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 C1ClassicsCelt and Saxon — CompleteA young Irishman journeys to the Welsh border, torn between duty and desire, to seek a mysterious woman who once captivated his brother.
Level C1ClassicsCelibatesThree intertwined stories explore the lives of celibates shaped by modern society: a charming yet cold flirt, a proud monk-like man torn by his passions, and a woman who seeks refu…
Level C1HistoricalCelebrated Travels and Travellers, Part 1.: The Exploration of the WorldEmbark on a vivid journey through the ages, tracing the bold voyages and discoveries that shaped the known world.
Level C1AdventureCedric, the ForesterAs war calls the lord of Mountjoy to battle, his family must defend their castle against the looming threat of the Old Wolf of Carleton.
Level C1HistoricalCedar Creek: From the Shanty to the Settlement. A Tale of Canadian LifeA young Irishman, hopeful yet disillusioned, arrives in London chasing a promised Civil Service appointment amid the city's bustling streets and harsh realities.
Level C1RomanceCecilia; Or, Memoirs of an Heiress — Volume 3Torn by doubt yet bound by duty, Cecilia wrestles with her heart and honor as she faces a secret, hastened marriage that could alter her life forever.
Level C1RomanceCecilia; Or, Memoirs of an Heiress — Volume 2Caught between duty and despair, Cecilia aids a struggling family torn by illness and fading fortunes, navigating the harsh realities of society and the sacrifices made for love an…
Level C1RomanceCecilia; Or, Memoirs of an Heiress — Volume 1An orphaned heiress embarks on a journey to navigate the complexities of wealth, society, and virtue in 18th-century England, determined to honor her parents' legacy while facing t…
Level C1ClassicsCecilia: A Story of Modern RomeIn the serene, hidden garden of Rome’s Arcadian Society, two contrasting friends—a bold naval officer and a contemplative dreamer—reflect on life, art, and the restless tides of th…
Level C1MysteryCecilia de NoëlIn a grand house where science and skepticism reign, a sudden eerie howl disrupts a dinner gathering, sparking whispers of a ghostly presence.
Level C1ClassicsCecil Castlemaine's Gage, Lady Marabout's Troubles, and Other StoriesIn a dazzling 18th-century court, Cecil Castlemaine reigns as an untouchable beauty whose pride and political zeal defy the suitors vying for her favor, challenging the era's socia…
Level C1HistoricalCease firingAmid the flooded bayous and shattered cotton fields of 1862 Mississippi, Confederate troops struggle through relentless rain and muddy roads as the Civil War rages fiercely along t…
Level C1Science FictionCaxton's Book: A Collection of Essays, Poems, Tales, and Sketches.Explore a rich collection of essays, poems, and tales born from a brilliant mind torn between law and literature, blending wit, pathos, and scientific imagination that captivates a…
Level C1HistoricalCaxton's Book of CurtesyeDiscover the medieval guide to proper behavior and manners as a father advises his son on courtly conduct, weaving poetry and wisdom from ancient manuscripts to shape noble charact…
Level C1PoetryCaw! Caw! Or, The Chronicle of Crows, A Tale of the Spring-timeAs spring breathes life into the countryside, a community of crows builds nests, cares for their young, and faces the challenges of survival against farmers determined to protect t…
Level C1MysteryCaught in the NetIn the bitter cold of a harsh Paris winter, delicate Rose clings to hope amid the squalor of the Hotel de Perou, where secrets and hardship intertwine.
Level C1ClassicsCaught in a TrapA restless soldier dreads a dull week at his strict mother’s country estate and persuades his charming friend to join him, promising adventure, social intrigue, and a mysterious go…
Level C1ClassicsCato: A Tragedy, in Five ActsIn a time of political turmoil, a stoic Roman leader faces the ultimate test of virtue and freedom.
Level C1PhilosophyCato Maior de Senectute with Introduction and NotesDelve into a rich dialogue on aging and friendship, exploring timeless Roman philosophy and ethical reflections amid the cultural shifts of Cicero’s era.
Level C1HistoricalCatherine: A StoryIn early 18th-century England, the dark tale of Catherine Hayes unfolds, revealing the grim reality behind romanticized criminals.
Level C1HistoricalCatherine De MediciDive into the enigmatic life of Catherine de’ Medici amid the turbulent Reformation, where history is shadowed by myths and misunderstood truths.
Level C1ClassicsCatharine FurzeIn the quiet market town of Eastthorpe, where ancient traditions meet subtle change, life unfolds under the shadow of St.
Level C1ClassicsCatharineA young woman faces a long, painful illness with unwavering Christian faith, transforming her final days into a testament of hope and spiritual peace.
Level C1AdventureCastles in the AirFollow the misadventures of Hector Ratichon, a charming rogue whose wit and audacity navigate the turbulent streets of post-revolutionary Paris, serving kings and emperors alike wh…
Level C1RomanceCastle RichmondAmid the backdrop of the Irish famine, a complex tale unfolds featuring cunning rogues and steadfast priests, exploring the harsh realities and resilient spirits of 19th-century Ir…
Level C1ClassicsCastle RackrentAn intimate portrait unfolds of the spirited Edgeworth family, whose lively letters and rich traditions reveal the passionate, unconventional lives of a prominent Irish household n…
Level C1AdventureCastle NowhereA solitary wanderer embraces the wild northern shores of Lake Michigan, seeking freedom in unexplored wilderness where no map leads.
Level C1RomanceCastle Hohenwald: A RomanceAt a grand spring ball, a delicate Assessor navigates the lively company of young officers while a mysterious young woman, radiant yet sorrowful, captures the gaze of Count Styrum,…
Level C1HistoricalCasteIn colonial India, a cunning Brahmin prince, Nana Sahib, hides a fierce ambition beneath his English veneer, while British officials navigate treacherous alliances and secret plots…
Level C1ClassicsCast AdriftIn the harsh underbelly of a sprawling city, a mother's desperate search for her lost child exposes the brutal realities of poverty, crime, and vice.
Level C1ClassicsCashel Byron's ProfessionA restless youth struggles at a strict English school, caught between academic failure and a reputation for athletic prowess—and the high hopes of the determined woman who cares fo…
Level C1HistoricalCasa Braccio, Volumes 1 and 2In 1844 Subiaco, a medieval stronghold steeped in passion and tradition, a noble family's custom forces one daughter into the Carmelite convent, igniting a struggle between duty, d…
Level C1ClassicsCarter, and Other PeopleTorn between two worlds, Carter is a man of mixed race trapped by society’s harsh lines and his own conflicted identity.
Level C1ClassicsCarson of Red RiverIn an industrial riverside flat, Kit Carson balances the harsh realities of shipbuilding with the warmth of friendship and the hopeful spirit of Mabel Blake’s bright presence.
Level C1HistoricalCarry On!Amid the shadows of war, brave souls answer the call to defend freedom, their courage and sacrifice woven into a stirring tapestry of hope and remembrance.
Level C1PoetryCarols of CockayneExplore witty, lyrical reflections on ambition, identity, and everyday life through a lively collection of songs and poems that capture the humor and heart of London’s vibrant cult…
Level C1PoetryCarols of Canada, Etc., Etc.Explore a heartfelt collection of poems reflecting on Canada’s past, its hopeful future, and the spirit of freedom that defines this vast land.
Level C1PoetryCaroling duskAn anthology capturing the vibrant voices of emerging Negro poets, reflecting the creative spirit and evolving artistry within a pivotal cultural renaissance.
Level C1PoetryCarolina chansonsImmerse yourself in the vivid legends and landscapes of coastal Carolina, where colonial history, haunting folklore, and the unique Low Country environment blend into poetic portra…
Level C1MysteryCarnacki, the Ghost FinderA seasoned investigator accepts a chilling case involving a haunted room where eerie door slams and torn bedclothes defy explanation.
Level C1ClassicsCarnac's Folly, Volume 3.Amid political turmoil in Quebec, Carnac is drawn into a world of power, ambition, and personal history as he prepares to hear a captivating but controversial leader speak—uncoveri…
Level C1ClassicsCarnac's Folly, Volume 1.In a vibrant Canadian wilderness, young Carnac, son of a powerful lumber-king, navigates childhood dreams and complex family ties alongside spirited Junia, whose lively nature cont…
Level C1ClassicsCarnac's Folly, CompleteIn the wild Canadian woods, fourteen-year-old Carnac, son of a powerful lumber-king, shares playful moments and secret dreams with lively eight-year-old Junia, as their lives inter…
Level C1FantasyCarmillaIn a remote Styrian castle surrounded by ancient forests and eerie ruins, a young woman recalls the strange and unsettling events that have haunted her solitary life—events that hi…
Level C1ClassicsCarmen ArizaIn the vibrant heart of colonial Cartagena, a young priest wrestles with destiny amid the city's awakening streets and colorful characters.
Level C1HistoricalCarlyle's laugh, and other surprisesDelve into intimate sketches revealing the surprising warmth behind the stern facade of Carlyle and other historical figures, where laughter and candid moments unlock the true natu…
Level C1ClassicsCaritàA middle-aged couple balances intellectual pursuits and carefree travels while carefully managing the upbringing of their only child, Cara.
Level C1HistoricalCargoes for CrusoesStranded alone on a desert island, a castaway discovers a miraculous cargo of books washed ashore, transforming isolation into a rich world of knowledge and companionship.
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.