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 B2HistoricalThe Lady and Sada San: A Sequel to the Lady of the DecorationA devoted wife defies her husband's wishes to journey from Kentucky to Japan, facing the uncertainties of a world on the brink of scientific discovery and political unrest.
Level C1RomanceThe Lady ParamountOn her twenty-second birthday, Susanna defies expectations by embarking alone on a bold journey from her Italian island home to explore the wider world, challenging tradition and s…
Level C1ClassicsThe Ladies' Paradise: A Realistic NovelA young woman and her brothers arrive in bustling Paris and are captivated by the dazzling spectacle of "The Ladies' Paradise," a vast, opulent draper's shop that promises new oppo…
Level C1ClassicsThe Ladies Lindores, Vol. 3 (of 3)Tensions rise as Beaufort uncovers a hidden scandal involving Lady Caroline and Torrance, thrusting him into a world of secrets and suspicions.
Level C1RomanceThe Ladies Lindores, Vol. 2 (of 3)A restless duke's son abandons aristocratic life for American adventures, only to return home where his family eagerly schemes to marry him off—despite his charming, unconventional…
Level C1ClassicsThe Ladies Lindores, Vol. 1 (of 3)Amid the rugged Scottish landscape, a family bids farewell to their longtime home, Dalrulzian, as a young heir returns to claim his estate—unfolding a tale of change, memory, and t…
Level C2PoetryThe Ladies DelightExplore a poetic ode to the mysterious Arbor Vitæ, or Tree of Life, whose unique growth and enchanting fruit captivate both nature lovers and scholars alike, revealing a blend of b…
Level A2Children'sThe Ladder to LearningEmbark on a charming journey through the alphabet where each letter unlocks a world of animals, names, and simple words, making early learning a delightful adventure for young read…
Level C1ClassicsThe Kādambarī of BāṇaA mystical parrot recounts a tale of love, loss, and rebirth spanning kings, ascetic maidens, and celestial vows, as two heroes navigate intertwined destinies shaped by divine curs…
Level C1ClassicsThe Kreutzer Sonata and Other StoriesIn a confined train car, a solitary, enigmatic man avoids conversation while fellow passengers reveal vivid tales of Russian life, customs, and moral struggles, hinting at deeper t…
Level B2AdventureThe Kopje Garrison: A Story of the Boer WarTwo young officers in South Africa trade rifles for fishing lines, braving unknown waters and lurking dangers as they seek a meal amidst the tense backdrop of the Boer War.
Level B2AdventureThe Kopje FarmAmidst the looming threat of war on the South African veldt, young Jack Lovat must defend his family's fortified ostrich farm, "The Kopje," against encroaching danger while navigat…
Level B2AdventureThe Knights of the White Shield: Up-the-Ladder Club Series, Round One PlayIn a cozy barn chamber overlooking the Missigatchee River, a group of spirited boys form the Knights of the White Shield, embarking on adventures filled with friendship, secret mee…
Level B2AdventureThe Knights of the Round Table: Stories of King Arthur and the Holy GrailJourney to the heart of ancient England where legends breathe life into Glastonbury Tor, and discover the tales of King Arthur, his noble knights, and the quest for the Holy Grail…
Level C1RomanceThe Knights of the Cross, or, Krzyzacy: Historical RomanceAmidst the brutal crusade to conquer pagan Lithuania, a fierce clash unfolds between the militant Knights of the Cross and the resilient Slavic peoples, revealing a gripping tale o…
Level C1RomanceThe Knight of the Golden Melice: A Historical RomanceIn the early 17th century, amid the rugged wilderness of New England, adventurers, merchants, and settlers embark on a perilous quest to establish a new colony, driven by ambition,…
Level C1RomanceThe Knight of MaltaAlong the turbulent coasts of 17th-century Provence, fearless sentries watch for ruthless Barbary pirates who raid villages and seize ships despite fortresses and muskets.
Level C1HistoricalThe Knight Of Gwynne, Vol. 2 (of 2)A knight revisits a coastal village haunted by memories of a passionate, tumultuous past with Maria Daly, whose spirited beauty masks a deeper sorrow.
Level C1HistoricalThe Knight Of Gwynne, Vol. 1 (of 2)Amidst the sweeping landscapes of the Tyrol, a chance encounter leads to the lease of a grand old castle, setting the stage for a tale woven through political intrigue and family d…
Level C1RomanceThe Knave of DiamondsIn a dazzling ballroom filled with music and laughter, a mysterious woman seeks refuge by an open window, only to be approached by a wary stranger whose intentions unfold amidst wh…
PoetryThe Kitten's Garden of VersesDelight in whimsical poems that capture the playful adventures and curious musings of kittens, blending humor and charm in a garden of imaginative verse.
Level B2Children'sThe Kitchen Cat, and other TalesIn a gloomy London nursery, lonely Ruth longs for a friend beyond her unresponsive dolls and distant father.
Level B2Children'sThe Kitchen Cat and Other StoriesIn a gloomy London nursery, lonely Ruth longs for a friend to share her days with, as toys and distant parents fail to fill the silence.
Level B1AdventureThe Kipling Reader: Selections from the Books of Rudyard KiplingA fearless mongoose named Rikki-tikki-tavi embarks on a daring adventure within a bustling bungalow, where curious exploration leads him into a fierce battle for survival against h…
Level C1FantasyThe Kings of the East: A Romance of the Near FutureIn a vibrant city where cultures collide, a secretive group hatches a bold plan to re-colonize Palestine, awaiting a singular leader to navigate political storms and unite divided…
Level C1MysteryThe Kingdom of the BlindIn a glamorous Ritz Hotel lounge, wounded Captain Ronald Granet returns from the front, reuniting with a circle of intriguing guests whose secrets intertwine with the shadows of wa…
Level C1PoetryThe Kingdom of LoveJourney through realms where dreams, sense, wealth, and home vie for the title of the true Kingdom of Love.
Level C1PhilosophyThe Kingdom of God is Within You / Christianity and Patriotism / MiscellaniesExplore a profound critique of organized religion’s departure from Christ’s original teaching of non-resistance to evil, revealing how true Christianity demands peace and rejects v…
Level C1PoetryThe King's Wake, and Other BalladsAt a lively wake, young Signelil defies her mother's warnings to join the dance, only to encounter the king and a deadly twist of fate.
Level B2ClassicsThe King's Threshold; and On Baile's StrandAn aging poet confronts the harsh pride and politics of King Guaire's court, where loyalty and art collide on the palace steps.
Level C1HistoricalThe King's Stratagem, and Other StoriesAmidst the tense rivalry between Henry IV of Navarre and the Catholic League, two governors engage in a high-stakes game that threatens loyalty, honor, and control of a strategic f…
Level B2AdventureThe King's SonsFour Saxon princes grow strong under the watchful eyes of their king and fierce protector, learning swordplay and preparing for the looming threat of Norse invaders.
Level C1AdventureThe King's ScapegoatA disgraced envoy recounts a perilous mission that nearly cost him honor and life, revealing hidden court intrigues and the harsh realities of loyalty in a turbulent France.
Level C1RomanceThe King's Own Borderers: A Military Romance, Volume 3 (of 3)Caught in relentless rain and isolated in a deserted Spanish villa, Quentin and the passionate Donna Isidora navigate growing affection and dangerous uncertainty during the chaos o…
Level C1RomanceThe King's Own Borderers: A Military Romance, Volume 2 (of 3)An officer faces a sudden summons to command a battalion abroad, forcing a tense farewell amid family hopes and hidden emotions.
Level C1RomanceThe King's Own Borderers: A Military Romance, Volume 1 (of 3)Amid a stormy November sea near the rugged Scottish coast, Lady Winifred watches anxiously as a brig battles treacherous reefs and rising tides, setting the stage for a tale of war…
Level C1HistoricalThe King's OwnAmid the turmoil of the 1797 Mutiny at the Nore, a talented sailor wrongfully accused of theft faces disgrace and injustice, transforming a loyal subject into a brooding rebel.
Level C1HistoricalThe King's Mirror (Speculum regale-Konungs skuggsjá)Explore the intellectual richness of medieval Scandinavia as a thoughtful author delves into science, society, and philosophy in a didactic work that challenges assumptions about c…
Level C1ClassicsThe King's MirrorA young prince ascends to the throne amid solemn ceremonies and strict guardians, grappling with the weight of kingship and childhood innocence.
Level C1ClassicsThe King's MessengerAt a dimly lit dinner, a man reunites with the enigmatic Miss Lorna, who reveals a secret plan to escape with a mysterious late guest.
Level C1Science FictionThe King's Men: A Tale of To-morrowIn a future England where monarchy is exiled and aristocracy crumbles, a young nobleman wrestles with his fading legacy and a society transformed by political upheaval and economic…
Level C1AdventureThe King's JackalIn the shadowy courts of Tangier, political intrigue and covert alliances unfold as exiled royalty and their loyal followers plot to reclaim a lost throne.
Level C1HistoricalThe King's HighwayAmidst the stormy Irish coast, two military men and a thoughtful boy confront secrets and loss, their fates intertwined with the turbulent sea and shadowed pasts.
Level C1AdventureThe King's Esquires; Or, The Jewel of FranceIn the grand Palace of Fontainebleau, a restless young esquire hones his swordsmanship while shadows lurk behind the curtains, hinting at danger and intrigue within King Francis I’…
Level C1HistoricalThe King's DaughtersIn 1556 Colchester, the lives of women intertwine over the choice of gowns and fabrics, revealing secrets, social tensions, and whispers of heresy in a world where every decision c…
Level B1Children'sThe King's Daughter and Other Stories for GirlsA young girl dreams of being a princess, but her mother reveals the harsh realities faced by royalty through the true story of Marie Antoinette’s daughter, imprisoned during the Fr…
Level B2HistoricalThe King's Cup-BearerAmid the fragrant gardens and sparkling rivers of ancient Shushan, a Jewish foreigner rises to power in the Persian king’s magnificent palace.
Level C1AdventureThe King's Assegai: A Matabili StoryAn old Zulu warrior guards a priceless assegai, the spear of a forgotten king, and begins to reveal the fierce battles and shifting loyalties of a turbulent era in Zululand’s histo…
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.