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 C1Children'sThe Parson's Daughter of Oxney ColneNestled on the wild, beautiful edges of Dartmoor, the strong-willed Patience Woolsworthy navigates life as the parson’s daughter in the remote parish of Oxney Colne, where characte…
Level C1ClassicsThe Parson O' DumfordA new vicar arrives in the rough valley town of Dumford, where his calm demeanor meets suspicion and hostility from the local working class.
Level C1RomanceThe Parlor CarA chance encounter on a delayed train reunites Lucy Galbraith and Allen Richards, whose broken engagement simmers beneath tense words and unresolved feelings.
Level C1HistoricalThe Parisians — CompleteDive into the vibrant life of Parisian society as it grapples with the clash of imperial grandeur and democratic change, revealing the sweeping influence of modern ideas on a city…
Level C1ClassicsThe Paris Sketch Book of Mr. M. A. Titmarsh; and the Irish Sketch BookAn English family embarks on a bustling steamboat voyage to Paris, navigating the chaos of travel, lively passengers, and vivid city life.
Level C1ClassicsThe Paris Sketch Book of Mr. M. A. TitmarshAmid the bustling departure from London to Paris, a family's chaotic journey unfolds with humor and vivid detail, capturing the lively scenes and characters encountered on this cro…
Level C1MysteryThe Parenticide ClubA man stands trial for the brutal murder of his mother, but the shocking tale he reveals involves secret societies, family betrayals, and deadly schemes that blur the lines between…
Level C1Children'sThe Parent's Assistant; Or, Stories for ChildrenEngage with instructive tales crafted to nurture young minds, blending moral lessons with relatable stories that encourage virtue, industry, and thoughtful reflection on friendship…
Level C1ClassicsThe Pardoner's WalletExplore the wit and irony woven through essays that reflect on human nature’s quirks, moral saturation, and the curious appeal of medieval pardoners peddling indulgences, blending…
Level C1MysteryThe Parasite: A StoryA rational physiologist confronts his skepticism when invited to witness mysterious psychic experiments, challenging his strict reliance on science and reason as unseen forces begi…
Level C1MysteryThe Paradise MysteryIn the serene cathedral town of Wrychester, a distinguished doctor and two spirited siblings enjoy a peaceful morning—yet beneath the old stone and blooming gardens, an ancient mys…
Level C1PoetryThe Panjandrum Picture BookJoin lively lads and lasses in playful dances, mischievous ravens, and whimsical tales filled with catchy rhymes and charming characters, celebrating festive fun and fanciful adven…
Level C1HistoricalThe Palmy Days of Nance OldfieldBorn into hardship yet destined for the stage, a young Anne Oldfield's charm and talent captivate London's theaters and taverns alike, as she navigates the lively, raucous world of…
Level C1MysteryThe Paliser caseWhen Monty Paliser, heir to a storied New York dynasty, is found murdered, the city buzzes with scandal and suspicion.
Level C1AdventureThe Paladins of Edwin the GreatAmidst the ruins of the Roman Empire, fierce English warriors settle and fight to forge a new kingdom in wild Northumbria.
Level C1PoetryThe Pain and Sorrow of Evil MarriageExplore the humorous and biting verses on the woes of ill-fated marriage, as the narrator candidly recounts the trials of spousal discord and matrimonial regret in a 16th-century p…
Level C1ClassicsThe PagansIn a rain-soaked Boston apartment, a young artist faces a loveless marriage and wrestles with discontent, ambition, and the sacrifices of art and life, while a determined woman cha…
Level C1MysteryThe Pagan's CupIn a remote English village resistant to outsiders, a newcomer seeks peace but finds suspicion and secrets lurking beneath its tranquil surface.
Level C1MysteryThe Pagan MadonnaIn the bustling streets of Shanghai, a mysterious encounter haunts Ling Foo, a shrewd merchant caught in a web of chance and intrigue.
Level C1PoetryThe Pacifist, and other poemsExplore a collection of poignant poems that delve into themes of peace, human struggle, and reflection, capturing voices both timeless and true to their era with unaltered dialect…
Level C1ClassicsThe Pace That Kills: A ChronicleA privileged scion escapes a life of expectation, vanishing from New York society only to resurface years later burdened by family secrets and financial uncertainty.
Level C1ClassicsThe OysterIn a sunlit London flat, Esmé Carteret navigates a life of luxury, social whirl, and fragile health while her husband Bertie faces a looming military deployment to South Africa.
Level C1PoetryThe Oxford book of Portuguese verseExplore the rich tapestry of Portuguese poetry from the 12th to the 20th century, tracing its roots from troubadour influences to unique indigenous verses that reveal the nation’s…
Level C1PoetryThe Oxford Book of English Verse, 1250-1900Explore centuries of English verse, carefully curated and arranged to showcase the finest poems from the 13th to the 19th century, blending lyrical beauty and historical depth to i…
Level C1PoetryThe Oxford Book of BalladsDive into a rich collection of ballads that journey from magic and romance to history and legend, capturing the enduring allure and evolution of this timeless poetic form across ce…
Level C1ClassicsThe Oxford Book of American EssaysExplore the vibrant voices shaping American identity through essays that reflect the unique social and cultural currents of the United States, revealing the distinct flavor and per…
Level C1ClassicsThe Owls' HouseIn a misty Cornish town, John Penhale faces the scars of a violent past and the harsh realities of rural life, where superstition and rugged characters collide.
Level C1AdventureThe Outspan: Tales of South AfricaIn the wild South African veld, a group of pioneers gathers around the campfire to share gripping tales of narrow escapes, treks, and the untamed beauty they live for—where every n…
Level C1ClassicsThe OutrageAt a sun-kissed Belgian beach, spirited Chérie defies strict rules to embrace the freedom of summer days, swimming into the endless blue while navigating youthful friendships and t…
Level C1AdventureThe OutletAs Texas cattle overflow their ranges post-Civil War, drovers battle harsh terrain, hostile tribes, and the vanishing buffalo to carve a new trail northward, seeking a market beyon…
Level C1ClassicsThe OutcryIn a grand English estate steeped in history, Lady Sandgate’s modern restlessness contrasts sharply with the old-world elegance surrounding her, as unexpected visitors and whispere…
Level C1ClassicsThe Outcasts, and Other StoriesIn a dilapidated suburb where hovels crumble and dreams decay, a retired officer runs a grim lodging-house for society’s forgotten.
Level C1HistoricalThe OutcasteIn the Native State of Chirakul, tensions simmer amid cultural clashes and personal tragedies when an aviator’s catastrophic fall sets off a chain of events weaving together friend…
Level C1RomanceThe Other WorldAboard the luxurious steam yacht Bluebottle, a spirited debate unfolds over who will capture Teddy Somers’ heart during a six-month winter cruise.
Level C1ClassicsThe Other GirlsIn a bustling household shaped by small dramas and domestic diplomacy, Sylvie Argenter's life unfolds amid the currents of everyday hopes and challenges, revealing the quiet streng…
Level C1ClassicsThe OsbornesA dazzling London mansion pulses with endless music and light as Mrs.
Level C1HistoricalThe Orpheus C. Kerr Papers, Series 3Amidst the stormy backdrop of Civil War politics, a sharp-witted observer unravels the quirks and convictions of President Lincoln and his cabinet, blending humor with insight in a…
Level C1HistoricalThe Orpheus C. Kerr Papers, Series 2Amidst the chaos of censored war reports, a witty correspondent navigates the absurdities of battle and bureaucracy, blending satire with sharp commentary on strategy and patriotis…
Level C1HistoricalThe Orpheus C. Kerr Papers, Series 1A witty and whimsical memoir unfolds as a New England native recounts his peculiar childhood and the quirky characters, including a sugar-and-water doctor, who shaped his early yea…
Level C1Children'sThe Orphans of Glen ElderA weary traveler returns to a smoky town to find her brother’s orphaned children trapped in illness and hardship.
Level C1HistoricalThe Ornithology of Shakespeare: Critically examined, explained and illustratedDelve into Shakespeare’s rich knowledge of birds, exploring his detailed references to British and foreign species, domesticated and wild, and uncover the natural history woven thr…
Level C1ClassicsThe Orloff Couple, and MalvaExplore the harsh realities of life through the eyes of a young man shaped by hardship and wandering, whose encounters with society's outcasts ignite a fierce literary spirit and a…
Level C1HistoricalThe Orkneyinga SagaExplore the dramatic saga of Norse earls who conquered and ruled the Northern Scottish Isles a millennium ago, blending history and poetry to reveal fierce battles, alliances, and…
Level C1PoetryThe Original Poems of Edward Edwin Foot, of Her Majesty's Customs, LondonA collection of heartfelt poems born from the author's humble life and deep ties to Her Majesty’s Customs, exploring themes from natural beauty to personal reflection.
Level C1Children'sThe Original Fables of La Fontaine: Rendered into English Prose by Fredk. Colin TilneyDiscover timeless tales where clever animals and everyday folk teach lessons through humor and wisdom, inviting young readers into a world of fables that blend gentle satire with h…
Level C1HistoricalThe Oriental tale in England in the eighteenth centuryExplore the intriguing influence of French translations on eighteenth-century English fiction as it embraces and debates the exotic allure of oriental tales, revealing a pivotal ch…
Level C1ClassicsThe Ordeal of Richard Feverel — CompleteA noble baronet, torn between love and friendship, faces betrayal and loneliness after his wife’s infidelity shakes the foundations of his family and heart.
Level C1ClassicsThe Ordeal of ElizabethIn a neglected homestead overshadowed by superstition and faded grandeur, Elizabeth Van Vorst and her children live a life of quiet poverty and restraint, their futures poised on t…
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.