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 C1HistoricalA Certain Rich ManIn a frontier town where past and present collide, a young boy's innocent play leads him into an unexpected encounter with a traveling band of Indians, revealing hidden tensions an…
Level C1PoetryA Century of Parody and ImitationExplore a rich collection of poetic parodies tracing the art from its 1812 revival in Rejected Addresses to the finest imitations of the 19th century, revealing both playful homage…
Level C1PoetryA Century of EmblemsExplore a rich collection of emblematic poems blending moral and philosophical reflections with evocative illustrations, tracing a tradition that dates back to 16th-century Europe.
Level C1HistoricalA Century Too Soon: The Age of TyrannyIn a Virginia colony divided between strict Puritans and indulgent Cavaliers, tyranny and rebellion simmer under the surface as the harsh rule of Governor Berkeley sparks conflict…
Level C1ClassicsA Cathedral SingerAmid the towering Cathedral of St.
Level C1ClassicsA Cardinal SinIn a bustling city quarter, a young, uneducated girl entrusts a kind old scribe with a heart-wrenching letter to a distant Louis, revealing her quiet struggles and fragile hope ami…
Level C1HistoricalA Captive of the Roman EaglesAmidst the wild forests and misty shores of Lake Constance in 378, Roman legions prepare to confront the fierce Alemanni tribes threatening the empire's northern frontier, weaving…
Level C1MysteryA Capillary Crime, and Other StoriesIn a quiet Montmartre street, a mysterious young woman flees under a stormy night, setting the stage for a gripping capillary crime that disrupts the eerie calm of this old Parisia…
Level C1ClassicsA Canadian Heroine, Volume 3: A NovelA man wrestles with troubling secrets and shifting affections as he becomes entangled in the fate of an old friend’s family, uncovering hidden truths and unspoken emotions amid unc…
Level C1ClassicsA Canadian Heroine, Volume 2: A NovelAmidst quiet preparations and hidden fears, Mrs.
Level C1ClassicsA Canadian Heroine, Volume 1: A NovelBeneath breathtaking Canadian skies, a young woman caught between childhood and womanhood dreams of distant England while navigating the tender, complex bond with her mother and th…
Level C1MysteryA Cabinet SecretIn the shadow of the South African War, two men in Naples plot a conspiracy that could topple an empire, anxiously awaiting a mysterious steam yacht whose arrival may change the fa…
Level C1ClassicsA Bundle of LettersA young American woman ventures alone through Europe, sharing candid letters from Paris that reveal her bold observations on culture, gender roles, and society.
Level C1PoetryA Bundle of BalladsTravel back to an age when wandering minstrels and storytellers brought heroic legends and heartfelt ballads to life, weaving tales of battles, love, and social appeal that echo th…
Level C1HistoricalA Brief History of the English Language and Literature, Vol. 2Explore the evolution of English as a living, growing organism, tracing its sounds, writing, and changing forms through history.
Level C1RomanceA Bride of the PlainsIn a vast, sun-drenched Hungarian plain, young men face the harsh reality of conscription, torn from their homes and loved ones for three years of military service.
Level C1ClassicsA Bride from the BushA sudden letter disrupts the Bligh family’s quiet morning, revealing Alfred’s unexpected marriage to an Australian bride from the Bush.
Level C1ClassicsA Breeze from the Woods, 2nd Ed.Escape the stifling sameness of city life and rediscover vitality through nature’s embrace, rustic meals, and the quiet wisdom of the woods.
Level C1ClassicsA Breath of Prairie and other storiesExperience the vast, untamed prairies through stories that reveal the rugged lives, deep nature love, and silent strength of plainsmen shaped by their wild environment.
Level C1Children'sA Brace Of Boys: 1867, From "Little Brother"An insightful bachelor uncle reflects on the joys and challenges of family life while guiding his lively nephews, Daniel and Billy, through the lessons of growing up, responsibilit…
Level C1Children'sA Boy's TownA young boy’s world unfolds in a small riverside town teeming with natural wonders and simple adventures—from fishing and skating to kite flying and exploring mysterious locks.
Level C1ClassicsA Boy I Knew and Four DogsA coming-of-age story unfolds through the eyes of a boy shaped by a loving, selfless mother and a scholarly, multilingual father.
Level C1AdventureA Bounty Boy: Being Some Adventures of a Christian Barbarian on an Unpremeditated Trip Round the WorldOn a remote island transformed by faith, a newborn boy’s arrival sparks a journey beyond paradise.
Level C1HistoricalA Bottle in the Smoke: A Tale of Anglo-Indian LifeIn the vibrant world of Anglo-Indian society, a young bride navigates the enchanting yet complex life in Madras, where old prejudices clash with new friendships—especially when her…
Level C1HistoricalA Boswell of Baghdad; With DiversionsDive into the vibrant world of medieval Baghdad through the meticulous and often whimsical biographies collected by Ibn Khallikan, revealing timeless human nature amid grand histor…
Level C1AdventureA Border Ruffian: 1891A Boston lady and her family journey through the rugged New Mexico landscape, where a mysterious, gun-toting stranger aboard their train stirs fear and fascination.
Level C1AdventureA Bookful of GirlsEmbarking on a captivating ocean voyage, spirited Blythe Halliday discovers a world of intriguing fellow travelers—from a secretive English poet to a mysterious Italian count—turni…
Level C1AdventureA Book-Lover's Holidays in the OpenVenture into the wild alongside seasoned explorers who embrace the thrill of untamed landscapes—from desert sunsets to jungle mysteries—where nature’s dangers and wonders await tho…
Level C1HistoricalA Book of the Play: Studies and Illustrations of Histrionic Story, Life, and CharacterExplore the hidden stories and curious details of the British theatre, tracing the evolution of playgoing and the colourful lives behind the stage from its earliest days to the pre…
Level C1HistoricalA Book of Sibyls: Miss Barbauld, Miss Edgeworth, Mrs Opie, Miss AustenExplore the vibrant world of early 19th-century women writers as their lives and works intertwine with the literary and artistic circles of Hampstead’s inspiring landscapes, reveal…
Level C1Children'sA Book of MythsExplore timeless tales where ancient gods reflect human virtues and flaws, revealing the shared humanity behind myths from East and West that continue to shape language, literature…
Level C1PoetryA Book of Irish Verse: Selected from modern writers, with an introduction and notes by W. B. YeatsExplore the rich tapestry of modern Irish poetry as voices emerge from peasants to leisured classes, blending patriotism, literature, and soul-stirring emotions to awaken a deeper…
Level C1HistoricalA Book of Golden DeedsExplore stirring tales of heroism and self-sacrifice that inspire courage and kindness beyond the battlefield, revealing the noble deeds woven into history’s fabric.
Level C1FantasyA Book of GhostsExplore eerie tales where restless spirits and uncanny encounters blur the line between the living and the dead, weaving chilling stories that haunt the shadows of history and memo…
Level C1PoetryA Book of Christian SonnetsReflect on divine and eternal truths through a series of meditative sonnets, crafted with devotion and deep scriptural insight.
Level C1HistoricalA Book of Burlesque: Sketches of English Stage Travestie and ParodyExplore the origins of English stage burlesque through witty sketches and parodies that reveal the humor and satire behind theatrical travesties, from early dramatic caricatures to…
Level C1HistoricalA Book of AutographsDive into a collection of stirring letters from Revolutionary War figures, revealing their hopes, fears, and political tensions as they face the uncertain dawn of America’s fight f…
Level C1ClassicsA Book o' Nine Tales.A wounded stranger, washed ashore and lost to memory, awakens under the care of a curious young woman who becomes captivated by his mysterious past and delirious ravings.
Level C1PoetryA Book for the YoungAn earnest collection of poetry and reflections invites young readers to embrace gratitude, self-improvement, and the true meaning of life's blessings, especially during the hopefu…
Level C1ClassicsA Book for the HammockJourney into the heart of the sea’s fading romance, where steam-powered vessels roar past and ancient maritime mysteries slip beneath waves.
Level C1HistoricalA Book About the TheaterExplore the many facets of theater through essays that wander beyond dramatic literature to the minor arts of the stage, from pantomime and acrobatics to set design and puppetry, e…
Level C1ClassicsA Book About MyselfA young man in 1890 Chicago dreams of capturing the vibrant life of a city bursting with ambition and change.
Level C1ClassicsA Bold Stroke for a Husband: A Comedy in Five ActsIn Madrid, a daring wife disguises herself as a man to outwit jealousy and preserve her marriage, while a young maiden plots boldly to secure a husband, weaving humor and intrigue…
Level C1Children'sA Blundering Boy: A Humorous StoryDive into the misadventures of mischievous boys whose pranks backfire in hilarious ways, revealing the folly of folly itself.
Level C1ClassicsA Blot in the 'ScutcheonIn a grand estate, tensions rise as the arrival of a wealthy suitor sets the stage for a tangled web of honor, love, and societal expectations among nobility and their retainers.
Level C1ClassicsA Blind Esperantist's Trip to Finland and Sweden, to Attend the Fourteenth International Esperanto CongressEmbark on a heartfelt journey with a blind Esperantist and fellow travelers as they sail to Finland and Sweden for the Fourteenth International Esperanto Congress, discovering new…
Level C1MysteryA Bitter Heritage: A Modern Story of Love and AdventureA young lieutenant races against time and mysterious delays to reach his ailing father, carrying a cryptic letter that hints at dark secrets and looming danger.
Level C1ClassicsA Bit O' LoveIn a quiet village on Ascension Day, a gentle clergyman shares lessons of pure love and forgiveness with a group of curious girls, weaving music and faith into a tender exploration…
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.