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 C1AdventureThe Long PortageStranded in the harsh wilderness of British Columbia, Vernon Lisle and his companions battle dwindling supplies and brutal terrain as they navigate treacherous rivers and desperate…
Level C1HistoricalThe Long NightIn 1602 Geneva, a young scholar arrives at the city gates amidst lingering war tensions and strict curfews, seeking refuge and knowledge in a city where faith and vigilance intertw…
Level C1ClassicsThe Long Hillside: A Christmas Hare-Hunt In Old Virginia: 1908Boys claim the winter hares of old Virginia as their own, hunting with a lively pack of dogs and the help of spirited companions during a joyous Christmas hunt filled with traditio…
Level C1ClassicsThe Long AgoAmid the bustling city, memories of a grandmother's garden unfold—a sanctuary of childhood wonder, fragrant blooms, and tender moments that echo through the years, inviting you to…
Level C1ClassicsThe Lonely Way—Intermezzo—Countess Mizzie: Three PlaysStep into the vibrant, conflicted world of Vienna where tradition clashes with modernity, and passions simmer beneath the surface.
Level C1AdventureThe Lonely Island: The Refuge of the MutineersBeneath a tranquil Pacific sunset, simmering tensions aboard a British ship threaten to ignite mutiny as sailors chafe under Captain Bligh’s harsh rule, setting the stage for a des…
Level C1MysteryThe Lone Wolf: A MelodramaIn the shadowy maze of a discreet Parisian restaurant, a young boy arrives on a rainy night, embarking on a mysterious journey that will shape his destiny as the elusive Michael La…
Level C1MysteryThe Lone Wolf ReturnsA man haunted by a shadowy past confesses his love to a woman who must choose between her heart and the perilous life he leads.
Level C1AdventureThe Lone RancheAmid the harsh, war-scarred plains near Chihuahua, a mysterious Kentuckian observes a vivid religious procession, hinting at untold adventures in a land haunted by conflict between…
Level C1MysteryThe Lone Inn: A MysteryA weary traveler seeks refuge at a remote, eerie inn shrouded in secrets and inhabited by enigmatic figures, including an old friend whose unexpected presence deepens the mystery.
Level C1HistoricalThe Lone AdventureAmid the windswept moors of Lancaster, a fragile heir struggles against family scorn and his own limitations, yearning for acceptance and courage in a world that prizes strength.
Level C1ClassicsThe LondonersIn the sweltering heat of a London May, Mrs.
Level C1ClassicsThe London VisitorA reluctant visitor trapped by social expectations finds her quiet life disrupted by the arrival of a mysterious London gentleman, drawing her into a bewildering tale of society, c…
Level C1ClassicsThe London ProdigalA wayward son squanders his inheritance and tests his family's patience with reckless debts and wild behavior, while his disguised father returns to secretly observe his prodigal l…
Level C1ClassicsThe Log of the Water Wagon; or, The Cruise of the Good Ship "Lithia"Embark on a whimsical voyage aboard the Water Wagon, a lively ship filled with spirited passengers navigating the perils of thirst and temptation on a dry, spirited cruise packed w…
Level C1FantasyThe Log of the Flying Fish: A Story of Aerial and Submarine Peril and AdventureIn a cozy London club for intrepid explorers, a daring professor challenges the notion that balloon navigation is impossible, setting the stage for a thrilling adventure through ai…
Level C1AdventureThe Log of a Sea-Waif: Being Recollections of the First Four Years of My Sea LifeA young boy embarks on his first sea voyage, recounting vivid adventures and the harsh realities of life aboard British merchant ships.
Level C1AdventureThe Log of a PrivateersmanAmidst the perilous seas of wartime, a daring crew sets sail on a newly outfitted privateer, chasing fortune and adventure after their merchant ship’s audacious capture and recaptu…
Level C1AdventureThe Log House by the Lake: A Tale of CanadaAfter losing their fortune, the Ashton family resolves to start anew in Canada, embracing hard work and adventure as they build a life together in the wilderness.
Level C1MysteryThe LodgerStruggling servants Robert and Ellen Bunting face desperate poverty in foggy London, their lives shadowed by fading respectability and dwindling hope.
Level C1MysteryThe Lock and Key Library: The Most Interesting Stories of All Nations: North Europe — Russian — Swedish — Danish — HungarianA high-stakes card party in a Russian winter night unravels tales of luck, mystery, and a legendary countess haunted by debts and a mysterious ally.
Level C1ClassicsThe Lives of the Poets of Great Britain and Ireland (1753) Volume V.Dive into the fascinating biographies of Britain's and Ireland's most renowned poets, tracing their lives, literary achievements, and social circles from classical roots to 18th-ce…
Level C1PoetryThe Lives of the Poets of Great Britain and Ireland (1753) Volume IV.Explore the vivid lives and works of Great Britain and Ireland’s poets, from witty dramatists to celebrated authoresses, unveiling their artistic legacies alongside the social virt…
Level C1ClassicsThe Lives of the Poets of Great Britain and Ireland (1753) Volume III.Explore the turbulent life of Sir John Denham, a 17th-century poet entangled in gambling, royal service, and political intrigue, whose celebrated works like "Cooper's Hill" earned…
Level C1PoetryThe Lives of the Poets of Great Britain and Ireland (1753) Volume I.Explore the fascinating origins and early life of Geoffrey Chaucer, tracing his journey from uncertain birthplaces to scholarly pursuits and courtly acclaim, revealing the foundati…
Level C1AdventureThe Lively Poll: A Tale of the North SeaAmid the bustling North Sea fishing fleet, Admiral Manx Bradley commands nearly two hundred vessels in a daring, coordinated night haul, where strength, skill, and unity face the u…
Level C1ClassicsThe Live CorpseA woman torn between duty and desire leaves her husband, igniting family tensions and secrets in Moscow's high society.
Level C1AdventureThe Little White Bird; Or, Adventures in Kensington GardensStep into a whimsical journey where a boy named David wanders the enchanting Kensington Gardens, weaving innocence, dreams, and the delicate ties between childhood and adulthood in…
Level C1Children'sThe Little ViolinistTwo young twins arrive unexpectedly, seeking care, school, and love, while their guardian balances nurturing with playful adventure.
Level C1AdventureThe Little Shepherd of Kingdom ComeAfter losing his family to a deadly plague, young Chad and his loyal dog Jack face a harsh fate when a stern neighbor claims custody.
Level C1RomanceThe Little Schoolmaster Mark: A Spiritual RomanceIn a quiet forest village, a young schoolmaster captivates children with enchanting tales and unconventional lessons rooted in faith.
Level C1AdventureThe Little SavageStranded alone on a rocky island after a shipwreck, a boy grows up under the harsh rule of his father's murderer.
Level C1HistoricalThe Little Regiment, and Other Episodes of the American Civil WarAmid the fog and mud of a looming Civil War battle, soldiers brace for the coming clash, their camaraderie and tensions as palpable as the distant thunder of artillery.
Level C1HistoricalThe Little Red FootAmid the looming American Revolution, Sir William Johnson, a revered mediator between colonists and Native tribes, faces a heartbreaking dilemma of loyalty and honor.
Level C1Children'sThe Little Quaker; or, the Triumph of Virtue. A Tale for the Instruction of YouthTwo wayward brothers, scornful of their father's lessons, clash with Josiah, a kind-hearted Quaker boy whose gentle virtues starkly contrast their rebellious ways.
Level C1ClassicsThe Little Pilgrim: Further Experiences.: Stories of the Seen and the Unseen.A newly arrived soul in a realm beyond earthly suffering longs to comfort those still trapped in pain, guided by a sage who reveals hidden mysteries and takes her on a journey back…
Level C1ClassicsThe Little MinisterIn a quiet Scottish village, a young minister arrives, carrying the hopes of his proud mother and the watchful eyes of the townsfolk.
Level C1ClassicsThe Little Man: A Farcical Morality in Three ScenesAt an Austrian railway station, a diverse group of travelers navigates cultural clashes and social tensions over simple requests and philosophies of equality.
Level C1HistoricalThe Little Maid of IsraelIn ancient Israel, a crippled boy anxiously awaits news of his sister Leah, who lingers in Samaria after hearing rumors of the prophet Elisha’s miraculous power to raise the dead.
Level C1Children'sThe Little Lady of the HorseA curious young girl and her loyal companion explore the mysteries of their coastal world, from the shimmering sea to the secrets of aging, in a tender tale of friendship, discover…
Level C1RomanceThe Little Lady of Lagunitas: A Franco-Californian RomanceAmid California’s turbulent shift from Mexican rule to American statehood, a last Don watches as foreign intruders are cast out, setting the stage for a tale of romance, power stru…
Level C1Children'sThe Little Hunchback ZiaA deformed boy named Zia flees a cruel home, hiding by day and wandering by night, haunted by fear and rejection.
Level C1RomanceThe Little Gray Lady: 1909In a quaint old house warmed by a grand fireplace, the Little Gray Lady—small, silver-haired, and full of grace—offers wisdom and comfort to her village, while her own long-hidden…
Level C1ClassicsThe Little French Lawyer: A ComedyIn a world where honor demands duels and loyalty tests friendship, two gentlemen navigate love, pride, and societal expectations in a witty comedy set amidst French nobility and le…
Level C1RomanceThe Little French GirlA young French girl arrives alone in a cold, unfamiliar London station, haunted by memories of sunlit Montarel and uncertain if the family of a fallen captain will welcome her.
Level C1ClassicsThe Little Cryptogram: A Literal Application to the Play of Hamlet of the Cipher System of Mr. Ignatius Donnelly.Delve into a groundbreaking application of a cipher system to Shakespeare's Hamlet, revealing hidden messages that challenge traditional authorship and uncover a secret history enc…![Cover of The Little Clay Cart [Mṛcchakaṭika] by Sūdraka](https://dsx1pat3ljtul.cloudfront.net/books/da76qk9bccoc73elqbhg.webp)
Level C1ClassicsThe Little Clay Cart [Mṛcchakaṭika]In an ancient Indian drama, a humble cart maker’s life intertwines with those of nobles and courtesans, revealing a vibrant world of love, intrigue, and social contrasts.
Level C1PoetryThe Little Book of Modern Verse: A Selection from the Work of Contemporaneous American PoetsExplore a curated selection of early 20th-century American poetry that captures the evolving spirit and new artistic visions of contemporary poets, offering fresh insights into lif…
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.