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 Romance of Mathematics: Being the Original Researches of a Lady Professor of Girtham College in Polemical Science, with some Account of the Social Properties of a Conic; Equations to Brain Waves; Social Forces; and the Laws of Political Motion.Unearth groundbreaking research from a pioneering Lady Professor whose studies blend mathematics with social and political forces, revealing original insights on brain waves, conic…
Level C1HistoricalThe Romance of Leonardo da Vinci, the ForerunnerIn Renaissance Florence, amid guilds and secret dealings, a merchant and his tenant embark on a mysterious quest tied to ancient idols and forbidden sin, revealing the turbulent cl…
Level C1RomanceThe Romance of His Life, and Other RomancesIn a charming Suffolk cottage, love stirs unexpectedly in middle age, defying caution and convention.
Level C1FantasyThe Romance of Golden Star ...In a world where ancient Inca mysteries blur the line between life and death, a professor and a daring physiologist uncover a perfectly preserved mummy that may hold the key to los…
Level C1RomanceThe Romance of Gilbert Holmes: An Historical NovelAmid the fading bustle of New Orleans' steamboat wharves, a poignant journey begins, weaving tales of love, life, and hardship in the rugged new country.
Level C1RomanceThe Romance of DollardIn 1660 Quebec, amid the wild Canadian frontier and looming French fortresses, two young men witness the arrival of a spring ship from France, sparking a tale of heroic exploits, f…
Level C1ClassicsThe Romance of Biography (Vol 2 of 2): or Memoirs of Women Loved and Celebrated by Poets, from the Days of the Troubadours to the Present Age. 3rd ed. 2 Vols.Explore the passionate lives of women who inspired poets from the Troubadours to Queen Anne’s era, revealing how beauty and virtue shaped the hearts and verses of literary geniuses…
Level C1HistoricalThe Romance of Biography (Vol 1 of 2): or Memoirs of Women Loved and Celebrated by Poets, from the Days of the Troubadours to the Present Age. 3rd ed. 2 Vols.Explore the captivating lives of women who inspired poets from the Troubadours to modern times, revealing how their beauty and virtue shaped the genius and works of history’s great…
Level C1ClassicsThe Romance Of Giovanni Calvotti: From Coals Of Fire And Other Stories, Volume II. (of III.)An Italian artist trapped in poverty and isolation in a bustling London attic struggles to nurture his many talents—painting, music, poetry—while defying fate with unwavering cheer…
Level C1MysteryThe Roman hat mysteryWhen a baffling murder shakes New York, a sharp detective and his astute father delve into the mystery with meticulous notes and keen observation.
Level C1HistoricalThe Roman Traitor, Vol. 2Amid the crumbling grandeur of Rome's Republic, suspicion and unrest simmer as Catiline’s rise stirs fear among the common folk, challenging the ancient ideals of honor and loyalty…
Level C1HistoricalThe Roman Traitor, Vol. 1In the shadowed streets of late Republican Rome, political conspiracy brews as powerful figures grapple with betrayal and ambition.
Level C1ClassicsThe Roman Pronunciation of Latin: Why We Use It and How to Use ItUnlock the secrets of authentic Roman Latin pronunciation through detailed explanations of sounds, accents, and rhythms, guided by classical authorities and inscriptions.
Level C1HistoricalThe Roman Poets of the Republic, 3rd editionExplore the evolution of Roman poetry from its indigenous roots through the works of pioneers like Ennius and Lucretius to the comedic genius of Plautus and Terence, revealing the…
Level C1HistoricalThe Roman Poets of the Augustan Age: VirgilExplore the rich literary world of the Augustan Age, tracing Virgil’s life and poetry within the transformative era from the Republic’s fall to the rise of the Empire, revealing th…
Level C1ClassicsThe Roll-Call Of The ReefAmid a fierce storm on the treacherous Manacle Reef, a mysterious locked drum and trumpet hold secrets tied to a sunken sloop-of-war and restless ghosts—unravel a haunting tale of…
Level C1ClassicsThe Roll-CallAn ambitious young architect in early 1900s London navigates professional challenges and social intricacies while seeking a new home, discovering unexpected connections and insight…
Level C1AdventureThe Rock of the LionA young midshipman, once captured fighting against the King, now finds himself aboard a mighty English warship under Admiral Kempenfelt.
Level C1ClassicsThe Rock Ahead: A Novel. (Vol. 2)In the labyrinthine courts of London, a weary outsider navigates a grimy, bustling inn filled with desperate souls and shadowy figures, seeking answers in a detective's shabby offi…
Level C1ClassicsThe Rock Ahead: A Novel. (Vol. 1)Under the blazing August sun of Brighton, the high-stakes world of horse racing unfolds, filled with cunning bookmakers, eager bettors, and sharp-witted companions navigating fortu…
Level C1ClassicsThe RobbersTwo brothers, one noble and one corrupted by ambition, clash amidst crime and conscience in a tale that probes the darkest depths of vice and the complex nature of virtue.
Level C1ClassicsThe Robber, A Tale.In a tranquil English countryside untouched by courtly intrigues, ancient nobility and country gentlemen maintain a delicate balance of power and tradition.
Level C1RomanceThe Robber Baron of Bedford CastleIn the turbulent reign after King John, young knight Ralph de Beauchamp seeks to reclaim his family’s ancestral Bedford Castle, now held by a ruthless robber baron.
Level C1PhilosophyThe RoadmenderA roadmender finds peace and purpose in simple service, communing with nature and his fellow men along a quiet country path.
Level C1ClassicsThe Road to the OpenA young man grapples with the recent death of his father while sifting through his family's history in a fading Viennese estate, haunted by memories and uncertain about his own fut…
Level C1ClassicsThe Road to ProvidenceAmid the rustic charm of Providence Road, a young doctor and his mother navigate the quirks of farm life and the tender trials of motherhood, blending humor and warmth in a world w…
Level C1ClassicsThe Road to Mandalay: A Tale of BurmaIn a quiet village, the sudden sight of drawn blinds at the usually lively ‘Littlecote’ sparks suspicion and whispers of trouble.
Level C1ClassicsThe Road to Damascus, a TrilogyA restless soul confronts the torment of love, faith, and identity in a gripping drama of inner conflict and transformation.
Level C1AdventureThe RivermanAmid the rugged forests and roaring rivers of 1872, a seasoned crew of river drivers confronts the relentless forces of nature and tension within their ranks, where every misstep c…
Level C1AdventureThe River's EndIn the frozen wilderness near Hudson's Bay, a relentless Mountie finally captures his outlaw rival, only to face a cruel twist of fate as illness turns their hunter-prey bond into…
Level C1ClassicsThe River's Children: An Idyl of the MississippiAs the mighty Mississippi threatens to breach its banks, a diverse band of workers battles to hold back the flood, weaving faith, fear, and resilience into a tense struggle against…
Level C1ClassicsThe Rivals: A ComedyIn a spirited comedy exploring youthful ambition and theatrical mishaps, a novice playwright navigates the challenges of public judgment and self-doubt, revealing the delicate danc…
Level C1AdventureThe Rivals of Acadia: An Old Story of the New WorldTensions rise in 1643 Boston as a French warship approaches the harbor, threatening the peaceful colony.
Level C1HistoricalThe Rival Heirs; being the Third and Last Chronicle of AescenduneAmid the upheaval of the Norman Conquest, two nations collide on the same soil—one ruling with opulence and pride, the other stripped of honor and land.
Level C1AdventureThe Rival Crusoes; Or, The Ship Wreck: Also A Voyage to Norway; and The Fisherman's Cottage.Two rival young men clash over a stolen miniature frigate, sparking a fierce contest of skill and pride by the lake.
Level C1ClassicsThe Rising of the Tide: The Story of SabinsportIn a town crippled by corruption and apathy, a young editor risks everything to expose the graft controlling Sabinsport.
Level C1RomanceThe Rising of the Red Man: A Romance of the Louis Riel RebellionAmidst a tense spring thaw in 1885, a fiery prophet rallies half-breeds and Indigenous tribes with promises of a new spiritual era and rebellion, as an eclipse casts an eerie shado…
Level C1ClassicsThe Rising of the CourtIn a grimy courtroom filled with society’s outcasts and weary officials, the harsh realities of justice and survival unfold through the eyes of those caught in its grip, revealing…
Level C1HistoricalThe Rise of IskanderAmid the ancient splendor of Athens, a noble warrior torn between allegiance and heritage faces a sudden summons to battle, challenging his loyalties as political tides shift and o…
Level C1ClassicsThe Rise of David LevinskyBorn into poverty in Russia and arriving in America with only four cents, a determined young immigrant reflects on his humble origins as he navigates the challenges of identity, me…
Level C1ClassicsThe Right of Way — CompleteIn a tale born from the streets of Quebec, Charley Steele's journey unfolds through trials, discoveries, and deep human struggles, weaving a richly layered story of fate, friendshi…
Level C1ClassicsThe Right Stuff: Some Episodes in the Career of a North BritonA shy country youth confronts the overwhelming city of Edinburgh and the daunting exam that will decide his future, navigating unfamiliar streets, social challenges, and the pressu…
Level C1ClassicsThe Right Knock: A StoryDiscover the transformative journey of Mrs.
Level C1AdventureThe Rifle RangersJourney to the untamed land of Anahuac, where emerald forests, towering mountains, and vast deserts hide legends of love, revenge, and adventure.
Level C1MysteryThe Riders of Ramapo PassIn a lawless Western town where fortune and death ride side by side, a sharp-eyed stranger arrives with a mysterious purpose, encountering wary locals and deadly warnings as he see…
Level C1MysteryThe Rider of the Mohave: A Western StoryIn a lawless desert town bursting with gold fever and wild nights, a mysterious rider ignites chaos with a daring challenge to find a legendary sheriff.
Level C1ClassicsThe Rider of WaroonaAn embittered man returns to reclaim his land and exact revenge after a cruel betrayal by the woman he adored and her deceitful lover.
Level C1MysteryThe Riddle of the SandsTwo friends uncover a secret German plot during a seemingly innocent yachting cruise, risking everything to alert their government and protect their country from unseen dangers.
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.