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 C1HistoricalMary LambExplore the intertwined lives of Mary Lamb and her brother Charles, whose deep bond and friendships with literary figures like Coleridge and Wordsworth sustain them through tragedy…
Level C1ClassicsMary Gresley, and An Editor's TalesA young woman named Mary Gresley captivates with her gentle spirit and quiet strength amid sorrow, drawing the protective affection of an older editor who witnesses her struggles a…
Level C1Children'sMary ErskineChildren from Franconia embark on a journey to visit Mary Erskine, whose remote home lies along a wild, seldom-traveled road.
Level C1HistoricalMary DerwentIn the untamed Wyoming Valley, amidst clashing settlers and looming danger, a determined pioneer strives to build a home and find hope after personal loss, weaving a vivid tale of…
Level C1RomanceMary BartonIn the shadow of Manchester’s factories and rural fields, the lives of struggling workers intertwine with love and hardship, revealing deep social divides and the yearning for just…
Level C1HistoricalMary Anerley: A Yorkshire TaleIn 18th-century Yorkshire, a fierce family feud unfolds along the treacherous Tees River, where legacy, rebellion, and tragedy collide at the infamous Seven Corpse Ford.
Level C1ClassicsMary AndersonAmid the fragrant gardens and crashing Atlantic waves, a captivating actress retreats to her peaceful Long Branch home, where passion for the stage and nature intertwine in a world…
Level C1ClassicsMaryIn a secluded Norwegian fjord, the Krog family estate stands as a peaceful refuge shaped by history and nature.
Level C1RomanceMarujaIn the sunlit valleys near San Jose, a wandering wayfarer drifts past opulent estates and sleepy servants, hinting at a collision between untamed freedom and refined society—where…
Level C1AdventureMaru: A Dream of the SeaOn a remote Pacific atoll ravaged by smallpox and haunted by ancient taboos, Maru, the last true leader, struggles with isolation and loss as mysterious ships arrive, stirring memo…
Level C1RomanceMartin ValliantIn the shadowed halls of a moonlit priory, Brother Geraint prowls with a sly grin and simmering hatred, plotting against the young, golden-haired novice whose bold piety threatens…
Level C1AdventureMartin RattlerA young adventurer braves the untamed forests of Brazil, facing wild challenges and thrilling discoveries that test his courage and resilience in this gripping tale of survival and…
Level C1MysteryMartin Hewitt, InvestigatorA sharp young investigator breaks away from a prestigious law firm to start his own detective agency, tackling perplexing cases with keen observation and unorthodox methods.
Level C1ClassicsMartin EdenA rough seafarer steps into a refined world, feeling out of place yet mesmerized by art and literature that ignite a fierce yearning within him.
Level C1AdventureMartin Conisby's VengeanceStranded on a desolate island for three years, Martin Conisby clings to shattered hopes and haunted memories until a sudden gunshot shatters his solitude, thrusting him into a peri…
Level C1AdventureMartin ChuzzlewitA sharp satire unfolds through the tangled lives of the Chuzzlewit family, exposing greed, hypocrisy, and social injustice both at home and abroad.
Level C1RomanceMartha By-the-DayCaught in a stormy New York rush-hour, vulnerable Claire Lang finds unexpected protection from a towering, motherly stranger who commands respect and kindness in the chaos of the c…
Level C1PoetryMarsk Stig: a balladAmidst war and royal intrigue, Marsk Stig rides off to battle while his beloved Ingeborg faces betrayal by the King, who threatens her honor and tests their love.
Level C1PoetryMarsk Stig's Daughters, and Other Songs and BalladsTwo daughters of a disgraced marshal seek aid from kings across Scandinavia, weaving their sorrow and fate into intricate tapestries.
Level C1HistoricalMarsena, and Other Stories of the WartimeIn a small village during the Civil War, Marsena Pulford, a proud and mysterious artist burdened by past sorrows and poverty, struggles to find his place and rebuild his life amid…
Level C1ClassicsMarried or single?, Vol. 3 (of 3)A tense afternoon gathering turns electrifying when Mr.
Level C1RomanceMarried or single?, Vol. 2 (of 3)A young heiress is thrust into London society under the strict guidance of her sister-in-law, who has grand designs for her future—especially a marriage to her own brother, the elu…
Level C1ClassicsMarried or single?, Vol. 1 (of 3)In a grand suburban mansion turned schoolroom, Madeline West navigates the harsh shift from cherished pupil to overworked governess, balancing duty, pride, and the sting of lost pr…
Level C1ClassicsMarried Life; Its Shadows and SunshineExplore the complexities of marriage through the eyes of a wife navigating the challenges of love, expectations, and true companionship.
Level C1ClassicsMarried Life: A Comedy, in Three ActsIn a witty exploration of marriage, a couple navigates jealousy, misunderstandings, and social intrigues, revealing the humorous tensions beneath domestic life.
Level C1ClassicsMarriedA fierce exploration of marriage and gender roles unfolds as a man confronts his evolving views on women and society, revealing raw truths shaped by personal experience and relentl…
Level C1ClassicsMarriage à la modeA young man embarks on a tense journey to America with hopes of forging new opportunities, while his skeptical uncle criticizes the country's history and the extravagance of the tr…
Level C1RomanceMarriageA young woman journeys through the English countryside, caught between social expectations and personal dreams, while navigating the complexities of love, family, and the invisible…
Level C1RomanceMarriageAmid Edinburgh’s high society, sharp wit and keen satire expose the foibles of love and marriage, painting unforgettable portraits of human nature with humor and moral insight.
Level C1AdventureMarooned on AustraliaSurvivors of the Batavia shipwreck face mutiny, betrayal, and brutal storms as they struggle to survive on a remote Australian island, caught between treacherous seas and restless…
Level C1HistoricalMarmion: A Tale Of Flodden FieldIn the shadow of the Battle of Flodden, a poetic minstrel weaves a stirring tale of war, honor, and Scotland’s turbulent autumn, capturing the clash of swords and the spirit of a n…
Level C1AdventureMarmaduke Merry: A Tale of Naval Adventures in Bygone DaysA lively family bound by laughter and loyalty sets the stage for daring naval adventures, where youthful spirits and hearty tales lead to thrilling exploits beyond their quiet Leic…
Level C1RomanceMarmadukeA returning captain reunites with the spirited granddaughter of his family's piper, their childhood bond reigniting amid class divides and unspoken tensions.
Level C1Children'sMarm LisaIn a struggling city street called Eden Place, a determined woman transforms her corner home into a beacon of hope and moral uplift, challenging poverty and inspiring the community…
Level C1PoetryMarlborough, and Other PoemsA collection of poignant poems and personal letters from a young officer in World War I, capturing the raw realities of war and reflections on life before his untimely death in bat…
Level C1ClassicsMarket Harborough, and Inside the BarAn experienced horseman and justice of the peace, Mr.
Level C1HistoricalMark Twain: A Biography. Volume III, Part 1: 1900-1907After a financial crisis and a world of sympathy, a celebrated author returns to America to find himself hailed as a conquering hero and drawn into a whirlwind of public attention,…
Level C1ClassicsMark Twain: A Biography. Volume II, Part 2: 1886-1900Dive into the rich intellectual life of Mark Twain between 1886 and 1900, where his passionate study of Browning's poetry and skeptical view of contemporary literature reveal a man…
Level C1HistoricalMark Twain: A Biography. Volume I, Part 2: 1866-1875Emerging from deep despair, a man channels his restless mind into a bold lecture tour about the Hawaiian Islands, conquering fear and gaining fame through humor and eloquence.
Level C1ClassicsMark Twain: A Biography. Volume I, Part 1: 1835-1866Explore the early life and lineage of Samuel Clemens, tracing the roots and family stories that shaped the man known as Mark Twain.
Level C1ClassicsMark Twain: A Biography. CompleteExplore the life behind the legend as this detailed biography traces the roots, family, and early years of a beloved American humorist, revealing the man beyond his stories through…
Level C1ClassicsMark Twain's SpeechesDive into a collection where sharp wit meets heartfelt reflection, capturing speeches that blend humor, insight, and social commentary—from literary dinners to thoughts on educatio…
Level C1ClassicsMark Twain's Letters — Volume 6 (1907-1910)Dive into the witty and reflective letters of a literary giant as he grapples with human nature, literary censorship, and honors like an Oxford degree, all while managing personal…
Level C1ClassicsMark Twain's Letters — Volume 5 (1901-1906)A sharp and candid collection of letters reveals a transformed Mark Twain—no longer just a humorist, but a fierce reformer challenging Church, State, and social hypocrisies with wi…
Level C1ClassicsMark Twain's Letters — Volume 4 (1886-1900)Explore intimate letters revealing Mark Twain's family life, theatrical home performances, and a poignant secret romance held by his mother for over sixty years, blending humor, no…
Level C1ClassicsMark Twain's Letters — Volume 1 (1853-1866)Discover the unfiltered thoughts and early life of a legendary humorist through candid letters revealing his boyhood struggles, budding career, and ambitious dreams beyond the smal…
Level C1AdventureMark SeaworthAdrift on a vast, silent ocean, a lone woman fights to keep two starving children alive amidst the wreckage of a doomed boat, where death lurks close and hope seems as distant as t…
Level C1ClassicsMark Rutherford's DeliveranceStruggling with limited means, a man secures a commission to report on the chaotic debates of the House of Commons, exposing the tedious repetition and political skepticism that un…
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.