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 B2AdventureThe Dash for Khartoum: A Tale of the Nile ExpeditionAmid the turmoil of the Nile Expedition, two lads raised as brothers face a reckless choice fueled by youthful impulse and secrecy.
Level C1MysteryThe Darrow EnigmaA physician with a phenomenal memory crosses paths with a chemist whose mysterious ailment conceals a deeper intrigue tied to a captivating woman and groundbreaking scientific purs…
Level B2ClassicsThe Darling and Other StoriesA devoted woman finds purpose and love in the struggles of running a failing open-air theatre, where art battles against an indifferent, demanding public and relentless rainy weath…
Level C2RomanceThe Dark StarBeneath the ominous reign of the Dark Star Erlik, lives intertwine across continents and destinies, bound by ancient cosmic forces and the relentless tides of history.
Level B2AdventureThe Dark Road: further adventures of Chéri-BibiA condemned man endures the brutal life of a convict settlement, haunted by injustice and fierce enemies, while forging a fragile bond with the legendary outlaw Chéri-Bibi; surviva…
Level B2Science FictionThe Dark OtherA man obsessed with capturing pure, undefinable horror in his writing finds himself drawn into dark conversations and mysterious moods by the shores of Lake Michigan, where reality…
Level C1ClassicsThe Dark Lady of the SonnetsIn a witty exploration of Shakespeare’s mysterious Dark Lady, a determined scholar unravels theories linking her to Mistress Mary Fitton, sparking a theatrical clash of jealousy in…
Level B2MysteryThe Dark House: A Knot UnravelledIn a gloomy house where death has just struck, mysterious visitors arrive demanding strange wines and unsettling rituals, stirring fear and suspicion among the servants.
Level C1HistoricalThe Dark ForestIn war-torn Petrograd, an awkward Englishman in a Russian uniform embarks on a journey with a spirited nurse, stepping into the chaotic world of a Red Cross unit where hope flicker…
Level B2ClassicsThe Dark FlowerA young Oxford student, caught between tradition and his own restless spirit, contemplates the world around him, his tutor, and the mysterious allure of freedom and creativity.
Level C1ClassicsThe Dark FleeceIn a rugged coastal town, Olive Stanes faces the weight of family duty and change as she awaits the return of Jason Burrage, whose years of gold-seeking promise to transform their…
Level C1PoetryThe Dark Ages, and Other PoemsExplore a world where the so-called Dark Ages reveal unexpected beauty, faith, and poetry, challenging the shadows cast by history with vivid imagery and timeless reflections on ho…
Level C1ClassicsThe DaredevilRoberta, a determined young woman, embarks on a perilous ocean journey from war-torn France to America, carrying her family’s fragile hope and a legacy intertwined with love, loss,…
Level B2AdventureThe Dare Boys with General GreeneThree young patriots on a scouting mission through the South Carolina wilderness face danger from Cherokee warriors incited by the British.
Level B2AdventureThe Dare Boys of 1776On the historic day the Declaration of Independence is to be signed, two brave brothers face threats and tensions from loyalist youths in a city buzzing with revolutionary fervor.
Level B2AdventureThe Dare Boys in VirginiaIn the warm woods of Virginia, three young patriots—Dick, Tom Dare, and Ben Foster—join a regiment determined to track down the traitor Benedict Arnold and turn the tide of the Rev…
Level B2AdventureThe Dare Boys in VincennesTwo daring brothers navigate war-torn America on secret missions, racing through enemy lines and untamed wilderness to deliver vital messages.
Level B2MysteryThe Danvers Jewels, and Sir Charles DanversA dying man entrusts a mysterious parcel of dazzling jewels to a reluctant courier, sparking a dangerous mission fraught with secrets and suspicion as the treasure must reach the r…
Level C1ClassicsThe Dangerous Age: Letters and Fragments from a Woman's DiaryA woman’s candid diary reveals the turmoil and restless discontent of middle age, confronting societal expectations with raw honesty and piercing insight.
Level C1MysteryThe Dangerfield TalismanAt a tense card game, Eileen Cressage wrestles with mounting debts while a valuable talisman stirs hopes and suspicions among the players.
Level B2RomanceThe Danger TrailA determined engineer leaves the comfort of civilization to conquer the wilds of northern Canada, tasked with building a railroad through untamed wilderness where mystery and dange…
Level C1ClassicsThe Danger MarkIn a grand household thrown into chaos by a sudden family crisis, two mischievous siblings turn the mansion into their playground, challenging rules and stirring up trouble while w…
Level C1ClassicsThe Danes, Sketched by Themselves. Vol. 3 (of 3): A Series of Popular Stories by the Best Danish AuthorsA young boy's heart is captivated by the sea, dreaming of the sailor's life while living with his widowed mother.
Level C1HistoricalThe Danes, Sketched by Themselves. Vol. 2 (of 3): A Series of Popular Stories by the Best Danish AuthorsIn a rugged Danish fishing village, a determined old sailor prepares for a dangerous night at sea, while a beautiful young woman anxiously watches the storm outside, fearing for hi…
Level C1ClassicsThe Danes, Sketched by Themselves. Vol. 1 (of 3): A Series of Popular Stories by the Best Danish AuthorsA reckless young man sent to Hamburg for discipline finds himself drawn into wild nights and daring escapades, defying strict watchfulness while seeking out riotous company.
Level C1ClassicsThe Dancing FaunIn a world where truth is undignified and life is a carefully crafted illusion, Lady Geraldine navigates society’s contradictions with wit and innocence.
Level C1PhilosophyThe Dance of LifeExplore the ever-changing dance of life where shifting perspectives reveal a world in constant flux yet bound by an underlying unity, inviting readers to embrace the beauty of impe…
Level B2PoetryThe Dance of DinwiddieStep into a vivid tapestry of voices and melodies where dancers gather on a rustic acre, weaving tales of love, dreams, and quarrels through evocative songs and stories that echo t…
Level C1ClassicsThe Dance of DeathA candid exposé challenges the seductive allure and hidden dangers of modern dancing, revealing its perilous grip on society and warning those unaware of the moral decay swirling b…
Level C1PhilosophyThe Damsel and the Sage: A Woman's WhimsiesA curious Damsel questions a reclusive Sage about life’s bitter and sweet mysteries, uncovering lessons on human folly, desire, and perspective through vivid parables and sharp phi…
Level C1MysteryThe Damned Thing: 1898, From "In the Midst of Life"In a remote wilderness cabin, a coroner and locals gather around a mysterious death as a visiting writer prepares to testify about the strange, possibly supernatural circumstances…
Level C1MysteryThe DamnedA weary writer and his sister consider a month-long stay at a lonely widow’s sprawling Sussex mansion, where strange beliefs and unsettling influences threaten to disturb their liv…
Level C1ClassicsThe Damnation of Theron WareIn a packed Methodist conference hall, ministers await their appointments with a mix of hope and dread, embodying a changing clergy caught between heroic pasts and uncertain future…
Level C1ClassicsThe Daltons; Or, Three Roads In Life. Volume II (of II)Tensions flare as Norwood faces a sudden challenge to his honor, but his ally mysteriously vanishes, forcing him into a desperate search.
Level C1ClassicsThe Daltons; Or, Three Roads In Life. Volume I (of II)As a fashionable German resort falls into winter's quiet, three men—each choosing a different path—navigate the contrasts of society, ambition, and honor amid fading illusions and…
Level C1PoetryThe Dalby Bear, and Other BalladsA fearsome bear terrorizes Dalby moors until a mysterious knight confronts the beast, revealing a tale of enchantment, betrayal, and redemption.
Level C1ClassicsThe Dakotan Languages, and Their Relations to Other LanguagesExplore the intricate relationships among the Dakotan languages and their dialects, tracing connections to allied tribes and uncovering the rich cultural and linguistic heritage of…
Level C1PoetryThe Daisy, or, Cautionary Stories in Verse.: Adapted to the Ideas of Children from Four to Eight Years Old.Charming cautionary tales in verse invite children aged four to eight into a world of playful lessons and delightful illustrations, blending humor and wisdom to teach kindness, hon…
Level C1ClassicsThe Daisy Chain, or AspirationsIn a quaint country town, spirited sisters Ethel and Flora embark on a compassionate mission to aid a struggling family, navigating youthful aspirations and the challenges of their…
Level C1Children'sThe Dairyman's DaughterA humble dairyman's daughter reveals the profound faith and grace found among the poor, sharing a heartfelt journey of spiritual transformation and hope amidst life's trials and lo…
Level B2HistoricalThe Daily Newspaper: The History of Its Production and DistibutionExplore the evolution of printing from the meticulous artistry of early presses to the rapid, affordable production of daily newspapers, revealing the hidden complexities behind th…
Level B2MysteryThe Daffodil MysteryA sharp-witted employee clashes with the enigmatic proprietor of Lyne's Stores, whose charm masks deeper secrets.
Level C2PoetryThe Daemon of the WorldA radiant spirit awakens beside the Daemon of the World, embarking on a celestial journey through infinite stars and cosmic wonders, revealing profound truths beyond mortal grasp.
Level C1MysteryThe D'Arblay mysteryOn a peaceful autumn day, a young medical graduate's quiet nature walk turns chilling when he discovers a mysterious face submerged in a woodland pond, plunging him into an unsettl…
Level B2MysteryThe Czar's Spy: The Mystery of a Silent LoveAn Englishman’s yacht runs aground under suspicious circumstances off the Italian coast, drawing a reluctant British consul into a web of intrigue, mutiny, and mystery in a sun-dre…
Level C1HistoricalThe CzarIn a Russian village under the shadow of serfdom during Napoleon’s era, young Ivan Barrinka navigates the harsh realities of his world while defending his place and those he cares…
Level C1ClassicsThe Cynic's Word BookDive into a sharply witty lexicon where words are given cynical, humorous definitions that expose society’s quirks and contradictions with biting satire and clever poetic illustrat…
Level C1ClassicsThe Cynic's Rules of ConductNavigate society’s quirks with sharp wit and biting advice on manners, courtship, and social conduct, revealing the clever, cynical rules that govern human interactions and the art…
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.