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 C1ClassicsFalkland, Book 1.A solitary recluse retreats to a decaying estate, finding refuge in isolation and introspection, as he grapples with the weariness of society and the torment of a guilty passion th…
Level C1ClassicsFalk: A ReminiscenceA group of seasoned sailors gather near the Thames, sharing tales of the sea’s timeless mysteries and shifting times, when one recounts an absurd episode involving his enemy Falk,…
Level C1RomanceFaithful Margaret: A NovelAs a beloved companion watches her dying mistress in a grand Surrey castle, she races against time to fulfill a final, desperate wish that could change everything—before death clai…
Level C1ClassicsFaith and Unfaith: A NovelIn the shadowed halls of a grand estate, the sudden death of the fifth Earl of Sartoris leaves his brother to confront loss, legacy, and the quiet upheaval within their ancestral h…
Level C1Children'sFaith Gartney's GirlhoodIn a time of financial strain, young Faith Gartney wrestles with the delicate balance between family pride and simple desires, navigating the challenges of growing up amid hopes, s…
Level C1Children'sFairy Tales from Gold LandsIn a rain-soaked San Francisco, a restless child finds comfort in the timeless tale of the Christ-child’s birth in Bethlehem, where humble gifts and heavenly blessings intertwine i…
Level C1Children'sFairy Tales From All NationsTwo royal children, surrounded by every earthly delight, find themselves inexplicably unhappy—until a majestic queen and a dazzling, otherworldly bird arrive to awaken their imagin…
Level C1Children'sFairy Tales Every Child Should KnowStep into a realm where imagination transforms harsh realities into magical adventures, where fairies and giants empower humanity to conquer darkness and achieve true happiness.
Level C1PoetryFairy Realm: A Collection of the Favourite Old Tales Told in VerseIn a kingdom where silence suddenly falls, a royal christening sparks a tense encounter with an uninvited, spiteful fairy whose unpredictable gift threatens the fate of a newborn p…
Level C1ClassicsFairy GoldAs the school year ends at a convent overlooking the sea, three young women face the bittersweet threshold of freedom, dreams, and daunting futures—one grappling with fear and hope…
Level C1ClassicsFairy Fingers: A NovelIn a crumbling Breton château, a proud nobleman faces scandal by considering partnership in an American railroad venture to save his family's dwindling fortune—challenging the rigi…
Level C1FantasyFairy Circles: Tales and Legends of Giants, Dwarfs, Fairies, Water-Sprites, and HobgoblinsIn a land of ancient castles and enchanted forests, a young prince hides a secret love for a humble maiden, weaving a tale of romance and mystery amid whispers of giants, fairies,…
Level C1ClassicsFairies and Folk of IrelandDelve into a richly woven tale that brings together countless Irish fairy legends, blending myth and folklore into a captivating narrative filled with changelings, mystical tunes,…
Level C1ClassicsFair to Look UponOn the eve of her wedding, a spirited woman challenges the traditional vows of love, honor, and obedience, sparking a lively debate about female independence and the nature of woma…
Level C1ClassicsFair playFour brilliant young women at Bellemont College challenge societal norms as they confront love, marriage, and the fight for a woman's rightful place in the world.
Level C1ClassicsFair Margaret: A PortraitA sharp-tongued idealist clashes with a self-proclaimed realist in a battle of wits, revealing the tensions between conviction and conformity in a world where success demands compr…
Level C1RomanceFair MargaretIn the turbulent spring of King Henry VII’s reign, political intrigue and royal ambitions intertwine as a mysterious Spanish cavalier with a secretive past navigates the shifting l…
Level C1ClassicsFair Haven and Foul StrandA quarantine doctor, shaped by a harsh childhood and lifelong isolation, takes a stand against local pilots who challenge his authority on a remote island, sparking a quiet but fie…
Level C1RomanceFair EmAmid political upheaval and hidden identities, a nobleman forsakes his throne for love, while a miller’s daughter embraces humility to protect her family—where honor and passion co…
Level C1ClassicsFacts and fancies for the curious from the harvest-fields of literatureDive into a rich miscellany of intriguing literary facts, historical sagas, and curious discoveries, from Norse explorers to cultural anecdotes, perfect for readers seeking surpris…
Level C1ClassicsFacino CaneImmersed in the vibrant life of a Parisian suburb, a keen observer slips into the souls of its working-class inhabitants, uncovering hidden dramas and raw humanity beneath the surf…
Level C1Science FictionFacing the FlagIn a secluded North Carolina sanitarium, a brilliant yet mentally troubled inventor named Thomas Roch is confined, his genius shadowed by madness.
Level C1AdventureFaces and PlacesAn intrepid journalist’s chance encounter with Colonel Fred Burnaby in a balloon sparks a series of vivid adventures, capturing the daring spirit and colorful characters of a world…
Level C1ClassicsFables, of Æsop and other eminent mythologistsJourney into the world of Æsop, a clever slave whose wit outshines his harsh appearance and speech impediment.
Level C1ClassicsFables of La Fontaine — a New Edition, with NotesWitty and insightful fables reveal timeless truths through clever animal tales, blending humor and morality.
Level C1PoetryFables of Flowers for the Female Sex. With Zephyrus and Flora, a VisionDelight in a poetic vision where flowers speak through fables, offering moral lessons and gentle wisdom to young women.
Level C1HistoricalFables and Fabulists: Ancient and ModernExplore the rich tradition of fables as imaginative, moral tales where animals and objects speak and act with human insight, revealing timeless truths through brief, engaging stori…
Level C1HistoricalFabiola; Or, The Church of the CatacombsIn the shadowed catacombs of pagan Rome, a young virgin and steadfast heroes endure persecution for their faith, illuminating the early Church’s trials and triumphs with courage an…
Level C1Children'sEyes and No Eyes, and Other StoriesTwo boys take the same walk but experience it very differently—one finds the path dull, while the other discovers fascinating plants and hidden wonders.
Level C1ClassicsExtempore Speech: How to Acquire and Practice ItUnlock the art of spontaneous public speaking through practical guidance that blends thorough preparation with natural, impassioned delivery.
Level C1ClassicsExotics and RetrospectivesJourney to Japan’s sacred Mount Fuji reveals its spiritual grandeur and ancient legends, intertwining Shintō and Buddhist reverence.
Level C1RomanceExit BettyOn her wedding night, a young bride’s dream turns to dread as she faces a haunting ordeal amid envious onlookers and unexpected absence.
Level C1ClassicsExiles: A Play in Three ActsIn a sunlit Dublin drawing room, complex emotions stir as Beatrice returns unexpectedly, rekindling old connections and unveiling hidden tensions with Richard and Archie.
Level C1HistoricalExiled for the Faith: A Tale of the Huguenot PersecutionAmid the opulent courts of Renaissance France, a young Scottish noble seeks fortune and patronage while navigating the perilous religious tensions of the Huguenot persecution.
Level C1HistoricalExcursions, and Poems: The Writings of Henry David Thoreau, Volume 05 (of 20)Embark on reflective journeys through nature and society, tracing the vivid landscapes and thoughtful observations of a traveler who challenges conventions and finds profound meani…
Level C1ClassicsExcursionsA young man rejects conventional careers and wealth to pursue a life of independence, nature, and thoughtful simplicity.
Level C1RomanceExcavating a HusbandAt fifty, Katherine Boulby embraces her independent life and intellectual pursuits but yearns for romance.
Level C1ClassicsEwing's LadyIn the rugged San Juan Mountains, a poised lady encounters a shy, enigmatic youth whose awkward charm contrasts with the confident ranch hands of Bar-7.
Level C1ClassicsEvolution of Expression, Volume 2—RevisedExplore the art of oratory through distinct stages of expression, where each thought is boldly highlighted and brought to life with vocal vitality and volume, guiding speakers to c…
Level C1ClassicsEvolution of Expression — Volume 1Explore the progressive development of oratory as a natural art, guided by psychological principles and evolutionary growth from simple expression to refined mastery, enriched by c…
Level C1ClassicsEvery Man out of His HumourA sharp-witted playwright navigates the perilous world of Elizabethan theatre, blending classical learning with biting satire.
Level C1ClassicsEvery Man in His HumourIn a vibrant Elizabethan London, a sharp-witted playwright navigates the theatrical world, personal strife, and ambition, revealing a portrait of artistry, rivalry, and resilience…
Level C1ClassicsEvery Man in His HumorIn a vibrant Elizabethan world where poetry, politics, and personal strife collide, a bold young playwright navigates poverty, ambition, and rivalry on the road to theatrical fame.
Level C1ClassicsEvery Man for HimselfCaught in a relentless storm off Newfoundland’s rugged coast, the crew of the schooner Good Samaritan confronts eerie tales and harsh realities as they prepare for a perilous last…
Level C1HistoricalEvery Man His Own Poet; Or, The Inspired Singer's Recipe BookDive into a witty exploration of poetry as a craft, where inspiration meets science and trickery in the pursuit of verse.
Level C1PhilosophyEvergreensAmid nature’s changing seasons, discover the quiet strength of the evergreens—steadfast souls who endure life’s storms with unyielding loyalty and resilience, offering a profound r…
Level C1PoetryEventide: A Series of Tales and PoemsUnder the starlit calm of Wimbledon, gentle whispers of romance and hidden struggles unfold amid blooming gardens and shadowed groves, where the lives of village folk intertwine in…
Level C1PoetryEvenings at Home; Or, The Juvenile Budget OpenedA collection of engaging tales and lessons crafted to delight and instruct children from ages four to fourteen, blending simplicity with wisdom to inspire young minds and nurture t…
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.