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 C1ClassicsAuthors and FriendsExplore the intimate friendships and scholarly pursuits of celebrated literary figures, revealing the personal stories and letters behind their public fame.
Level C1Children'sAustralian fairy talesA strong miner named Samson awakens in a mysterious gold mine to meet Grapple, a giant stranger who leads him through secret tunnels to the enchanting land of Golden Cloud.
Level C1HistoricalAustralian WritersExplore the emergence of a unique Australian literary identity amid challenges of colonial ties, rapid development, and cultural isolation, as the nation grapples with its place in…
Level C1ClassicsAustralian EssaysAn Englishman's keen observations reveal Melbourne's rapid rise from frontier settlement to bustling metropolis, blending influences from London, Paris, and New York while forging…
Level C1ClassicsAustralia RevengedIn a London club for the jilted, two scorned gentlemen share tales of heartbreak involving Australian heiresses and aristocratic rivals, unmasking the social intrigues and moral ba…
Level C1HistoricalAustralia FelixIn the harsh goldfields of Ballarat, a weary digger faces relentless misfortune and loss, haunted by dreams of fortune and the crushing reality of survival.
Level C1ClassicsAus meinem Königreich: Tales from the Carpathian MountainsStep into the enigmatic world of the Carpathian Mountains, where ancient mysteries blend with the rich culture and language of the Romanian people, revealing tales shaped by histor…
Level C1PoetryAurora LeighA passionate poet reflects on life, art, and society through intimate letters and verse, unveiling the struggles and aspirations of a woman navigating Victorian England’s literary…
Level C1MysteryAurora Floyd, Vol. 3A mysterious murder rocks a quiet village, as a seafaring fugitive vanishes and suspicion falls on many.
Level C1MysteryAurora Floyd, Vol. 2In a grand Yorkshire estate, tangled emotions and past rivalries surface as Aurora's happiness challenges the hearts of those around her, revealing secrets and testing loyalties in…
Level C1ClassicsAurora Floyd, Vol. 1In the serene English countryside, a wealthy banker defies societal expectations by marrying a beautiful but penniless actress, setting the stage for secrets and scandal within a p…
Level C1MysteryAuriol; or, The Elixir of LifeOn the cusp of a new century, a mysterious figure steals grisly trophies from London’s battlements, drawing the attention of Doctor Lamb, an enigmatic alchemist whose dark secrets…
Level C1HistoricalAurelian; or, Rome in the Third CenturyIn a turbulent third-century Rome, a devoted servant recounts the rise of Christianity amid imperial power struggles and persecution under Emperor Aurelian.
Level C1RomanceAunt Rachel: A Rustic Sentimental ComedyIn a quaint garden alive with music and rustic charm, a gifted young violinist captivates his companions and a mysterious girl, setting the stage for a heartfelt tale of village wi…
Level C1HistoricalAunt Phillis's Cabin; Or, Southern Life As It IsExplore the origins and divine justifications of slavery through a detailed examination of biblical law and moral duties, revealing how obedience and reverence shape society and in…
Level C1Children'sAunt Kitty's TalesJoin Aunt Kitty and her young friends as they navigate childhood’s joys and challenges, learning kindness, forgiveness, and gratitude through heartfelt stories and gentle lessons i…
Level C1Children'sAunt Judy's TalesGather around the fire as Aunt Judy weaves charming tales filled with humor, wisdom, and gentle lessons, captivating a lively group of children on a cold, rainy day when boredom an…
Level C1Children'sAunt Jo's scrap bag, Volume 2Three determined sisters embark on a daring European voyage seeking health and adventure, facing seasickness, unexpected setbacks, and the challenge of traveling as lone women in t…
Level C1ClassicsAunt Jane of KentuckyStep into a nostalgic Kentucky parlor where Aunt Jane, a charming old-fashioned spinster, pieces together quilts and memories from a bygone era, weaving stories of community, humor…
Level C1ClassicsAunt DeborahIn a picturesque English village, the wealthy and cantankerous Mrs.
Level C1ClassicsAunt Anne, Vol. 2 (of 2)An imperious woman arrives in a modest London neighborhood, determined to secure rooms and visit her seriously ill cousin Sir William Rammage despite obstacles.
Level C1ClassicsAunt Anne, Vol. 1 (of 2)Newlyweds Walter and Florence Hibbert savor a blissful seaside retreat until the unexpected arrival of Aunt Anne, whose mysterious presence hints at secrets about to unfold in thei…
Level C1HistoricalAuld lang syne. Second seriesExplore a journey through memory and friendship that reveals the rich literary, philosophical, and spiritual heritage of ancient and modern India, bridging cultures and challenging…
Level C1ClassicsAuld lang syneA scholar, confined to rest, turns to memories and music as a refuge, exploring the unseen harmonies and timeless beauty that connect past and present.
Level C1ClassicsAuld Licht IdylsIn a snowbound glen, a schoolmaster's quiet life intertwines with the harsh rhythms of nature and village isolation.
Level C1ClassicsAuld Licht IdyllsIn a remote Scottish glen, a schoolmaster observes the harsh winter and the simple lives entwined with it, capturing the stark beauty and quiet struggles of rural life through vivi…
Level C1PoetryAuld Lang Syne: Selections from the Papers of the "Pen and Pencil Club"Immerse yourself in a rich tapestry of heartfelt poetry exploring the human soul, love, faith, and the delicate interplay of light and shadow, as voices from the Pen and Pencil Clu…
Level C1ClassicsAugustus Does His Bit: A True-to-Life FarceIn a small town hall, Lord Augustus Highcastle, a self-important colonel, struggles with wartime bureaucracy, patriotism, and the frustrations of those left behind the front lines,…
Level C1RomanceAugust FirstIn the sweltering heat of a midsummer afternoon, a young curate faces his first test alone at a bustling city parish, when a nervous woman seeking counsel arrives unexpectedly—spar…
Level C1ClassicsAudrey CravenIn a stifling Oxford gathering, the spirited Audrey Craven navigates a world of intellectuals and social pretenses, her quest for truth and identity unfolding amid cynicism, spirit…
Level C1AdventureAudreyIn a lush, remote valley framed by towering mountains, a pioneer family faces the sudden arrival of a mysterious company of horsemen determined to explore the wilderness beyond.
Level C1RomanceAucassin and NicoletteIn a medieval tale blending prose and verse, forbidden love unfolds between Aucassin and Nicolette amidst cultural clashes and enchanting adventures, inviting readers into a tender…
Level C1RomanceAucassin and NicoleteIn a unique blend of prose and verse, a Christened knight and a captive lady defy faith and fortune in a tender, humorous tale of love’s trials and joys.![Cover of Aucassin & Nicolette, and Other Mediæval Romances and Legends by Eugene [Translator] Mason](https://dsx1pat3ljtul.cloudfront.net/books/da8ao5cv7nos73d6pqng.webp)
Level C1RomanceAucassin & Nicolette, and Other Mediæval Romances and LegendsDive into a vivid tapestry of medieval life where chivalry, faith, rebellion, and romance intertwine against the complex backdrop of 13th-century France, revealing a world both enc…
Level C1HistoricalAttila: A Romance. Vol. II.In a realm torn by betrayal, a fierce king vows vengeance against even his own blood to protect those loyal to him.
Level C1HistoricalAttila: A Romance. Vol. I.Amid the serene beauty of Dalmatia’s landscape, a vivid tale unfolds around the powerful yet changing figure of Attila, capturing the clash of nature, history, and human ambition i…
Level C1HistoricalAttila and His Conquerors: A Story of the Days of St. Patrick and St. Leo the GreatIn a turbulent Ireland on the brink of transformation, two royal siblings embrace Christianity amidst clan rivalries and ancient traditions, as the missionary Patrick ignites a mis…
Level C1RomanceAtmâ: A RomanceAmid the collapse of the Sikh Khalsa and the fading of a once-mighty spiritual and military legacy, an aged man grapples with loss, faith, and the search for a deeper, personal con…
Level C1HistoricalAthaliah: A TragedyIn a Judah torn by idolatry and fear, the high priest Joad faces the deadly wrath of Queen Athaliah, who seeks to exterminate the royal line of David.
Level C1Science FictionAtavismAmidst a brutal wartime backdrop, a Martian named Erg embarks on a pioneering mission to Earth, designed to overcome ancient atavistic traits and unlock new potentials.
Level C1RomanceAtalaIn the untamed wilderness of America, a tender and heroic romance unfolds, weaving vivid descriptions of nature’s wild beauty with the poignant lives of its aboriginal characters.
Level C1MysteryAt the mountains of madnessA scientific expedition to Antarctica uncovers eerie fossils and ancient secrets beneath the ice, challenging conventional knowledge and warning of dangers best left undisturbed.
Level C1ClassicsAt the library tableExplore the quiet world of book lovers and literary musings as an observer reflects on the true passion behind libraries, the hidden value of books, and the rare joy found in leisu…
Level C1MysteryAt the Villa RoseIn the elegant resort town of Aix-les-Bains, a wealthy financier’s leisurely summer is disrupted by a mysterious young woman’s sudden distress and a high-stakes baccarat game hoste…
Level C1MysteryAt the Time AppointedIn a harsh mountain mining town scorched by drought, a young expert mineralogist races against a rival to secure a legendary mine rumored to hold untold wealth, facing deception, c…
Level C1RomanceAt the Sign of the Sword: A Story of Love and War in BelgiumIn the serene Belgian Ardennes of July 1914, a secret romance unfolds between a refined Parisian beauty and a worldly, English-trained Belgian man, set against a timeless landscape…
Level C1AdventureAt the Sign of the Silver FlagonIn the scorching Australian outback, Silver Creek transforms from wilderness to a bustling gold rush township where fortune seekers of all nations converge.
Level C1RomanceAt the Sign of the Fox: A RomanceAmidst the tranquil beauty of the Moosatuk River kingdom, two old friends retreat into the woods for a quiet hunting day, where the peaceful landscape and unspoken bond hint at dee…
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.