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 C1ClassicsConiston — CompleteIn a rugged mountain village shaped by nature and tradition, a stirring love story unfolds amid political intrigue and social strife during the turbulent Boss-Era.
Level C1ClassicsConingsby; Or, The New GenerationAmid the shifting tides of 19th-century England, a young aristocrat confronts the moral decay threatening his class and the nation's political future.
Level C1RomanceConfidenceA contemplative young artist lingers in the enchanting city of Siena, capturing its medieval charm while wrestling with solitude and unexpected encounters.
Level C1HistoricalConfessions of an EtonianA young boy faces the wrenching farewell to childhood as he embarks on his daunting journey at Eton, confronting harsh discipline, bullying, and the stark realities of an elite sch…
Level C1GothicConfessions of an English Opium-EaterA philosopher’s intimate account reveals the dark allure and torment of opium addiction, exploring the struggle between self-indulgence and self-conquest amid a society secretly bo…
Level C1ClassicsConfessions of a Young ManA young man rebels against Victorian ideals, seeking truth in art, love, and life amid the bohemian scenes of Paris and London.
Level C1ClassicsConfessions of a Young Lady: Her Doings and MisdoingsA spirited young girl, dubbed "The Witch" at her strict school, dreams of becoming a theatrical sensation like the famed Infant Roscius.
Level C1MysteryConfessions of a ThugIn the shadowy jungles of India, a hidden network of Thugs thrives, committing unspeakable crimes while eluding detection.
Level C1ClassicsConfessions of a Summer Colonist (from Literature and Life)A fragile summer colony teeters between rustic simplicity and emerging luxury, where informality reigns and cottages nestle among wildflowers by a pristine river.
Level C1ClassicsConfessions and CriticismsA writer reflects on his journey from engineering to literature, sharing candid insights into his early works, the challenges of publishing, and the evolving art of storytelling sh…
Level C1ClassicsCondensed NovelsAn orphan boy with a sharp scientific mind clashes with aristocratic prejudices in a sprawling estate where skepticism meets tradition, and youthful rivalry ignites amid deadly dan…
Level C1PhilosophyConcord DaysStep into the quiet reflections of a thinker who finds home and self intertwined in the rhythms of daily life, architecture, and nature.
Level C1ClassicsConcerning Lafcadio Hearn; With a Bibliography by Laura StedmanExplore the complex life and literary mind of Lafcadio Hearn, a man shaped by his surroundings yet lacking firm character, whose unique vision and storytelling echo others' tales w…
Level C1ClassicsConcerning Isabel CarnabyIn a glittering London dinner party, politics, art, and society intertwine as sharp-witted guests reveal ambitions, alliances, and the subtle power plays shaping their lives.
Level C1AdventureConcerning "Bully" Hayes: From "The Strange Adventure of James Shervinton, and Other Stories" - 1902Step into the wild Pacific of the 1860s, where "Bully" Hayes, a daring and notorious captain, navigates treacherous waters, fierce rivalries, and a shadowy trade, all while battlin…
Level C1ClassicsComrades: A Drama in Three ActsIn a cozy home where a veteran warrior embraces married life, the clash between past battles and new beginnings unfolds with warmth and wit.
Level C1ClassicsCompromisesExplore the art of conversation as a vital link between minds, revealing how dialogue enriches social life beyond mere information exchange.
Level C1PoetryComplete Poetical WorksImmerse yourself in vivid poems that capture the rugged spirit and diverse tales of California’s early days—from battlefields and legends to lively characters and frontier life, al…
Level C1ClassicsComplete Plays of John GalsworthyIn a London household divided by class and politics, a drunken encounter between a wealthy young man and a destitute lodger sparks a tense drama of social justice and hidden secret…
Level C1ClassicsComplete Original Short Stories of Guy De MaupassantDive into a vast collection of gripping tales exploring human nature, society, and unexpected twists.
Level C1PhilosophyCompensationIn a world where justice seems delayed and the wicked prosper, explore a philosophy that reveals an unseen law balancing all actions through the soul’s presence and will, offering…
Level C1HistoricalCompanionable BooksExplore the enduring power of books that nourish the soul and inspire the imagination, as this reflective journey uncovers timeless works whose beauty and wisdom become cherished c…
Level C1ClassicsCommonplace, and other short storiesThree sisters navigate love, society, and family ties in a quiet seaside town, where appearances mask deeper desires and secrets.
Level C1ClassicsCommercialism and JournalismExplore the hidden forces shaping American journalism as this incisive study reveals the clash between editorial integrity and commercial pressures, questioning who truly molds pub…
Level C1HistoricalComing Home: 1916Amid the chaos of war-torn France, a wounded cavalry lieutenant clings to hope for news of his family trapped behind enemy lines.
Level C1ClassicsComic Tragedies: Written by 'Jo' and 'Meg' and Acted by The 'Little Women'In a humble garret, four sisters transform everyday objects into costumes and sets, creating enchanting plays filled with witches, knights, and ghosts.
Level C1ClassicsComic ArithmeticDive into a witty exploration of numbers where arithmetic meets satire, revealing how addition, subtraction, and multiplication shape not just sums, but society itself.
Level C1ClassicsComedy of Marriage and Other TalesIn a world where love is constrained by society’s watchful eyes and endless obligations, a passionate affair unfolds through stolen moments and whispered desires, revealing the bit…
Level C1ClassicsComediettas and FarcesStep into a world of sharp wit and lively humor with a collection of farces crafted for private performance, blending original plots and clever adaptations that capture the vibrant…
Level C1RomanceComedies of CourtshipTwo young lovers, separated by distance yet bound by secret letters, wrestle with jealousy and temptation amid the comforts of wealth and society.
Level C1RomanceComedies and ErrorsStep into the lively world of Rome’s English expatriates, where the elegant Miss Belmont hosts vibrant Thursday gatherings filled with art, intrigue, and unexpected encounters—like…
Level C1HistoricalCome Rack! Come Rope!Amid the frostbitten hills of 16th-century Derbyshire, a young nobleman struggles with the heavy burdens of loyalty, faith, and forbidden love during a time of relentless persecuti…
Level C1RomanceColville of the Guards, Volume 3 (of 3)Rescued from peril and trapped aboard a fog-shrouded yacht, Ellinor confronts the sinister Sir Redmond Sleath and his dubious companions, igniting a tense struggle for survival ami…
Level C1HistoricalColville of the Guards, Volume 2 (of 3)Haunted by betrayal and shattered hopes, Robert abandons his medical studies to join the Guards, seeking a new life far from home and the painful memories that bind him.
Level C1RomanceColville of the Guards, Volume 1 (of 3)In a secluded Scottish home, two orphaned sisters navigate loss, love, and duty while managing their modest estate and caring for those around them.
Level C1ClassicsColonial Born: A Tale of the Queensland bushIn the rugged Queensland bush, a solitary selector named Taylor carves out a humble life on his land, facing isolation, skepticism, and the harsh realities of frontier existence am…
Level C1ClassicsColonel Starbottle's ClientIn the blazing heat of Rough and Ready, a fiery lawyer known as Colonel Starbottle prepares for a peculiar client’s case rooted in a deadly quarrel.
Level C1ClassicsColonel Quaritch, V.C.: A Tale of Country LifeA battle-worn soldier leaves his career behind to settle in the quiet countryside, haunted by the memory of a mysterious woman’s face that has lingered through years of war and har…
Level C1HistoricalColonel ChabertA mysterious man in tattered uniform reappears in a bustling Paris law office, stirring gossip among unruly clerks and challenging the order restored by Louis XVIII.
Level C1ClassicsColonel Carter's Christmas and The Romance of an Old-Fashioned GentlemanIn the shadowed days of Colonel Carter's New York struggles, a tense rivalry erupts between the steadfast Virginian and a scathing financier, leading to an unexpected celebration f…
Level C1HistoricalColombaAn English officer and his skeptical daughter arrive in Marseilles, where tales of Corsican vendettas and wild hunting adventures spark a daring plan to explore the island’s fierce…
Level C1PoetryCollected Poems in Two Volumes, Vol. IIImmerse yourself in a rich collection of evocative poems, from whimsical ballads and dramatic vignettes to reflective dialogues and literary fables, capturing diverse scenes and ti…
Level C1ClassicsCollectanea de Diversis Rebus: Addresses and PapersA passionate call for public recreation grounds highlights Norwich’s urgent need for open spaces to promote health and wellbeing amid rapid urban growth.
Level C1FantasyColin II: A NovelA centuries-old pact with Satan grants the Stanier family unmatched wealth and power, but each generation must choose whether to embrace the dark legacy or face mysterious conseque…
Level C1ClassicsColin Clink, Volume 3 (of 3)In a misty London morning, Colin unexpectedly encounters the fierce Jerry Clink, leading him to shadow the man through shadowy streets and secret meetings.
Level C1HistoricalColin Clink, Volume 2 (of 3)In a tense household drama, young Fanny faces suspicion and harsh judgment as she guards a secret that threatens her place and dignity.
Level C1ClassicsColin Clink, Volume 1 (of 3)Born into poverty and scorned by his own family, Colin Clink faces a harsh world with only the hope of rising above his humble beginnings.
Level C1HistoricalColinA young farmhand with a mysterious power over animals catches Queen Elizabeth’s eye, but a midnight visitor offers him a dark bargain promising wealth and honor for generations—if…
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.