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 C1RomanceArthurian Chronicles: Roman de BrutDive into a vivid retelling of Arthurian legend where history and chivalric romance intertwine, revealing noble knights and courtly valor through poetic chronicles that shaped medi…
Level C1RomanceArthur: A Short Sketch of His Life and History in English Verse of the First Half of the Fifteenth CenturyWitness the rise of a noble king who forges the legendary Round Table, conquers distant lands, and faces betrayal in a tale woven from early English verse that unveils Arthur’s val…
Level C1ClassicsArthur O'Leary: His Wanderings And Ponderings In Many LandsFollow Arthur O’Leary, a witty and elusive traveler whose mysterious wanderings spark curious tales from whale feasts in the Arctic to royal sponsorships in Africa, as his adventur…
Level C1HorrorArthur Mervyn; Or, Memoirs of the Year 1793Amidst the terror of a devastating 1793 pestilence, a compassionate man wrestles with the perilous choice to shelter a fevered stranger, confronting the harrowing realities of sick…
Level C1ClassicsArthur Machen: Weaver of FantasyExplore the life and legacy of a neglected literary genius whose uncanny tales and essays blend fantasy with a haunting reflection on war and society, inviting a long-overdue reviv…
Level C1AdventureArthur Brown, The Young CaptainA young man, rescued from death by the sea captain who once owed a debt to his late father, embarks on a journey of adventure and self-discovery amid the turbulent rise of American…
Level C1RomanceArthur Blane; or, The Hundred CuirassiersIn 17th-century Paris, a young Scottish swordsman navigates dark alleys and deadly intrigues with only his wits, a keen blade, and a fierce determination to survive amidst duels, p…
Level C1RomanceArthurIn a kingdom stirred by rebellion and loyalty, a mysterious wounded knight arrives, his identity hidden but his valor undeniable.
Level C1ClassicsArthurA mysterious country house for sale in a remote Mediterranean village sparks curiosity and adventure, as a traveler sets off on horseback through wild landscapes to uncover its sec…
Level C1MysteryArsène Lupin, super-sleuthIn the bustling streets of Paris, a mysterious Englishwoman with striking blue eyes captivates a watchful observer, while a spirited local girl with mesmerizing green eyes weaves t…
Level C1MysteryArsène Lupin intervenesA cunning private detective known only as Jim Barnett navigates pre-war Paris with wit and daring, solving mysteries that baffle the police while skirting the line between law and…
Level C1MysteryArsène LupinIn a sunlit château filled with history and secrets, a delicate beauty prepares wedding invitations amidst whispers of melancholy and intrigue.
Level C1ClassicsArs Recte Vivendi; Being Essays Contributed to "The Easy Chair"Explore essays that delve into the challenges of college life, from extravagance and hazing to manners and morality, revealing how social influences shape young men’s character and…
Level C1HistoricalArrows of the Chace, vol. 2/2: being a collection of scattered letters published chiefly in the daily newspapers 1840-1880Amidst 19th-century political turmoil, these letters reveal candid reflections on war, nationality, and faith, challenging Protestant stereotypes and portraying nuanced views of Au…
Level C1ClassicsArrows of the Chace, vol. 1/2: being a collection of scattered letters published chiefly in the daily newspapers 1840-1880A collection of candid letters spanning forty years reveals passionate reflections on art, science, and society, penned with deliberate precision and heartfelt zeal.
Level C1RomanceArrah Neil; or, Times of OldAmid the turmoil of the English Civil War, loyalties are tested as Sir John Hotham’s uncertain stance threatens the fate of Hull, while the brash Royalist soldier Barecolt stirs ad…
Level C1ClassicsAround the Yule LogAs Christmas draws near, a successful but calculating lawyer contemplates the true spirit of the season, inviting readers to gather by the fire and reflect on hope, joy, and the wa…
Level C1ClassicsAround the World with Josiah Allen's WifeWhen young Tommy’s fragile health demands a healing sea voyage, his devoted grandmother faces the heart-wrenching choice to leave home and care for him alone.
Level C1ClassicsAround the Tea-TableEvening tea invites lively conversation, laughter, and heartfelt stories, gathering family and friends around a fragrant brew.
Level C1AdventureAround the Camp-fireSix expert canoeists escape the stifling city heat for a daring 140-mile wilderness journey through rapids, forests, and lakes, where every bend promises thrilling encounters with…
Level C1HistoricalAround Old Bethany: A Story of the Adventures of Robert and Mary DavisIn a newly settled Missouri town torn by denominational rivalry, Robert and Mary Davis embark on a heartfelt quest to uncover the true path of faith, comparing beliefs and seeking…
Level C1HistoricalArnold's TempterAs revolution brews in Philadelphia, influential aristocrats navigate a delicate balance between loyalty to the Crown and the fight for independence.
Level C1ClassicsArne: A Sketch of Norwegian Country LifeAmidst the quiet Norwegian countryside, a spirited young boy with wild energy and hidden dreams grows up, determined to become a great author and capture the true spirit of his nat…
Level C1RomanceArms and the WomanA young reporter encounters a mysterious, captivating woman in a secluded garden, sparking a delicate romance that unfolds amid social divides and personal ambitions.
Level C1ClassicsArms and the ManIn a sharp critique of militarism and romanticized heroism, a pragmatic soldier challenges the myths of war and love, exposing the absurdities beneath society’s polished veneer.
Level C1RomanceArmorel of Lyonesse: A Romance of To-dayA young girl lives surrounded by the ever-changing sea and rugged coastlines, her days filled with dreams and silent yearnings beneath the warm sunlight.
Level C1RomanceArminell: A Social Romance, Vol. 3A young lord returns home to confront hidden family secrets and a bitter struggle for justice, as whispers of murder and lost promises threaten to unravel lives in a close-knit vil…
Level C1RomanceArminell: A Social Romance, Vol. 2In a grand but isolating household, two lonely souls—Giles Saltren and Arminell—forge a secret bond that breaks social barriers and awakens hidden desires for friendship and unders…
Level C1RomanceArminell: A Social Romance, Vol. 1In a humble, rat-infested basement beneath a churchyard keeper’s lodge, a Sunday-school strives to teach sacred lessons amid grime and gossip, driven by Lady Lamerton’s fervent bel…
Level C1PoetryArmenian Literature: Comprising Poetry, Drama, Folk-lore and Classic Traditions;Explore the rich tapestry of ancient Armenian life through its surviving poetry, drama, and folklore, revealing a culture shaped by early Christianity, heroic legends, and the ming…
Level C1PoetryArmazindy: The Poems and Prose Sketches of James Whitcomb RileyTwo young editors preparing their school paper encounter a mysterious, refined old printer who claims to know Charles Dickens and insists on writing through the night, inspired by…
Level C1MysteryArmadaleTwo English strangers arrive at the German spa town of Wildbad, one gravely ill and shrouded in mystery.
Level C1HistoricalAristophanesDive into the wild and witty world of Athenian comedy, where sharp political satire, bawdy humor, and vibrant spectacle collide to entertain and provoke a society at the height of…
Level C1PhilosophyAriosto, Shakespeare and CorneilleExplore the distinct poetic spirits of Ariosto, Shakespeare, and Corneille through a profound philosophical lens that delves into the essence of aesthetic intuition and the autonom…
Level C1RomanceAriadne in Mantua: A Romance in Five ActsIn the grand Palace of Mantua, a clash unfolds between impulsive passion and cold civility, as noble traditions confront raw, unyielding love—setting the stage for a poignant drama…
Level C1ClassicsAria da CapoIn a whimsical Harlequinade setting, Pierrot and Columbine navigate playful banter, artistic whims, and shifting roles, blending humor and surreal charm as they explore love, creat…
Level C1ClassicsArgonaut storiesA man tormented by a relentlessly cheerful neighbor, whose laughter and optimism defy every misfortune, ignites a fierce and bizarre rivalry fueled by envy and hatred.
Level C1HistoricalArethusaIn 1376 Constantinople, Venetian ex-soldier Carlo Zeno navigates a city divided by ruthless power struggles between Genoese rivals and the fragile Byzantine throne.
Level C1HistoricalAre these Things So? (1740) The Great Man's Answer to Are These things So: (1740)A fierce pamphlet war erupts in 1740, with anonymous verse and sharp political attacks targeting Robert Walpole's ministry.
Level C1ClassicsAre You a Bromide?: The Sulphitic Theory Expounded and Exemplified According to the Most Recent Researches into the Psychology of Boredom, Including Many Well-Known Bromidioms Now in UseDive into a witty exploration of human nature that divides people into two distinct types—the predictable Bromides and the intriguing Sulphites—offering a fresh perspective on soci…
Level C1ClassicsAre Parents People?At an exclusive girls' school, Lita Hazlitt navigates the uneasy presence of her divorced parents who unexpectedly appear together, igniting tensions amid the solemn chapel traditi…
Level C1ClassicsArdath: The Story of a Dead SelfAmid a fierce storm in the remote Caucasus, a skeptical traveler arrives at a mysterious mountain monastery where a unique brotherhood worships beneath a blazing Cross of Fire, set…
Level C1AdventureArctic angelsIn the harsh Arctic spring, Sergeant Cleaver confronts a cruel trader neglecting starving sled dogs and desperate Eskimos, forcing him to navigate treacherous loyalties and surviva…
Level C1AdventureArctic AdventuresEmbark on a daring voyage aboard the Hardy Norseman to the Arctic's icy frontiers, where a young adventurer seeks his lost brother amid treacherous seas, fierce wildlife, and gripp…
Level C1ClassicsArchibald Marshall, a Realistic NovelistExplore the essence of storytelling through the eyes of a seasoned English novelist and critic, who reflects on the art of fiction, the pitfalls of propaganda, and the enduring pow…
Level C1Science FictionArchibald MalmaisonA mysterious affliction grips Archibald Malmaison, revealing a psychological enigma that challenges the boundaries between truth and fiction.
Level C1ClassicsArcadian Adventures with the Idle RichIn a world where millionaire children rule vast corporations and the elite gather in opulent clubs, the shimmering facade of wealth masks a city divided by power and privilege.
Level C1ClassicsAramintaA formidable old lady with a sharp mind and commanding presence navigates the complexities of her world with wit and unwavering resolve, supported by her loyal attendant and truste…
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.