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 C1ClassicsInkle and Yarico: An opera, in three actsIn a wild American forest, an ambitious merchant braves danger and native threats to pursue profit, sparking a dramatic tale of discovery, survival, and unexpected bonds.
Level C1MysteryInitials OnlyOn a snowy Broadway night, a mysterious man’s strange behavior sparks curiosity just before a sudden alarm at the Clermont Hotel reveals a shocking event involving a wealthy woman.
Level C1HistoricalInitial Studies in American LettersExplore the origins of American literature through vivid colonial narratives and early writings shaped more by survival and history than art, revealing how a young nation’s literar…
Level C1PhilosophyIngersollia: Gems of Thought from the Lectures, Speeches, and Conversations of Col. Robert G. Ingersoll, Representative of His Opinions and BeliefsExplore the stirring reflections and bold opinions of a fiery orator on topics from the joy of farm life and the independence of the individual to progress, politics, science, and…
Level C1ClassicsInfeliceOn a stormy night, a mysterious woman arrives at a parsonage seeking the absent Dr.
Level C1HistoricalInez: A Tale of the AlamoIn a gloomy boarding school, young Florence Hamilton navigates strict discipline and distant family ties, haunted by memories of her saintly mother and the cold pride of her widowe…
Level C1ClassicsIndianaA young woman trapped in a stifling marriage wrestles with society’s harsh judgments and her own desires, revealing the painful truths about love, freedom, and inequality in a rigi…
Level C1AdventureIndian TalesA young London bank clerk dreams of literary greatness but struggles to capture his brilliant idea on paper, prompting a friend to step in and transform the tale.
Level C1RomanceIndian SummerAmidst the fading beauty of Florence, a disillusioned journalist wrestles with the bitter fallout of political betrayal and personal pride, seeking to reclaim his life and purpose…
Level C1RomanceIndian SummerAmidst the brewing storm in a small New York village, Lavinia Larimore wrestles with doubt and longing as the man she loves delays their long-promised wedding, his secret trips to…
Level C1ClassicsIndian Methodist Hymn-book: Hymns Used on the Fraser River Indian Mission, of the Methodist Church, B. C. Conference, to Which Are Appended Hymns in Chinook, and the Lord's Prayer and Ten CommandmentsExperience heartfelt hymns used by the Fraser River Indian Mission, presented in both English and the native Alkomaylum language, blending spiritual devotion with rich cultural her…
Level C1PoetryIndian Legends of MinnesotaVenture into Minnesota's wild landscapes where ancient Sioux and Ojibway legends come alive, weaving tales of love, war, and mystery tied to lakes, forests, and sacred sites.
Level C1PoetryIndian Legends and Other PoemsExplore rich Native American legends and haunting historical tales woven into poetic form, from warrior spirits and phantom brides to tragic falls and ancient judgments, capturing…
Level C1Children'sIndian Fairy TalesDiscover enchanting tales rooted in Indian tradition, where ancient fables and lively folk stories reveal the shared origins of myths across East and West, inviting children to exp…
Level C1RomanceIndia's Love LyricsPassion and longing intertwine in a vivid tapestry of love poems set against the sunlit landscapes and ancient temples of India, where desire blooms transiently beneath the poppies…
Level C1ClassicsIndiaA spirited toast to "India, the Pearl of Pearl River," sets the stage for a tale of bold characters and vivid Southern life, where a noble hero embraces hardship to forge his own d…
Level C1PhilosophyIndependence: Rectorial address delivered at St. Andrews October 10, 1923Explore the origins and meaning of independence as it unfolds from humanity’s earliest days, tracing the instinct that shapes our self-ownership and social complexities—from primal…
Level C1FantasyIncredible AdventuresA dispassionate young lord embarks on a world tour with his devoted tutor, yet lacks the spark to embrace life—until a detour to a quiet mountain village stirs unexpected possibili…
Level C1RomanceIncognita; Or, Love and Duty Reconcil'dIn the vibrant city of Florence, young Aurelian navigates the intricate dance of love and duty over just three fateful days, where unexpected obstacles challenge the unions of two…
Level C1HistoricalInchbracken: The Story of a Fama ClamosaIn a stormy Scottish glen, a devoted young minister wrestles with his duties while surrounded by the quiet comforts of home and his graceful sister.
Level C1AdventureIncaland: A Story of Adventure in the Interior of Peru and the Closing Chapters of the War with ChileThree young explorers venture deep into the Peruvian Andes amid the turbulent aftermath of war, uncovering the shifting fortunes of a nation transitioning from old wealth to new in…
Level C1PoetryIn this our worldExplore the pulse of life and society through a powerful collection of poems that delve into birth, nature, heroism, and the struggles of modern existence, weaving reflections on d…
Level C1Science FictionIn the year 2889In a dazzling 29th-century world where humanity harnesses infinite energy and aerial travel reigns, a pioneering newspaper revolutionizes journalism by delivering news through spok…
Level C1ClassicsIn the three zonesIn a chilling tale from Maine’s austere coast, a young man battles the cold logic of materialism with a fierce defense of passion, mysticism, and the soul’s infinite depths, reveal…
Level C1ClassicsIn the swimA restless young man returns to New York after years in the wild West, confronting the ruthless power of new-money elites and the shadows of his father's tarnished legacy.
Level C1HistoricalIn the name of TimeIn the royal halls of Paris and the sacred chambers of Rome, power struggles unfold among kings, nobles, and clergy as alliances shift and destinies intertwine, revealing the fragi…
Level C1HistoricalIn the hollow of His handAmidst the harsh persecution of the Stundists in Russia, a mother lies dying far from home, urging her son to hold fast to faith and courage despite the cruel trials they face.
Level C1AdventureIn the grip of the Hawk: A story of the Maori warsAmid the fierce clash of Maori and Pakeha, a deadly new religion fuels brutal warfare led by the enigmatic rebel Te Kooti.
Level C1ClassicsIn the cloudsAmid the vast, silent expanse of the Great Smoky Mountains, Ben Doaks finds himself drawn to the towering peak of Thunderhead, a symbol of elusive freedom and unfulfilled dreams.
Level C1PoetryIn the Yule-Log Glow, Book I: Christmas Tales from 'Round the WorldStep into a cozy common-room where travelers from across the globe share enchanting Christmas tales by the warming Yule-log glow.
Level C1ClassicsIn the Year of JubileeAs Arthur Peachey escapes for his first summer holiday since marriage, tensions simmer in a respectable London household where three sisters navigate clashing wills, fading respect…
Level C1Science FictionIn the Year Ten ThousandIn a distant future where humans communicate through thought, an ancient man reveals to a boy the strange and brutal past of humanity—when books, war, and crude art shaped a world…
Level C1HistoricalIn the Year '13: A Tale of Mecklenburg LifeAs Napoleon's shadow looms over Germany, the people of Stavenhagen wrestle with fierce hatred and uneasy alliances, while local figures like the steadfast Amtshauptmann Weber navig…
Level C1Science FictionIn the Wrong Paradise, and Other StoriesA fiercely devout missionary confronts the clash between rigid faith and ancient pagan customs in a series of tales where civilization’s gaze meets the untamed spirit of the natura…
Level C1ClassicsIn the Whirl of the RisingOn a frost-bitten Christmas Eve, a daring rescue from icy waters sparks a bitter clash of courage and contempt between a passionate woman and her fiancé, whose true bravery comes i…
Level C1AdventureIn the Wars of the Roses: A Story for the YoungIn a land torn by the fierce Wars of the Roses, young Paul longs to prove himself amidst royal processions and looming battles.
Level C1ClassicsIn the Village of VigerIn a sleepy village on the brink of urban sprawl, old traditions clash with new arrivals as a mysterious milliner sets up shop in a tiny, peculiar house.
Level C1HistoricalIn the ValleyAmidst the snowy wilderness of 1757 Mohawk Valley, a young boy recalls the turbulent times of war, family, and frontier life.
Level C1AdventureIn the Track of the TroopsA young inventor’s passion for explosives leads him to create a powerful torpedo, but a test goes awry with explosive consequences, sparking a thrilling tale of innovation, danger,…
Level C1ClassicsIn the TidewayAmid the stifling heat and crowded society gatherings, old friendships and past memories intertwine as Lady Maud and Mr.
Level C1ClassicsIn the Tennessee mountainsAmid the dense, mysterious wilderness of the Tennessee mountains, Cynthia Ware contemplates life’s drifting currents and fading hopes as she watches Lost Creek vanish beneath the a…
Level C1ClassicsIn the South Seas: Being an Account of Experiences and Observations in the Marquesas, Paumotus and Gilbert Islands in the Course of Two Cruises on the Yacht "Casco" (1888) and the Schooner "Equator" (1889)Ailing and seeking renewal, a traveler embarks on voyages through the remote South Sea islands, encountering breathtaking landscapes, unfamiliar cultures, and the enchanting rhythm…
Level C1HistoricalIn the SixtiesDive into a richly detailed historical tapestry of Revolutionary America, where personal family tales intertwine with the echoes of battle and the birth of a nation.
Level C1ClassicsIn the Shadow of the GlenIn a remote cottage at the head of a Wicklow glen, a lone woman tends to her mysterious, recently deceased husband while a wandering tramp seeks shelter from the wild night, unrave…
Level C1PoetryIn the Saddle: A Collection of Poems on Horseback-RidingExperience the thrill and beauty of horseback riding through a diverse collection of poems that capture the bond between rider and horse, epic journeys, and timeless tales of adven…
Level C1HistoricalIn the SaddleAmid the turmoil of the Civil War, two branches of the Lyon family stand divided—loyal Unionists and Southern secessionists—clashing over plantation life, loyalty, and survival.
Level C1AdventureIn the Rocky Mountains: A Tale of AdventureAmidst the rugged beauty of the Rocky Mountains, a determined family settles near a roaring waterfall, facing wild nature and wary neighbors while guarding a vital mountain pass th…
Level C1HistoricalIn the Roaring FiftiesUnder a full moon on the vast Indian Ocean, a desperate rescue unfolds as a crew battles the waves to save a fragile girl lost to the sea, revealing a gripping tale of survival and…
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.