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 OrchidLydia Arnold captivates Westfield society with her sharp intellect and poised demeanor, yet her true intentions remain a mystery as whispers swirl about her romantic future and the…
Level C1HistoricalThe Orations of Marcus Tullius Cicero, Volume 4In the turbulent aftermath of Julius Caesar's assassination, political alliances shift and power struggles ignite as Cicero navigates Rome's dangerous landscape, confronting Mark A…
Level C1HistoricalThe Orations of LysiasIn a stirring funeral oration, the valor and sacrifices of Athenian warriors are honored as their deeds inspire courage and justice.
Level C1MysteryThe Orange-Yellow DiamondIn the bleak streets of Paddington, a struggling young writer faces hunger and debt, forced to pawn his cherished watch to settle his landlady’s pressing rent demands.
Level C1HistoricalThe Orange GirlImprisoned for debt in the grim King's Bench, a young fiddler clings to hope and livelihood through music amid despair and forgotten souls.
Level C1Children'sThe Orange Fairy BookJourney through a vibrant collection of enchanting tales from around the world, where clever heroes, magical creatures, and timeless adventures bring ancient folklore to life for c…
Level C1ClassicsThe Optimist's Good MorningBegin each day with a moment of hope and courage through brief, uplifting readings and prayers designed for busy lives.
Level C1RomanceThe Opened Shutters: A NovelIn a quiet town, Judge Trent wrestles with memories of a lost love while mentoring a bright young lawyer.
Level C1ClassicsThe Open Window: Tales of the MonthsExperience the quiet rhythms of a winter landscape where gardens resist sleep, dogs find warmth by the fire, and the cycle of nature unfolds amid the hardships and small comforts o…
Level C1HistoricalThe Open Question: A Tale of Two TemperamentsIn a Southern family haunted by religious turmoil and legacy, three delicate children navigate their mother’s fierce faith and spiritual battles amid a fading lineage.
Level C1FantasyThe Open Door, and the Portrait.: Stories of the Seen and the Unseen.A family settles into a Scottish estate near Edinburgh, where the fresh countryside and ancient ruins offer a serene backdrop for their new life—yet beneath the calm surface, the m…
Level C1MysteryThe Opal SerpentA rebellious young writer breaks free from his oppressive family to make his mark in London, determined to forge a new life on his own terms amid bitter familial conflict and high…
Level C1PoetryThe Only True Mother Goose Melodies: Without Addition or AbridgementDelight in timeless nursery rhymes and melodies that have soothed generations of children, told through the enchanting voice of Mother Goose herself.
Level C1PoetryThe Only True Mother Goose MelodiesStep into a 19th-century Boston nursery where English nursery rhymes and London ditties lull children to sleep, preserving a rich heritage of melodies that bridge old customs and n…
Level C1HistoricalThe Olynthiacs and the Phillippics of Demosthenes: Literally translated with notesAmid rising tensions in ancient Macedonia, a city fears the growing power of Philip and seeks alliance with Athens.
Level C1Children'sThe Old-Fashioned Fairy BookEnter a world where playful children and their faithful dog embark on enchanting adventures by babbling brooks and shady groves, as timeless fairy tales of giants, witches, and mag…
Level C1HistoricalThe Old Yellow Book: Source of Robert Browning's The Ring and the BookIn 1698 Rome, a brutal assassination shakes the city as a nobleman and his accomplices face a gripping trial that reveals dark secrets and fierce legal battles, captured in the soi…
Level C1ClassicsThe Old Wives' TaleTwo sisters embark on divergent paths from youth to old age, revealing the intimate triumphs and sorrows of ordinary lives.
Level C1MysteryThe Old Stone House and Other StoriesA chance encounter with an eerie, unfinished stone house in a quiet New York village sparks a chilling mystery.
Level C1ClassicsThe Old RoomA mysterious, richly adorned room hidden within a grand house holds its secrets behind a door never opened to strangers, where light and shadow play over untold stories guarded by…
Level C1RomanceThe Old Peabody Pew: A Christmas Romance of a Country ChurchIn a quiet New England village, the old Tory Hill Meeting-House stands as a testament to fading traditions and the efforts of determined women striving to preserve their cherished…
Level C1ClassicsThe Old Manse (From "Mosses from an Old Manse")An old parsonage, steeped in generations of solemn sermons and cloaked in quiet seclusion, becomes a sanctuary for reflection and creativity.
Level C1ClassicsThe Old Man of the Mountain, The Lovecharm and Pietro of Abano: Tales from the German of TieckIn a gloomy mountain valley ruled by the wealthy and enigmatic Herr Balthasar, young William faces mysterious accusations and a sudden departure that threatens his future—will he s…
Level C1MysteryThe Old Man in the CornerA pale, timid man challenges a journalist’s skepticism by claiming no crime is truly mysterious when intelligence is applied, sparking a riveting exploration of the baffling Fenchu…
Level C1ClassicsThe Old Maids' ClubA sharp-witted young woman navigates the pressures of society and marriage proposals while defiantly managing her wealthy father's expectations.
Level C1ClassicsThe Old HomesteadIn a cramped attic filled with hardship and hope, a young girl clings to faith and the promise of her father's return, revealing the quiet strength and resilience of New England fa…
Level C1ClassicsThe Old Helmet, Volume IIHaunted by inner turmoil, Eleanor seeks solace in weekly meetings that challenge her hardened heart and wavering faith.
Level C1HistoricalThe Old Helmet, Volume IAmid ancient, ivy-clad priory ruins, Eleanor finds herself unexpectedly paired with a mysterious, grave stranger during a day meant for pleasure.
Level C1ClassicsThe Old Folks' Party: 1898A spirited group of friends plans an unusual "old folks' party," imagining themselves as their future septuagenarian selves to explore how time might change their appearance, chara…
Level C1RomanceThe Old Flute-Player: A Romance of To-dayIn a modest London lodging, a mysterious German flutist and his beautiful, reclusive daughter captivate the curious residents around them.
Level C1PoetryThe Old English PhysiologusExplore the mythical creatures of land, sea, and sky through ancient poems that reveal their wondrous traits and spiritual lessons, from the majestic panther roaming distant caves…
Level C1FantasyThe Old English Baron: a Gothic StoryAmidst the turbulent reign of Henry VI, a noble knight returns from epic battles abroad only to uncover dark secrets and ancient mysteries within a Gothic castle, blending chivalry…
Level C1HistoricalThe Old DominionA British consul’s journey through 1830s Virginia reveals a vivid portrait of life amid the tensions of slavery, rebellion, and social conflict, blending thoughtful history with a…
Level C1HistoricalThe Old DominionIn 1663 Virginia, a spirited young woman eagerly awaits a shipment from England that promises exquisite gowns and worldly luxuries, revealing the clash of refined English customs w…
Level C1ClassicsThe Old Debauchees. A ComedyIn a lively Toulon household, youthful Isabel resists the call to a nunnery, embracing the pleasures of the world, while the irreverent Old Laroon nostalgically recalls his wild yo…
Level C1ClassicsThe Old Curiosity ShopAn old man’s nightly wanderings lead him to a mysterious, trusting little girl lost in the city, sparking a journey filled with curiosity, secrets, and unexpected companionship ami…
Level C1ClassicsThe Old Countess; or, The Two ProposalsHaunted by a tragic past and a wrongful accusation, Hepworth Closs seeks redemption through honest toil across the globe, only to find unexpected love and stirring challenges upon…
Level C1ClassicsThe Old Church ClockIn a remote corner of the English Lakes, a dedicated parish priest upholds the true teachings of faith through discipline and outward acts, revealing the enduring power of doctrine…
Level C1HistoricalThe Old Chelsea Bun-House: A Tale of the Last CenturyIn a bustling Chelsea bun-house, Lady Betty Spadille, once a celebrated beauty, now confronts fading glory amid lively company and sharp social contrasts.
Level C1PoetryThe Old Bush SongsVividly capturing the raw spirit of Australia’s early days, these rugged bush ballads echo the life of shearing sheds, gold diggings, and overland trails, preserving the untamed vo…
Level C1ClassicsThe Old Bachelor: A ComedyIn a sharp comedy of manners, the Old Bachelor exposes the follies and vices of high society with wit and satire, revealing a world where gallantry masks deeper moral complexities…
Level C1ClassicsThe Old Apple Dealer (From "Mosses from an Old Manse")An overlooked old apple dealer quietly endures poverty and loneliness at a bustling railroad depot, his humble wares and faded presence revealing a life shaped by quiet despair and…
Level C1AdventureThe Old Adam: A Story of AdventureAfter a sudden financial windfall, Edward Henry Machin wrestles with unexpected dissatisfaction and the subtle tensions lurking within his meticulously ordered household, revealing…
Level C1PoetryThe Odyssey: Rendered into English prose for the use of those who cannot read the originalEmbark on the perilous journey of Odysseus, trapped by gods and longing for home after the fall of Troy, as divine wrath and mortal folly intertwine in a vivid quest across ancient…
Level C1AdventureThe Odyssey of HomerEmbark on the epic journey of Odysseus as he navigates gods, heroes, and the ancient world’s dangers, revealing timeless tales of adventure and the relentless pursuit of home amids…
Level C1PoetryThe Odes of AnacreonImmerse yourself in a world where love, youth, and mirth intertwine beneath Greek skies, as delicate odes celebrate the pleasures of life with graceful poetry and vivid illustratio…
Level C1PoetryThe Odes and Carmen Saeculare of HoraceExplore the challenge of capturing Horace’s precise metrical grace and sententious wisdom in English, as the translator navigates the delicate balance between literal fidelity and…
Level C1ClassicsThe Odd WomenIn a seaside town, a devoted father dreams of a future where his daughters are free from financial worries, as they navigate societal expectations and the challenges facing women i…
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.