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 C1ClassicsThe Three FatesA father ruined by financial betrayal pins his hopes on a son who rejects the world of business and finance, choosing instead a path driven by ideals and the pen.
Level C1HistoricalThe Three Devils: Luther's, Milton's, and Goethe's; With Other EssaysExplore the contrasting portraits of evil through the eyes of Luther, Milton, and Goethe, each depicting the Devil in unique ways—from personal torment and epic defiance to cunning…
Level C1RomanceThe Three Days' Tournament: A Study in Romance and Folk-Lore: Being an Appendix to the Author's 'Legend of Sir Lancelot'Delve into a rich exploration of Arthurian romance, where ancient Celtic lore and political history intertwine to reveal the origins and evolution of legendary tales surrounding Si…
Level C1AdventureThe Three CuttersSet sail from the elegant shores of Plymouth aboard a finely crafted yacht, where a colorful crew of nobility and naval men embark on a thrilling maritime adventure filled with cam…
Level C1ClassicsThe Three ComradesThree orphans—Petrik, Ondrejko, and their faithful dog Fido—find solace and brotherhood under the stern watch of "Bacha" Filina in a remote mountain hut, where survival and friends…
Level C1AdventureThe Three CommandersA young commander prepares for a daring voyage aboard the Opal, leaving his beloved Highland home for the mysterious East Coast of Africa, as unexpected guests and stirring farewel…
Level C1ClassicsThe Three Cities Trilogy: Rome, Volume 5Amid the shadowy grandeur of Rome, a young priest named Pierre wrestles with grief and compassion after a tragic loss, seeking solace within the silent, solemn halls of the Vatican…
Level C1ClassicsThe Three Cities Trilogy: Rome, Volume 4In the intricate and secretive world of ecclesiastical politics, Pierre navigates a maze of cautious alliances and hidden adversaries as he seeks support for his controversial book…
Level C1HistoricalThe Three Cities Trilogy: Rome, Volume 3Amidst the grandeur and intrigue of Vatican Rome, Pierre navigates church politics and an international pilgrimage that could sway the future of Catholicism, all while seeking a cr…
Level C1HistoricalThe Three Cities Trilogy: Rome, Volume 2In the heart of a newly united Italy, a priest embarks on a journey through Rome, drawn into the passionate world of patriotism and revolution through the legacy of Count Orlando P…
Level C1HistoricalThe Three Cities Trilogy: Rome, Volume 1An earnest priest arrives in Rome, eager to explore its ancient ruins and complex society, from the grandeur of the Vatican to the struggles of its people—unraveling the tensions b…
Level C1ClassicsThe Three Cities Trilogy: Paris, Volume 5Two brothers navigate the shadowy streets of Paris on the eve of a grim execution, confronting the city's stark contrasts—from its monumental basilica to the desperate souls that h…
Level C1ClassicsThe Three Cities Trilogy: Paris, Volume 4As Pierre accompanies Guillaume to Montmartre, they reunite with a family deeply devoted to their crafts and each other, where work and love intertwine under the warm spring sun.
Level C1ClassicsThe Three Cities Trilogy: Paris, Volume 3Amid political intrigue and social unrest, a grand charity bazaar unfolds in a bombarded Parisian mansion, where tensions simmer beneath the surface and personal dramas threaten to…
Level C1HistoricalThe Three Cities Trilogy: Paris, Volume 2In the shadowed streets of Neuilly, two brothers reunite amid secrets and injury, seeking aid from a revered chemist whose expertise bridges science and trust.
Level C1ClassicsThe Three Cities Trilogy: Paris, Volume 1In a Paris on the brink of religious and social upheaval, a doubting Catholic priest confronts the clash between faith, reason, and the rising tide of socialism.
Level C1ClassicsThe Three Cities Trilogy: Lourdes, Volume 5At Lourdes, restless nights and chaotic pilgrim gatherings set the stage for deep human dramas as Pierre, a young priest, confronts urgent calls of faith, death, and the fragile ho…
Level C1ClassicsThe Three Cities Trilogy: Lourdes, Volume 4In a hospital filled with hope and despair, Marie awaits a miraculous cure from the Blessed Virgin, clinging to faith amid the shadows of illness and death surrounding her.
Level C1ClassicsThe Three Cities Trilogy: Lourdes, Volume 2As a great national pilgrimage descends on Lourdes, Father Fourcade and Dr.
Level C1ClassicsThe Three Cities Trilogy: Lourdes, Volume 1In the midst of a vast pilgrimage to Lourdes, a tapestry of intertwined lives unfolds—pilgrims, priests, and the desperate sick all seeking hope and miracles at the famed Grotto.
Level C1ClassicsThe Three Cities Trilogy: Lourdes, CompleteAmid the bustling crowds of a national pilgrimage to Lourdes, the hopes and doubts of countless sick pilgrims intertwine, revealing a profound exploration of faith, suffering, and…
Level C1ClassicsThe Three Brothers; vol. 3/3A young girl with a remarkable talent faces the tension between innocent childhood and the demands of a public career, as her mother struggles with the prospect of preparing her fo…
Level C1ClassicsThe Three Brothers; vol. 2/3A young painter struggles between ambitious visions and harsh critiques in the competitive art world, learning the delicate balance between inspiration and convention.
Level C1ClassicsThe Three Brothers; vol. 1/3Three Renton brothers face the weight of family expectations and traditions in a grand Berkshire estate, each charting a different path away from their ambitious father's legacy.
Level C1HistoricalThe Three Brothers; CompleteThree brothers from a storied family face the challenges of upholding their legacy amid personal choices and societal expectations.
Level C1ClassicsThe Three BrontësExplore the lives and genius of the three Brontë sisters as this intimate study clears away myths and reveals the true spirit behind their enduring literary legacy, focusing on the…
Level C1ClassicsThe Three Brides, Love in a Cottage, and Other TalesIn a richly detailed Madrid, Magdalena, the goldsmith’s daughter, navigates secret admirers and protective guardians while longing for freedom beyond her sheltered life.
Level C1ClassicsThe Three BridesThree sons return home with their brides, each a striking likeness of their mother, stirring laughter and tension in the household.
Level C1ClassicsThe Three Black Pennys: A NovelIn the shadow of a newly blazing iron furnace, restless heir Howat Penny grapples with family duty, social tensions, and his growing feelings for fiery Fanny Gilkan amid the rugged…
Level C1ClassicsThe Threatening EyeIn a uniform Brixton street where every house mirrors its occupant's character, Mary Grimm's education unfolds amid the quiet dignity and hidden stories of genteel London life, rev…
Level C1PhilosophyThe Thread of GoldAmid the tranquil Cotswold hills, reflections on the timeless journey of water spark profound meditations on existence, purpose, and the divine mind.
Level C1AdventureThe Thrall of Leif the Lucky: A Story of Viking DaysIn a vibrant Viking trading hub, a fierce Danish warrior brings a proud young English captive to market, setting the stage for a tale of clashing cultures, fierce loyalties, and th…
Level C1Children'sThe Thousand and One Nights, Vol. I.: Commonly Called the Arabian Nights' EntertainmentsDive into a world of enchanting tales set in medieval Cairo, where sultans, jesters, and adventurers come alive amid rich Eastern customs and vibrant storytelling.
Level C1Children'sThe Thousand and One Days: A Companion to the "Arabian Nights"Enter a world of enchanting Eastern tales where wise caliphs, magical keys, and daring princes weave stories rich with moral lessons and wonder.
Level C1MysteryThe Thirteenth LetterTrapped by a fierce snowstorm in a remote, shadowy lodge, a nurse tends to a gravely ill man whose mysterious past and broken ties hint at secrets lurking in the winter darkness.
Level C1HistoricalThe Thirteen TravellersIn the vibrant London society of the 1890s, Absalom Jay is a small-statured, impeccably dressed socialite who thrives on connections and prestige.
Level C1ClassicsThe ThirteenA secret society of powerful men navigates a world of crime, passion, and intrigue, weaving stories of love, betrayal, and dark ambition.
Level C1MysteryThe Third and Last Part of Conny-Catching. (1592): With the new deuised knauish arte of Foole-takingDive into the shadowy underworld of Elizabethan London, where cunning con artists and thieves employ ever more twisted schemes to prey on honest citizens.
Level C1ClassicsThe Third WindowAntonia adores two windows that frame a serene moorland view but feels inexplicably disturbed by a third.
Level C1RomanceThe Third VioletAn artist escapes the city for a mountain inn, where chance encounters with a mysterious woman and her children spark a journey filled with quiet longing and the promise of unexpec…
Level C1ClassicsThe Third Miss SymonsAn unmarried woman drifts through a life of quiet futility and wasted leisure, trapped by custom and a lack of illumination in a society that passes her by.
Level C1ClassicsThe Third Degree: A Narrative of Metropolitan LifeIn the bustling heart of the city, Howard Jeffries battles despair, addiction, and self-doubt as he confronts the harsh realities of urban life and his own fragile character amidst…
Level C1MysteryThe Third CircleDive into the gritty world of the San Francisco Wave newspaper, where the early writings of a burgeoning novelist unfold amidst the bustling city life and looming mysteries, reveal…
Level C1MysteryThe Thing from the LakeA man buys a neglected Connecticut farm with a mysterious lake and a house that seems to call for rescue.
Level C1MysteryThe Thin Red Line; and Blue BloodIn the shadowy Parisian quarter, the seedy Hôtel Paradis hides a deadly secret behind its closed doors.
Level C1HistoricalThe Theory of the Theatre, and Other Principles of Dramatic CriticismExplore the intricate art of drama as it unfolds through the fusion of storytelling, visual design, acting, and music, revealing how plays transcend literature to captivate audienc…
Level C1HistoricalThe Theological Tractates and The Consolation of PhilosophyImprisoned and facing execution, a Roman philosopher finds solace in reason and memory, crafting profound reflections that bridge classical thought and Christian theology.
Level C1ClassicsThe Theatrocrat: A Tragic Play of Church and StageExplore the fierce clash of ideals between church and stage, where poetry challenges morality and immorality sparks greatness.
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.