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 Life of Thomas Wanless, PeasantIn a peaceful Warwickshire village, an outsider becomes intrigued by the solitary, dignified peasant Thomas Wanless, whose quiet life and guarded nature mask a deep, untold story.
Level C1ClassicsThe Life of Sir John FalstaffStep into the imagined life of Sir John Falstaff, the witty and roguish knight entwined with historic events and figures of fifteenth-century England.
Level C1ClassicsThe Life of Mr. Richard Savage: Who was Condemn'd with Mr. James Gregory, the last Sessions at the Old Baily, for the Murder of Mr. James Sinclair, at Robinson's Coffee-house at Charing-Cross.Born into scandal and stripped of his noble inheritance, a young man faces a life marked by misfortune and secrecy, raised away from his true parents and burdened by the bitter leg…
Level C1ClassicsThe Life of Mansie Wauch: Tailor in Dalkeith, written by himselfA tailor in Dalkeith shares vivid tales of his life's surprising events and hardships, revealing lessons from a humble yet extraordinary journey through Scottish society.
Level C1ClassicsThe Life of Lord ByronExplore the turbulent life of a gifted yet troubled poet whose early deformity, family legacy, and fierce pride shaped a career marked by both brilliance and controversy.
Level C1ClassicsThe Life of Lazarillo de Tormes: His Fortunes & Adversities; with a Notice of the Mendoza Family, a Short Life of the Author, Don Diego Hurtado De Mendoza, a Notice of the Work, and Some Remarks on the Character of Lazarillo de TormesFollow the cunning Lazarillo as he navigates a harsh world of poverty and deception, revealing the stark realities of 16th-century Spain through his sharp wit and survival instinct…
Level C1PhilosophyThe Life of John RuskinExplore the Scottish roots and profound influences that shaped John Ruskin’s life and thought, revealing the heritage behind his passionate blend of philosophy, art, and social cri…
Level C1HistoricalThe Life of John Milton, Volume 5 (of 7), 1654-1660: Narrated in Connexion with the Political, Ecclesiastical, and Literary History of His TimeAmidst Cromwell's turbulent Protectorate, political intrigue and religious upheaval reshape England's future, while John Milton navigates his role as secretary in a time of conspir…
Level C1HistoricalThe Life of John Milton Volume 3 1643-1649: Narrated in Connexion with the Political, Ecclesiastical, and Literary History of His TimeAmidst the turmoil of the English Civil War and fierce religious debates, a relentless figure battles personal strife and public controversy, crafting influential works on divorce,…
Level C1PoetryThe Life of John ClareBorn into poverty in a tiny village cottage, a gifted farm laborer rises as a celebrated poet hailed as the "Northamptonshire Peasant.
Level C1HistoricalThe Life of John BunyanBorn into humble origins amid the political and religious turmoil of 17th-century England, John Bunyan's life unfolds against a backdrop of shifting power and deep faith.
Level C1ClassicsThe Life of George BorrowExplore the life and travels of George Borrow, born in rural Norfolk, whose early years near the poet Cowper’s resting place shaped a unique journey from quiet countryside to wide-…
Level C1ClassicsThe Life of George BorrowFollow the extraordinary journey of a once-unknown writer turned daring missionary whose courage in Spain nearly sparked an international crisis, revealing a life rich with adventu…
Level C1ClassicsThe Life of Friedrich Schiller: Comprehending an Examination of His WorksExplore the life and works of Friedrich Schiller, a brilliant mind who overcame illness and adversity to create timeless literature in a language still evolving.
Level C1ClassicsThe Life of Francis ThompsonBorn into a devout Catholic family marked by spiritual struggles and poetic uncles, Francis Thompson’s early life unfolds amid kindness, faith, and a yearning for a sacred calling…
Level C1HistoricalThe Life of Daniel De FoeExplore the turbulent life of Daniel De Foe, a passionate writer and soldier who navigates political intrigue, religious dissent, and personal ambition in 17th-century England.
Level C1ClassicsThe Life of Charlotte Brontë — Volume 2Explore the intimate trials and triumphs behind Charlotte Brontë’s literary masterpieces, from the creation of Jane Eyre to personal losses and critical acclaim, revealing the resi…
Level C1ClassicsThe Life of Charlotte Brontë — Volume 1Journey through the evolving industrial landscape of 19th-century Yorkshire, where the rising town of Keighley leads to the remote village of Haworth, set against wild moors and st…
Level C1HistoricalThe Life of CervantesExplore the extraordinary life of a soldier and writer whose valor and hardship shaped the masterpiece Don Quixote, set against Spain’s golden age and decline, revealing a man as c…
Level C1HistoricalThe Life of Bret Harte, with Some Account of the California PioneersDiscover the life behind the legend as a refined gentleman emerges from California’s rugged pioneer era, revealing the true story of a writer whose name became synonymous with the…
Level C1ClassicsThe Life and Works of Friedrich SchillerExplore the life and works of Friedrich Schiller through a thoughtful, balanced narrative that delves into his childhood, education, and creative genius, revealing the man behind t…
Level C1ClassicsThe Life and Romances of Mrs. Eliza HaywoodExplore the fascinating life and works of an influential eighteenth-century woman novelist whose passionate romances and domestic tales shaped the evolution of English fiction, aga…
Level C1HistoricalThe Life and Perambulations of a MouseTrapped by a fierce winter at Meadow Hall, a lively group entertains themselves by sharing life stories—until a surprising request comes from an unexpected guest: a talking mouse e…
Level C1AdventureThe Life and Most Surprising Adventures of Robinson Crusoe, of York, Mariner (1801)A young man defies his father's wishes to seek adventure at sea, embarking on a journey that leads to survival and solitude on a remote island.
Level C1HistoricalThe Life and Letters of Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley, Volume 2 (of 2)Amidst grief and desperate hope, a close circle confronts tragedy on the Italian coast as they search for missing loved ones lost at sea.
Level C1HistoricalThe Life and Letters of Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley, Volume 1 (of 2)Explore the remarkable life of Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley, whose intellect and character shaped and were shaped by her famed poet husband.
Level C1ClassicsThe Life and Letters of Maria Edgeworth, Volume 2Journey through vivid Swiss landscapes alongside an intrepid traveler as she navigates towering glaciers, cascading waterfalls, and quaint villages, uncovering the sublime beauty a…
Level C1ClassicsThe Life and Letters of Maria Edgeworth, Volume 1Delve into the intimate letters and life of a woman who shunned public attention yet left a vivid portrait of her era, family, and the heartfelt simplicity of domestic existence wo…
Level C1FantasyThe Life and Letters of Lewis Carroll (Rev. C. L. Dodgson)Explore the fascinating life behind the whimsical worlds of Lewis Carroll, revealing the man’s boyish amusements, academic achievements, and the inspirations that gave birth to Won…
Level C1ClassicsThe Life and Letters of Lafcadio Hearn, Volume 2Delve into the intimate letters and vivid reflections of a foreigner embracing life in Japan, capturing its serene nature, rich culture, and profound spirituality while navigating…
Level C1ClassicsThe Life and Letters of Lafcadio Hearn, Volume 1Explore the intimate letters and personal reflections of Lafcadio Hearn, revealing the modesty, humor, and genius behind his celebrated literary career.
Level C1HistoricalThe Life and Letters of Elizabeth PrentissExplore the intimate letters and journals of a devoted Christian woman whose life weaves through love, loss, faith, and resilience.
Level C1ClassicsThe Life and Genius of Nathaniel HawthorneExplore the life and legacy of Nathaniel Hawthorne through detailed accounts of his ancestry, upbringing in Salem, and the cultural backdrop that shaped his exceptional literary ge…
Level C1PoetryThe Life and Death of Tom Careless: to which is added, The History of Will Worthy & Nancy WilmotA lively carpenter’s reckless joy spirals into a haunting reckoning with mortality and conscience, while a newlywed’s sudden death sparks a poignant journey of grief, faith, and ho…
Level C1HistoricalThe Life and Death of Richard Yea-and-NayTorn by fierce passion and divided loyalties, Richard Count of Poictou rides through a dark, oppressive night to meet the enigmatic Jehane Saint-Pol beneath ominous fires flickerin…
Level C1ClassicsThe Life and Death of Doctor Faustus Made into a FarceA witty farce transforms the legendary tale of Doctor Faustus into a lively satire, blending solid sense with sprightly wit as it follows the infamous scholar’s comedic misadventur…
Level C1ClassicsThe Life and Beauties of Fanny FernExplore the vivid life and sharp wit of Fanny Fern, who turns her schoolgirl experiences and keen observations of human nature into biting satire, heartfelt pathos, and lively sket…
Level C1ClassicsThe Life and Amours of the Beautiful, Gay and Dashing Kate Percival: The Belle of the DelawareA woman of pleasure recounts her extraordinary life, beginning in a lonely Pennsylvania riverside home where childhood was marked by neglect and sorrow.
Level C1AdventureThe Life and Adventures of Robinson Crusoe of York, Mariner, Volume 1: With an Account of His Travels Round Three Parts of the Globe,: Written By Himself, in Two VolumesA determined mariner recounts his daring voyages across three continents, navigating treacherous seas and unforeseen dangers.
Level C1AdventureThe Life and Adventures of Robinson Crusoe (1808)Stranded on a deserted island, a resourceful castaway crafts a canoe and confronts the challenges of solitude and survival.
Level C1AdventureThe Life and Adventures of Robinson CrusoeA restless young man defies his family’s wishes to seek adventure at sea, setting out from a comfortable life toward unknown trials and hardships.
Level C1FantasyThe Life and Adventures of Peter Wilkins, Volume 1 (of 2)Stranded on a mysterious island, Peter Wilkins embarks on an extraordinary journey where human wings grant flight and fantastical adventures unfold in a world both wondrous and str…
Level C1FantasyThe Life and Adventures of Peter Wilkins, Complete (Volumes 1 and 2)Shipwrecked on a mysterious island, Peter Wilkins discovers a hidden world where winged beings soar through the skies.
Level C1ClassicsThe Life and Adventures of Maj. Roger Sherman PotterFollow the escapades of Major Roger Sherman Potter as he navigates war, politics, and society with wit and unexpected polish, challenging stereotypes of the American character in a…
Level C1RomanceThe Life and Adventures of Guzman D'Alfarache, or the Spanish Rogue, vol. 3/3A young nobleman arrives at the Grand Duke’s court, where his mysterious presence and sharp wit spark curiosity and a lady’s affection.
Level C1ClassicsThe Life and Adventures of Guzman D'Alfarache, or the Spanish Rogue, vol. 2/3A resourceful young rogue returns to his old trade as a basket-bearer after losing his place in a noble kitchen, navigating the bustling market life and plotting a daring journey t…
Level C1ClassicsThe Life and Adventures of Guzman D'Alfarache, or the Spanish Rogue, vol. 1/3Follow the cunning exploits of Guzman d’Alfarache, a notorious Spanish rogue whose adventures blend thrilling mischief with sharp moral lessons, revealing the folly of crime throug…
Level C1ClassicsThe Life Story of an OtterIn a hidden morass, a devoted otter mother fiercely protects her vulnerable cubs against the harsh winter and lurking 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.