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 C1AdventureThe Cruise of the "Cachalot" Round the World After Sperm WhalesEmbark on a gripping voyage aboard a South Sea whaler, revealing the harsh realities and thrilling dangers of the sperm whale fishery through the eyes of an experienced seaman.
Level B2AdventureThe Cruise of The ViolettaRecovering from fever in the Bahamas, Kit joins the enigmatic Dr.
Level B2ClassicsThe Crucifixion of Philip StrongA devoted minister faces a difficult choice between two inviting pastoral calls: one in a bustling, prosperous church, the other in a quiet, scholarly town where he can nurture his…
Level C1RomanceThe CrucibleA defiant young woman named Jean, who rejects traditional femininity and longs to live as a man, faces confinement in a harsh refuge where she must confront her past, her identity,…
Level C1ClassicsThe Crucial Moment: 1911As floodwaters rise against the Mississippi’s levees, laborer Walter Hoxer confronts the fragile barrier between order and disaster, challenging the arrogance and stakes that threa…
Level B2AdventureThe Croxley Master: A Great Tale Of The Prize RingA struggling medical student faces harsh rejection and bleak prospects, until an unexpected challenge in a grim industrial town offers him a chance to change his fate through stren…
Level C1ClassicsThe Crown of LifeA young man newly come of age wanders London, captivated by art and haunted by dreams of fate, when a chance meeting with his estranged half-brother stirs questions about family ti…
Level C1ClassicsThe Crowded StreetAt a grand party filled with shimmering gowns and whispered expectations, young Muriel navigates the delicate tensions of childhood and society, caught between innocence and the al…
Level B2ClassicsThe Crow's NestEnter a world where tigers embody contrasting natures: the bold hunter, the armchair scholar, and the sheltered idealist, while medieval knights reveal a brutal reality behind thei…
Level C1MysteryThe Crow's Inn tragedyIn post-war London, a weary clergyman seeks legal advice as his troubled son, a war veteran haunted by his past and unable to find his place, spirals into debt and despair.
Level B2AdventureThe CrossingBorn under the Blue Ridge, a boy raised by a mysterious, taciturn frontiersman learns the rugged skills of the wilderness.
Level C1RomanceThe Cross of Berny; Or, Irene's LoversTorn between duty and desire, a young woman engaged to a noble prince grapples with unexpected fears and doubts about her future.
Level C1HistoricalThe Cross and the Shamrock: Or, How To Defend The Faith. An Irish-American Catholic Tale Of Real Life, Descriptive Of The Temptations, Sufferings, Trials, And Triumphs Of The Children Of St. Patrick In The Great Republic Of Washington. A Book For The Entertainment And Special Instructions Of The Catholic Male And Female Servants Of The United States.Amid the trials faced by Irish-American Catholics in 19th-century America, this tale offers heartfelt guidance and encouragement, defending faith and heritage against prejudice whi…
Level B2AdventureThe Cross and the Hammer: A Tale of the Days of the VikingsIn the Viking age's fierce clash between the old gods and the rise of Christianity, young warriors like Vagn and Sigurd navigate loyalty, honor, and the tides of power at King Svei…
PoetryThe Cross and CrownExplore a powerful poetic journey contrasting sacrifice and triumph, delving into themes of faith, struggle, and redemption through vivid imagery and stirring verse.
Level C1AdventureThe Crooked Stick; Or, Pollie's ProbationIn a harsh, unforgiving outback, a former army captain faces danger on a mail coach journey as notorious cattle thieves lie in wait, testing his courage and resolve against a backd…
Level C1PoetryThe Crooked Man and Other RhymesDive into a charming collection of playful rhymes and whimsical verses that capture the imagination with bright, lively language and delightful twists.
Level C1MysteryThe Crooked HouseA giant Frenchman arrives in London with a mysterious riddle that has taken him across countries, seeking answers hidden in society's shadows.
Level C1ClassicsThe CromptonsA mysterious Northern stranger arrives late at a Southern river landing, his cold demeanor setting him apart from the curious locals.
Level B2Children'sThe Crofton BoysIn a bustling London home beside the Thames, the lively Proctor children navigate family life, school lessons, and dreams of adventure, as spirited siblings clash over future paths…
Level C1ClassicsThe Crock of Gold: A Rural NovelIn a harsh rural world, Roger Acton endures relentless toil and poverty with unwavering faith and quiet dignity.
Level C1FantasyThe Crock of GoldIn a shadowy pine wood, two philosophers and their enigmatic wives navigate a world where wisdom, curses, and swapped children intertwine, while mysterious creatures and playful sp…
Level C1HistoricalThe Critics Versus Shakspere: A Brief for the DefendantA passionate defense unfolds against centuries of critics who challenge Shakespeare's artistry, revealing the fierce debates over his genius, flaws, and enduring impact on literatu…
Level C1HistoricalThe Critical GameExplore the art of literary criticism as a dynamic interplay of wit, insight, and personal expression, revealing how critics shape and reflect the very works they analyze in a game…
Level C1HistoricalThe Crisis — CompleteAs Eliphalet Hopper arrives in St.
Level B2AdventureThe Crimson WestA young man, cast out by his father for gambling and drinking, faces a harsh new reality as he struggles to reclaim his honor and find his path.
Level B2HistoricalThe Crimson Tide: A NovelAmid the chaos of revolution, an American ambulance driver and a devoted companion to a Romanoff princess navigate snowy battlefronts and the fierce spirit of a women's battalion,…
Level B2Children'sThe Crimson SweaterA determined new boy arrives at Ferry Hill School wearing a striking crimson sweater, sparking rivalry and curiosity as he faces challenges on the football field and from the schoo…
Level C1AdventureThe Crimson Sign: A Narrative of the Adventures of Mr. Gervase Orme, Sometime Lieutenant in Mountjoy's Regiment of FootAmidst the turmoil of 1689 Londonderry, a seasoned captain and a young lieutenant face divided councils and imminent battles, forging discipline and courage as they prepare to defe…
Level B2MysteryThe Crimson PatchSeventeen-year-old Patricia Meade moves into a stiff hotel suite for three months, grappling with her mother’s nervous breakdown and her father’s secret mission tied to a vital gov…
Level C1RomanceThe Crimson Gardenia and Other Tales of AdventureAmid the dazzling Mardi Gras in New Orleans, a disillusioned socialite dismisses love and passion as relics of the past—until unexpected adventure and romance threaten to upend his…
Level C1Children'sThe Crimson Fairy BookA determined prince must prove himself worthy by uncovering the secret of the mysterious three bulrushes, embarking on a journey filled with magical creatures and ancient tales fro…
Level C1MysteryThe Crimson Cryptogram: A Detective StoryIn a gloomy London suburb, a struggling young doctor battles poverty and despair while waiting for his chance to prove himself—until a mysterious visitor arrives, sparking a chain…
Level C1AdventureThe Crimson Conquest: A Romance of Pizarro and PeruIn the sweltering plaza of Panama, hardened soldiers and adventurers gather to hear tales of Francisco Pizarro’s South American conquests, where steel-clad cavaliers face fierce ba…
Level C1MysteryThe Crimson BlindA struggling novelist faces ruin after guaranteeing his brother’s debts, risking everything he’s built—his home, art, and dreams—for a sum barely within reach.
Level B2Children'sThe Crimson BannerAt Belmont College, a mysterious letter demands the surrender of cherished old cannons, sparking a spirited challenge that unites students around the thrilling world of college bas…
Level C1AdventureThe Crimson Azaleas: A NovelTwo Scottish men traverse Japan’s scenic Nikko road, forging a risky business partnership amid crimson azaleas and wild landscapes, as past regrets and new ambitions collide in an…
Level B2MysteryThe Crime of the French Café and Other StoriesIn a shadowy French restaurant, a mysterious waiter’s sudden flight sparks a detective’s curiosity—leading him into a chilling scene behind closed doors and a puzzle that threatens…
Level B2MysteryThe Crime of the BoulevardA brutal murder shatters the quiet of a bustling Paris boulevard, drawing a clever police inspector from his peaceful family moment into a tangled web of mystery and danger.
Level C1MysteryThe Crime of Sylvestre BonnardOn a cold Christmas Eve, a solitary scholar finds comfort in his books and cat, until an unexpected visitor arrives, offering curious new volumes that challenge his quiet, studied…
Level C1ClassicsThe Crime of Henry Vane: A Study with a MoralA young man, newly independent and heartbroken, grapples with lost love and the harsh judgment of society.
Level B2MysteryThe Crime and the CriminalA chance encounter on a train thrusts a man face-to-face with a woman he believed dead—a woman who betrayed him years ago.
Level C1MysteryThe Crime DoctorA daring young man risks everything to retrieve a stolen watch from a pickpocket, captivating a bold Home Secretary known for his unconventional methods and political reforms.
Level C1MysteryThe Crime ClubA tense encounter unfolds aboard an ocean liner when Captain Melun is threatened by Sir Paul Westerham, a hardened baronet guarding a mysterious kit-bag.
Level B2AdventureThe Cricket's Friends: Tales Told by the Cricket, Teapot, and SaucepanIn a cozy hearthside club, a cricket introduces curious new members—a traveled spider, a caterpillar, and a wasp—each bringing their own tales and temperaments to this whimsical ga…
Level C1Children'sThe Cricket on the Hearth: A Fairy Tale of HomeIn a cozy hearth-lit home, a stubborn kettle’s antics spark a whimsical tale filled with warmth, laughter, and a mysterious visitor, inviting readers into a charming world where ev…
Level C1AdventureThe Crew of the Water WagtailSet sail with a ragtag crew bound for Norway, where treacherous storms and a captain’s battle with drink turn a daring voyage into a desperate fight for survival on the wild Atlant…
Level C1PoetryThe Crescent MoonImmerse yourself in lyrical reflections on childhood, nature, and the tender bonds of home as twilight fades and the world whispers its quiet mysteries.
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.