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 B2Children'sTales of the Toys, Told by ThemselvesChildren eagerly anticipate a joyful seaside holiday, imagining sandy gardens, shell collecting, and ocean swims, while balancing the excitement with lessons and playful mischief a…
Level B2AdventureTales of the Sea, and of Our Jack TarsA spirited young boy dubbed "Happy Jack" defies his father's ambitions to chase adventure on the sea, joining the crew of the weathered brig Naiad and setting sail to explore stran…
Level C1ClassicsTales of the Samurai: Stories Illustrating Bushido, the Moral Principles of the Japanese KnighthoodIn feudal Japan, a devoted sandal-bearer risks everything to protect his lord’s honor, only to face brutal injustice.
Level B2ClassicsTales of the RoadStep into the demanding world of traveling salesmen, where quick wit, patience, and persuasion fuel the engine of commerce.
Level C1ClassicsTales of the RidingsJourney through the rich landscapes of Devon and beyond, as a young scholar embraces the beauty of nature and the challenges of academic life, weaving tales of country sights, frie…
Level B2AdventureTales of the Malayan Coast: From Penang to the PhilippinesImmerse yourself in the vibrant Malayan coast, where young Baboo’s daring encounters with jungle beasts and the rich tapestry of local life reveal a world of adventure and cultural…
Level C1ClassicsTales of the Long BowIn a quiet suburban town, Colonel Crane, a retired soldier steeped in tradition, faces an unusual puzzle that disrupts his routine Sunday morning.
Level C1ClassicsTales of the Jazz AgeStep into the vibrant, chaotic Jazz Age through a collection of tales exploring Southern charm, wild New York adventures, and fantastical escapades, all infused with humor, luxury,…
Level C1ClassicsTales of the Five TownsIn a bleak December town where commerce falters and community roles intertwine, a shrewd earthenware manufacturer juggles ambition, rivalry, and unexpected encounters—revealing the…
Level B2AdventureTales of the Fish PatrolIn the perilous waters of San Francisco Bay, a daring fish patrol battles illegal fishermen whose destructive nets threaten the fragile marine life.
Level C1Children'sTales of the Enchanted Islands of the AtlanticVenture into the mysterious Enchanted Islands of the Atlantic, where volcanic landscapes hide ancient legends, strange creatures, and perilous seas that challenge explorers’ courag…
Level C1HistoricalTales of the CovenantersIn the rugged Scottish landscape, the enduring spirit of the Covenanters unfolds through tales of faith, sacrifice, and persecution.
Level C1ClassicsTales of the ChesapeakeOn a remote Chesapeake Bay shore, an outcast preacher, shunned for love and faith, struggles to survive Christmas Eve with the help of a hardened oyster-man who discovers a mysteri…
Level C1ClassicsTales of the Caravan, Inn, and PalaceA lone rider encounters a dazzling caravan crossing the vast desert, escorting merchants home from Mecca.
Level B2FantasyTales of the CaliphUnder the cover of night, a disguised caliph roams the bustling bazaars, uncovering a deadly conspiracy involving palace theft and ruthless pirates.
Level C1ClassicsTales of the ArgonautsIn a quiet mountain town, Jenny McClosky navigates love, family, and the wild remnants of her past as she prepares for a new life with Jack, facing the tender and humorous challeng…
Level C1MysteryTales of terrorA trusted doctor recounts a chilling tale of friendship, love, and a haunting tragedy tied to a brilliant engineer and his beautiful bride amid the unrest of 1857.
Level C1PoetryTales of a Wayside InnStep into a cozy inn where travelers share captivating tales—from daring midnight rides to legendary sagas of kings and warriors—woven into an enchanting tapestry of poetry that br…
Level C1HistoricalTales of a Vanishing RiverJourney through the winding Kankakee River’s lush wetlands, where explorers, Native tribes, and abundant wildlife converge in a richly woven tapestry of nature, history, and human…
Level C1ClassicsTales of a TravellerA retired baronet's hunting dinner turns into an unexpected night of camaraderie and mystery when a fierce winter storm traps the guests, sparking tales from a nervous gentleman wh…
Level B1Children'sTales of a Poultry FarmStep into the lively world of a poultry farm where hens, horses, and other barnyard friends share their daily adventures, misunderstandings, and lessons in kindness and communicati…
Level C1ClassicsTales of a Cruel CountryIn a sun-drenched village where tradition and desire collide, Stephanie Miniati grapples with love, loss, and the harsh judgment of her neighbors.
Level B2Children'sTales of Wonder Every Child Should KnowStep into a world where magic and mystery come alive through enchanting tales of kings, princesses, and enchanted forests.
Level C1AdventureTales of UnrestJourney into the exotic and turbulent worlds of the Malay Archipelago and Central Africa, where moral ambiguity and human nature intertwine in gripping tales of adventure, identity…
Level C1ClassicsTales of Two CountriesAmidst youthful celebration and provincial expectations, a talented young man’s sharp, satirical tales reveal the hidden struggles and raw truths beneath society’s polished surface…
Level B2ClassicsTales of Two CountriesDeep within the eternal mountains, workers brave the treacherous tunnels of the Simplon, confronting nature’s fierce resistance and their own fears.
Level B2HistoricalTales of Troy: Ulysses, the Sacker of CitiesJourney to the rugged island of Ithaca and follow the young, clever Ulysses as he grows into a fearless warrior and master strategist amidst gods, wild beasts, and legendary battle…
Level C1ClassicsTales of Trail and TownIn a rough mining town transformed by fortune and ambition, Peter Atherly grapples with his mysterious heritage and troubled family past.
Level C1MysteryTales of Terror and MysteryA daring aeronaut’s blood-stained notebook reveals a terrifying secret lurking in the heights above England, challenging the limits of science and sanity as he confronts an unimagi…
Level C1Science FictionTales of Space and TimeIn a grimy London shop, a mysterious crystal egg draws the eager attention of two unusual visitors, sparking a tense negotiation and revealing secrets beyond the ordinary.
Level B2AdventureTales of South AfricaIn the wilds of 19th-century South Africa, a seasoned hunter and his Boer companion pursue the elusive Verloren Vlei, a mysterious mountain lake rumored to hold gold and secrets—wh…
Level B2AdventureTales of Shipwrecks and Other Disasters at SeaA young man’s dream of adventure at sea is set against the harsh realities of storms, shipwrecks, and survival when he joins a voyage fraught with danger and unexpected disaster.
Level B2RomanceTales of RomanceIn a richly wooded medieval England, an outlaw named Robin Hood defies the law to protect the poor and challenge the powerful.
Level B2Children'sTales of Passed TimesA princess is cursed to fall into a hundred-year sleep after pricking her hand on a spindle, but a secret fairy’s blessing promises a prince’s awakening.![Cover of Tales of My Time, Vol. 2 (of 3): Who Is She? [concluded]; The Young Reformers by William Pitt Scargill](https://dsx1pat3ljtul.cloudfront.net/books/daf2bo8e1ofc73dhaoqg.webp)
Level C1ClassicsTales of My Time, Vol. 2 (of 3): Who Is She? [concluded]; The Young ReformersA grieving woman flees with her loyal companion through bustling towns, seeking refuge amid celebrations that starkly contrast her sorrow.
Level C1RomanceTales of My Time, Vol. 1 (of 3): Who Is She?In a quiet English shire, Francis Hartland, a man with a mysterious past and newfound independence, settles into a stately home, sparking curiosity and rumors about the true story…
Level C1ClassicsTales of My Native TownImmerse yourself in vivid moments from a coastal Italian town, where passion, fate, and the raw realities of life intertwine in tales that capture the intricate beauty and harshnes…
Level C1ClassicsTales of Men and GhostsA middle-aged playwright grapples with rejection and mounting desperation as he awaits a crucial meeting with his lawyer, clutching a rejected manuscript and a revolver.
Level C1ClassicsTales of Mean StreetsExplore the gritty realities of East London's "Mean Streets," where vivid stories reveal the harsh lives and struggles hidden behind the city's bustling facade.
Level C1Children'sTales of Laughter: A third fairy bookIn a world where a proud rat family seeks the perfect match for their beautiful daughter, they journey from the sun to the wind to the steadfast wall, discovering surprising truths…
Level B2RomanceTales of King Arthur and the Round Table, Adapted from the Book of RomanceIn a turbulent Britain without a king, a mysterious sword embedded in stone challenges knights to prove their right to rule.
Level C1PoetryTales of Ind, and Other PoemsIn a lush Indian valley, love blossoms between Seeta and Rama amid vibrant village life, but a devastating famine soon shatters their paradise, forcing them to confront hunger, los…
Level C1RomanceTales of Humour, Gallantry & Romance, Selected and Translated from the ItalianTwo young nobles in Renaissance Italy embark on studies in Bologna, but one takes an unusual course: learning the art of love from a witty professor who guides him through charming…
Level B2AdventureTales of Folk and FairiesA humble lad named Ashipattle faces scorn and hardship until a monstrous Stoorworm threatens the kingdom, prompting a desperate quest to save the princess and the realm.
Level C1Science FictionTales of Fantasy and FactEmbark on a mysterious voyage through imaginary lands like the City of Destruction and Ultima Thule, guided by the enigmatic Captain Vanderdecken, whose tales intertwine legend and…
Level C1HistoricalTales of DestinyIn the vibrant city of Fathpur-Sikri under Emperor Akbar’s enlightened reign, diverse travelers gather at a caravanserai to share captivating stories and spirited debates on faith,…
Level C1AdventureTales of Daring and DangerIn the rugged Ghauts of India, a young officer faces the dangers of bear hunting and deadly bandits known as Dacoits, as tensions rise and wild adventures unfold amidst treacherous…
Level C1AdventureTales of Aztlan; The Romance of a Hero of Our Late Spanish-American War, Incidents of Interest from the Life of a Western Pioneer and Other TalesA young German immigrant sets out across the perilous American frontier, facing hostile attacks and uncertain fate on the treacherous Santa Fe trail.
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.