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 C1RomanceThe colonel's daughterIn the harsh, sun-scorched outpost of Camp Sandy, a weary adjutant contemplates the slow rhythms of army life amid desert barracks and distant mountains.
Level C1ClassicsThe collected works of William Hazlitt, Vol. 12 (of 12)Dive into vivid essays that blend sharp wit and keen observation, from thrilling fight nights to reflections on courage and friendship, capturing the lively spirit and complexities…
Level C1PhilosophyThe collected works of William Hazlitt, Vol. 11 (of 12)Unearth a trove of previously uncollected essays exploring human nature, politics, art, and society, revealing fresh insights and forgotten reflections that deepen the understandin…
Level C1ClassicsThe collected works of William Hazlitt, Vol. 10 (of 12)Explore the origins of storytelling as ancient bards transform historical exploits into richly embellished tales, blending fact with myth and supernatural drama to captivate audien…
Level C1ClassicsThe collected works of William Hazlitt, Vol. 09 (of 12)Explore England’s finest picture galleries through vivid sketches that capture the soul of art, revealing the timeless beauty and profound impact of masterpieces by Raphael, Titian…
Level C1ClassicsThe collected works of William Hazlitt, Vol. 08 (of 12)Explore the delicate balance between laughter and tears as human emotions respond to life's absurdities and tragedies.
Level C1ClassicsThe collected works of William Hazlitt, Vol. 07 (of 12)Explore sharp, candid essays dissecting the prose styles of poets and critics alike, revealing how rhythm, voice, and expression shape the art of writing and influence literary suc…
Level C1ClassicsThe collected works of William Hazlitt, Vol. 06 (of 12)Explore original essays that delve into the pleasures of painting and the subtleties of human nature, capturing moments of quiet reflection and the pursuit of understanding through…
Level C1PoetryThe collected works of William Hazlitt, Vol. 05 (of 12)Explore the essence and power of poetry as the natural expression of imagination and passion, revealing the vivid emotions and universal truths that shape human experience.
Level C1PhilosophyThe collected works of William Hazlitt, Vol. 04 (of 12)An impassioned critique challenges the harsh logic behind population control theories, exposing how cold economics and rigid philosophy deepen the plight of the poor.
Level C1ClassicsThe collected works of William Hazlitt, Vol. 03 (of 12)A passionate letter challenges false patriotism and questions the motives behind war and government actions, urging true love of country grounded in liberty and justice.
Level C1ClassicsThe collected works of William Hazlitt, Vol. 02 (of 12)Dive into the vivid memoirs of Thomas Holcroft, tracing his early childhood in London through striking personal anecdotes and reflections, as he battles adversity with remarkable d…
Level C1ClassicsThe collected works of William Hazlitt, Vol. 01 (of 12)Dive into the fiery intellect and relentless spirit of a literary titan who challenges superstitions and champions revolutionary ideals, all while navigating the fierce cultural ba…
Level C1ClassicsThe collected works of Henrik Ibsen, Vol. 11 (of 11)A father confronts the haunting consequences of his own flaws reflected in his fragile son, Eyolf, while a mysterious Rat-Wife stirs dark local legends.
Level C1ClassicsThe collected works of Henrik Ibsen, Vol. 09 (of 11)Amidst political turmoil and bitter party divisions in 19th-century Norway, this volume explores the clash between aristocratic dignity and democratic upheaval, revealing the deep…
Level C1ClassicsThe collected works of Henrik Ibsen, Vol. 08 (of 11)A passionate doctor uncovers a dangerous truth that pits him against his entire community, challenging the complacency and corruption of the majority.
Level C1ClassicsThe collected works of Henrik Ibsen, Vol. 07 (of 11)In a society bound by rigid expectations, Nora challenges the confines of marriage and individuality after a secret act to save her husband’s life ignites a profound personal recko…
Level C1ClassicsThe collected works of Henrik Ibsen, Vol. 06 (of 11)Amid political tensions and personal rivalries, a sharp new comedy unfolds, exposing the ambitions and hypocrisies of Norway's youth and Liberal party.
Level C1HistoricalThe collected works of Henrik Ibsen, Vol. 05 (of 11)A powerful drama unfolds in the Mediterranean world of ancient Rome, where the young Emperor Julian confronts the clash between fading antiquity and rising medievalism, wrestling w…
Level C1ClassicsThe collected works of Henrik Ibsen, Vol. 04 (of 11)Dive into the life of Peer Gynt, a half-mythical Norwegian hero whose wild adventures and complex origins unfold against the backdrop of 19th-century Scandinavia, blending folklore…
Level C1ClassicsThe collected works of Henrik Ibsen, Vol. 03 (of 11)A visionary Norwegian poet wrestles with national disgrace and exile, crafting a fiery drama that exposes the harsh realities of his homeland's struggles and the clash between hero…
Level C1ClassicsThe collected works of Henrik Ibsen, Vol. 01 (of 11)Dive into the powerful dramas that shaped modern theater, exploring complex characters and societal challenges through carefully crafted translations that preserve the original's i…
Level C1ClassicsThe collected works of Henrik Ibsen Vol. 10 (of 11)In a sharp exploration of human emotions and social constraints, a complex woman navigates her role as her father's daughter rather than her husband's wife.
Level C1ClassicsThe collected stories of Elisabeth Sanxay Holding from Munsey's Magazine, 1920-1928A devoted wife navigates the quirks and restless spirit of her brilliant but troubled husband on their tenth wedding anniversary, balancing love, patience, and silent longing in a…
Level C1HistoricalThe cobbler of NîmesIn 1703 Nîmes, a bustling fair hides secret tensions as a mysterious showman displays the body of a "damned Huguenot," drawing a curious cobbler into a world of religious conflict,…
Level C1MysteryThe clue of the silver keyAt exclusive parties hosted by the enigmatic and wealthy Mr.
Level C1MysteryThe clue of the new pinIn the shadows of a bustling theater district, a mysterious Chinese restaurant hides secrets behind its gilded doors and discreet private rooms.
Level C1MysteryThe club of masksA confidential assistant to a renowned poison expert is torn between loyalty and duty when a mysterious phone call summons them to a masked dance where a dancer lies dead—poisoned.
Level C1MysteryThe cloven footA troubled heir journeys through a snowbound Devonshire night to claim his dying kinsman’s fortune, only to confront the mysterious young woman who stands between him and the inher…
Level C1ClassicsThe climbersIn a lavish Fifth Avenue drawing-room, a family navigates the aftermath of a grand event, revealing tensions beneath their polished facade.
Level C1RomanceThe clammerA solitary clammer treasures his peaceful shore against the encroaching progress of the wealthy, finding solace and mystery in the tides and sunsets—until a sweet voice from the ne…
Level C1RomanceThe city of beautiful nonsenseIn the quiet shadows of Lincoln's Inn Fields, a tender romance unfolds on the eve of St.
Level C1RomanceThe circuit riderIn a rugged frontier wilderness, a determined circuit rider braves dangers from wild revels to highwaymen, bringing order and faith to a chaotic land.
Level C1ClassicsThe cinnamon heartIn a whimsical medieval realm ruled by King Nougat I, Princess Caramella’s suitors vie for her heart amid curious concoctions and brewing chaos.
Level C1PoetryThe chutney lyrics: A collection of comic pieces in verse on Indian subjectsDive into witty verses and comic ballads that satirize Indian life with sharp humor and lively rhythm, featuring ghostly visitors, bold characters, and playful tales that reveal th…
Level C1ClassicsThe chronicles of Break o'DayIn a fertile Michigan territory, Major Ratke, a determined inventor and philosopher, struggles to manage his vast farm and eccentric projects amid unreliable help and looming finan…
Level C1HistoricalThe children of AlsaceIn the misty forests of Alsace, a divided family grapples with clashing loyalties amid the region's struggle between French and German identities.
Level C1Children'sThe childrenA reserved civil engineer embarks on a Mediterranean voyage, weary of uneventful travel and longing for adventure, when a fragile young mother carrying her heavy child catches his…
Level C1ClassicsThe chief Elizabethan dramatists, excluding ShakespeareExplore the vibrant world beyond Shakespeare through vivid plays that reveal the rich tapestry of Elizabethan drama, blending myth, romance, and wit to illuminate the era's theatri…
Level C1PoetryThe chaseDive into the vivid world of countryside pursuits and landscapes, where the art of wood engraving brings to life the spirited chase and the natural beauty that defines it.
Level C1FantasyThe chariot of the sunIn a world reshaped by the cataclysmic World-Storm, a newly crowned queen emerges as a beacon of hope and transformation, weaving love and sacrifice into the fate of a nation on th…
Level C1ClassicsThe changed bridesOn a fierce winter night, a determined bridegroom braves a raging storm and treacherous mountain roads to keep his wedding promise, while uncertainty looms over a grand marriage de…
Level C1ClassicsThe championIn a bustling newspaper office, a young printer’s devil dreams of becoming the fastest, most skilled compositor, while grappling with the harsh realities of his humble, ink-stained…
Level C1AdventureThe castaways of the flagAfter surviving mutiny and island hardships, the Swiss Family Robinson's saga continues as a young colony grows on New Switzerland, blending adventure, romance, and history in a vi…
Level C1AdventureThe cardinal's musketeerIn the shadowy streets of 17th-century Paris, a gifted clockmaker’s adopted son discovers a world of intricate timepieces and hidden mysteries within his father’s shop, where mecha…
Level C1ClassicsThe cairnA heartfelt collection of reflections, memories, and shared wisdom, gathered like precious stones from many hands, exploring joy, sorrow, love, and the tender nuances of human expe…
Level C1Children'sThe cabin on the prairieOn the vast prairie, a determined pioneer boy dreams beyond his threadbare clothes and humble cabin, yearning for adventure, purpose, and a life more meaningful than the restless,…
Level C1HistoricalThe bushwhackers & other storiesA young mountaineer climbs a rugged peak daily, eyes fixed on the distant valley below, longing for a sign of approaching conflict amid the serene wilderness.
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.