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 C1PoetryUnderwoodsExplore a heartfelt tribute to the healing virtues of physicians and the rich textures of Scots dialect, as verse weaves together gratitude, culture, and the author's reflections o…
Level C2PoetryUndertonesExplore a world of delicate reflections and haunting imagery as the poet delves into dreams, nature, and the mysteries of the human spirit through evocative verses that stir both q…
Level C2PoetryUnderneath the Bough: A Book of VersesImmerse yourself in a rich tapestry of emotions and reflections through a diverse collection of poems, sonnets, ballads, and rondels that explore love, nature, mortality, and timel…
Level C1AdventureUnder the red robeIn 17th-century Paris, a sharp-witted gambler faces accusations of cheating that ignite a tense duel under the shadow of the Cardinal’s strict anti-dueling laws.
Level B2Science FictionUnder the desert starsA mysterious European woman, lost in distant thoughts and harboring secrets, captivates a keen observer in bustling New York.
Level B2Children'sUnder the Yankee ensignA determined seventeen-year-old seaman faces tough shipboard rivals and finds unexpected friendship aboard a Yankee naval vessel.
PoetryUnder the Window: Pictures & Rhymes for ChildrenDelight in a charming garden where children and animals play, share tea, and explore simple joys through whimsical rhymes and vivid pictures.
Level B2AdventureUnder the Waves: Diving in Deep WatersA determined young engineer seeks hands-on training in the daring art of deep-sea diving, guided by a seasoned diver and surrounded by mysterious underwater gear.
Level C1HistoricalUnder the Trees and ElsewhereA weary writer escapes his dull study to find solace in nature’s quiet beauty during early spring, discovering the subtle charm and intimate secrets hidden in the season’s subdued…
Level B1PoetryUnder the TreeDelight in a collection of vivid, tender poems that explore childhood wonder, nature’s quiet moments, and the everyday magic found under the sky, in cornfields, and beneath the but…
Level B2MysteryUnder the Tiger's Claws; Or, A Struggle for the RightA trusted detective is called to a banker’s office where a mysterious unease lingers around a charming stenographer and a possible financial secret.
Level B2HistoricalUnder the StormAmidst the turmoil of 17th-century England's civil war, a resilient boy named Steadfast tends his family's small farm, guarding a secret cave sanctuary while navigating the hardshi…
Level C1HistoricalUnder the Southern CrossIn 16th-century Peru, a determined monk is called to aid a noble conquistador who struggles with the cruel realities of forced labor in his gold mine, setting the stage for a missi…
Level C1ClassicsUnder the SkylightsA passionate young writer rises from humble beginnings, wielding his fierce pen to expose the struggles of the working farmer and challenge society’s injustices.
Level C1ClassicsUnder the Shadow of Etna: Sicilian Stories from the Italian of Giovanni VergaAmid the rugged landscapes beneath Mount Etna, raw tales of Sicilian peasants unfold, revealing harsh realities, fierce passions, and the unvarnished struggles of a people shaped b…
Level C1AdventureUnder the RoseIn a lively court where jesters and philosophers mingle, the cunning and mysterious Jacqueline captivates all, especially the wary king of jesters, Triboulet.
Level C1ClassicsUnder the RedwoodsIn a stormy mining settlement, a feverish man battles delirium and desperate debts while his neighbor struggles between hope and harsh reality.
Level B2AdventureUnder the Rebel's ReignTensions ignite in a university debating society as insults and challenges spark a dangerous conflict between students with clashing ideals.
Level B2AdventureUnder the Polar Star; or, The Young ExplorersA young boy's daring climb to help a steeplejack sparks hope amid his family's struggle with poverty, setting the stage for thrilling adventures under the polar star.
Level B1Science FictionUnder the Ocean to the South Pole; Or, the Strange Cruise of the Submarine WonderA brilliant professor and two adventurous boys prepare to test a revolutionary submarine capable of exploring the ocean's depths.
Level B2AdventureUnder the Mikado's flagTwo young American soldiers navigate intrigue and danger in Manchuria amid the looming war between Russia and Japan, uncovering secrets and facing battles that will decide control…
Level C1AdventureUnder the Meteor Flag: Log of a Midshipman during the French Revolutionary WarA young midshipman embarks on his naval career aboard the hastily prepared gun-brig “Scourge” amidst the stormy seas and political turmoil of the French Revolutionary War, facing c…
Level C1HistoricalUnder the Mendips: A TaleAmid the tranquil Mendip Hills, a young woman stands at the threshold of change, gazing over a peaceful valley shadowed by distant unrest.
Level B2AdventureUnder the LilacsIn an overgrown old house, two sisters prepare a whimsical birthday party for their beloved doll Belinda, where dolls come to life in a charming celebration filled with imagination…
Level B2HistoricalUnder the Liberty Tree: A Story of The 'Boston Massacre'Amid rising tensions in colonial Boston, a group of determined boys gathers under the famed Liberty Tree, plotting to defend their rights and challenge British authority as unrest…
Level C1PoetryUnder the Holly: Christmas-Tide in Song and StoryDiscover the warmth and wonder of Christmas through heartfelt songs and stories that celebrate family, tradition, and the timeless spirit of the holiday season, set against the coz…
Level C1PoetryUnder the Hill, and Other Essays in Prose and VerseDive into a provocative collection blending essays and verse that challenge Victorian sensibilities through sharp wit and intricate art.
Level C1RomanceUnder the Greenwood Tree; Or, The Mellstock Quire: A Rural Painting of the Dutch SchoolIn a quaint village, the devoted members of the Mellstock Quire keep alive the cherished tradition of communal church music, weaving together sacred hymns and lively folk tunes aga…
Level B2AdventureUnder the Great BearJust graduated but uncertain about his future, Cabot Grant faces a crucial choice: accept a daring year-long world tour with a wealthy classmate or pursue a more conventional caree…
Level C1AdventureUnder the Flag of France: A Tale of Bertrand du GuesclinIn 14th-century Brittany, a fierce, misunderstood youth with extraordinary strength wrestles with his outcast status and yearns to prove his valor on the battlefield, setting the s…
Level C1HistoricalUnder the DeodarsIn the heart of Simla, a clever woman’s unusual mistake sets the stage for a tale of ambition, social intrigue, and the struggle to wield influence among the British Empire’s elite…
Level B2AdventureUnder the Chilian Flag: A Tale of War between Chili and PeruAmid rising tensions between Chile and Peru, young second mate James Douglas struggles under a tyrannical captain aboard the steamer Pericles, navigating crew unrest and personal h…
Level C1HistoricalUnder the Big DipperIn colonial India, amid the clash of ancient traditions and encroaching Western influence, a young man lies gravely ill in a humble native dwelling, surrounded by silent witnesses…
Level C1HistoricalUnder disputeExplore the harsh realities and steadfast convictions of the Puritan pioneers as they endure starvation, isolation, and rigid beliefs in a new world where faith governs every aspec…
Level C1RomanceUnder a Veil: A Comedietta in One ActA sleepy gentleman’s room is swapped without his knowledge, leading to unexpected encounters when a newly married woman and her maid arrive for lodging.
Level C1ClassicsUnder a Charm: A Novel. Vol. IIITensions rise at a remote border station where loyalty and power collide amid winter’s harsh grip.
Level C1ClassicsUnder a Charm: A Novel. Vol. IIIn a grand castle, two brothers return home carrying the weight of their contrasting personalities and pasts.
Level C1ClassicsUnder a Charm: A Novel. Vol. IIn a quiet seaside retreat, a resilient widow and her noble brother-in-law await the arrival of a long-absent family, navigating the challenges of loss, legacy, and a fiercely inde…
Level B2AdventureUnder Wolfe's Flag; or, The Fight for the CanadasTwo young friends in 18th-century England defy strict rules and uncover hidden secrets as they navigate trout streams, village life, and the distant echoes of empire, setting the s…
Level C1HistoricalUnder Western EyesAmid the charged atmosphere of early 20th-century Russia, a reserved philosophy student secretly records his complex thoughts and dangerous allegiances, revealing the tension betwe…
Level C1RomanceUnder Two FlagsIn the glittering world of the Household Regiments, the Hon.
Level B2MysteryUnder Three Flags: A Story of MysteryIn a quiet Vermont valley, Derrick yearns to escape a stifling life, dreaming of wild adventures far away.
Level C1RomanceUnder St Paul's: A RomanceIn the shadow of St Paul's Cathedral, a worldly traveler and a spirited woman cross paths, weaving a tale of wit, charm, and unexpected connection amid London's bustling streets an…
Level C1ClassicsUnder Sentence of Death; Or, a Criminal's Last HoursA condemned man faces the relentless weight of his death sentence, trapped in a dungeon where every moment is haunted by the shadow of the guillotine.
Level B2ClassicsUnder Sealed OrdersAn old man is captivated by the roaring Break Neck Falls, convinced the waters hold a secret power waiting to transform the land.
Level C1AdventureUnder SailAmid the bustling harbor of Hong Kong, a seasoned sailor reveals the surprising similarities between East and West through the tale of Captain Wilbur and the mysterious fate of the…
Level B2AdventureUnder Rocking SkiesA young sailor’s yearning for adventure stirs as promises to stay home clash with the call of the sea, threatening to uproot family hopes and plans.
Level B2AdventureUnder Padlock and SealAt two o'clock in the morning, a mysterious grinding noise stirs Elsie from sleep, leading her to investigate an old tool-house bathed in eerie light—who or what could be sharpenin…
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.