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 C1ClassicsEarly Plays — Catiline, the Warrior's Barrow, Olaf LiljekransDive into the stirring early dramas of a young playwright as he reimagines history and folklore—from the inner turmoil of a Roman revolutionary to fierce Viking warriors and haunti…
Level C1HistoricalEarly Letters of George Wm. Curtis to John S. Dwight; Brook Farm and ConcordA young man immersed in the Transcendental movement attends the innovative Brook Farm school, balancing rigorous study with the natural beauty and reformist ideals of a utopian com…
Level C1RomanceEarle Wayne's nobilityAccused of a crime he insists he did not commit, a proud and noble young man faces a harsh sentence while a determined woman pleads earnestly for his innocence, setting the stage f…
Level C1HistoricalEarl Hubert's Daughter: The Polishing of the Pearl - A Tale of the 13th CenturyIn a turbulent 13th-century England ruled by superstition and politics, young Margaret, a noble Scottish princess raised amid royal intrigues, must navigate a world where faith, po…
Level C1MysteryEagles of the Sky; Or, With Jack Ralston Along the Air LanesTwo daring aviators, Jack Ralston and Gabe Perkiser, are tasked by the Secret Service to dismantle a cunning smuggling ring along Florida’s Gulf Coast, using their wits and a versa…
Level C1Science FictionE BeingA pioneer traveling at light speed finds himself transformed into a shimmering energy being, stranded in a realm of mysterious "mush" inhabited by strange round entities.
Level C1ClassicsDynevor Terrace; Or, The Clue of Life — Volume 2Amid whispers of scandal and secret pasts, a young man battles societal prejudice and personal doubt to claim love and fortune in the enigmatic Dynevor Terrace, where every letter…
Level C1ClassicsDynevor Terrace; Or, The Clue of Life — Volume 1In a dusty village where social divides shape dreams and destinies, a spirited young girl and a rebellious lad challenge their stations and confront the promises and betrayals of t…
Level C1ClassicsDwellers in the HillsIn the rugged hills, a boy's bond with his wild, enigmatic horse El Mahdi reveals a world of untamed nature and mysterious legends.
Level C1ClassicsDwala: A romanceIn the shadow of Borneo’s wilds, a weathered man and his enigmatic ape companion share a strange bond, blurring lines between human and beast as they prepare for a journey that pro…
Level C1AdventureDutch the Diver; Or, A Man's MistakeIn a chilly office, a gruff old diver and his younger colleague clash over fire and friendship, revealing a bond forged through daring rescues beneath the waves.
Level C1AdventureDutch Courage and Other StoriesYoung adventurers dive into gripping tales of sea voyages, typhoons, and daring exploits, drawing from firsthand experiences and wild encounters.
Level C1HistoricalDust: A NovelIn post-Waterloo England, amidst a society of bold youth and shifting class lines, Mrs.
Level C1RomanceDust of the DesertIn the scorching deserts of the Road of the Dead Men, a haunted trail of lost hopes and fierce passions, a legacy of love and heroism unfolds around the Lost Mission and the storie…
Level C1ClassicsDuologues and scenes from the novels of Jane AustenExperience the wit and charm of Jane Austen’s world brought to life through seven carefully adapted duologues and scenes, perfect for intimate performances that capture the humor a…
Level C1AdventureDungeon Rock; or, the pirate's cave, at LynnA determined young settler, William Wallace, builds a solitary life by the sea, dedicating himself to aiding those in peril—until a violent storm brings unexpected visitors, includ…
Level C1HistoricalDulcie Carlyon: A novel. Volume 3 (of 3)In the rugged landscapes of Zululand, a relentless pursuit unfolds as Florian, driven by vengeance and grief, chases desperadoes through treacherous terrain, haunted by the memory…
Level C1RomanceDulcie Carlyon: A novel. Volume 2 (of 3)Amidst Scottish pines and shadowed turrets, Finella faces a tense farewell with her true love as jealous rivals and secret notes threaten to unravel their bond before departure.
Level C1RomanceDulcie Carlyon: A novel. Volume 1 (of 3)A young captain defies his proud aristocratic family by declaring love for Flora MacIan, a beautiful but penniless governess with a noble military heritage, igniting a fierce clash…
Level C1ClassicsDuffelsJourney through tales spanning centuries and regions, from rugged traders navigating Mohawk waters to Adirondack guides in the North Woods, each story a unique “duffel” of human na…
Level C1ClassicsDublinersIn a quiet Dublin neighborhood, a young boy grapples with the death of Father Flynn, an enigmatic and troubled priest whose life and secrets haunt the streets and the boy’s imagina…
Level C1ClassicsDu Bose Heyward: A Critical and Biographical SketchExplore the complex realities of Southern life through the lens of Du Bose Heyward, who portrays the fading plantation culture and its diverse inhabitants with a blend of intimate…
Level C1PoetryDryden's Palamon and ArciteIn a turbulent 17th-century England, two knights, Palamon and Arcite, become rivals for the love of the same woman, setting the stage for a tale of passion, honor, and fate told th…
Level C1ClassicsDry fish and wetIn a bustling town shaped by trade and tradition, Knut G.
Level C1HistoricalDrum-TapsAmid the chaos and darkness of war, nature’s enduring beauty offers a hopeful contrast, while reflections on conflict, culture, and humanity challenge us to find faith and dignity…
Level C1Science FictionDrowsyIn a secluded villa overlooking the Adriatic, a world-renowned opera singer and her daring American lover hide from scandal and society’s gossip, bound by love and secrets amid whi…
Level C1HistoricalDrossIn 1869 Paris, amid grand celebrations for Napoleon's centenary, a keen observer navigates the intrigues of empire, power, and identity beneath the pomp and ceremony.
Level C1FantasyDrolls From ShadowlandTrapped in a grim underground mine beneath the ocean, a desperate man discovers a hidden cavern where shadows come alive—and a mysterious hump-backed figure offers to turn his bloo…
Level C1ClassicsDroll Stories — Volume 3A collection of ten lively tales that blend wit, mischief, and French spirit, revealing the joyous, rebellious heart of a society both scandalous and charming.
Level C1ClassicsDroll Stories — Volume 2Dive into a collection of seventy witty and ribald tales, brimming with humor, tricks, and lively plots drawn from the depths of human nature and imagination.
Level C1ClassicsDroll Stories — Volume 1Step into 16th-century France where gallant knights, witty dames, and merry monks share ribald tales and hearty laughter, painting a vivid picture of an age when humor and merrimen…
Level C1HistoricalDroll Stories — Complete: Collected from the Abbeys of TouraineStep into the lively world of sixteenth-century Touraine, where gallant knights, witty monks, and merry dames share ribald tales and hearty laughter.
Level C1ClassicsDriven to bay, Vol. 3 (of 3)A warm-hearted actress devotes herself to coaching fellow passengers for a shipboard performance, unknowingly sparking unrequited love and jealousy among them.
Level C1HistoricalDriftwood Spars: The Stories of a Man, a Boy, a Woman, and Certain Other People Who Strangely Met Upon the Sea of LifeIn a harsh colonial outpost, a soldier reflects on his complex bond with John Ross-Ellison, a man whose extraordinary life intertwines with tales of loyalty, family secrets, and th…
Level C1Children'sDrifted ashore;A young fisherman's son watches over a mysterious, nameless boy washed ashore and lying unconscious in their humble cabin.
Level C1ClassicsDrift from Two ShoresA solitary man lives alone by a river’s edge, haunted by memories of a lost love and finding solace in the enduring rhythms of sea, sky, and drifting tides.
Level C1HistoricalDred: A Tale of the Great Dismal SwampIn the shadow of the Great Dismal Swamp, conflicting worlds collide as liberty and slavery wage a moral battle, seen through vivid characters caught in a society grappling with its…
Level C1ClassicsDreamthorpNestled in a timeless village where centuries slip by unnoticed, a weary traveler finds peace amid mossy roofs, ancient ruins, and quiet country roads.
Level C1ClassicsDreams, Waking Thoughts, and IncidentsA wanderer drifts through dreamy landscapes and bustling ports, caught between vivid illusions and harsh realities.
Level C1ClassicsDreams and delightsVenture with a young woman who escapes society’s constraints for a thrilling journey through the mystic Orient, where dreams and desires intertwine beneath ancient suns and whisper…
Level C1PoetryDreams and Images: An Anthology of Catholic PoetsExplore a rich anthology of English Catholic poetry from the 19th century onward, capturing faith woven into love, war, and daily life.
Level C1FantasyDreams and Dream StoriesA vivid collection of dream narratives unfolds, revealing surreal landscapes and profound insights that blur the line between sleep and waking life.
Level C1ClassicsDreamsStep into a surreal theater where patrons are asked to leave their legs behind, unraveling a world where dreams defy logic and imagination roams free beyond the bounds of waking th…
Level C1PoetryDreamsLife waits by the sea, longing for an unknown joy until Love arrives, bringing a radiant happiness that evolves through trials into a deeper, enduring compassion.
Level C1HistoricalDreamers of the GhettoIn the sealed canals of Venice’s ancient Ghetto, a child grows up surrounded by tradition, mystery, and confinement.
Level C1ClassicsDream Tales and Prose PoemsIn 19th-century Moscow, a delicate young man named Yakov Aratov lives under the care of his anxious aunt while grappling with fragile health, scientific curiosity, and the mysterio…
Level C1ClassicsDream Life: A Fable of the SeasonsJourney through the changing seasons in a lyrical fable that intertwines nature’s beauty with heartfelt reflections and vivid observations, inspired by close encounters with a belo…
Level C1Children'sDream DaysA group of children, each captivated by their own unique passions—from military regiments and wild American fauna to naval history—navigate the joys and quirks of youthful curiosit…
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.