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 C1HistoricalAn Essay on Satire, Particularly on the DunciadExplore the nature and value of satire through a detailed examination of The Dunciad, challenging traditional views that rank satire low among literary genres and defending its sop…
Level C1PoetryAn Essay on Man; Moral Essays and SatiresExplore profound questions about human nature, divine justice, and the harmony of the universe through poetic reflections that challenge skepticism and seek to "vindicate the ways…
Level C1PoetryAn Essay on CriticismExplore the delicate balance between true genius and flawed judgment in poetry and criticism, as verse unravels the rare art of discerning wit from folly and the perils of misguide…
Level C1ClassicsAn Essay on Comedy and the Uses of the Comic SpiritExplore the elusive art of comedy and the rare genius behind the comic spirit as it navigates societal norms, intellectual demands, and the delicate balance between laughter and of…
Level C1ClassicsAn Essay Upon ProjectsA sharp-minded observer navigates the political and social upheavals of 17th-century England, proposing practical improvements and visionary ideas for society’s moral and material…
Level C1HistoricalAn Essay Toward a History of Shakespeare in NorwayExplore the early journey of Shakespeare’s works in Norway through translations, criticism, and performances, revealing the nation's intellectual awakening amid Danish dominance an…
Level C1HistoricalAn Episode under the TerrorAmid the chilling silence of revolutionary Paris, an elderly noblewoman haunted by fear and poverty seeks refuge from unseen dangers stalking the streets under the Terror.
Level C1ClassicsAn Englishman Looks at the World: Being a Series of Unrestrained Remarks upon Contemporary MattersAs aeroplanes break the barrier of the Channel, an Englishman confronts the shock of foreign innovation and the unsettling implications for national pride, military security, and t…
Level C1ClassicsAn English SquireAt Oakby Hall, a proud English squire and his spirited children navigate the rugged beauty and social challenges of their ancestral home.
Level C1HistoricalAn English Garner: Ingatherings from Our History and Literature (4 of 8)An English merchant embarks on a perilous 16th-century voyage from Bristol to the bustling ports of Spain and the mysterious riches of the West Indies and Mexico, navigating politi…
Level C1HistoricalAn English Garner: Critical Essays & Literary FragmentsExplore the evolution of English literature and social life through critical essays and fragments from the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries, revealing insights into literary cr…
Level C1RomanceAn Engagement of Convenience: A NovelA humble admirer watches the brilliant artist Wyndham’s world crumble after a financial scandal, witnessing his fall from fame and fortune in the shadowed streets of Hampstead.
Level C1RomanceAn Enemy to the King: From the Recently Discovered Memoirs of the Sieur de la TournoireA young nobleman, newly freed from his sheltered life, rides to Paris seeking adventure, love, and the thrill of the unknown amid the intrigue and passion of the royal court.
Level C1RomanceAn EncoreA charming tale unfolds in Old Chester, where a spirited young Alfred Price, known for his elopement scandal, pursues the elegant Miss Letty Morris amidst society's watchful eyes a…
Level C1PoetryAn Elegy Wrote in a Country Church Yard (1751) and The Eton College ManuscriptAs dusk settles over a quiet country churchyard, reflections on life, death, and unrecognized virtue unfold with calm dignity and universal resonance, inviting readers to ponder th…
Level C1HistoricalAn Egyptian Princess — CompleteIn a vivid blend of history and imagination, the story transports readers to sixth-century BC Egypt and Greece, exploring the intimate lives and cultures of ancient civilizations t…
Level C1HistoricalAn Easter Disciple: The Chronicle of Quintus, the Roman KnightAmid the Roman occupation of Jerusalem, a young Roman knight named Quintus embarks on a quest for truth amid ancient beliefs and the rising message of Christ.
Level C1HistoricalAn Eagle Flight: A Filipino Novel Adapted from Noli Me TangereAmid the turmoil of colonial oppression and failed uprisings, a gifted Filipino patriot rises, blending artistry and intellect to challenge injustice through powerful writings and…
Level C1ClassicsAn Autumn SowingIn a rigid Sunday church service, the Keeling family faces the stern doctrines of eternal damnation, revealing tensions and unspoken struggles beneath their outward piety.
Level C1ClassicsAn Autobiography of Anthony TrollopeDiscover the intimate memoir of a life shaped by passion, duty, and literary pursuit, chronicled with candor from personal reflections to final years marked by travel and creativit…
Level C1ClassicsAn Author's Mind : The Book of Title-pagesDive into a vivid ramble through the restless mind of an author wrestling with endless thoughts and creative chaos, seeking relief and clarity amid a flood of ideas and literary mu…
Level C1ClassicsAn Australian GirlIn the sun-drenched gardens of North Adelaide, a young man and woman navigate the passions and challenges of horse racing and personal dreams amid the vivid backdrop of Australian…
Level C1PhilosophyAn Attic Philosopher in Paris — CompleteA reflective philosopher contemplates the passage of time and the meaning behind New Year's customs from his Parisian attic, exploring themes of memory, hope, and human nature amid…
Level C1ClassicsAn Apology for the Life of Mrs. Shamela AndrewsA sharp satire unfolds as a witty editor exposes the supposed falsehoods and hidden motives behind the virtuous Pamela, offering a candid and humorous counter-narrative to her cele…
Level C1HistoricalAn Apology for the Life of Mr. Colley Cibber, Volume 2 (of 2)Amidst theatre rivalries and managerial battles in early 18th-century London, actors strive to revive the stage’s glory through ambition, subscriptions, and creative adaptations, r…
Level C1HistoricalAn Apology for the Life of Mr. Colley Cibber, Volume 1 (of 2)Step behind the curtain to explore the vibrant world of Restoration theatre through the eyes of an actor and manager whose candid memoir reveals the triumphs, intrigues, and rivalr…
Level C1HistoricalAn Apache Princess: A Tale of the Indian FrontierAmidst the tense peace between settlers and Apaches on the frontier, a soldier’s young daughter encounters a mysterious Apache girl by a quiet pool, signaling the arrival of an une…
Level C1PoetryAn Anthology of Jugoslav Poetry; Serbian LyricsDiscover the rich tapestry of Serbian rural life through heartfelt folk songs revealing love, loss, celebration, and ancient customs.
Level C1PoetryAn Anthology of Australian VerseExplore a vivid collection of short poems capturing the spirit, landscapes, and life of Australia and New Zealand, arranged chronologically and enriched with biographical notes on…
Level C1AdventureAn Antarctic MysteryStranded on the bleak Kerguelen Islands, a determined explorer braves relentless storms, peculiar wildlife, and isolation while uncovering the mysteries of this desolate Antarctic…
Level C1Science FictionAn Anglo-American Alliance: A Serio-Comic Romance and Forecast of the FutureIn a future where nations claim civilization yet breed corruption, two powerful governments—America and Britain—face the challenge of forging a true alliance to awaken universal br…
Level C1ClassicsAn Anarchist WomanIn gritty Chicago streets, Marie, a young factory worker scarred by poverty and cruelty, channels her relentless spirit into a fierce quest for freedom and meaning beyond her harsh…
Level C1ClassicsAn American tragedy, v. 2Caught between a haunting past and a tantalizing future, a young man navigates social ambitions and complex love affairs, as desire and duty collide in a world shadowed by secrets…
Level C1ClassicsAn American tragedy, v. 1In the shadows of a bustling American city, a struggling family clings to faith and hope through street hymns and sermons.
Level C1HistoricalAn American SuffragetteA celebrated doctor returns from India to New York amid media frenzy, where socialites and skeptics clash over progress and power.
Level C1ClassicsAn American Politician: A NovelIn the refined world of Boston society, Mrs.
Level C1ClassicsAn American Girl in LondonAn American girl navigates the curious and often misunderstood world of English society, offering candid reflections on cultural contrasts and the peculiar fascination with her ide…
Level C1HistoricalAn AmericanAmid rising tensions with Spain, a wave of American volunteers rallies to defend liberty and justice, driven by fierce patriotism and the hope of freeing oppressed peoples.
Level C1ClassicsAn Ambitious Woman: A NovelIn a bleak suburb overshadowed by death and despair, a determined woman navigates the harsh realities of life, work, and hope on the fringes of a bustling metropolis.
Level C1ClassicsAn Ambitious ManA driven young editor from humble beginnings proposes to the heiress of a powerful political family, not for love but for ambition.
Level C1PoetryAn Alphabet of CelebritiesDiscover a whimsical journey through an alphabet of notable figures, each letter bringing to life a playful portrait and verse that celebrate the charm and quirks of celebrities in…
Level C1RomanceAn Algonquin Maiden: A Romance of the Early Days of Upper CanadaIn the rugged wilderness of early Upper Canada, a devoted servant anxiously awaits the arrival of a distant ship, setting the stage for a tale of love and survival amid the clash o…
Level C1MysteryAn African Millionaire: Episodes in the Life of the Illustrious Colonel ClayA sharp South African financier and his skeptical secretary arrive on the Riviera, where a mysterious Mexican Seer claims supernatural powers.
Level C1ClassicsAn Adventure with a Genius: Recollections of Joseph PulitzerA weary traveler contemplates a quiet life in Barbados but is unexpectedly drawn into a new path when he responds to a mysterious advertisement seeking a companion-secretary for a…
Level C1HistoricalAn Address, Delivered Before the Was-ah Ho-de-no-son-ne or New Confederacy of the Iroquois: Also, Genundewah, a PoemIn a gathering inspired by the ancient Iroquois confederacy, a new brotherhood of letters unites to cultivate history, science, and literature rooted in American soil, aiming to fo…
Level C1PoetryAn Address to a Wealthy Libertine: or, the Melancholy Effects of Seduction; with a Letter from an Unfortunate Farmer's Daughter, to her Parents in NorfolkA wealthy libertine’s reckless seduction leaves a once-happy woman shattered, her family torn by disgrace and sorrow.
Level C1ClassicsAn Act in a BackwaterA retired colonel with a flair for grandiosity navigates the quaint social rituals of a country club, revealing his blustery opinions and charming absurdities.
Level C1HistoricalAn Accursed RaceIn isolated Pyrenean villages, a mysterious group known as the Cagots endure harsh laws and social scorn, forced to live apart and marked by visible badges.
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.