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 B2ClassicsThe Conjure WomanIn the postwar South, a Northern man seeks to revive a neglected vineyard and escape harsh winters, discovering a land where history, superstition, and the struggles of a changing…
Level C1PoetryThe Congo, and Other PoemsExplore a vibrant collection of poems that revive the ancient art of lyric singing, blending vaudeville’s spontaneity with heartfelt American spirit to reconnect poetry with its au…
Level B2AdventureThe Congo Rovers: A Story of the Slave SquadronA young midshipman eagerly accepts a posting to the sloop Daphne, destined for the perilous West African coast, despite his father's grave concerns.
Level C1ClassicsThe Confounding of CameliaA rebellious young woman returns to her quiet country family, where her wild charm and defiance of tradition stir scandal and fascination alike.
Level C1HistoricalThe Conflict with Slavery: Part 1 from The Works of John Greenleaf Whittier, Volume VIIA passionate call to confront the harsh realities of slavery exposes the moral failures and political complicity that sustain this brutal institution, urging urgent abolition and a…
Level C1ClassicsThe ConflictJane Hastings returns home after years abroad, restless and unwilling to surrender her identity to marriage.
Level C1ClassicsThe Confidence-Man: His MasqueradeA mysterious stranger boards a Mississippi steamer, attracting curious onlookers and whispers of imposture.
Level C1PhilosophyThe Confessions of Jean Jacques Rousseau — CompleteDive into the turbulent life of a man whose fierce independence and acute sensitivity shaped an era of revolution and reason.
Level C1AdventureThe Confessions of Harry Lorrequer — CompleteFollow the lively escapades of Harry Lorrequer, whose candid confessions weave humor and adventure through his unpredictable life, revealing a charming narrator caught between spir…
Level C1ClassicsThe Confessions of Artemas Quibble: Being the Ingenuous and Unvarnished History of Artemas Quibble, Esquire, One-Time Practitioner in the New York Criminal Courts, Together with an Account of the Divers Wiles, Tricks, Sophistries, Technicalities, and Sundry Artifices of Himself and Others of the Fraternity, Commonly Yclept "Shysters" or "Shyster Lawyers"Raised under strict religious discipline and orphaned young, Artemas Quibble embarks on a legal career shaped by family eccentricities and sharp observations of the courtroom’s cun…
Level B2MysteryThe Confessions of Arsène LupinA charming rogue and master thief reveals the hidden truths behind his clever exploits and mysterious acts of kindness.
Level C1ClassicsThe Confession: A NovelIn a Russia caught between despair and revolution, the lives of society’s lowest outcasts reveal the fierce courage and restless spirit of a nation struggling to awaken.
Level C1ClassicsThe Confession of a FoolIn a vast royal library, a young librarian haunted by despair confronts the shadows of his failed ambitions and a tumultuous marriage, embarking on a raw, unflinching journey into…
Level C1HistoricalThe Confession of a Child of the Century — CompleteA disillusioned poet reflects on lost youth, passionate love, and the moral struggles of his era, revealing a raw portrait of a generation caught between hope and despair during th…
Level C1PhilosophyThe Conduct of LifeExplore the tension between fate and free will as the author confronts life's immovable limitations and the quest to harmonize individual liberty with the demands of an indifferent…
Level B1Children'sThe Conceited PigWhen Wilful the little pig hears strange noises in the night, he’s convinced a fire or mysterious blue butchers threaten the farm.
Level C1ClassicsThe Comstock ClubIn the rugged wilderness of the American West, pioneers blaze trails and face relentless hardships to transform the wild into civilization.
Level C1HistoricalThe Comrade in WhiteAmid the brutal trenches of the Great War, soldiers whisper of a mysterious figure—the Comrade in White—who appears unscathed amidst chaos, offering healing and hope in the darkest…
Level B2ClassicsThe Complete Writings of Charles Dudley Warner — Volume 4Experience the joys and challenges of boyhood on a lively farm, where driving oxen and teaching cows Latin reveal the humor, lessons, and unexpected rules of rural life through the…
Level B2ClassicsThe Complete Writings of Charles Dudley Warner — Volume 3A casual blackberry-picking trip in the Adirondacks turns into an unexpected adventure when a man encounters a bear doing the same.
Level C1ClassicsThe Complete Writings of Charles Dudley Warner — Volume 2Embark on a reflective journey across the vast Atlantic, challenging common myths about discovery and history while exploring the legacy of Columbus and the enduring mysteries of t…
Level C1ClassicsThe Complete Writings of Charles Dudley Warner — Volume 1Explore a collection of thoughtful essays that weave gentle observations of nature, rural life, and gardening into a tapestry of wisdom and quiet joy, offering solace and insight b…
Level C1PoetryThe Complete Works of Robert Burns: Containing his Poems, Songs, and Correspondence.: With a New Life of the Poet, and Notices, Critical and Biographical by Allan CunninghamImmerse yourself in the heartfelt songs and rustic verses of a Scottish bard who celebrates the joys, loves, and landscapes of his homeland with unpretentious passion and a proud,…
Level C1PoetryThe Complete Works of Richard Crashaw, Volume IIExplore the passionate and scholarly collection of Latin and Greek poetry, including rare and unprinted works, accompanied by insightful essays, translations, and facsimiles that i…
Level C2PoetryThe Complete Works of Richard Crashaw, Volume IDive into a rich collection of sacred and secular poems, including rare unpublished works and original illustrations, meticulously gathered and annotated from early editions and ma…
Level C1ClassicsThe Complete Works of Nathaniel Hawthorne, Appendix to Volume XII: Tales, Sketches, and other Papers by Nathaniel Hawthorne with a Biographical Sketch by George Parsons Lathrop: Biographical Sketch of Nathaniel HawthorneExplore the life and mind behind a celebrated writer through a detailed biographical sketch that traces his upbringing in old Salem, family background, and the shaping of his liter…
Level C1ClassicsThe Complete Works of Josh BillingsDive into the sharp wit and homespun wisdom of a beloved American humorist whose clever observations and pointed satire illuminate both the profound and the trivial, promising laug…
Level C1PoetryThe Complete Works of James Whitcomb Riley — Volume 10Meet Mr.
Level B2PoetryThe Complete Works of James Whitcomb Riley — Volume 1Step into the heartfelt world of a shy Indiana boy whose childhood and home life shape a lifetime of poetic reflections.
Level C1HistoricalThe Complete Works of Brann, the Iconoclast — Volume 12Tensions in Waco erupt into a deadly street duel between William Cowper Brann and Tom E.
Level C1ClassicsThe Complete Works of Brann, the Iconoclast — Volume 10Dive into sharp critiques of wealth and power as the author dissects the economic realities behind business revivals and the widening gap between plutocrats and workers, revealing…
Level C1ClassicsThe Complete Works of Brann, the Iconoclast — Volume 01Dive into the fierce and fearless writings of a defiant genius who challenged provincial politics, social norms, and orthodox popularity with raw, unfiltered passion in a turbulent…
Level C1ClassicsThe Complete Works of Artemus Ward — Part 7: MiscellaneousEmbark on a whimsical journey down the Wabash Canal aboard the Polly Ann, where lively characters, rustic scenes, and unexpected adventures unfold in a humorous and heartfelt narra…
Level C1ClassicsThe Complete Works of Artemus Ward — Part 6: Artemus Ward's PanoramaStep into the unconventional humor and charm of a renowned showman delivering lively lectures on Mormons, Utah, and the American West, all accompanied by his whimsical panorama at…
Level C1ClassicsThe Complete Works of Artemus Ward — Part 5: The London Punch LettersA sharp-witted American humorist arrives in London, sharing quirky tales and satirical observations of British society, history, and culture through whimsical letters filled with c…
Level B2ClassicsThe Complete Works of Artemus Ward — Part 4: To California and ReturnEmbark on a chaotic and humorous voyage from New York to California aboard the overcrowded steamer Ariel, encountering eccentric passengers, rough seas, and dubious accommodations…
Level C1ClassicsThe Complete Works of Artemus Ward — Part 3: Stories and RomancesIn a lively Boston mansion, young Elizy reunites with Moses, a fiery fireman claiming noble birth and daring adventures.
Level B2ClassicsThe Complete Works of Artemus Ward — Part 2: WarAmid rising tensions in the South, a traveling showman faces arrest, confiscation, and chaos as he navigates the turbulent early days of war, witnessing fierce local passions and u…
Level A2ClassicsThe Complete Works of Artemus Ward — Part 1: Essays, Sketches, and LettersDive into a treasure trove of sharp wit and satirical essays that explore everything from politics and society to personal letters and spirited interviews, all delivered with a hum…
Level C1ClassicsThe Complete Works of Artemus Ward (HTML edition)Dive into a rich collection of witty essays, letters, and sketches that chronicle the humorous observations and adventures of a 19th-century American humorist, from lively local sc…![Cover of The Complete Works in Philosophy, Politics and Morals of the late Dr. Benjamin Franklin, Vol. 3 [of 3] by Benjamin Franklin](https://dsx1pat3ljtul.cloudfront.net/books/daf3fh8e1ofc73dhb4eg.webp)
Level C1HistoricalThe Complete Works in Philosophy, Politics and Morals of the late Dr. Benjamin Franklin, Vol. 3 [of 3]Before the American Revolution, colonial leaders grapple with disunity and external threats, drafting a bold plan for union to strengthen defense and preserve the British American…![Cover of The Complete Works in Philosophy, Politics and Morals of the late Dr. Benjamin Franklin, Vol. 2 [of 3] by Benjamin Franklin](https://dsx1pat3ljtul.cloudfront.net/books/dabm8lg9638s73a2uu60.webp)
Level C1HistoricalThe Complete Works in Philosophy, Politics and Morals of the late Dr. Benjamin Franklin, Vol. 2 [of 3]Explore the intricate dance of air, water, and particles through detailed observations on their natural properties and interactions, revealing the unseen forces shaping our atmosph…![Cover of The Complete Works in Philosophy, Politics and Morals of the late Dr. Benjamin Franklin, Vol. 1 [of 3] by Benjamin Franklin](https://dsx1pat3ljtul.cloudfront.net/books/da8hi5cv7nos73d6ti70.webp)
Level C1HistoricalThe Complete Works in Philosophy, Politics and Morals of the late Dr. Benjamin Franklin, Vol. 1 [of 3]Delve into the collected letters, essays, and memoirs revealing the philosophical, political, and moral insights of a pivotal figure in American history.
Level C1ClassicsThe Complete Short Works of Georg EbersIn a bustling tavern on the eve of an imperial assembly, a group of outcasts hides from the watchful eyes of noble magistrates, their secrets tangled with the arrival of aristocrat…
Level C1ClassicsThe Complete Prose Works of Martin Farquhar TupperIn a harsh rural England, Roger Acton, a hardworking and humble laborer, endures poverty and oppression while maintaining kindness, faith, and a quiet dignity.
Level C1PoetryThe Complete Poetical Works of Samuel Taylor Coleridge. Vol 2 (of 2)Step into the turbulent world of revolutionary France and the shadowy courts of Philip II’s Spain, where passion and power collide in dramatic poems that explore tyranny, guilt, an…
Level C1PoetryThe Complete Poetical Works of Samuel Taylor Coleridge. Vol 1 and 2Dive into the evolving genius of a poet whose works span inspired drafts and perfected verses, revealing his relentless pursuit of poetic harmony and the complex interplay between…
Level C1PoetryThe Complete Poetical Works of Samuel Taylor Coleridge. Vol 1 (of 2)Dive into a rich collection of poems and drafts revealing the evolving artistry and deep reflections of one of poetry’s most meticulous creators, showcasing original texts alongsid…
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.