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 C1ClassicsLord Alistair's RebellionUnder the flickering lights of an imperial city, two opposing forces face off across the river—a symbol of civilization’s power and a shadowy, rebellious underworld—setting the sta…
Level C1FantasyLooking Further Forward: An Answer to Looking Backward by Edward BellamyA sharp critique challenges utopian visions of perfect equality, exposing the flaws and dangers of communism without a religious foundation.
Level B2Science FictionLooking Backward: 2000-1887A man from 1887 awakens in the year 2000 to find a transformed society built on cooperation and equality, challenging the failings of capitalism with a peaceful revolution toward a…
Level C1Science FictionLooking Backward, 2000 to 1887A man born in 1857 awakens in the year 2000 to find a society transformed by equality and shared prosperity, challenging his 19th-century beliefs about class, wealth, and the meani…
Level C2PoetryLook! We Have Come Through!Experience the raw journey of a man grappling with love, loss, and self-discovery during the tumultuous passage into maturity, where passion and conflict intertwine beneath the moo…
Level C1ClassicsLook out for paint: A farce comedy in three actsCity boarders arrive at a struggling New York farm, stirring up unexpected chaos and romantic misadventures.
Level B2Children'sLook on the sunny sideIn a bustling clothes warehouse, a tireless mother balances relentless work and family struggles with unwavering optimism, showing how hope and determination shine even in the hard…
Level C1ClassicsLook Back on HappinessA man retreats to a remote forest hut, abandoning the chaos of city life to find solitude and confront the restless thoughts burning within him.
Level B2Science FictionLongevityIn a post-apocalyptic world, Captain Hinrik leads a daring expedition to rediscover the lost western continent, only to uncover eerie remnants of a vanished civilization and crypti…
Level C1AdventureLong OddsIn the sweltering heat of a remote West African outpost, a relentless Englishman arrives by canoe, bringing with him the promise—and peril—of adventure amid fever, dark forests, an…
Level B2AdventureLong OddsA seasoned hunter ventures into fever-haunted African wilderness seeking rare ivory and rumored white tribes, facing deadly silence and haunting desolation.
Level C1RomanceLonesome LandIn the vast, untamed prairies of northern Montana, a young woman arrives to start a new life on a cattle ranch, filled with hope and the promise of freedom, only to find unexpected…
Level C1AdventureLone Pine: The Story of a Lost MineUnder the silver moon of a New Mexican pueblo, young lovers Felipe and Josefa face a desperate countdown as Josefa's father arranges a forced marriage.
Level C1ClassicsLondon's Heart: A NovelIn the shadowed alleys of Soho, a tapestry of desperate lives unfolds—where poverty, mystery, and resilience intertwine amid dusty shops and dim-lit rooms.
PoetryLondon TownImmerse yourself in poetic reflections that capture the vibrant spirit and intricate life of London Town, weaving imagery and feeling into a vivid urban tapestry.
Level C2PoetryLondon SonnetsExplore the vibrant streets and hidden corners of London through evocative sonnets that capture everyday life, love, and war, painting a poetic portrait of a city alive with storie…
Level C1HistoricalLondon Pride, Or, When the World Was YoungerAmid the bitter turmoil of England’s civil war, a weary cavalier and his young daughter flee to exile, carrying the weight of lost honor, shattered loyalty, and a kingdom in mourni…
Level C1PoetryLondon LyricsExplore gentle, reflective verses capturing London life with subtle humor and tender melancholy, as a thoughtful poet observes everyday moments with grace and understated wit.
Level C1ClassicsLondon LavenderStep into the lively world of Primrose Terrace, where eccentric neighbors, unexpected visitors, and charming adventures unfold amid London's bustling streets and quiet corners, ble…
Level C1AdventureLolóma, or two years in cannibal-land: A story of old FijiJourney into the heart of old Fiji, where ancient customs thrive and cannibal tribes rule the land, as one man chronicles a vanishing world untouched by civilization and filled wit…
Level B2Children'sLollaA delicate girl with a poor appetite embarks on a transformative summer with her caring aunt in Dorchester, where new habits and fresh air promise to change her health and spirit.
Level C1ClassicsLoitering in Pleasant PathsAn American family embarks on a healing pilgrimage to England, discovering unexpected wonders and intimate moments as they navigate the gray, somber streets of London.
Level C1ClassicsLoduskyIn a rustic North Carolina gathering, a mysterious and captivating young woman named Lodusky commands the attention of rival suitors with her cool indifference and enigmatic charm,…
Level B1AdventureLodrix, the Little Lake DwellerIn a hidden lake village high in the mountains, young Lodrix, son of the chief, faces the threat of war as the Bear tribe plans to burn their homes.
Level C1ClassicsLodore, Vol. 3 (of 3)Amidst harsh poverty and looming threats from bailiffs, Ethel clings to hope and the promise of reunion with her husband, navigating hardship with the steadfast support of a wise f…
Level C1ClassicsLodore, Vol. 2 (of 3)In a shadowed London home, the vivacious Edward Villiers brings light and warmth to Ethel, whose heart still clings to her father's memory.
Level C1ClassicsLodore, Vol. 1 (of 3)In a remote Essex village, the noble Fitzhenry family faces mysterious misfortunes that cloud their once-glorious legacy.
Level C2ClassicsLocrine: A TragedyIn a kingdom shadowed by loss and divided loyalties, a queen grapples with sorrow and silence while her son confronts the harsh truths of legacy and love.
Level C2ClassicsLocrineAs Brutus faces his final moments, he recounts a heroic journey from exile to triumph, leading loyal lords through battles and alliances that shape their destiny in a land fraught…
Level C1RomanceLochinvar: A NovelAmid the wild lands of Galloway in 1685, a strong-willed widow stirs unrest at Balmaghie House, where a silent gardener resists the charms of a determined handmaiden, setting the s…
Level B2ClassicsLocal ColorAn obscure author vanishes mysteriously, leaving behind unanswered questions and a trail that leads to a petty thief caught in a city trolley car.
Level C1Children'sLob Lie-By-The-Fire, The Brownies and Other TalesIn a cozy northern homestead, a mysterious house elf named Lob Lie-by-the-fire secretly aids the farm laborers, while two shrewd sisters quietly manage their inheritance and charit…
Level C1AdventureLoaves and fishesAmid the brutal siege of Saragossa, a resourceful young captain embarks alone on a perilous mission to find salt in the Pyrenees' rugged hills, where danger and unexpected encounte…
Level C1ClassicsLo, Michael!In a city torn by hunger and anger, a fearless boy throws himself between a vengeful crowd's bullet and a wealthy bank president’s innocent baby, igniting a fierce clash between de…
Level C1ClassicsLizzy Glenn; Or, The Trials of a SeamstressA young seamstress struggles to survive in a harsh labor market where her skill barely pays the bills.
Level C1ClassicsLizzie LeighA widow, burdened by years of hidden estrangement, faces Christmas Day with grief and regret after her husband's final, forgiving words.
Level C1ClassicsLiza; Or, "A Nest of Nobles"In a vivid portrayal of Russian provincial life, a young noblewoman named Liza navigates the complexities of society, love, and personal conscience during a time of social transfor…
Level B2Children'sLiving Up to BillyA young woman faces prison once more, leaving her sister to care for her child and navigate the harsh realities of street life.
Level B2Children'sLiving Too Fast; Or, The Confessions of a Bank OfficerTwo former schoolmates compete for the same bank clerk position, each harboring different ambitions and secrets.
Level C1FantasyLiving AloneAmid a war-torn London committee room, a mysterious young woman disrupts the routine by confessing to stealing a bun—and reveals she has just gambled away her fortune on a magical…
Level C1ClassicsLives of the most eminent literary and scientific men of France, Vol. 2 (of 2)Explore the turbulent life of Voltaire, a fearless critic of religious dogma and champion of intellectual liberty, as he challenges the powerful church and ignites a revolution in…
Level C1ClassicsLives of the most eminent literary and scientific men of France, Vol. 1 (of 2)Explore the fascinating lives of France's most influential literary and scientific figures, beginning with Montaigne, whose unique upbringing and groundbreaking essays reveal a viv…
Level C1HistoricalLives of the Poets, Volume 1Explore the lives and works of England’s greatest poets through candid biographies that reveal their characters, controversies, and the moral lessons behind their art, all delivere…
Level C1HistoricalLives of the English Poets: Gay, Thomson, Young, Gray, &c.Explore the lives and works of English poets from the late 17th and early 18th centuries, revealing their literary contributions, personal struggles, and the cultural backdrop of t…
Level C1ClassicsLives of the English Poets: From Johnson to Kirke White, Designed as a Continuation of Johnson's LivesExplore the lives and works of English poets from Samuel Johnson to Henry Kirke White, revealing their struggles, inspirations, and literary achievements through intimate and detai…
Level C1ClassicsLives of Two CatsTwo cats, Pussy White and Pussy Gray, weave through the tender memories of a home filled with warmth, play, and quiet companionship.
Level B2ClassicsLively plays for live peopleA wealthy man obsessed with his family tradition of twins stirs up chaos and comedy when he places an unusual advertisement seeking twins to inherit his oyster business.
Level B2Children'sLive toysFollow the charming adventures of children and their beloved pets, from a gentle white rabbit named Moppy to a lively goldfinch named Goldie, as they learn the joys and challenges…
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.