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 C1HistoricalThe Merry Men, and Other Tales and FablesIn a rugged, sea-swept corner of Scotland, a young man returns to his uncle’s isolated farm on Aros, where wild landscapes and ancient cliffs hold secrets and the relentless roar o…
Level C1ClassicsThe Merry Devil of EdmontonA scholar bound by a dark pact with a devilish spirit gains seven years of life to accomplish urgent business before his soul is claimed.
Level C1Children'sThe Merry Christmas of the Old Woman who Lived in a ShoeIn a whimsical shoe-shaped house, an old woman and her lively children prepare for a joyful Christmas filled with songs, presents, and the magical arrival of Santa Claus.
Level C1Children'sThe Merry Andrew; or, The Humours of a Fair.Join the bustling fair where mischievous boys dodge crowds, colorful stalls tempt with gingerbread and games, and a witty doctor and his Merry Andrew stir up laughter and lessons a…
Level C1FantasyThe Merry Adventures of Robin HoodIn the vibrant Sherwood Forest, Robin Hood and his merry band of outlaws live freely, skilled in archery and bound by laughter and loyalty.
Level C1ClassicsThe Merrie Tales of Jacques TournebrocheIn a lavish palace beneath a golden dome, Emperor Charlemagne and his knights boast of daring feats, sparking a challenge to rival the legendary Hercules by winning the favor of a…
Level C1FantasyThe Merman and the Figure-HeadA daring merchant defies tradition by naming his new ship The Sea-nymph, complete with a striking figurehead carved by the finest artisan.
Level C1RomanceThe Mermaid: A Love TaleA thoughtful young scholar from a strict farming family encounters a sorrowful child near a bleak seaside farm, awakening him to the harsh realities beyond his sheltered upbringing…
Level C1HistoricalThe Mercy of the LordIn a serene Eastern garden overshadowed by an impending frontier war, a spirited young man deciphers mysterious relics while Western visitors grapple with the clash of cultures and…
Level C1ClassicsThe Mercy of AllahIn the bustling city of Bagdad, a wealthy merchant shares with his nephews the unpredictable path to fortune, blending sharp wit and divine mercy in a tale of ambition, faith, and…
Level C1RomanceThe Merchant Prince of Cornville: A ComedyIn an orchard by the sea, a mysterious figure known as Ideal hides behind a tree, sparking a whimsical encounter with Violet, a woman enchanted by poetic fancy and refined sensibil…
Level C1HistoricalThe Mercenary: A Tale of The Thirty Years' WarAmid the brutal sack of Magdeburg during the Thirty Years’ War, a seasoned mercenary captain navigates a city reduced to rubble, seeking plunder and confronting a defiant noblewoma…
Level C1ClassicsThe Mentor: Shakespeare's Country, Vol. 4, Num. 8, Serial No. 108, June 1, 1916Explore the tranquil beauty of Stratford-upon-Avon and the historic castles of Warwick and Kenilworth, where Shakespeare’s legacy intertwines with captivating tales of English lege…
Level C1HistoricalThe Mentor: Makers of American Fiction, Vol. 6, Num. 14, Serial No. 162, September 1, 1918Explore the intricate craft behind storytelling as this work delves into the essential elements of fiction—plot, character, emotion, and style—unveiling the painstaking art that tr…
Level C1PoetryThe Mentor: Famous English Poets, Vol. 1, Num. 44, Serial No. 44Explore the passionate lives and revolutionary spirits of six towering 19th-century English poets, from Byron’s tempestuous genius to Shelley’s soaring visions, revealing how their…
Level C1ClassicsThe Mentor: American Novelists, Vol. 1, No. 25Explore the evolution of American literature through intimate portraits of its pioneering novelists, from Cooper's frontier tales to James's psychological insights and Howells's re…
Level C1HistoricalThe Men of the NinetiesIn the vibrant London of the 1890s, a bold group of young men inspired by French art and literature ignite a radical transformation in English art, challenging Victorian norms and…
Level C1AdventureThe Men of the Moss-Hags: Being a history of adventure taken from the papers of William Gordon of Earlstoun in GallowayAmidst the wild moors and moss-hags of Galloway, childhood friendships endure as shadowy dangers loom from troopers and plunderers.
Level C1Science FictionThe Men Who WroughtIn the tense aftermath of a devastating war, a ship magnate and his son confront the looming threat of relentless inventors whose creations could shape the fate of their nation.
Level C1ClassicsThe Memoirs of Victor HugoExperience the vivid tapestry of 19th-century France through the eyes of a literary giant, blending intimate reflections with dramatic historical events—from royal coronations and…
Level C1ClassicsThe Memoirs of Count Carlo Gozzi; Volume the SecondDelve into the candid and witty memoirs of a contemplative Venetian nobleman, who reveals his physical quirks, solitary nature, and unconventional approach to fame and fortune amid…
Level C1ClassicsThe Memoirs of Count Carlo Gozzi; Volume the FirstExplore the vivid memoirs of a Venetian nobleman navigating the waning days of an era marked by decadence, wit, and dramatic tales of love and society.
Level C1ClassicsThe Melting-PotIn a modest New York home, Mendel Quixano, a struggling Jewish music teacher, navigates cultural clashes and daily hardships with his Irish maid and family, revealing the complex b…
Level C1PoetryThe Melody of Earth: An Anthology of Garden and Nature Poems From Present-Day PoetsDiscover the subtle melodies of earth through a curated collection of garden and nature poems, where each verse captures the timeless harmony and inspiration found in the natural w…
Level C1PhilosophyThe Meditations of the Emperor Marcus Aurelius Antoninus: A new rendering based on the Foulis translation of 1742A Roman emperor reflects on the virtues and wisdom imparted by his family and tutors, revealing a life guided by philosophy, restraint, and reason.
Level C1MysteryThe Medici BootsAn ancient pair of amethyst-adorned boots, steeped in dark history and cursed by the Church, resurfaces after decades locked away—posing a deadly mystery for the heirs who must dec…
Level C1ClassicsThe Measure of a ManA man of faith embarks on a solitary journey across the rugged Shetland landscape and the vast North Sea, embodying strength, grace, and a deep love that promises to reveal the tru…
Level C1RomanceThe McBrides: A Romance of ArranAmid the rolling hills and ancient traditions of Arran, a spirited community weaves tales of love, rivalry, and resilience.
Level C1ClassicsThe Mayor of WarwickA young academic arrives at the venerable but struggling St.
Level C1HistoricalThe Mayor of TroyIn a quaint Cornish town famed for its vanished mayor and lost records, the tale unfolds through a recovered manuscript revealing the captivating story behind Troy’s most beloved e…
Level C1ClassicsThe Mayor of CasterbridgeA somber man and his silent wife arrive at the fading village of Weydon-Priors, carrying a heavy past as they seek work and shelter amid the town’s harsh decline.
Level C1HistoricalThe Maya Chronicles: Brinton's Library Of Aboriginal American Literature, Number 1Uncover the rich heritage of the Maya people through their own chronicles, revealing their language, history, calendar, and political life at the time of conquest.
Level C1ClassicsThe May Flower, and Miscellaneous WritingsIn a quaint New England village untouched by time, everyday lives unfold with quiet charm and steadfast traditions.
Level C1MysteryThe Mating of LydiaIn a gloomy, cluttered Georgian house, old tensions rise as a reluctant family prepares to welcome a mysterious foreign mistress and her young child, stirring suspicion and unease.
Level C1ClassicsThe Matador of the Five Towns and Other StoriesIn the bustling Five Towns, forgotten family birthdays spark unexpected chaos and humor, while a visitor finds himself caught between warm hospitality and local eccentricities.
Level C1ClassicsThe MasterfolkIn the dim editorial office of a struggling weekly review, a young writer and the editor’s son navigate the trials of literary creation and criticism, revealing the humor and hards…
Level C1ClassicsThe Master; a NovelIn a rugged land where old France meets new settlers, a close-knit community wrestles with change, tradition, and the wild beauty of Acadia’s forests and shores.
Level C1ClassicsThe Master-Knot of Human FateAmid the rugged beauty of the Rockies, two companions embark on a mysterious ascent toward a forbidding stone gateway, their silent camaraderie hinting at deeper truths as they fac…
Level C1AdventureThe Master-GirlAn elderly professor uncovers ancient stone tools in a quiet glen, challenging the ignorance of his time and igniting a journey into humanity's buried past.
Level C1ClassicsThe Master-ChristianIn the twilight of Rouen, a devout cardinal known as "Our good Saint Felix" navigates the tension between fading religious traditions and modern secular progress, set against the h…
Level C1RomanceThe Master's ViolinWhen a young family unexpectedly arrives to live with Aunt Peace in her tranquil village, tensions and hidden desires stir by the fireside.
Level C1Science FictionThe Master of the WorldA federal inspector investigates mysterious, possibly volcanic phenomena at the Great Eyrie mountain in North Carolina, uncovering strange aerial disturbances and ominous signs tha…
Level C1HistoricalThe Master of the ShellAmidst the lively routines and rivalries of Grandcourt School, a new vacancy for the esteemed Master of the Shell stirs ambitions and tensions among masters and boys alike.
Level C1ClassicsThe Master of the InnNestled in the northern hills, an old colonial tavern becomes a sanctuary where a quiet doctor and a cast of seekers find healing through work, nature, and fellowship—forming a bro…
Level C1MysteryThe Master of the CeremoniesIn the tranquil seaside town of Saltinville, the impeccably kept house of Stuart Denville hides secrets beneath its pristine surface, while a delicate window garden frames the enig…
Level C1RomanceThe Master of Warlock: A Virginia War StoryIn the tranquil Virginia countryside of 1861, a chance encounter between Baillie Pegram and the spirited Agatha Ronald sets the stage for a tense dance of pride, duty, and unexpect…
Level C1ClassicsThe Master of Mrs. Chilvers: An Improbable ComedyIn a drawing-room charged with political fervor, a group of women and men navigate the complexities of the Women’s Parliamentary Franchise League, blending humor and social critiqu…
Level C1ClassicsThe Master of Man: The Story of a SinA scandal at King William’s school exposes a senior boy’s secret nocturnal escapades with a servant girl, igniting a tense search for truth and honor amid strict discipline and sha…
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.