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 C1MysteryThe Zeppelin's PassengerAmid rumors of a daring Zeppelin's near-disaster over Dutchman's Common, a tense gathering unravels secrets of war, missing officers, and mysterious observation cars.
Level C1ClassicsThe Zeit-GeistIn a small Canadian town transformed by nature and ambition, a schoolmaster encounters Bartholomew Toyner, a philanthropist whose unconventional religious views challenge the rigid…
Level C1PoetryThe Youth's CoronalInspire young minds with a collection of gentle, instructive poems that blend amusement and moral guidance, offering a wholesome bouquet of verses to nurture the heart and intellec…
Level C1RomanceThe Youth of the Great ElectorAmid political turmoil and looming war, Elector George William confronts rebellious demands from the duchy of Cleves, testing his authority and resolve.
Level C1HistoricalThe Youth of Jefferson: Or, a Chronicle of College Scrapes at Williamsburg, in Virginia, A.D. 1764In 1764 Williamsburg, a sharp-witted young man armed with humor and a gun defends his liberty—and his heart—amid college scrapes and friendships rich with playful banter and secret…
Level C1ClassicsThe Youth of GoetheTrace the formative years of a literary genius as he navigates early life in Frankfort, student days in Leipzig, and the vibrant influences shaping his character and art before set…
Level C1RomanceThe Younger Sister: A Novel, Volumes 1-3In a village shadowed by loss and neglect, the youngest daughter, Emma, returns home after her aunt’s scandalous marriage disrupts family fortunes.
Level C1RomanceThe Younger Sister: A Novel, Vol. III.As Margaret anxiously awaits her lover's return, hidden tensions and complex emotions simmer beneath the surface of family and romance.
Level C1RomanceThe Younger Sister: A Novel, Vol. II.Tensions rise in the Watson family as the arrival of the spirited Penelope disrupts their quiet life and stirs rivalry over invitations, friendships, and social standing—setting th…
Level C1RomanceThe Younger Sister: A Novel, Vol. I.A once-respected clergyman’s family faces hardship after his wife’s death and a contentious inheritance leaves the youngest daughter, Emma, caught between loyalty and loss amid shi…
Level C1PoetryThe Younger Edda; Also called Snorre's Edda, or The Prose EddaExplore the creation of the cosmos and the epic battles of gods and giants as ancient Norse mythology unfolds through vivid tales of order from chaos, divine conflict, and the prom…
Level C1HistoricalThe Younger American PoetsExplore a thoughtful study of America’s emerging poets born within the last fifty years, revealing the diverse voices shaping modern verse and the evolving landscape of contemporar…
Level C1AdventureThe Young Yagers: A Narrative of Hunting Adventures in Southern AfricaNear the confluence of Southern Africa's great rivers, six young hunters gather by a campfire, blending friendship, family ties, and the rugged promise of adventure.
Level C1ClassicsThe Young Step-Mother; Or, A Chronicle of MistakesA spirited young woman becomes governess to a widowed clergyman’s children, navigating complex family dynamics and unspoken grief while striving to bring light to a household shado…
Level C1HistoricalThe Young Seigneur: Or, Nation-MakingSet in post-Confederation Quebec, a lone Ontarian encounters the ancient, picturesque province where French heritage and traditions endure amidst evolving national identity, sparki…
Level C1Children'sThe Young Pilgrim: A Tale Illustrative of "The Pilgrim's Progress"A young boy encounters a clergyman near ancient shrine ruins and learns about the true meaning of pilgrimage beyond superstition.
Level C1HistoricalThe Young PhysicianA young college boy wrestles with fear and fierce courage on the ominously named Murderer’s Cross Road, where the beauty of the countryside clashes with haunting legends and person…
Level C1AdventureThe Young Marooners on the Florida CoastA group of resourceful young adventurers set sail for the Florida coast, facing thrilling challenges from storms to wildlife as they learn survival skills and forge lasting friends…
Level C1ClassicsThe Young Man and JournalismExplore the vital role of vocation in shaping a young man's life, focusing on journalism as a career that demands skill, judgment, and moral development while offering steady emplo…
Level C1FantasyThe Young Lovell: A RomanceA young lord keeps a midnight vigil in an ancient chapel, wrestling with haunting visions of demons, spirits, and ancient gods vying for his soul before his knighting at dawn.
Level C1Children'sThe Young Lord, and Other Tales; to which is added Victorine DurocherA young boy’s struggle with selfishness and honesty unfolds as he confronts lessons in generosity, inherited loss, and the true meaning of reward beyond earthly treasures.
Level C1AdventureThe Young Llanero: A Story of War and Wild Life in VenezuelaRaised between the wild Venezuelan plains and the echoes of Irish rebellion, a young adventurer embarks on a thrilling journey, facing storms, wild beasts, and hostile tribes as he…
Level C1AdventureThe Young Lieutenant; or, The Adventures of an Army OfficerA young lieutenant returns to the Union army, eager to prove his bravery in the Civil War's fierce battles.
Level C1AdventureThe Young Franc Tireurs, and Their Adventures in the Franco-Prussian WarAs war with Prussia looms over France, young volunteers known as franc tireurs step into the chaos, facing danger and daring exploits amid a nation on edge.
Level C1RomanceThe Young Enchanted: A Romantic StoryA young man navigating the bustling chaos of Piccadilly Circus dreams of grandeur but faces the harsh realities of loneliness and ridicule.
Level C1RomanceThe Young DukeA young duke inherits vast wealth and estates but finds himself caught between the influence of a devoted guardian and the scheming ambitions of his aristocratic relatives, setting…
Level C1HistoricalThe Young Dragoon: Every Day Life of a SoldierA young farmer’s son defies family tradition to don the soldier’s red coat, trading ploughshares for perilous duty.
Level C1Science FictionThe Young Diana: An Experiment of the FutureIn a world where life’s meaning is a constant puzzle, Diana May embarks on a profound journey of self-discovery and wonder, challenging the boundaries of science, psychology, and e…
Level C1AdventureThe Young Deliverers of Pleasant CoveIn a bustling seaside town, a spirited crew of youths embarks on daring voyages aboard the swift brigantine "Arthur Brown," facing peril and adventure as they strive to free a humb…
Level C1AdventureThe Young Castellan: A Tale of the English Civil WarAmidst the fading glory of a once-mighty castle, a young boy and his loyal caretaker polish ancient armor, unaware that the English Civil War is poised to test their courage and lo…
Level C1AdventureThe Young Carthaginian: A Story of The Times of HannibalAmidst the scorching Libyan desert, a diverse band of soldiers—including fierce Numidian horsemen and rugged Iberians—prepare for the epic struggle between Carthage and Rome, where…
Level C1HistoricalThe Young Captives: A Story of Judah and BabylonNoble youths defy King Josiah’s efforts for order, sparking a dangerous clash that forces one, Ezrom, to flee Jerusalem by dawn.
Level C1AdventureThe Young BuglersTwo mischievous brothers at Eton embark on a daring nighttime adventure to avenge a prank gone wrong, setting the stage for a thrilling tale woven with historical battles and youth…
Level C1ClassicsThe Yotsuya Kwaidan or O'Iwa Inari: Tales of the Tokugawa, Volume 1 (of 2)In a city mapped with ancient villages and steeped in tradition, unsettling ghost stories reveal the restless spirits and eerie customs of Tokugawa-era Japan.
Level C1ClassicsThe Yoke of the ThorahIn a gloomy 1882 New York, artist Elias Bacharach battles creative despair and finds unexpected fascination in a mysterious young girl at a costumer’s shop, setting the stage for a…
Level C1PhilosophyThe Yoga-Vasishtha Maharamayana of Valmiki, Vol. 3 (of 4), Part 2 (of 2)In a royal assembly captivated by a sage's profound sermon, princes and saints delve into teachings on Stoicism and Nirvána, exploring the path to ultimate liberation through deep…
Level C1PhilosophyThe Yoga-Vasishtha Maharamayana of Valmiki, Vol. 2 (of 4), Part 1 (of 2)Amidst a kingdom ravaged by war and chaos, a new ruler rises to restore order and sovereignty, navigating the turbulence of conquest, rebellion, and the fragile hope of renewal.
Level C1PhilosophyThe Yoga-Vasishtha Maharamayana of Valmiki, Vol. 1 (of 4)In a world overwhelmed by political strife, ancient sages reveal timeless teachings on true happiness, spirituality, and the nature of reality through profound dialogues.
Level C1PhilosophyThe Yoga-Vasishtha Maharamayana of Valmiki, Vol 4 (of 4), Part 1 (of 2)Explore profound philosophical teachings on ego, action, and renunciation as a sage guides a prince through the nature of reality, habit, and the path to liberation beyond illusion…
Level C1MysteryThe Yellow StreakAt the country estate of Harkings, the meticulous butler Bude manages the household with aristocratic expertise, while tensions simmer beneath the surface among the wealthy residen…
Level C1HistoricalThe Yellow PoppyAmid the turmoil of 1799 Brittany, Royalist guerrillas hide in a cramped attic, plotting in secret against the corrupt Directory and dreaming of restoring the exiled king.
Level C1AdventureThe Yellow Hunter; or, The Winding Trail of DeathAs war erupts on the Illinois frontier, Kate Blount prepares to defend her home and find her missing father amid a deadly conflict sparked by betrayal and vengeance.
Level C1MysteryThe Yellow House; Master of MenA newcomer to a tight-knit county village encounters whispered rumors about a mysterious woman living in the enigmatic Yellow House.
Level C1AdventureThe Yellow HordeIn the wild foothills, a lone wolfer named Collins contemplates the relentless survival of the cunning coyote, while a mysterious breed-wolf named Breed balances the call of his du…
Level C1RomanceThe Yellow Frigate; or, The Three SistersIn 15th-century Scotland, three sisters’ intertwined fates unfold against a backdrop of royal intrigue, seafaring adventure, and ancient ruins.
Level C1ClassicsThe Yellow Flag: A Novel. Volume 3 (of 3)In a quiet village where gossip flows as freely as tea, John Calverley seeks refuge with his young wife Alice, hoping to escape his past—but the curious neighbors have other plans,…
Level C1ClassicsThe Yellow Flag: A Novel. Volume 2 (of 3)A mysterious death reveals a man living under two names, entangling two women and their families in a web of secrets and heartbreak.
Level C1ClassicsThe Yellow Flag: A Novel. Volume 1 (of 3)A reluctant young man sets off for Ceylon with a generous financial backing, caught between family expectations and his own stubborn nature.
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.