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 B2HistoricalUncle Bernac: A Memory of the EmpireA young man receives a mysterious, conflicting invitation from his estranged uncle amid the turbulent rise of Napoleon, challenging old family feuds and calling him back to a Franc…
Level B2Children'sUncle BenIn a quiet village, an old, proud sailor named Uncle Ben lives alone, gruff and distant from the children who both fear and tease him.
Level B2MysteryUncanny TalesA family recovering from illness moves into the ancient, isolated Finster St.
Level C1MysteryUncanny TalesA brilliant mathematician enjoys newfound wealth after the mysterious death of his cousin, but an inexplicable bloodstain on his hand hints that something uncanny is afoot, threate…
Level B2FantasyUncanny StoriesHaunted by lost love and bound by impossible choices, Harriott Leigh navigates a world where passion clashes with duty and the past refuses to let go.
Level C1HistoricalUnc' Edinburg: A Plantation EchoOn a muddy Christmas Eve in Virginia, an old driver named Unc’ Edinburg recalls his lifelong bond with Marse George, weaving vivid memories of friendship, rivalry, and Southern tra…
Level C1ClassicsUnawares: A Story of an Old French TownIn a charming old French town, whispers of a mysterious accident involving an elderly gentleman and a young woman stir the curious townsfolk, revealing a tapestry of gossip, secret…
Level C1ClassicsUnaddressed LettersA diplomatist’s unsent letters reveal vivid reflections on love, life, and the enchanting landscapes of the East, blending personal musings with rich, atmospheric descriptions that…
Level C1ClassicsUna of the hill country: 1911In the shadow of Chilhowee Mountain, a forbidden dance ignites a rare moment of joy and rebellion among mountain youth, set against the tension of a political rally and the stern j…
Level B2AdventureUlysses of IthacaAs the heroes return from the decade-long Trojan War, Ulysses faces unknown perils trying to reach Ithaca, while his faithful wife Penelope endures relentless suitors vying for her…
Level C1AdventureUlric the Jarl: A Story of the Penitent ThiefIn a rugged Viking village by a frozen fiord, a mighty new warship stands ready to brave icy seas and fierce battles.
Level C2AdventureUlf Van Yern, and Other BalladsA young warrior seeks to avenge his father's death, rallying fierce heroes and facing royal challenges in a brutal battle for honor and power.
Level C1ClassicsUkrainian folk songsImmerse yourself in the vibrant soul of Ukraine, where every moment of daily life—from work to celebration—is steeped in song, reflecting a rich heritage shaped by nature, history,…
Level C1RomanceUarda : a Romance of Ancient Egypt — CompleteAmidst the solemn tombs and timeless monuments of ancient Thebes, this romance breathes life into Egypt’s vibrant past, weaving a tale of passion, intrigue, and the enduring spirit…
Level C2ClassicsTête-d'Or: A play in three actsIn a mystical world where identity and destiny intertwine, a weary soul named Cébès confronts unknown futures while Simon Agnel, burdened by loss, begins a mysterious journey acros…
Level C1AdventureTyphoonCaught in the grip of a fierce typhoon, Captain MacWhirr must navigate his steamship and crew through relentless elemental fury, revealing the profound human challenges beneath the…
Level C1HistoricalTypes of Weltschmerz in German PoetryExplore the nuanced emotional states of Weltschmerz—an intense poetic sensitivity to life's suffering—through the lives and works of three German poets, revealing its evolution fro…
Level C1ClassicsTypes of Prose Narratives: A Text-Book for the Story WriterExplore the art of storytelling with a guide that traces essential narrative types, blending literary examples and student writings to inspire and instruct aspiring writers in craf…
Level C1ClassicsTypes of News WritingExplore a comprehensive guide designed for aspiring journalists, offering real news story examples that teach effective reporting, writing techniques, and ethical considerations to…
Level C1AdventureTypee: A Romance of the South SeasA sailor recounts his captivating adventures among the mysterious and exotic Polynesian islanders, revealing their unique customs and the raw realities of life in the South Seas fa…
Level B2Science FictionTybaltA rebellious teenager, Mallison, challenges his physics teacher's authority, masking deeper discontent beneath his indifferent exterior.
Level C1ClassicsTwo, by Tricks: A NovelAmid the glittering, scandal-swirled world of London society, an army veteran navigates shifting alliances and old friendships rekindled at the opera, where beneath the surface of…
Level B2AdventureTwo young lumbermenTwo young lumbermen face the harsh realities of a struggling Maine sawmill and the challenges of finding steady work in the demanding lumber trade.
Level B2ClassicsTwo ways of facing lifeA young carpenter’s strong sense of justice leads him to defend a frail old man from a rowdy gang, revealing two contrasting ways of facing life through courage, kindness, and resi…
Level B2AdventureTwo sailor ladsTwo young siblings set out in a small boat to investigate a mysterious, haunting cry from the sea, embarking on a thrilling adventure along wild Scottish shores and beyond filled w…
Level C1ClassicsTwo plays for dancersIn a minimalist stage setting, mystical musicians and masked figures evoke ancient Irish myths and heroic tales, blending music, movement, and drama to explore themes of identity,…
Level C1AdventureTwo on the Trail: A Story of the Far NorthwestIn a remote Western restaurant, two strangers find themselves sharing a cramped table in awkward silence, each intrigued yet restrained by the other's mysterious demeanor.
Level B2AdventureTwo on the Trail: A Story of Canada SnowsAlone in a remote Canadian wilderness, fifteen-year-old Nell and her younger brother face a perilous journey through snow and silence, caught between isolation and the dangerous tr…
Level C1RomanceTwo on a TowerA lady intrigued by a solitary tower on a pine-covered hill ventures into the remote Wessex countryside, where unexpected encounters and deep emotions unfold against the vast backd…
Level C1PoetryTwo new poemsDive into a pair of evocative poems that blend myth and mystery, inviting readers to explore enchanting worlds through vivid imagery and lyrical grace.
Level B2Children'sTwo maiden auntsIn a quiet hamlet on a misty autumn morning, two spirited children navigate secrets and sorrows behind shuttered windows, where mushrooms, eggs, and unexpected friendships hint at…
Level B2Children'sTwo little travellersTwo little siblings, Darby and Joan, face a bittersweet autumn as their father prepares to leave for war, leaving them to navigate life’s challenges without him.
Level B2Children'sTwo little FinnsIn a remote Finnish forest, two resourceful siblings tend their humble home while their father ventures far away, facing the challenges of nature, friendship, and mysterious neighb…
Level C1PoetryTwo lectures introductory to the study of poetryExplore the essence of poetry through its passion, imagination, and fresh vision—discover how sincerity, concrete imagery, and deep emotion transform ordinary experiences into time…
Level B2FantasyTwo in a ZooIn a summer zoo, a crippled boy named Toots connects with Mahmoud, a sorrowful old elephant, sharing silent conversations that bridge two worlds—human and animal—in a tale of frien…
RomanceTwo in ArcadiaIn a pastoral setting where wild geese glide overhead, two souls exchange secret glances and heartfelt replies, weaving a tender romance that blossoms quietly amid Arcadia’s serene…
Level B2MysteryTwo girls and a mysteryA young girl overhears her grandparents’ secret financial struggles and vows to save their cherished home.
Level B2AdventureTwo brave boys, and, The wrong twinIn a snowy Russian winter, two brothers uncover a brewing mutiny at their father's factory that threatens their family's safety, sparking a tense adventure filled with loyalty, cou…
Level C1RomanceTwo bad blue eyesOn the morning of her wedding, Lauraine Douglas wrestles with reluctant feelings and haunting memories of a past love as she faces a future bound to a man she does not desire.
Level B1Children'sTwo Yellow-BirdsA young girl named Lucy cares tenderly for Black-pate, a wild yellow bird kept in a cage through winter’s chill.
Level C1ClassicsTwo Years Ago, Volume II.A young lord returns to his ancestral home, stirring a coastal town into festive excitement with a grand nautical arrival and heartfelt connections to long-standing traditions.
Level C1ClassicsTwo Years Ago, Volume ITwo friends reflect on the turbulent events of two years prior, as war and pestilence reshape their lives and ideals.
Level B2AdventureTwo Wyoming Girls and Their Homestead Claim: A Story for GirlsTwo girls face harsh spring rains and the looming threat of flooding in their Wyoming mining homestead, where underground rivers might burst through at any moment.
Level B2MysteryTwo Wonderful Detectives; Or, Jack and Gil's Marvelous SkillTwin detectives Jack and Gil Alvarez are called upon by a retired banker to unravel the mystery of millions in securities entrusted to him decades ago under strange conditions—an e…
Level C2HistoricalTwo Women, 1862; a PoemTwo contrasting women—a worldly lady and a pious country maiden—navigate love, loyalty, and loss against the backdrop of 1860s America, revealing deep emotions and the complexities…
Level C1ClassicsTwo Women or One? From the Mss. of Dr. Leonard BenaryA retired English doctor in an American city encounters a mysterious woman wandering alone by the river at midnight, sparking a tense and uncertain encounter that hints at hidden t…
Level B1AdventureTwo Ways of Becoming a HunterTwo restless boys, tired of school and rules, sneak away into the wild woods surrounding their village, armed with snares and rifles, seeking adventure and the thrill of the hunt i…
Level C1ClassicsTwo Tragedies of Seneca: Medea and The Daughters of Troy: Rendered into English VerseDelve into two powerful tragedies where ancient myths unravel intense spiritual conflicts and soul crises, revealing how Roman drama shaped the evolution of English theater with it…
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.