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 Age of ShakespeareExplore the birth of English tragedy through the bold verse and sublime imagination of Christopher Marlowe, whose pioneering plays blend fierce passion, poetic mastery, and hauntin…
Level C1Science FictionThe Age of Science: A Newspaper of the Twentieth CenturyA groundbreaking invention, the Prospective Telegraph, allows communication across time, revealing a newspaper from the year 1977 that showcases a future where science dominates ev…
Level C1HistoricalThe Age of Pope: (1700-1744)Explore the vibrant literary landscape shaped between 1700 and 1744, where satire and wit rise to prominence amid the legacy of Dryden.
Level C1RomanceThe Age of InnocenceIn the glittering world of 1870s New York society, Newland Archer navigates the delicate rituals of love and tradition amid the grandeur of the opera and the strict codes of the el…
Level C1HistoricalThe Age of DrydenStep into the vibrant literary revolution following England’s Restoration, where the reign of Charles II sparks a transformation from Elizabethan imagination to clarity, reason, an…
Level C1HistoricalThe Age of ChivalryStep into a world where myth and legend shape the ideals of knighthood and heroism.
Level C1ClassicsThe Aftermath; Or, Gleanings from a Busy Life: Called upon the outer cover, for purposes of sale, Caliban's Guide to LettersStep into the disciplined life of Dr.
Level B2AdventureThe African Trader; Or, The Adventures of Harry BayfordAfter his father’s death leaves his family destitute, young Harry Bayford embarks on a daring trading voyage to Africa, seeking fortune and adventure amid uncertain and perilous ne…
Level C2PoetryThe Affectionate ShepherdA shepherd's heartfelt laments unfold in elegant verse, capturing the pains of love and the solace found in pastoral life.
Level B2Science FictionThe Affair of the BrainsIn a universe shadowed by cunning space-pirates and deadly rivalries, a fearless adventurer known as Hawk Carse prepares to confront the sinister genius Ku Sui at a perilous rendez…
Level C1MysteryThe Affair at the Semiramis HotelWhen the elusive Mr.
Level B2ClassicsThe Affable StrangerA man finds liberation by pouring his worries into a book, freeing himself from life's burdens and embracing the carefree rhythms of nature during harvest time.
Level B2AdventureThe Aeroplane Boys on the Wing; Or, Aeroplane Chums in the TropicsRivalry ignites between two daring boys as they compete in thrilling aeroplane races and face unexpected challenges on their adventurous journey through tropical jungles.
Level B2AdventureThe Aeroplane Boys Flight; Or, A Hydroplane RoundupTwo young aviators, Frank and Andy Bird, face mechanical mishaps and fierce rivalry as they navigate thrilling adventures in their hydroplane over the scenic town of Bloomsbury.
Level C1PoetryThe Aeneid of VirgilExiled Trojan prince Aeneas braves divine wrath and tempestuous seas to fulfill his destiny of founding a new homeland in Italy, while Queen Juno’s relentless fury threatens to des…
Level C1PoetryThe AeneidAfter years of wandering, Aeneas and the remnants of Troy face Juno’s wrath and a deadly storm as they seek a new homeland in Italy, while divine forces and fateful passions shape…
Level C1ClassicsThe Advocate: A NovelIn early 19th-century Montreal, a sharp-witted advocate wrestles with love, marriage, and duty as he navigates complex relationships and moral dilemmas, all while preparing for a p…
Level C1HistoricalThe Adventurous Simplicissimus: being the description of the Life of a Strange vagabond named Melchior Sternfels von FuchshaimA rustic youth named Melchior Sternfels von Fuchshaim embarks on a wild journey through war, hardship, and transformation, learning to read, fight, and survive in a chaotic world w…
Level B2AdventureThe Adventurous Seven: Their Hazardous UndertakingSeven determined siblings hatch a daring plan to join their father in New South Wales, embarking on a thrilling journey to transform their lives and embrace the challenges of a new…
PoetryThe Adventures of the Little Woman, Her Dog and the PedlarEmbark on a whimsical journey alongside a spirited little woman, her faithful dog, and a wandering pedlar as their intertwined tales unfold through charming verses of love and adve…
Level B2MysteryThe Adventures of the Eleven Cuff-Buttons: Being one of the exciting episodes in the career of the famous detective Hemlock Holmes, as recorded by his friend Dr. WatsonWhen the earl’s priceless cuff-buttons vanish, a bald visitor bursts into Holmes’s London flat seeking help.
Level C1ClassicsThe Adventures of an Ugly GirlShunned for her plain looks and overshadowed by a beautiful sister, a sensitive girl braces herself for the arrival of her father’s new wife, hoping for the first time to find a tr…
Level C1ClassicsThe Adventures of a Widow: A NovelIn a rapidly changing New York, Bond Street's genteel past clashes with a dark, unsolved murder that shakes the city's social order.
Level B2AdventureThe Adventures of a Three-Guinea WatchAn adventurous watch recounts its early days, from being carefully crafted and regulated to the thrilling moment it’s chosen and taken into the wider world.
Level B2ClassicsThe Adventures of a SuburbaniteA couple escapes city flats for a country house, but Isobel struggles with the eerie silence of solitude and longs for the comforting presence of neighbors—real or imagined.
Level C1AdventureThe Adventures of a Squirrel, Supposed to be Related by HimselfA charming squirrel recounts his capture, captivity, and daring escapes while navigating the curious and chaotic world of his human captors, revealing a whimsical adventure filled…
Level B2AdventureThe Adventures of a Special Correspondent Among the Various Races and Countries of Central Asia: Being the Exploits and Experiences of Claudius Bombarnac of "The Twentieth Century"A special correspondent embarks on a thrilling journey across Central Asia, reporting firsthand on the diverse cultures, landscapes, and people along the Grand Transasiatic railway…
Level C1Children'sThe Adventures of a Pincushion, Designed Chiefly for the Use of Young LadiesIn a quiet May afternoon, sibling rivalry and mishaps over cherished tea china lead two sisters to create a beautiful pincushion, weaving lessons of kindness, forgiveness, and crea…
Level C1RomanceThe Adventures of a Modest ManTwo Long Island gentlemen confront the ennui of routine, spurred by a curious purchase: a pig.
Level C1AdventureThe Adventures of a Marmotte: Sold for the Distressed IrishA young marmot recounts its journey from the rugged Alps to a new life in a valley, capturing the charm of its adventures and the kindness of a boy named José, all while hoping to…
Level B2HistoricalThe Adventures of a FreshmanA green freshman faces the intimidating traditions and hazing rituals of college life, standing his ground against the sophomores who challenge his place on campus.
Level C1Children'sThe Adventures of a Dog, and a Good Dog TooDiscover the heartfelt tale of a noble dog whose loyalty and kindness bridge the natural divide between cats and dogs in the lively city of Caneville, revealing the true language a…
Level B2AdventureThe Adventures of a Country Boy at a Country FairA determined boy sets out to run games at the county fair, borrowing money to buy his stock and dreaming of clearing his family’s debts.
Level C1Children'sThe Adventures of a Cat, and a Fine Cat Too!Follow the charming Miss Minette Gattina as she shares her true-life adventures from Caneville, revealing the tender, loving nature of cats beyond their fierce reputation.
Level B2Children'sThe Adventures of a Bear, and a Great Bear TooStep into the wild home of Master Bruin, a fierce, ill-tempered bear whose rough antics and sore head stir up trouble in the forest.
Level B2AdventureThe Adventures of Uncle Jeremiah and Family at the Great Fair: Their Observations and TriumphsJoin Uncle Jeremiah and his family as they journey to the World's Columbian Exposition, encountering curious characters and sharing heartfelt stories amid the bustling excitement o…
Level C1AdventureThe Adventures of UlyssesJourney alongside a determined king as he battles mythical beasts, treacherous winds, and enchantments to return home after the fall of Troy.
Level B1AdventureThe Adventures of Squirrel Fluffytail: A Picture Story-Book for ChildrenOn a peaceful island, young Fluffytail the squirrel embarks on a much-anticipated journey to a surprise party, navigating dangers and lending a helping paw to friends along the way…
Level C1AdventureThe Adventures of Sir Launcelot GreavesFour travelers seek refuge from a storm at a humble inn along the northern road, where lively encounters and true English hospitality set the stage for Sir Launcelot Greaves’ adven…
Level B2AdventureThe Adventures of Seumas Beg; The Rocky Road to DublinJourney alongside Seumas Beg through enchanting orchards, mysterious woods, and bustling Dublin streets, where playful adventures and curious encounters bring the vibrant Irish cou…
Level A2AdventureThe Adventures of Puss in BootsA clever cat dons boots and embarks on surprising adventures that blend wit, courage, and charm.
Level C1FantasyThe Adventures of Prince Lazybones, and Other StoriesIn a lush, enchanted realm, Prince Leo, a carefree youth more drawn to nature’s wonders than royal duties, lives under the watchful yet poetic eye of his father, Prince Morpheus La…
Level C1AdventureThe Adventures of Piang the Moro Jungle Boy: A Book for Young and OldIn the wild jungles of Mindanao, Piang, a proud youth destined to lead his fierce Moro tribe, faces trials that will test his bravery and claim his place as the chosen ruler.
Level B2AdventureThe Adventures of PeterkinA tiny man named Peterkin lives inside a pumpkin, but when a wild wind snaps his pumpkin from its vine, he finds himself adrift at sea in his floating home.
Level C1AdventureThe Adventures of Peregrine PickleIn a quiet English county, Gamaliel Pickle, weighed down by failed business ventures and haunted by debts, retreats to the countryside with his determined sister, setting the stage…
Level C1ClassicsThe Adventures of My Cousin SmoothA sharp-witted merchant from Cape Cod embarks on a mission to Washington, aiming to advance universal rights and challenge the era’s monarchies through common sense and the go-ahea…
Level C1HistoricalThe Adventures of Mr. Verdant GreenFollow the misadventures of Mr.
Level C1AdventureThe Adventures of M. D'HaricotAn exiled French royalist travels covertly through England, haunted by failed conspiracies and uncertain futures.
Browse
Browse by level
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.