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 C1RomanceThe Land of ContentIn a serene mountain crossroads where ancient paths meet, a dedicated doctor returns home after tending a sick child, unaware that a mysterious traveler’s arrival will intertwine t…
Level C1ClassicsThe Land of Cockayne: A NovelIn a bustling Neapolitan street where daily life teems with vibrant sights and smells, a seamstress dreams of a better life beyond the humble fare of salt cod and macaroni.
Level C1RomanceThe Land of Bondage: A RomanceA reckless Viscount squanders his fortune and love on a noblewoman whose small fortune can't save them from family hatred and ruin.
Level C1Science FictionThe Land That Time ForgotA torpedo attack leaves a passenger ship sinking, thrusting survivors into a desperate struggle for life and mystery.
Level C1HistoricalThe Lanchester traditionAt Chiltern School, a prestigious yet secluded institution, tradition and social hierarchy shape the lives of its masters and boys, revealing the complex ties between education, co…
Level C1HistoricalThe Lances of LynwoodIn a peaceful Somersetshire valley during Edward III's reign, young Eustace trains in chivalry while his family awaits the return of the noble Sir Reginald from foreign wars, amid…
Level B2AdventureThe Lance of Kanana: A Story of ArabiaIn a fierce Bedouin tribe where valor is measured by the sword, Kanana stands apart—refusing to fight and branded a coward.
Level C1HistoricalThe Lancashire Witches: A Romance of Pendle ForestIn the wilds of Pendle Forest, eight watchers guard a beacon beneath bleak skies, where ancient forests and dark moors hide secrets of faith, power, and superstition.
Level B2Science FictionThe Lamps of the AngelsIn a future where humanity has conquered the solar system, a space captain returns home with precious gifts from distant planets, sparking reflections on family, tradition, and the…
Level C1ClassicsThe LamplighterIn a close-knit community bound by tradition and the glow of street lamps, a lamplighter recounts the curious tale of Tom Grig, whose life and family illuminate the struggles and c…
Level B2Children'sThe LamplighterA lonely, neglected girl finds small moments of warmth watching the lamplighter bring light to her dark, harsh world.
Level C1ClassicsThe Lamp of FateIn a grand English estate, a passionate but ill-matched marriage between Hugh Vallincourt and the free-spirited dancer Diane Wielitzska unfolds under the watchful, disapproving eye…
Level C1RomanceThe Lamp in the DesertUnder the scorching Indian sun, a British officer battles inner turmoil and dangerous secrets amid the oppressive heat and fleeting joys of military life.
Level C1ClassicsThe Lamp and the Bell: A Drama In Five ActsIn a royal court shadowed by grief and intrigue, a king’s potential remarriage stirs tension between daughters and rivals alike, as music and whispers weave a delicate drama of loy…
Level C1ClassicsThe Lame Lover: A Comedy in Three ActsIn a witty courtroom drama, Charlot accuses the vain and one-legged Sir Luke Limp of feigned love and misplaced ambitions, unraveling tangled passions and social pretensions amidst…
Level B1AdventureThe Lakewood boys on the Lazy STwo adventurous brothers race against a fierce storm on their electric boat, facing sudden danger on the lake.
Level B1AdventureThe Lakewood boys in the frozen NorthStranded after their shipwreck in the icy North, the Lakewood boys face fierce blizzards, wild timber wolves, and unexpected allies as they struggle to survive and make their way b…
Level B1AdventureThe Lakewood boys in the South Sea islandsTwo adventurous boys are unexpectedly invited by their uncle to join a daring voyage to the mysterious South Sea Islands, promising thrilling encounters and the unknown.
Level C1HistoricalThe Lake of WineIn 1800 London, four men gamble their fortunes and fates at Whitelaw’s Club, where high stakes and shattered lives collide.
Level C1ClassicsThe Lake GunA mysterious booming sound echoes across Seneca Lake, defying explanation, while a legendary floating tree known as the "Wandering Jew" drifts endlessly—both entwined in local lore…
Level C2ClassicsThe LakeA man returns to his native land, awakening buried memories and the melancholy beauty of a landscape steeped in history and quiet sorrow.
Level C1HistoricalThe Laird's Luck and Other Fireside TalesIn the aftermath of the Battle of Waterloo, a secret accusation haunts a fallen Ensign whose gallantry was unquestioned.
Level C1ClassicsThe Laird of Norlaw; A Scottish StoryNestled beneath the mystic Eildons, the humble Norlaw estate conceals a stark old castle—silent witness to the turbulent Border past.
Level C1FantasyThe Lair of the White WormA young Australian man receives an inviting letter from his estranged grand-uncle in rural England, promising a warm welcome and a new life.
Level C1ClassicsThe Lady, or the Tiger?In a kingdom ruled by a semi-barbaric king, justice is meted out by a chilling choice: open one door to face a deadly tiger or the other to marry a lady chosen by the king.
Level C1ClassicsThe Lady's WalkA visitor recounts an intimate Scottish encounter with the spirited Campbell siblings, especially the devoted Charlotte, whose quiet strength shields her family’s secrets.
Level B2ClassicsThe Lady with the Dog and Other StoriesA chance encounter in a seaside town sparks an unexpected connection between Dmitri, a disenchanted family man, and Anna, a mysterious lady walking her dog alone, as they navigate…
Level C1HorrorThe Lady of the ShroudA mysterious woman clad in a shroud drifts near a haunted Adriatic shore, sparking eerie encounters and occult investigations.
Level C1AdventureThe Lady of the MountA spirited encounter unfolds between a noble girl perched atop her white horse and a rugged boy from the woods, revealing a clash of worlds on a shifting island ruled by the Govern…
Level C1RomanceThe Lady of the IsleOn a radiant May morning in Devon, a lavish wedding is poised to unite noble families—until a mysterious summons disrupts the bride and groom's plans, hinting at secrets that could…
Level C1RomanceThe Lady of the Ice: A NovelA man’s declaration of love sparks a perilous adventure across icy waters, tangled secrets, and unexpected encounters.
Level B2AdventureThe Lady of the Forest: A Story for GirlsTwo curious girls explore the mysterious forest surrounding their ancient family estate, where legends of a hidden Lady of the Forest stir their imaginations and hint at secrets wa…
Level B2HistoricalThe Lady of the DecorationA young widow, burdened by loss and family expectations, embarks on a daring journey to teach at a mission school in Japan.
Level C1ClassicsThe Lady of the Barge: The Lady of the Barge and Others, Part 1.A river barge skipper faces unexpected challenges when his mate brings aboard a young woman for a nighttime trip, stirring tensions and awkward adjustments aboard the cramped vesse…
Level C1ClassicsThe Lady of the Barge and Others, Entire CollectionA barge captain’s quiet life is disrupted when his brother-in-law brings aboard a mysterious young woman for a river trip, sparking awkward encounters, hidden tensions, and unexpec…
Level C1ClassicsThe Lady of the AroostookA young woman faces a bittersweet farewell as she prepares to leave her quiet Massachusetts farm for new opportunities among distant relatives, while her family wrestles with hope,…
Level C2ClassicsThe Lady of Pleasure: A Comedie, as It Was Acted by Her Majesties Servants, at the Private House in Drury LaneA noble lady, restless in the quiet countryside, demands the pleasures of London life, sparking tension with her husband who struggles to balance pride, honor, and their mounting e…
Level B2MysteryThe Lady of North StarIn the frozen wilderness, a Mountie tracks a mysterious man along a winding forest trail, only to be startled by rifle shots and a terrified woman fleeing through the snow.
Level C1ClassicsThe Lady of Lyons; Or, Love and PrideIn post-Revolutionary Lyons, a proud beauty’s daily bouquets mask the tensions of love and ambition as suitors vie for her hand amidst shifting social ranks.
Level C1HistoricalThe Lady of LynnA young sailor celebrates his promotion to mate aboard The Lady of Lynn, a sturdy ship trading between England and Portugal in the 18th century.
Level C1RomanceThe Lady of Loyalty House: A NovelAmidst the brewing conflict of 1642 England, a worldly traveler returns to Cambridge and soon rides to Harby, where loyalty and politics collide.
Level C1HistoricalThe Lady of Fort St. JohnIn the misty wilds of Acadia, a young lord defends his fragile frontier outpost against political rivalry and looming conflict.
Level C1RomanceThe Lady of BlossholmeAmid the timeless ruins of Blossholme Abbey, a fierce land dispute ignites deep-seated rivalries, while the legacy of a persecuted lady and the shadow of witchcraft haunt the winds…
Level C1AdventureThe Lady of Big ShantyIn the heart of New York, a rugged woodsman from a remote Adirondack settlement arrives to reunite with old friends, bringing tales of survival and adventure that hint at deeper wi…
Level C1RomanceThe Lady in the CarA mysterious prince with a shadowy past navigates high society and secret intrigues while an inquisitive American girl uncovers the hidden connections between European nobility and…
Level B2ClassicsThe Lady from the SeaIn a serene fjord town, a mysterious woman haunted by the sea struggles between her past and present life as old acquaintances and new visitors stir long-buried desires and secrets…
Level C1MysteryThe Lady from Nowhere: A Detective StoryA terrified woman bursts into the quiet London suburb of Grangebury, screaming about a murder in the mysterious Yellow Room.
Level C1AdventureThe Lady and the Pirate: Being the Plain Tale of a Diligent Pirate and a Fair CaptiveA leisurely afternoon by a peaceful river turns tense when a youthful pirate captain confronts a landowner with a six-shooter aimed at his waistcoat—launching an unexpected adventu…
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.