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 C1ClassicsAnn Boyd: A NovelA determined woman faces harsh judgment from her community and church after boldly reclaiming her place among them, challenging long-held prejudices and enduring bitter conflict ov…
Level C1RomanceAnn Arbor TalesIn a softly lit college town, a captivating woman named Florence holds sway over a circle of young men whose lives brim with youthful passion and peril.
Level C1PoetryAnimal Analogues: Verses and IllustrationsWhimsical verses playfully compare animals and plants through clever wordplay and charming illustrations, inviting readers to explore nature’s quirky connections with humor and ima…
Level C1HistoricalAnglo-Saxon LiteratureExplore the roots of modern European literature through the lens of Anglo-Saxon works, shaped by the powerful influence of Latin culture and its ancient traditions in poetry and pr…
Level C1ClassicsAngels' Shoes, and Other StoriesIn a remote jungle where river and sea clash, a wounded man and a mysterious native girl are rescued by a fragile trader’s crew, sparking a haunting tale of survival, identity, and…
Level C1ClassicsAngelicaIn a gritty Harlem tenement, a weary mother struggles to provide for her captivating yet exacting daughter, Angelica, whose mysterious allure both fascinates and unsettles those ar…
Level C1ClassicsAngela's BusinessA young writer grapples with society's outdated assumptions about women, challenging the roles imposed on spinsters and idle wives as he explores the complexities of the Woman Ques…
Level C1HistoricalAngel: A sketch in Indian inkAmid the sweltering heat of colonial India, Angel Gascoigne, a neglected and forlorn child, waits at the gate of her faded family home, caught between the harsh realities of her fr…
Level C1Children'sAngel Unawares: A Story of Christmas EveA curious child sent to the sunny south of France for safety wanders into a magical garden on Christmas Eve, where mystery and enchantment blur the lines between fairy tale and rea…
Level C1HistoricalAngel Agnes: The Heroine of the Yellow Fever Plague in ShreveportWhen a deadly yellow fever outbreak ravages Shreveport, a devoted young woman risks everything to nurse the sick and dying, becoming a beacon of hope amid despair and death in a ci…
Level C1ClassicsAnecdotes of the late Samuel Johnson, LL.D.: During the Last Twenty Years of His LifeStep into the intimate world of Samuel Johnson through the eyes of a close friend and hostess who witnessed his final years.
Level C1Children'sAnecdotes of the Habits and Instinct of AnimalsDiscover charming and authentic stories revealing the surprising habits and instincts of mammals, from mischievous monkeys to other fascinating creatures, bridging the gap between…
Level C1HistoricalAndréAmid the vibrant early American theatre scene, a determined young playwright navigates the challenges of staging his debut work, encountering colorful personalities and the shiftin…
Level C1RomanceAndrew the GladIn a Southern town, wounded war hero Andrew Sevier becomes the center of attention for a circle of determined women, sparking rivalry and romance as they vie to care for him and wi…
Level C1ClassicsAndrew MarvellExplore the enigmatic life of Andrew Marvell, a poet, parliamentarian, and diplomat whose striking wit and steadfast patriotism shaped 17th-century England, yet whose true characte…
Level C1HistoricalAndrew Golding: A Tale of the Great PlagueAmid the terror of the Great Plague in 1665 London, two sisters hide in a deserted house, grappling with loss and uncertainty.
Level C1PoetryAndreas: The Legend of St. AndrewA devout churchman’s epic unfolds the legendary journey of St.
Level C1HistoricalAndreas Hofer: An Historical NovelIn 1809 Austria stands on the brink of war against France, but Emperor Francis hesitates to act, leaving Archduke John to wrestle with powerlessness and hope as he prepares the mil…
Level C1AdventureAndivius Hedulio: Adventures of a Roman Nobleman in the Days of the EmpireA Roman nobleman’s tranquil life unravels when an unexpected visit triggers a chain of trivial yet disastrous events, forcing him into a daring disguise and desperate escape amidst…
Level C1ClassicsAnderby WoldIn the frost-bitten East Riding countryside, Sarah Bannister drives with quiet determination to a tea party celebrating the final clearance of a farm mortgage, navigating the delic…
Level C1HistoricalAnde Trembath: A Tale of Old Cornwall EnglandA remote Cornish manor is shaken by a series of mysterious vandalism and the brutal killing of the squire’s loyal dog, Borlase.
Level C1Children'sAnd Thus He Came: A Christmas FantasyIn a grand hall alive with music and dance, a mysterious child in radiant white appears, sparking a woman's awakening conscience amid shadows of deceit and ambition.
Level C1HistoricalAncient rhetoric and poeticExplore the foundations of ancient rhetoric and poetic through the voices of Aristotle, Cicero, and Vergil, revealing timeless principles of composition that shaped Western literar…
Level C1PoetryAncient Poems, Ballads, and Songs of the Peasantry of EnglandDiscover the heartfelt poems, ballads, and songs passed down through generations of English peasants, capturing their joys, struggles, and traditions through oral tales and rare ma…
Level C1PoetryAncient Nahuatl Poetry, Containing the Nahuatl Text of XXVII Ancient Mexican Poems: Brinton's Library of Aboriginal American Literature Number VII.Delve into the rich world of ancient Nahuatl poetry, where sacred songs and vibrant dances reveal the passionate cultural heritage of the Nahuas, their artistic devotion, and the e…
Level C1PoetryAncient Ballads and Legends of HindustanImmerse yourself in the mystical world of ancient Indian songs and legends, reimagined in exquisite English verse by a gifted young poetess whose life bridged the rich cultures of…
Level C1RomanceAncestors: A NovelIn Edwardian England, a sharp-witted woman navigates the delicate social dance among aristocrats, rekindling a complex friendship with Lady Victoria Gwynne, whose mysterious change…
Level C1ClassicsAnatole FranceExplore the life and works of Anatole France, a pacifist thinker whose clear, ironic mind navigates beauty and ugliness alike amid the turmoil of war.
Level C1ClassicsAnatole FranceExplore the sharp wit and subtle irony that define a writer who masks profound truths beneath naïve tones, challenging society’s conventions and revealing the complexity of justice…
Level C1ClassicsAnathema: A Tragedy in Seven ScenesIn a mysterious realm guarded by silent sentinels, Anathema, a restless outcast, challenges fate and eternity itself.
Level C1ClassicsAnalytical StudiesExplore the sharp, satirical dissection of marriage and its complexities, where biting humor and philosophical insight challenge the romantic ideal, revealing the social foibles an…
Level C1AdventureAnabasisAmidst Persian royal intrigue and secret alliances, a Greek-led mercenary force embarks on a perilous march to aid Cyrus in his quest to claim the throne from his brother Artaxerxe…
Level C1HistoricalAn outline of humor: Being a true chronicle from prehistoric ages to the twentieth centuryTrace the evolution of humor from prehistoric times to the dawn of the twentieth century in a sweeping chronicle that highlights the enduring human spirit of wit, laughter, and mir…
Level C1HistoricalAn open verdictIn a world where titles and pride clash with harsh realities, a young woman’s fate intertwines with society’s expectations and the hopes of well-meaning guardians.
Level C1HistoricalAn odeCelebrate the rich history and spirit of Boston through a stirring poem delivered at the city's centennial, capturing the pride and perseverance of its people on a landmark Septemb…
Level C1ClassicsAn odd coupleIn a quiet drawing-room, a steady yet shocking proposal of separation disrupts a long marriage marked by deep, unyielding differences.
Level C1HistoricalAn inland voyageTwo friends embark on a daring canoe voyage through the rivers and canals of Europe, facing unpredictable weather, challenging portages, and the thrill of uncharted adventure.
Level C1PhilosophyAn index fingerA philosophical journey explores the nature of existence, challenging conventional pursuits of happiness and offering a personal insight into the mysteries of life and death.
Level C1HistoricalAn imperial loverAmidst the intrigue of Peter the Great’s Russia, a French marshal embarks on a secret diplomatic mission, uncovering a transformed court where old customs clash with bold reforms,…
Level C1ClassicsAn idyl of the Wabash, and other storiesA young New England teacher ventures to a small Indiana town, confronting its unfamiliar customs, rugged landscape, and quaint inhabitants with a mix of humor and cultural clash.
Level C1ClassicsAn ideal husbandIn the glittering world of London high society, charming conversations mask underlying secrets and idle lives, as the Chiltern family navigates the delicate balance between appeara…
Level C1Science FictionAn experiment in gyro-hatsA hat dealer obsessed with maximizing the unused space in top hats becomes entangled in his daughter Anne’s troubled love for Walsingham Gribbs—a man who perpetually staggers witho…
Level C1ClassicsAn episode in the doings of the dualizedIn a family rich in culture but poor in money, Ethelbert Daksha navigates the clash between lofty ideals and the harsh realities of society's obsession with wealth.
Level C1PoetryAn elegy written among the ruins of an abbeyAmid the silent ruins of an ancient abbey, mourn the passage of time and the fading echoes of faith in a poignant, reflective elegy that captures loss and memory in haunting verse.
Level C1Children'sAn elder brotherIn a dusty Bloomsbury bookshop, a reserved bookseller’s solitary life is unexpectedly brightened by the arrival of a mysterious little girl, whose presence stirs memories and chall…
Level C1ClassicsAn apology for idlers, and other essaysIn a society obsessed with relentless industry, a thoughtful voice champions the overlooked value of idleness—not as laziness, but as a vital form of learning and reflection beyond…
Level C1ClassicsAn anthology of German literatureJourney through the rich tapestry of German literature, exploring medieval poetry and key works in their original or modernized forms, accompanied by insightful notes that illumina…
Level C1ClassicsAn altruistIn the heart of London society, Wilfrid Bertram passionately champions altruism and duty, challenging the selfish norms of his peers.
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.