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 Hunters' Feast: Conversations Around the Camp FireSet against the rugged backdrop of Saint Louis, a diverse group of adventurers embarks on a daring hunting expedition into the vast wilderness of the prairies, where untamed landsc…
Level C1AdventureThe Hunters of the OzarkWhen a prized cow goes missing in the rugged frontier settlement of Greville, two boys set out on a hunt that leads them deep into the wild Ozark Mountains, where danger and advent…
Level C1AdventureThe Hunters of the HillsIn the wilderness of colonial New York, two boys and a rugged hunter navigate a vast lake, caught in the fierce struggle between French and English forces and the powerful Iroquois…
Level C1AdventureThe Hunted WomanA veiled woman journeys into the rugged northern frontier, encountering a wild horde of railroad builders and mysterious figures along the way.
Level C1HistoricalThe Hunted Outlaw, or, Donald Morrison, the Canadian Rob RoyIn the remote Quebec wilderness, a respected man becomes the hunted outlaw, shattering the peaceful Highland community with a crime that defies all understanding.
Level C1ClassicsThe Hungry Stones, and Other StoriesA weary tax collector takes up residence in a deserted marble palace once alive with joyous Persian maidens, only to find the eerie solitude slowly consuming him—and strange, haunt…
Level C1PoetryThe Hundred Best English PoemsDive into a carefully curated collection showcasing a century of timeless English poetry, each piece selected for its enduring beauty and impact, from celebrated names like Shakesp…
Level C1MysteryThe Hunchback of WestminsterA struggling private detective's dull routine is shattered when a mysterious foreigner arrives with a perilous mission involving a treasure worth millions hidden in London.
Level C1ClassicsThe HunchbackIn a bustling tavern, Sir Thomas Clifford and a lively group of gentlemen engage in spirited toasts and intrigue, setting the stage for a drama filled with wit, deception, and hidd…
Level C1ClassicsThe Humourous Story of Farmer Bumpkin's LawsuitA widow’s fight for justice drags on for years through endless trials and costly delays, exposing the flaws and frustrations of a legal system stacked against the poor.
Level C1HistoricalThe Humour of Homer and Other EssaysExplore fresh perspectives on Homer’s works through essays that blend historical research and lively analysis, revealing the human side of ancient texts and challenging traditional…
Level C1ClassicsThe Humors of Falconbridge: A Collection of Humorous and Every Day ScenesFollow the unpredictable journey of a restless literary man as he ventures from Philadelphia to the Western frontier, embracing adventures from farming to theater, and ultimately f…
Level C1PoetryThe Humorous Poetry of the English Language; from Chaucer to SaxeDive into a curated collection of the finest short humorous poems from England and the United States, blending wit, satire, and charm without obscenity or outdated allusions.
Level C1ClassicsThe Human Interest: A Study in IncompatibilitiesA London authoress visits a cultured but constrained Newcastle hostess, uncovering the clash between provincial gloom and artistic ambition.
Level C1HistoricalThe Human DriftExplore humanity’s relentless migration driven by hunger and survival, tracing ancient drifts across continents and oceans as civilizations rise, clash, and fade in a vast saga of…
Level C1ClassicsThe Human Comedy: Introductions and AppendixA relentless pursuit of genius drives a writer to confront the vast complexities of human nature and society.
Level C1ClassicsThe Human ChordA man who breathes life into his imagined worlds by discovering their true names seeks an extraordinary adventure to escape the mundane and rediscover the wonder of his childhood i…
Level C1HistoricalThe Huguenot: A Tale of the French Protestants. Volumes I-IIIAmid the religious turmoil of seventeenth-century France, intertwined lives of Protestants and Catholics reveal how seemingly minor events ripple through history, shaping destinies…
Level C1FantasyThe Huge Hunter; Or, The Steam Man of the PrairiesOn the vast prairie, two men encounter a colossal steam-powered mechanical giant controlled by a daring driver and a bright-eyed boy.
Level C1ClassicsThe House: An Episode in the Lives of Reuben Baker, Astronomer, and of His Wife, AliceA young couple dreams of building their perfect home, navigating the bittersweet realities of love, ambition, and unexpected inheritance.
Level C1ClassicsThe House with the Green ShuttersIn a small Scottish town, John Gourlay stands proudly before his new house, determined to assert his dominance through his thriving business despite the quiet judgment of his neigh…
Level C1ClassicsThe House on the Moor, v. 3/3A determined young woman embarks on a solitary journey across the moor to visit her uncle in Scotland, grappling with exhaustion, secrecy, and the hope of reuniting with her brothe…
Level C1ClassicsThe House on the Moor, v. 2/3A determined young soldier returns home with ambitions and an army list, sparking intrigue about local figures and hidden family ties.
Level C1ClassicsThe House on the Moor, v. 1/3Two siblings, trapped in a gloomy moorland house, face the relentless monotony of isolation and simmering frustration—one resigned and content, the other restless and embittered by…
Level C1MysteryThe House on the BorderlandIn a remote Irish hamlet shrouded in mystery and isolation, two friends set up camp by an unnamed river, only to encounter strange locals and an eerie manuscript that promises to u…
Level C1ClassicsThe House on the Beach: A Realistic TaleA self-made man retreats to a humble seaside home, juggling the ambitions of gentility with the stubborn habits of his mercantile past.
Level C1FantasyThe House of the Wolfings: A Tale of the House of the Wolfings and All the Kindreds of the Mark Written in Prose and in VerseAmidst a vast, ancient forest lies the Mid-mark, a thriving clearing shaped by a fierce people skilled in iron and tillage.
Level C1RomanceThe House of the Wolf: A RomanceIn the tense summer of 1572, three brothers and their cousin Catherine face a stirring revelation and looming dangers at the French court, where loyalty, love, and the shadow of a…
Level C1MysteryThe House of the White ShadowsIn Geneva, a sensational murder trial grips the city as a lowly woodman faces charges for the death of a poor flower-girl, sparking fierce debate and intrigue that entwines social…
Level C1MysteryThe House of the Whispering PinesA man returns to his isolated country clubhouse on a snowy night, only to find a fire burning inside despite having locked it up for the season.
Level C1HistoricalThe House of the Seven GablesA haunted mansion with seven gables looms over the Pyncheon family, cursed by past injustices and dark secrets rooted in colonial Salem.
Level C1RomanceThe House of de MaillyIn 1744 Paris, Count Claude de Mailly navigates treacherous court intrigues and forbidden desires as he grapples with his feelings for the proud and elusive Mme.
Level C1MysteryThe House of a Thousand CandlesAn engineer inherits a mysterious estate under the condition he must live in the eerie Glenarm House for a year, facing challenges that test his character and resolve.
Level C1HistoricalThe House of Walderne: A Tale of the Cloister and the Forest in the Days of the Barons' WarsAmid the shadowed ruins of Walderne Castle, a medieval world of loyalty, faith, and mystery unfolds, blending the lives of knights, friars, and legends during the tumultuous Barons…
Level C1RomanceThe House of ToysA young architect, charming yet struggling, dreams of building a house of love for the girl who inspires him—but fate and unexpected encounters test his hopes, weaving a tale where…
Level C1MysteryThe House of Strange Secrets: A Detective StoryOn a stormy night, Squire Carrington and his son Laurence leave a lively ball, but their journey takes a mysterious turn when a lone cyclist appears on the desolate moor road behin…
Level C1FantasyThe House of SoulsA London clerk's mundane life is shattered when ancestral memories awaken, revealing a haunting contrast between his dull suburban existence and the noble traditions of an ancient…
Level C1ClassicsThe House of Rimmon: A Drama in Four ActsIn a fragrant Damascus garden under moonlight, a priest and a noblewoman plot to undermine a beloved war hero and sway a kingdom’s fate amid the looming threat of Assyrian conquest…
Level C1ClassicsThe House of Quiet: An AutobiographyA gentle soul, sidelined by frailty and misfortune, grapples with shattered hopes and the challenge of finding meaning and love amid life's harshest setbacks.
Level C1MysteryThe House of Mystery: An Episode in the Career of Rosalie Le Grange, ClairvoyantOn a train journey through the Berkshires, a keen observer becomes fascinated by a mysterious young woman whose delicate appearance hints at hidden depths.
Level C1ClassicsThe House of MirthIn the bustling heart of New York, Lily Bart navigates society’s glittering yet unforgiving demands, her every move a delicate dance between desire and survival.
Level C1HistoricalThe House of IslâmIn the Ottoman Empire, displaced Georgian and Circassian refugees seek sanctuary under Sultan Abdul Mejìd’s rule, sparking tensions and power struggles in a remote province where l…
Level C1ClassicsThe House of HelenIn the quiet town of Shannon, where flowered porches bloom and old customs hold sway, the arrival of education and ambition stirs the delicate balance of home and society.
Level C1ClassicsThe House of Heine Brothers, in MunichIn the bustling heart of Munich, the modest yet reputable Heine Brothers bank stands as the backdrop to a tale of family, tradition, and the quiet complexities of German life.
Level C1ClassicsThe House of FulfilmentIn a clash of Northern austerity and Southern indulgence, young Harriet Blair navigates family tensions, cultural divides, and the mysterious charm of a Catholic priest during a tu…
Level C1HistoricalThe House of EgremontAmid the shifting tides of English history, the House of Egremont navigates royal favor, religious strife, and personal daring—from daring escapes with a platter of beans to secret…
Level C1RomanceThe House of Dreams-Come-TrueIn a shadowy, grand hall, a father and daughter share a moment charged with unspoken hopes as an unexpected invitation to England promises to change their lives forever.
Level C1ClassicsThe House of Defence v. 2Amid skeptical debates and personal convictions, Maud defends Christian Science while witnessing a mysterious recovery that challenges medical understanding, setting the stage for…
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