between medieval tradition and Renaissance brilliance, laying the foundation for…
Level C1ClassicsSpeed the ploughIn a bustling English countryside, Farmer Ashfield and his wife navigate market rivalries and social gossip, while unexpected visitors stir curiosity and comedic intrigue, blending…
Level C1HistoricalSpeeches: Literary and SocialExplore the early life and literary rise of a keen observer of society whose sharp wit and storytelling shaped English literature.
Level C1HistoricalSpeeches against CatilinaIn the tense political arena of ancient Rome, a powerful and controversial figure plots a sweeping revolution amid widespread debt and unrest.
Level C1RomanceSpeculum Amantis: Love Poems, from Rare Songbooks and Miscellanies of the Seventeenth CenturyDiscover a provocative collection of seventeenth-century love poems, ranging from audacious dedications to rare verses hidden in forgotten miscellanies, revealing the shifting boun…
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.