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 C1RomanceLove under FireCaught behind enemy lines with crucial intelligence to deliver, a lone soldier risks everything amid whispers of danger and duty.
Level C1ClassicsLove of the WildIn a wilderness threatened by encroaching civilization, a young woodsman struggles to protect the wild creatures and preserve the untamed spirit of nature that defines his world.
Level C1RomanceLove in Idleness: A Bar Harbour TaleAn earnest young artist arrives at a summer retreat managed by the peculiar Miss Miners sisters, whose lives and personalities promise a mix of charm, wit, and unexpected intrigue…
Level C1RomanceLove in Excess; or, the Fatal Enquiry: A Novel in Three PartsAmidst the glittering court of Paris, a famed and charming Count returns from war to find himself the object of secret, intense admiration—yet he remains oblivious to the passionat…
Level C1ClassicsLove for Love: A ComedyWitty and sharp, this comedy unveils the follies and ambitions of lovers and poets alike, set against the backdrop of a newly opened theatre promising humor, satire, and a lively p…
Level C1ClassicsLove at Second SightAmidst sharp quarrels and unexpected crashes in a quiet home, Edith navigates the complexities of her son's mischievous nature and the enigmatic guest, Madame Frabelle, whose prese…
Level C1RomanceLove at PaddingtonIn lively Praed Street near Paddington Station, Gertie navigates family ties, unexpected visitors, and whispered scandals that threaten to upend her quiet Sunday afternoon.
Level C1MysteryLove and hatredIn a tangled web of friendship and unspoken desires, a sudden confession of love shatters the delicate balance between Laura, her husband Godfrey, and his enigmatic friend Oliver,…
Level C1RomanceLove and Mr. LewishamAn ambitious young schoolmaster meticulously plans his rise to greatness through relentless study and self-discipline, only to find that the unpredictable force of love soon challe…
Level C1RomanceLove and LucyIn the midst of a lively London dinner party, the Macartneys navigate the delicate balance between middle-class propriety and the hidden depths of their souls, unveiling the romant…
Level C1RomanceLove and Life: An Old Story in Eighteenth Century CostumeIn eighteenth-century England, a maiden named Psyche is whisked away to a mysterious palace by a secretive husband whose love and identity remain hidden—until curiosity and jealous…![Cover of Love and Freindship [sic] by Jane Austen](https://dsx1pat3ljtul.cloudfront.net/books/da4g61ae2hvc73bmvsu0.webp)
Level C1RomanceLove and Freindship [sic]A young woman recounts her tumultuous life through letters, revealing beauty, talent, and misfortune in a quiet Welsh valley.
Level C1RomanceLove Works Wonders: A NovelAn aristocratic gentleman hires a refined governess to tame his wild, uncultured niece—a girl raised in scandal and neglect.
Level C1RomanceLove Me Little, Love Me LongTorn between two guardians' contrasting worlds before her marriage, Lucy Fountain navigates family tensions and unexpected childhood chaos, discovering love's complexities amid soc…
Level C1RomanceLove Letters of a Violinist, and Other PoemsDiscover the mysterious love letters of a violinist, whose poetic confessions blend classical beauty with heartfelt passion, drawing readers into an ethereal world of music, dreams…
Level C1ClassicsLove Letters of Nathaniel Hawthorne, Volume 2 (of 2)Journey to a remote homestead where a husband braves harsh winters, learns farm life, and pours his heart into tender letters filled with love, hope, and the promise of spring’s ar…
Level C1ClassicsLove Letters of Nathaniel Hawthorne, Volume 1 (of 2)Discover the intimate courtship of a renowned writer through a collection of heartfelt and humorous love letters, revealing the tender, witty, and private side of a literary figure…
Level C1RomanceLove Instigated: The Story of a Carved Ivory Umbrella HandleA carved ivory umbrella handle, seemingly alive with shifting expressions, draws a man into a haunting tale of love, betrayal, and mysterious artifacts—where a simple object harbor…
Level C1RomanceLove EternalTwo souls bound by fate awaken in neighboring Essex estates, their lives entwined across time and circumstance.
Level C1HistoricalLove Among the RuinsIn a forest ablaze with betrayal and violence, a young woman kneels amid the ruins of her fallen family, caught in the deadly feud that has shattered her world.
Level C1RomanceLove Among the Lions: A Matrimonial ExperienceA tea merchant's quiet life is upended when he becomes captivated by a mysterious woman gazing from a window in Canonbury Square.
Level C1RomanceLove After Marriage; and Other Stories of the HeartAn unexpected visitor bearing a letter from a dying friend disrupts the poised world of Miss Temple, challenging her illusions about her betrothed and igniting a poignant story of…
Level C1RomanceLoveTwo strangers meet repeatedly at a nearly empty theatre, drawn together by a shared passion for a haunting Celtic play.
Level C1ClassicsLouisianaA New Yorker in unfamiliar Southern surroundings, Olivia Ferrol navigates the social snubs and curious glances at Oakvale Springs, where an unexpected encounter with a timid young…
Level C1ClassicsLouise Imogen GuineyA vivid portrait unfolds of a spirited poet and scholar shaped by her Civil War heritage and transatlantic life, whose enduring passion for art, history, and letters illuminates a…
Level C1PoetryLouise Chandler Moulton, Poet and FriendExplore the life of a gifted poet whose lyrical spirit shapes not only her art but her wide circle of compassionate friendships.
Level C1HistoricalLouisa of Prussia and Her Times: A Historical NovelAmid the terror of Napoleon’s relentless advance on Vienna, the city reels under news of defeat and betrayal as imperial coffins roll through the streets.
Level C1ClassicsLouisa PallantA chance encounter at a bustling European resort reveals a woman whose past and present are shrouded in mystery, accompanied by a captivating daughter.
Level C1ClassicsLouisa May Alcott : Her Life, Letters, and JournalsDiscover the intimate life of a beloved storyteller through her own journals and letters, revealing the inspirations, struggles, and family ties behind the timeless tales cherished…
Level C1Children'sLouis' School Days: A Story for BoysA young boy struggles under the strict tutelage of his new schoolmaster while striving to grow in faith and character amidst the challenges of school life and spiritual warfare.
Level C1ClassicsLouis LambertA prodigious boy from a humble tannery family defies expectations, diving into a world of books and profound ideas that challenge his future as a priest.
Level C1ClassicsLotta Schmidt, and Other StoriesIn the vibrant heart of Vienna, Lotta Schmidt and her friend Marie navigate the city's evolving landscape and social customs, exploring music, society, and unexpected companionship…
Level C1ClassicsLothairA shy, orphaned boy raised in the Highlands faces the challenges of high society and vast inheritance as he reconnects with a world of privilege, family duties, and complex relatio…
Level C1ClassicsLot & CompanyOn a restless Sunday in New York, Bellair is drawn to the mysterious sailing ship Jade of Adelaide as it prepares to set sail, sparking memories and curiosity about its secretive o…
Level C1RomanceLost: 1898In 1866 Bonn, two young lovers face a heart-wrenching farewell as he must return to America, leaving her behind with promises of reunion shadowed by doubt and fierce devotion.
Level C1AdventureLost in the FogA group of adventurous boys sets sail on the schooner Antelope for an ambitious journey through the Bay of Fundy, hoping to reach distant homes by water.
Level C1AdventureLost in the Backwoods: A Tale of the Canadian ForestIn the untamed wilderness between Rice Lake and Ontario, a young Highland soldier and his companions carve out a new life amidst towering forests and native tribes, forging friends…
Level C1MysteryLost Sir Massingberd: A Romance of Real Life. v. 2/2A young man navigates the dark intrigues surrounding the enigmatic Sir Massingberd, whose ruthless nature and shadowy past cast a sinister pall over Fairburn Hall and its loyal yet…
Level C1MysteryLost Sir Massingberd: A Romance of Real Life. v. 1/2In a quiet midland village ruled by the feared Sir Massingberd Heath, a young pupil under the local rector recalls the dark shadow cast by this ruthless despot.
Level C1MysteryLost Man's Lane: A Second Episode in the Life of Amelia ButterworthA woman of principle and keen intellect reluctantly returns to detective work when a perplexing case of mysterious disappearances haunts a remote mountain village.
Level C1ClassicsLost LeadersExplore the serene beauty and rich history along Scotland’s Tweed and its tributaries, where ancient castles, legendary tales, and the art of fly-fishing come alive in vivid, nosta…
Level C1ClassicsLost IllusionsA young provincial poet arrives in Paris brimming with ambition, only to confront the harsh realities of literary fame, love, and betrayal amid the shifting social tides of early 1…
Level C1ClassicsLoss and gainA young clergyman’s son navigates the challenges of faith, education, and conscience as he confronts the complex religious landscape of Oxford, wrestling with questions that test b…
Level C1FantasyLore of ProserpineA contemplative journey blurring the lines between reality and illusion explores spiritual truths hidden in everyday life, where encounters with otherworldly beings challenge the b…
Level C1AdventureLords of the NorthIn the early 19th century, fur traders and voyageurs of the North-West Company navigate fierce rivalries and untamed wilderness, shaping a vast empire from the Atlantic to the Paci…
Level C1Science FictionLord of the WorldBeneath a future London transformed by technological marvels and political upheaval, a trio of men confronts a world where socialism, materialism, and the decline of traditional fa…
Level C1AdventureLord Tony's Wife: An Adventure of the Scarlet PimpernelPassion ignites in pre-revolutionary Nantes as Pierre rallies villagers to revolt against aristocratic tyranny, fueled by injustice and the burning desire for equality.
Level C1RomanceLord Ormont and His Aminta — CompleteIn a school where boys disdain girls, a rising leader’s unexpected fascination with a spirited girl named Browny challenges old prejudices and ignites a quiet yet powerful connecti…
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.