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 B2AdventureEmpire BuildersTrapped by relentless winter snows, a determined railroad superintendent leads his crew in a desperate battle to keep a vital mountain rail line alive, fighting nature and corporat…
Level B2Children'sEmmy Lou: Her Book and HeartIn a bustling primer class, shy Emmy Lou struggles to catch up with her classmates until a mischievous boy’s playful challenge offers her a glimpse of friendship and courage in a w…
Level C1Children'sEmmy Lou's Road to Grace: Being a Little Pilgrim's ProgressA young girl named Emmy Lou struggles to reconcile her innocent understanding of right and wrong with the confusing lessons of home, church, and school.
Level C1GothicEmmeline, the Orphan of the CastleIn the decaying Mowbray Castle, young Emmeline, orphaned and neglected, grows up under the care of loyal servants, unaware of her mysterious lineage and the secrets tied to the nob…
Level C1ClassicsEmmanuel Burden, merchant, of Thames St., in the city of London, exporter of hardwareFollow the life and legacy of Emmanuel Burden, a London merchant and Justice of the Peace, whose story intertwines commerce, faith, and empire.
Level C1AdventureEmmanuel Appadocca; or, Blighted life, Volume 2 (of 2)A small cutter carries Agnes and other captives across a perilous ocean, battling relentless winds and waves as hope flickers with the fading sight of their only companion ship.
Level C1AdventureEmmanuel Appadocca; or, Blighted life, Volume 1 (of 2)Amid the lush, tranquil waters of the Gulf of Paria, a story unfolds of a sensitive man navigating the brutal realities of slavery on a Caribbean plantation, confronting the harsh…
Level C1RomanceEmmaHandsome, clever, and rich Emma Woodhouse enjoys a life of comfort and influence but faces the sudden loneliness left by her closest friend’s marriage.
Level C1HistoricalEminent Authors of the Nineteenth Century: Literary PortraitsExplore intimate literary portraits of nine influential 19th-century authors from diverse nations, revealing their unique minds and the modern spirit shaping their works through ps…
Level B2HistoricalEmily of New MoonIn a secluded house surrounded by birch trees, young Emily finds solace in nature, books, and her loyal pets as she navigates loneliness and mysterious moments called "the flash.
Level C1ClassicsEmily Fox-Seton : being The making of a marchioness and The methods of Lady WalderhurstA resourceful and good-natured woman navigates London life on a slender income, using her practical skills and charm to carve a place for herself among the idle and helpless.
Level C1HistoricalEmily BrontëExplore the intense, passionate imagination that brings the wild moors and haunting characters to vivid life, offering a unique vision of nature and human emotion beyond ordinary e…
Level C1Children'sEmilie the PeacemakerTwo girls escape a chilly spring evening for a primrose hunt by the sea, revealing the challenges of childhood and family dynamics through the eyes of Emilie, a patient governess,…
Level C1ClassicsEmile ZolaWitness the fierce struggle of an epic poet torn between romantic roots and relentless realism, as he crafts grand narratives that capture life's raw truths yet wrestle with the li…
Level B2MysteryEmerson's Wife and Other Western StoriesIn the rugged West, Nick Ellhorn wakes drunk in a Santa Fe hotel room, drawn into a deadly mystery as the Dysert gang strikes again—murders, secrets, and danger threaten the lawles…
Level C1HistoricalEmerson and Other EssaysExplore the fierce struggle between individual liberty and societal tyranny as a provocative voice challenges the idealization of the masses, advocating instead for the cultivation…
Level C1AdventureEmelian the Fool: a taleIn a Russian village, Emelian the fool, known for his laziness, unexpectedly captures a magical pike that promises to grant his every wish—unleashing a whimsical adventure that rev…
Level C2PoetryEmblems of LoveAmid a starry night and looming wolf attacks, two warriors face a fierce struggle between man and beast, while love’s profound mysteries echo through poetic hymns and ancient disco…
Level C1PoetryEmbers, Volume 3.Explore the tender reflections of youth, love, and memory woven through evocative verses that trace the passage of time and the lingering presence of past joys and sorrows in every…
Level C2PoetryEmbers, Volume 2.Dive into a rich tapestry of love, loss, and longing woven through lyrical poems that journey from playful springtime hunts to haunting reflections on life, death, and the eternal…
Level C1PoetryEmbers, Volume 1.A collection of heartfelt verses captures youth, memory, and fleeting impressions, weaving tales of love, loss, and longing against a backdrop of pastoral and distant lands.
Level C1PoetryEmbers, CompleteA collection of heartfelt poems capturing youthful memories, love, and longing across landscapes both near and far.
Level C1ClassicsEmbarrassmentsA young writer seizes the chance to review a celebrated novelist’s new work, hoping to impress both the literary world and the author himself.
Level B2RomanceEm's husbandA young woman escapes the city’s chaos to a paradisiacal island, where she encounters a powerful, blind preacher whose presence captivates her and promises a life transformed by fa…
Level C1Science FictionEly's Automatic HousemaidFed up with unreliable cooks, a man invests in Harrison Ely’s groundbreaking invention: an electric, automatic housemaid designed to revolutionize domestic life.
Level C1PoetryElves and HeroesStep into a mysterious world where ancient Highland fairies, both friend and foe, mingle with heroic legends from the Ossianic cycle, revealing the rich spirit, customs, and enchan…
Level C1MysteryElusive IsabelIn the heart of Washington's diplomatic intrigue, a mysterious woman demands urgent audience with the Italian ambassador, sparking a secret that could unsettle the delicate balance…
Level C1ClassicsElster's Folly: A NovelOn a radiant August morning, the quiet village of Calne awakens to the bustle brought by a new railway line, setting the stage for intertwining lives across social classes and the…
Level A2PoetryElson Grammar School Literature, book 4Dive into a curated collection of stirring poetry, legendary rides, and timeless American literature, designed to inspire rhythm, patriotism, and appreciation for classic voices fr…
Level C1RomanceElsket: 1891A traveler ventures into a remote Norwegian fjord, bound by a solemn oath to keep its secrets, where mysterious locals and a forbidden name—Elsket—await.
Level C1ClassicsElsket and Other StoriesA traveler ventures into a remote Norwegian fjord, bound by a solemn oath to keep a secret and navigate a mysterious land where fishing legends and Viking descendants like Elsket a…
Level B2Children'sElsie's scholarshipThree girls compete for a coveted scholarship that promises to fund their education, but the pressure to succeed weighs heavily on Elsie, the eldest sibling who risks losing her ch…
Level B2Children'sElsie's childrenIn a loving nursery, the Travilla children eagerly welcome a new baby sister while grappling with their mother's illness.
Level B2AdventureElsie's Young Folks in Peace and WarSet sail along the coast of Maine with Elsie and her family, uncovering thrilling tales of early American history, Revolutionary battles, and daring sea adventures that shaped a yo…
Level B2Children'sElsie's WomanhoodAs a cherished young woman faces an unexpected marriage proposal to a much older family friend, her loved ones grapple with surprise, loyalty, and the challenge of honoring her hea…
Level B2Children'sElsie's Winter TripA newlywed couple settles into their charming new home, balancing early mornings, business duties, and family visits while discovering the joys and challenges of married life toget…
Level B2Children'sElsie's Widowhood: A Sequel to Elsie's ChildrenElsie faces the painful prospect of leaving her loving family to marry Lester Leland, who must soon depart for Italy.
Level B2HistoricalElsie's Vacation and After EventsA family faces the bittersweet challenge of separation as young Maxie leaves home, while his sisters find comfort in sharing daily life through letters.
Level C1Children'sElsie's New Relations: What They Did and How They Fared at Ion; A Sequel to Grandmother ElsieAs autumn paints the seaside in vivid hues, newlyweds Edward and Zoe navigate the joys and challenges of family life at Ion, discovering love, learning, and the bonds that tie them…
Level C1Children'sElsie's MotherhoodIn a post-Civil War Southern town, a loving family celebrates a decade of marriage amidst the innocence of childhood and the complexities of rebuilding a fractured society.
Level C1RomanceElsie's Kith and KinNewlyweds Zoe and Ned embrace the joys and challenges of married life on a sprawling plantation, finding love, companionship, and unexpected visitors to brighten their quiet days t…
Level B2HistoricalElsie's Journey on Inland WatersA family explores the dazzling exhibitions of a grand international fair, where young Elsie’s curiosity is sparked by a captivating painting of Joan of Arc.
Level B2Children'sElsie's Girlhood: A Sequel to "Elsie Dinsmore" and "Elsie's Holidays at Roselands"As Elsie and her family settle into a charming hotel for their summer stay, she faces the unexpected presence of the overly attentive Miss Stevens, whose flattery and unsolicited a…
Level B2HistoricalElsie's Friends at WoodburnOn a snowy Christmas Eve, friends gather at the grand Oaks estate, where family ties and festive spirits intertwine amid whispers of loss and new beginnings.
Level B2HistoricalElsie on the HudsonSet sail on the Hudson with Captain Raymond and his daughter Lucilla as they explore historic riverbanks aboard their charming yacht, the Dolphin, uncovering scenic beauty and fami…
Level B2Children'sElsie in the SouthAmid a fierce December storm, Lucilla and her family find warmth and joy indoors, embracing lessons, music, and heartfelt Christmas preparations.
Level B2Children'sElsie at the World's FairAs a close-knit family reunites to celebrate a Naval Academy commencement, they embark on a joyous journey filled with homecomings, heartfelt connections, and the charm of cherishe…
Level C1HistoricalElsie at ViamedeAmid the tranquil beauty of Viamede, a family gathers to recount the stirring tale of Andrew Jackson’s relentless defense of New Orleans during the War of 1812, revealing courage,…
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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.