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.
PoetryStarved RockExplore a vivid collection of poems that traverse themes of history, mythology, and human experience, weaving voices from ancient times to modern reflections with striking imagery…
Level C1RomanceStarvecrow FarmAmidst the treacherous tides and shifting loyalties of the Lancashire coast, a young woman flees a loveless past toward an uncertain future, bound by a fragile pact with her enigma…
Level B2ClassicsStarr, of the DesertIn a bustling city, Peter Stevenson grapples with his wife Helen May’s fragile health and a doctor's urgent advice to seek a radical change of climate.
Level C1AdventureStarlight Ranch, and Other Stories of Army Life on the FrontierA cavalry detachment embarks on a tense mountain scout to track renegade Apaches, but suspicion grows that their cautious leader has other motives.
Level C1AdventureStar: The Story of an Indian PonyAmid the vast Southwest plains, a spirited Indian pony named Star awakens to a world of Comanche braves, buffalo hunts, and fierce battles for survival—where honor and courage defi…
Level C1Science FictionStar-Crossed LoverA chance encounter with a mysterious old woman leads an ordinary man into a bewildering world where nothing is as it seems, forcing him to confront illusions, danger, and secrets b…
Level B2Science FictionStar of RebirthA desperate tribe faces starvation as their last hunt yields no game, forcing their leader Atanta to confront fading gods and dwindling hope within the icy expanse.
Level C1HistoricalStar of MerciaIn a rugged land where ancient Welsh legends intertwine with Saxon tales, a weary traveler seeks refreshment and news of the enigmatic King Gwrtheyrn, setting the stage for a vivid…
Level C1HistoricalStar of IndiaIn a quiet English village, seventeen-year-old Stella Carrington feels trapped by her stifling life and envies the privileged Maud Verrall, sparking a restless yearning to break fr…
Level B2FantasyStar PeopleUnder a sky sprinkled with stars, a mysterious Princess and her three companions—Prudence, Pat, and the Kitten—explore celestial wonders and the secrets of the Star People, weaving…
Level C1ClassicsStanford Stories: Tales of a Young UniversityAmid the blossoming gardens and festive receptions of a Stanford winter, a young mandolin player navigates college life, music tours, and a captivating encounter with a charming Lo…
Level C1RomanceStandish of Standish: A Story of the PilgrimsAmid the harsh new world of 1620 Plymouth, the Pilgrim Mothers’ steadfast traditions and the Pilgrim Fathers’ resolve collide with humor and heart.
Level C1ClassicsStandard Selections: A Collection and Adaptation of Superior Productions from Best Authors for Use in Class Room and on the PlatformExplore a powerful collection of eloquent selections designed to inspire public speaking, featuring vivid narratives, stirring oratory, and dramatic scenes that bring timeless them…
Level B2ClassicsStand Pat; Or, Poker Stories from the MississippiIn a quiet Mississippi town, a spirited poker game unfolds among colorful locals, each raising stakes and tensions as the arrival of a riverboat looms.
Level C1RomanceStand Fast, Craig-Royston! (Volume III)In a world of political intrigue and hidden alliances, a determined young man seeks answers about a mysterious figure, navigating the sharp wit and veiled intentions of London's jo…
Level C1RomanceStand Fast, Craig-Royston! (Volume II)A young man grapples with a shocking letter accusing a revered Scottish elder of betrayal and fraud, threatening the bonds of friendship and trust.
Level C1ClassicsStand Fast, Craig-Royston! (Volume I)In Victorian London, an enigmatic grandfather and his quietly captivating granddaughter seek to unite scattered Scots worldwide through shared heritage and heartfelt poetry, reveal…
Level B2AdventureStand By: The Story of a Boy's Achievement in RadioIn a forgotten village clinging to the past, Lee Renaud discovers a mysterious glass wheel—an old device that once sparked dreams of harnessing electricity.
Level B2AdventureStand By The UnionA young lieutenant on the eve of deployment faces mysterious nighttime visitors amid the tense backdrop of the Civil War.
Level B2AdventureStan Lynn: A Boy's Adventures in ChinaA boy recently returned to his family’s vast warehouse in China must quickly learn to wield a sword and pistol when river pirates attempt a daring nighttime break-in, thrusting him…
Level C2Children'sStalky & Co.Three mischievous boys at a strict boarding school build secret hideouts and navigate rules, authority, and friendship with clever schemes and unexpected alliances.
Level B2ClassicsStage-LandStep into the chaotic world of George, the hapless stage hero whose life is a tangled mess of mistaken crimes, lost estates, and baffling legal woes.
Level C1ClassicsStage Confidences: Talks About Players and Play ActingA seasoned actress offers candid advice to aspiring young women dreaming of the stage, revealing the fierce competition, harsh realities, and rare chances for success in the crowde…
Level C1ClassicsStaccato Notes of a Vanished Summer (from Literature and Life)As a fierce storm brews off the coast, a tranquil summer returns to a seaside village where the rhythms of life revolve around mail deliveries and the lingering spirit of a fading…
Level C1HistoricalSt. Winifred's; or, The World of SchoolA bright young boy leaves the warmth of his idyllic lakeside home to enter the bustling world of a large public school, embarking on a journey of growth, friendship, and discovery…
Level C1HistoricalSt. Ronan's WellAt a provincial spa known for its snobbish society and simmering tensions, characters clash amid scandal and sharp wit.
Level C1HistoricalSt. Patrick's EveIn a remote Irish valley, villagers gather to celebrate St.
Level C1ClassicsSt. Patrick's Day; Or, The Scheming Lieutenant: A Farce in One ActIn a lively English town, Lieutenant O’Connor faces unruly soldiers and a stern justice who opposes his romance with the justice’s daughter, sparking a playful plot full of farcica…
Level B2Children'sSt. Nicholas, Vol. 5, No. 5, March, 1878In a remote Norwegian village, lively twins Olaf and Erik, their little sister Olga, and their loyal dog Krikel embrace the joys of winter and the warmth of family stories by the h…
Level B2PoetrySt. Nicholas, Vol. 5, No. 4, February 1878A young chorister struggles under the exacting tutelage of a stern choir-master whose high expectations spark jealousy and hardship, but also inspire growth, hope, and unexpected b…
Level B2PoetrySt. Nicholas, Vol. 5, No. 2, December, 1877A determined boy battles a fierce tide in his little skiff, striving to prove his manhood and keep control against overwhelming odds, while unexpected encounters on the water hint…
Level B2AdventureSt. Nicholas, Vol. 13, No. 10, August 1886Isolated in a solitary cabin deep within Wyoming's Rocky Mountains, a lone hermit embraces the wild with only his horse and dog for company, sharing the rugged beauty and challenge…
Level B1Children'sSt. Nicholas Book of Plays & Operettas (Second Series)Step into a magical world where toys come to life on Christmas Eve, dancing and singing in a whimsical dream-toy shop.
Level C1HistoricalSt. Martin's SummerIn a grand Dauphiny chamber, the indolent yet vain Seneschal is roused from his nap by urgent news: the formidable Dowager of Condillac demands an immediate audience, setting the s…
Level C1GothicSt. Martin's Eve: A NovelIn a grand English mansion shrouded by the bleak November gloom, a young mother lies on the brink of death, leaving a newborn heir to a fate entwined with sorrow and mystery.
Level C1GothicSt. Leon: A Tale of the Sixteenth CenturyIn 1687 Venice, a mysterious stranger known as Signor Gualdi captivates high society with his vast knowledge and priceless art collection—yet his true identity and uncanny connecti…
Level C1RomanceSt. Ives: Being the Adventures of a French Prisoner in EnglandA French soldier imprisoned in Edinburgh crafts delicate toys to trade with curious locals, using wit and charm to navigate captivity.
Level C1HistoricalSt. George's Cross; Or, England Above AllAmidst the turmoil of 17th-century England and the Channel Islands, a suspended Member of Parliament and an exiled magistrate navigate political exile, personal enmities, and the s…
Level B2AdventureSt. George for EnglandIn a stormy night of medieval England, a weary woman seeks refuge in a humble village, setting the stage for a tale of courage and chivalry as England’s martial spirit rises to leg…
Level C1HistoricalSt. George and St. MichaelIn a time of political and spiritual upheaval, an aging clergyman and his family grapple with the looming storm threatening their church and kingdom, while hope flickers through th…
Level C1HistoricalSt. ElmoIn the serene Appalachian mountains, a pure-hearted Tennessee girl lives in harmony with nature, unaware of the darker intrigues beyond her world—until the sudden crack of gunshots…
Level B2MysterySt. Cuthbert's towerA coveted farm sparks fierce rivalry when a mysterious new tenant arrives in the quiet village of Rishton, unsettling long-standing local expectations and igniting tensions.
Level B2ClassicsSt. Cuthbert'sA struggling minister faces a pivotal opportunity to preach at the revered St.
Level C1ClassicsSt. Bernard's: The Romance of a Medical StudentA determined young medical student joins the prestigious St.
Level B2ClassicsSt. Andrews Ghost StoriesAn artist exploring eerie coastal legends encounters a mysterious, one-eyed monk who leads him through shadowy caves and ancient traps beneath St Andrews.
Level C1HistoricalSt Baldred of the Bass, a Pictish legendIn a turbulent era of Pictish kings and war, a devout disciple of Saint Kentigern retreats to the solitude of the Bass island, performing miracles and inspiring fierce loyalty amon…
Level C1ClassicsSquire PhinIn the sleepy village of Palermo, a parade of eccentric locals and a city visitor stir quiet summer days, weaving a tapestry of rural life marked by small-town quirks, simmering te…
Level C1ClassicsSquire Arden; volume 3 of 3Tensions rise as Arthur Arden confronts Mrs.
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.