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 Strange Case of Mortimer FenleyAn artist’s peaceful morning at a country inn is shattered by an ominous sense of impending crime that will embroil him in a mysterious murder in London.
Level C1AdventureThe Strange Adventures of Mr. MiddletonCaught in a sudden storm, a young man seeking shelter stumbles into a mysterious shop where he meets a captivating Moslem stranger and his imposing servant, drawing him into an exo…
Level C1AdventureThe Strange Adventures of Captain Dangerous, Vol. 3: Who was a sailor, a soldier, a merchant, a spy, a slave: among the moors...A daring captain with a checkered past navigates London’s high society, gambling dens, and secret duels, offering his sword and wit to noble patrons while wrestling with fortune an…
Level C1AdventureThe Strange Adventures of Captain Dangerous, Vol. 2: Who was a sailor, a soldier, a merchant, a spy, a slave: among the moors...Thrown into a harsh prison and facing cruel merchants and corrupt officials, a convicted man recounts his journey from captivity to forced transportation, revealing a world of ruth…
Level C1AdventureThe Strange Adventures of Captain Dangerous, Vol. 1: Who was a sailor, a soldier, a merchant, a spy, a slave: among the moors...Follow Captain Dangerous through a world of espionage, exile, and peril as he navigates the turbulent 18th century, encountering merchants, spies, and political refugees across Eur…
Level C1AdventureThe Strange Adventure of James Shervinton: 1902Stranded on a remote Pacific island and weakened by fever, a desperate trader contemplates a daring escape by whaleboat while yearning for a chance to achieve a heroic feat that wi…
Level C1MysteryThe Stowmarket Mystery; Or, A Legacy of HateA man branded a criminal seeks the help of a shrewd barrister-detective to unravel a baffling case filled with romance, mystery, and an eerie absence of motive—can truth triumph ov…
Level C1FantasyThe Story of the White MouseIn the ancient kingdom of Bonbobbin, a brilliant prince obsessed with mice offers half his realm and his bride to anyone who can capture a rare white mouse with green eyes—an elusi…
Level C1HistoricalThe Story of the Sun: New York, 1833-1918Explore the rich history of a pioneering New York newspaper from 1833 to 1918, revealing how its unique spirit and traditions shaped journalism through changing times and notable f…
Level C1AdventureThe Story of the RockA determined boy’s mischievous spirit leads him to the foundations of a lighthouse, sparking dreams of engineering greatness amid a tough upbringing and family struggles by the doc…
Level C1PhilosophyThe Story of the Innumerable Company, and Other SketchesA timeless allegory unfolds as countless travelers journey through a vast mountain and desert, guided by simple signs and a noble path left by one who dared to venture before them.
Level C1FantasyThe Story of the Glittering Plain: Which Has Been Also Called the Land of Living Men or the Acre of the UndyingIn a land where the free-spirited Hallblithe prepares for marriage, mysterious travelers seek the elusive Glittering Plain—a realm where sorrow fades and life endures.
Level C1AdventureThe Story of the Foss River Ranch: A Tale of the NorthwestAt a dazzling Polo Club ball, the fiercely independent Jacky navigates the complex social world of Western Canadian ranching, while her guardian faces the heavy burden of protectin…
Level C1FantasyThe Story of the Champions of the Round TableAmidst war and betrayal, the young Launcelot of the Lake—destined to be the most noble and brave knight—rises from a besieged castle, his legendary birthmark marking him as a shini…
Level C1RomanceThe Story of an Untold LoveA shy young man’s life transforms the moment a spirited, mysterious girl enters his world, igniting a deep, unspoken love that shapes his every memory and longing.
Level C1PoetryThe Story of an Ostrich: An Allegory and Humorous Satire in Rhyme.Discover a witty and profound allegory where an ostrich’s folly reveals deeper truths about human nature, society, and the quest for harmony, all conveyed through charming rhyme an…
Level C1HistoricalThe Story of an African FarmAmid the vast, haunting Karoo plains, a raw and unvarnished tale unfolds, revealing the unpredictable rhythms of life and the complex interplay of human passions far from familiar…
Level C1HistoricalThe Story of a Red DeerA newborn red deer calf experiences the tender care of his mother and the wonders of the natural world around him, unfolding a gentle tale of survival, love, and the subtle lessons…
Level C1ClassicsThe Story of a Play: A NovelA young actor teams up with a playwright determined to stage a grand biblical-themed drama that explores the relentless cycle of sin through a lavish birthday banquet filled with c…
Level C1RomanceThe Story of a PictureA hopeful youth becomes captivated by a delicate portrait of a mysterious girl, but as seasons pass, a shadow of doubt creeps over the once-sweet face, mirroring his growing uncert…
Level C1ClassicsThe Story of a New York HouseIn 1807 New York, a steadfast merchant grapples with the city's rapid transformation—from rising fortunes and genteel ambitions to shifting social orders and the clash between old…
Level C1HistoricalThe Story of a MineA weary prospector struggles through harsh terrain with his loyal mule, only to encounter a mysterious metallurgist who demonstrates a surprising test for silver, sparking hope and…
Level C1ClassicsThe Story of a HareIn the wild, mist-shrouded hills of Cornwall, a clever hare seeks the perfect sanctuary to raise her young amidst lurking predators.
Level C1ClassicsThe Story of a GovernessJanet Summerhayes faces the daunting challenge of becoming a governess, stepping out from the sheltered comfort of her aunt’s home into a world where kindness and neglect intertwin…
Level C1ClassicsThe Story of a GeniusA once-celebrated virtuoso returns from seclusion to conduct his controversial new oratorio, "Satan," stirring skepticism and intrigue among musicians and society alike.
Level C1Children'sThe Story of a DewdropThree curious birds gather at sundown to unravel the mystery of a delicate dewdrop that nightly perches on a roseleaf, sparking a whimsical tale of nature’s quiet wonders and hidde…
Level C1ClassicsThe Story of a Country TownIn a fledgling prairie town, settlers seek new beginnings amid hardship and hope, weaving a tapestry of characters whose lives reflect the challenges and spirit of frontier life.
Level C1Children'sThe Story of a ChildDive into a lyrical journey of childhood impressions, dreams, and emotions, capturing a sensitive soul's awakening to the world's subtle beauties and mysteries through poetic, flow…
Level C1Children'sThe Story of Yvashka with the Bear's EarBorn with a bear's ear and a wild temper, Yvashka is cast out and begins a strange journey filled with unusual companions and encounters, including the fearsome Baba Yaga and her m…
Level C1FantasyThe Story of Venus and Tannhäuser: A Romantic NovelEnter the enchanted realm of Madam Venus, where the knight Tannhäuser experiences seductive pleasures, spiritual turmoil, and a quest for redemption amid divine and earthly passion…
Level C1ClassicsThe Story of Valentine and His BrotherAmid a fierce storm at Rosscraig House, a mother recounts the troubled tale of her son Richard, a man who defied convention by marrying a woman with no roots, a wanderer from the w…
Level C1HistoricalThe Story of TontyIn the rugged wilderness of New France, loyalty and courage bind explorer La Salle and his steadfast companion, Henri de Tonty, as they navigate alliances with Native tribes and fa…
Level C1AdventureThe Story of TimA young boy named Tim is apprenticed to two mysterious brothers who claim to be craftsmen, but their true trade leads him into a daring world of highway robbery and secretive heist…
Level C1HistoricalThe Story of Sonny SahibAmid the chaos of a deadly uprising, a devoted ayah and a fevered mistress prepare for a desperate river escape with a newborn baby, while the shadow of conflict looms over the Ind…
Level C1FantasyThe Story of Sigurd the Volsung and the Fall of the NiblungsJourney through the heroic saga of Sigmund and his son Sigurd as they battle foes, forge legendary swords, and confront cursed treasures amidst gods and kings.
Level C1FantasyThe Story of SiegfriedIn a world where nature’s mysteries are brought to life through ancient myths, a heroic figure emerges to awaken a sleeping spring and battle dark forces, weaving a timeless tale o…
Level C1Children'sThe Story of Rustem, and other Persian hero tales from FirdusiDive into heroic tales from ancient Persia, where legendary warriors like Rustem face doom and destiny amid battles, love, and adventure.
Level C1AdventureThe Story of Rolf and the Viking's BowIn a rugged Icelandic landscape where law and legacy shape destinies, a young man inherits a troubled farm and a turbulent past.
Level C1HistoricalThe Story of Old Fort LoudonPioneers navigate a dense wilderness toward a promising new land beyond the rugged Cumberland Mountains, yet the eerie silence hints they may not be alone.
Level C1HistoricalThe Story of My Heart: An AutobiographyA young soul seeks renewal and inspiration by escaping the monotony of everyday life, climbing a hill to commune deeply with nature’s earth, sun, sea, and sky, yearning to touch a…
Level C1ClassicsThe Story of Mary MacLaneA fiercely original and introspective nineteen-year-old woman confronts her intense loneliness and misunderstood genius in a stark self-portrayal that defies societal norms and exp…
Level C1AdventureThe Story of Magellan and The Discovery of the PhilippinesEmbark on the daring voyage of a man scorned by his homeland yet driven by unyielding faith and passion for discovery, as he navigates unknown seas to reveal new worlds and ignite…
Level C1ClassicsThe Story of KennettIn a tranquil Pennsylvania village in 1796, the residents gather at the old Barton farm for a rare event, where horsemen and townsfolk converge amid the first signs of spring, weav…
Level C1AdventureThe Story of Jack Ballister's Fortunes: Being the narrative of the adventures of a young gentleman of good family, who was kidnapped in the year 1719 and carried to the plantations of the continent of Virginia, where he fell in with that famous pirate Captain Edward Teach, or Blackbeard; of his escape from the pirates and the rescue of a young lady from out their handsKidnapped and sold into servitude on Virginia’s tobacco plantations, a young gentleman finds himself entangled with the infamous pirate Blackbeard, sparking a daring adventure of e…
Level C1HistoricalThe Story of Gunnlaug the Worm-Tongue and Raven the Skald: 1875In a saga woven with dreams, fierce rivalries, and noble kin, Thorstein Egilson’s lineage unfolds amid Iceland’s rugged landscapes.
Level C1FantasyThe Story of Grettir the StrongAmidst a harsh Icelandic landscape, a fierce warrior faces supernatural foes and deadly feuds, battling curses and enemies alike as he seeks honor and survival in a world where fat…
Level C1AdventureThe Story of GombiAn aging big-game hunter recounts his thrilling African expedition, where he encounters elusive pygmy tribes and giant elephants, all amidst the wild beauty and danger of the fadin…
Level C1AdventureThe Story of Frithiof the Bold: 1875In a land of kings and mighty warriors, Frithiof the Bold rises as a fearless hero, navigating fierce rivalries, royal intrigues, and ancient customs to win the hand of Ingibiorg,…
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.