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 B2Children'sThe Goat and Her KidA lively young kid delights in dancing and frisking across a sunlit garden, inspired by the enchanting music of a traveling Italian boy and his dancing dolls.
Level B1AdventureThe Go Ahead Boys in the Island CampFour adventurous boys set up camp on a remote Adirondack island, facing the challenges of nature, unexpected mishaps, and thrilling water sports.
Level B2AdventureThe Go Ahead Boys and the Treasure CaveFour adventurous boys embark on the brig Josephine, setting sail from New York Harbor on a thrilling voyage to Buenos Aires.
Level B2AdventureThe Go Ahead Boys and the Racing Motor-BoatFour adventurous boys set out aboard a sleek racing motor-boat, the Black Growler, for a thrilling month on the St.
Level B2MysteryThe Go Ahead Boys and the Mysterious Old HouseFour adventurous friends set out to uncover the truth behind the eerie, centuries-old Meeker House, defying ghost stories and local fears in a thrilling quest that tests their cour…
Level C1FantasyThe Gnomes of the Saline Mountains: A Fantastic NarrativeAmid the grand floral regatta on the shimmering Traunsee, an enchanting lady appears in a mysterious lotus gondola, captivating all with her otherworldly beauty.
Level B2PoetryThe Glugs of GoshEmbark on a whimsical journey through the mysterious land of Gosh, where curious seekers chase elusive Glugs guided by riddles, starry skies, and curious creatures in a poetic ques…
Level C1RomanceThe Glory of the Conquered: The Story of a Great LoveTorn between the worlds of science and art, Ernestine faces a powerful choice when promised to one of the greatest scientists alive.
Level C1Science FictionThe Glory of IpplingIn a galaxy where machines and human precision collide, a cultural envoy struggles to command awe and reverence through a dazzling spectacle, only to face unexpected chaos that cha…
Level C1HistoricalThe Glory of English Prose: Letters to My GrandsonA grandfather guides his grandson through the vast landscape of English literature, revealing the power of simple, noble prose to inspire reverence, refine the mind, and elevate ch…
Level C1ClassicsThe Glory of Clementina WingIn a quiet, prim London street, an uncompromising portrait painter wrestles with art, money, and disillusionment while navigating complex relationships and the clash between youthf…
Level C1RomanceThe Glimpses of the MoonA newlywed couple embarks on a honeymoon at a famed lakeside villa, savoring the magic of love and luxury while quietly grappling with the financial strains beneath their blissful…
Level C1ClassicsThe Glebe 1913/11 (Vol. 1, No. 2): Diary of a SuicideA young man chronicles his harrowing battle with despair, exhaustion, and the search for meaning amid life's relentless struggles.
Level C1HistoricalThe Gladiators. A Tale of Rome and JudæaAmidst the shadowy grandeur of ancient Rome and the rugged wilds of Britain, a young warrior faces the clash of empires and the haunting memories of his homeland.
Level B2Children'sThe Girls of St. Wode'sThree young women return home from school, ready to make their debut in London society under the watchful eye of their ambitious mother.
Level B2RomanceThe Girls of St. Olave'sOn the eve of her engagement, Denys navigates the bittersweet shift from family life to new beginnings, caught between cherished memories and the promise of love.
Level C1Children'sThe Girls of St. Cyprian's: A Tale of School LifeAt St.
Level B2Children'sThe Girls of Silver Spur RanchOn a small Texas cattle ranch whimsically named Silver Spur, spirited sisters navigate family quirks and looming changes as wedding preparations unfold.
Level B2MysteryThe Girls of Hillcrest Farm; Or, The Secret of the RocksStruggling to keep her family afloat after her mother's death, Lydia Bray juggles work and responsibility in a cramped tenement, where mysterious neighbors and secrets in nearby wi…
Level B2MysteryThe Girls of GreycliffA lively reunion at Greycliff Hall sparks joy and anticipation as old friends settle into their shared suite, ready to embrace school life and the adventures ahead at this spirited…
Level B2MysteryThe Girls of ChequertreesIn a village shadowed by an ivy-covered house with locked doors and whispered secrets, a mysterious invitation draws Pamela and other girls into a web of intrigue and hidden truths…
Level B2MysteryThe Girls of Central High; Or, Rivals for All HonorsTwo high school friends hatch a clever scheme to attract customers using a magnifying glass and a loaf of bread, sparking laughter and community buzz.
Level B2Children'sThe Girls of Central High on the Stage; Or, The Play That Took The PrizeAt Central High, a secret girls’ society faces eviction and must unite the student body by staging an original play competition to raise funds and secure their treasured meeting pl…
Level B2MysteryThe Girls of Central High on Track and Field: Or, The Champions of the School LeagueA spirited group of Central High girls navigate friendship, lively rivalries, and mysterious newcomers just as a strange chase unfolds below their hilltop perch—pulling them into a…
Level B1MysteryThe Girls of Central High on Lake Luna; Or, The Crew That WonTwin sisters Dora and Dorothy paddle through Lake Luna’s mysterious Cavern Island, drawn into a thrilling chase involving a masked stranger, a daring robbery, and secrets tied to t…
Level B2AdventureThe Girls of Central High in Camp; Or, the Old Professor's SecretA spirited group of Central High girls plan a summer camping trip far from the sand and sea, navigating friendships, rivalries, and the mysteries that unfold in the great outdoors.
Level B2MysteryThe Girls of Central High at Basketball; Or, The Great Gymnasium MysteryTensions rise on the Central High girls' basketball team as fierce competition meets simmering rivalries under the watchful eye of their strict instructor, Mrs.
Level B2MysteryThe Girls of Central High Aiding the Red Cross: Or, Amateur Theatricals for a Worthy CauseLaura, a sharp high school bookkeeper, discovers a mysterious fifty-dollar shortage in her father's jewelry store just as Christmas approaches.
Level B2Children'sThe Girls at Mount MorrisA determined young girl faces the harsh reality of sacrificing her dreams of education to support her ailing mother, stepping into the world of factory work and hardship.
Level B2Children'sThe Girls and I: A Veracious HistoryNavigating the chaos of being the only boy among five spirited sisters, Joachim—known as Jack—shares his humorous and heartfelt adventures in a lively family where personalities cl…
Level C1AdventureThe Girl's Own Paper. Vol. XX. No. 1007. April 15, 1899Amid the fervor of the Napoleonic Wars, a young soldier chronicles his first campaign in Spain, capturing battles, camaraderie, and the stirring enthusiasm of allied forces as they…
Level B2PoetryThe Girl's Own Paper, vol. VIII., no. 377, March 19, 1887Amidst the bustling life by the river and the quiet shadows of an old churchyard, a heartfelt reunion unfolds as Merle confronts the secrets kept by Aunt Agatha, revealing struggle…
Level B2Children'sThe Girl's Own Paper, Vol. XX: No. 1019, July 8, 1899A young girl navigates loneliness and strained family ties during a Christmas spent away from home, finding solace and connection amid holiday traditions and new friendships in a b…
Level C1Children'sThe Girl's Own Paper, Vol. XX. No. 999, February 18, 1899Amidst schoolroom rivalries and secret vows, two girls forge a powerful friendship that transforms their lives and challenges their hearts.
Level B2PoetryThe Girl's Own Paper, Vol. XX. No. 997, February 4, 1899In a tense Franco-English war setting, young Roy’s playful mischief spirals into a serious predicament when a broken bust and angry accusations threaten to bring the gendarmes knoc…
Level C1HistoricalThe Girl's Own Paper, Vol. XX. No. 996, January 28, 1899Amid the tense backdrop of Napoleonic wars and narrow escapes from invasion, personal letters reveal the lingering anxieties and long separations faced by families caught between E…
Level C1Children'sThe Girl's Own Paper, Vol. XX. No. 1028, September 9, 1899Explore the rich history of English village architecture through detailed descriptions of ancient manor houses, Tudor cottages, and the changing countryside.
Level C1PoetryThe Girl's Own Paper, Vol. XX. No. 1023, August 5, 1899Explore a rich collection of poetry and thoughtful essays aimed at inspiring young women to embrace literature beyond exams, discovering the magic and personal meaning hidden in ve…
Level C1PoetryThe Girl's Own Paper, Vol. XX. No. 1021, July 22, 1899In a world where social expectations and household hierarchy intertwine, Lucy navigates the complexities of servitude, friendship, and propriety, all while managing the delicate ba…
Level C1Children'sThe Girl's Own Paper, Vol. XX. No. 1013, May 27, 1899In a bustling household, a sudden accident and mysterious fire ignite tension as a servant collapses from a fit, leaving the residents scrambling to uncover the truth behind the ch…
Level C1PoetryThe Girl's Own Paper, Vol. XX. No. 1012, May 20, 1899Amid lively family debates and youthful ambitions, a young man navigates the challenges of business, friendship, and social expectations in a bustling town preparing for a grand co…
Level B2PoetryThe Girl's Own Paper, Vol. XX. No. 1011, May 13, 1899In a small household awaiting the husband’s return from sea, a seasoned servant with a mysterious past seeks a quiet place to work, stirring questions about trust and loyalty.
Level B2Children'sThe Girl's Own Paper, Vol. XX. No. 1010, May 6, 1899Effie, recovering from illness, is encouraged by Cyril to reclaim her independence through horseback riding and outdoor adventures, promising a summer filled with friendship, coura…
Level C1Children'sThe Girl's Own Paper, Vol. XX. No. 1009, April 29, 1899A treasured magazine celebrating its 1000th issue, filled with stories, advice, puzzles, and heartfelt letters from readers of all ages, capturing the spirit and interests of girls…
Level B2AdventureThe Girl's Own Paper, Vol. XX. No. 1008, April 22, 1899Caught in a desperate retreat through snow-covered mountains and relentless enemy pursuit, a young soldier battles hardship and danger while inspired by the unwavering resolve of h…
Level B2Children'sThe Girl's Own Paper, Vol. XX. No. 1006, April 8, 1899Amid the warmth of a Christmas morning at the vicarage, Peggy Saville faces illness and change with quiet courage, while her brother Arthur strives to keep spirits bright despite d…
Level C1Children'sThe Girl's Own Paper, Vol. XX. No. 1005, April 1, 1899A woman navigates the streets of Bloomsbury burdened by intense emotion, seeking a private consultation with a doctor about her husband’s health.
Level C1Children'sThe Girl's Own Paper, Vol. XX. No. 1004, March 25, 1899In a modest lodging-room, Miss Colbourne prepares a special tea for her former pupil Jessie, sharing dreams of Italy and treasured Italian books, while the community faces harsh re…
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.