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 C1RomanceStradellaIn Venice, a wealthy senator plans to marry his young niece, Ortensia, whose mixed feelings reveal the tension between duty, power, and personal freedom in a world of art, culture,…
Level C1HistoricalStover at YaleAn eighteen-year-old freshman, Dink Stover arrives at Yale carrying the confidence of a school leader and the weight of new challenges.
Level B2Children'sStory-Tell LibIn a quiet mountain village, a fragile, crippled girl known as Story-Tell Lib captivates her neighbors with simple, heartfelt tales that teach gentle truths without preaching.
Level B2ClassicsStory of Chester Lawrence: Being the Completed Account of One who Played an Important Part in "Piney Ridge Cottage"As a lone passenger aboard a rain-soaked ship departing New York, Chester Lawrence finds unexpected camaraderie with fellow Mormon missionaries bound for distant lands.
Level B2HistoricalStory of AeneasEmbark on the epic journey of Aeneas as he flees the fall of Troy, braves divine challenges, and seeks a new homeland, weaving through love, war, and prophecy in a legend that shap…
Level B2AdventureStorm-Bound; or, A Vacation Among the Snow DriftsFour Boy Scouts embark on a winter adventure to surprise a reclusive uncle in a remote snowbound forest, but when they lose their way, their scouting skills and teamwork are put to…
Level B2AdventureStormA devastating tornado levels the isolated town of Rock Springs, leaving its residents in desperate need of help.
Level B2AdventureStormIn a rugged highland land haunted by ancient legends and fierce rivalries, Hardcastle, Master of Logie, confronts the menacing Wilderness Folk who claim tribute from all who pass.
Level B2Children'sStories told by the millerOrphaned siblings Janet and Peter endure harsh days with their cruel grandmother near the mysterious mill by the pool.
Level B2RomanceStories of the RailroadAmidst the grit and grind of 1863 railroad life, a young fireman finds family and hope with the seasoned engineer James Dillon and his wife, who secretly plans a Christmas gift tha…
Level B2Children'sStories of the Old WorldA young hero, Jason, embarks on a perilous quest to retrieve the legendary Golden Fleece, assembling a band of extraordinary warriors and facing divine challenges on the voyage of…
Level B2Children'sStories of the Nibelungen for Young PeopleIn a kingdom ruled by a wise king, his willful son Siegfried sets out to seek his fortune and discovers a mysterious blacksmith and a deadly forest monster.
Level B2ClassicsStories of the Foot-hillsIn a rugged foothill valley, Lysander Sproul navigates land disputes, stubborn neighbors, and the harsh realities of ranch life, where every acre and alliance is hard-won amid the…
Level C1RomanceStories of the Days of King ArthurStep into a world where Merlin’s magic weaves through tales of King Arthur’s rise, the legendary Round Table, and knightly quests filled with chivalry, enchantment, and timeless ro…
Level C1HistoricalStories of the Border MarchesAmid the rugged castles and wild Borderlands, tales of ancient battles, fierce warriors, and haunting legends unfold, revealing a world where honor, violence, and supernatural myst…
Level C1ClassicsStories of a Western TownIn a quiet Western town dusted with silver frost, a desperate woman races against time to save her husband from his recurring shadows of despair and attempts on his own life, revea…
Level B2Children'sStories of a GovernessFour children, still mourning their mother, eagerly await their new governess, whose quiet grace and gentle presence may bring warmth and guidance to their lonely home amid the ble…
Level C1MysteryStories of TragedyDelve into intricate tales of mystery and mental prowess where analytical minds unravel enigmas through keen observation and strategic insight.
Level B1AdventureStories of Siegfried, Told to the ChildrenHidden away in a magical forest under the care of a dwarf blacksmith, a young prince named Siegfried grows strong and fearless, embarking on adventures filled with mysterious creat…
Level B2AdventureStories of Ships and the SeaTensions rise aboard the seal-hunting schooner Sophie Sutherland as young Chris Farrington, eager to prove himself equal to seasoned sailors, faces prejudice and injury just as a f…
Level C1RomanceStories of RomanceAt a shared breakfast table, a shy young man is captivated by a mysterious blonde whose calm beauty hints at untamed depths, while an observant narrator traces the tangled threads…
Level B2AdventureStories of Robin HoodIn a land ruled by cruel Normans, young Robin Hood vows to fight injustice by stealing from greedy lords to aid the starving poor.
Level B2ClassicsStories of Red HanrahanOn Samhain Eve, Red Hanrahan, a fiery-haired schoolmaster, sets out on a urgent journey to reunite with his sweetheart Mary Lavelle, whose mother has just died and whose future han…
Level B2Children'sStories of Old Greece and RomeStep into a world where gods rule from shining Olympus and mighty heroes shape the fate of mankind.
Level C1ClassicsStories of New YorkIn a New York drawing-room, Esther Van Dyke prepares for an afternoon tea that stirs old flames and unresolved feelings, as unexpected guests and past loves converge in a delicate…
Level C1MysteryStories of MysteryIn the shadowed streets of Boston's Beacon Hill, a mysterious ghost lingers, its mournful presence tied to forgotten wrongs and untold secrets.
Level B2PoetryStories of Many LandsJourney across continents to meet children from England to China, discovering that despite cultural differences, their joys, mischiefs, and dreams are remarkably alike.
Level C1RomanceStories of King Arthur and His Knights: Retold from Malory's "Morte dArthur"Step into a world of noble knights and chivalrous deeds as King Arthur and his legendary Round Table embark on quests filled with honor, valor, and the sacred pursuit of the Holy G…
Level C1HistoricalStories of Invention, Told by Inventors and their FriendsDive into inspiring tales of creativity and discovery, guided by inventors and their friends, encouraging young readers to explore public libraries and unlock the power of original…
Level C1ClassicsStories of IntellectA man rents a reputedly haunted London house, only to find an undefinable terror that drives him and his wife away.
Level B2HistoricalStories of Heroic Deeds for Boys and Girls: Historical Series - Book IIDiscover timeless tales of gods, mortals, and moral lessons that bring history to life—where divine encounters spark justice, music contests reveal pride, and kindness shines amid…
Level C1AdventureStories of FortuneA reclusive scholar on a remote island discovers a mysterious golden bug with strange markings, sparking a thrilling quest filled with secrets, science, and hidden treasures.
Level C1ClassicsStories of ExileAmid the flickering glow of a mountain kiln, a mysterious laughter unsettles a father and son, hinting at deeper, haunting secrets.
Level B2FantasyStories of EnchantmentIn a hidden mountain valley where reality and enchantment intertwine, a white-haired girl named Snow-flower grows up among a Native tribe, caught between two worlds and the mysteri…
Level C1ClassicsStories of ComedyIn a lively Irish fishing village, Barny O'Reirdon, a respected and jovial fisherman, clashes and converses with a rival cousin, blending humor, local rivalries, and rural wisdom i…
Level B2AdventureStories of ChildhoodOrphaned boy Nello and his loyal dog Patrasche forge an unbreakable bond in a humble Flemish village, where hardship and kindness intertwine beneath the watchful eyes of an aging w…
Level C1AdventureStories of Charlemagne and the twelve Peers of FranceAt King Charles’s grand court in Paris, the noble Duke Aymon and his four heroic sons, especially the mighty Reynaud, set the stage for epic tales of valor, treachery, and legendar…
Level B1Children'sStories of BirdsDiscover the enchanting world of birds through charming stories and poems that bring nature’s feathered friends to life, as a curious girl befriends a cheerful chickadee on a snowy…
Level B2HistoricalStories of Animal SagacityDiscover the cleverness of animals as they use reason and perseverance to solve problems, from a cat who learns to knock on a door to gain entry, to other tales revealing surprisin…
Level C1HistoricalStories of American Life and AdventureJourney into early America where a troubled English boy lives among Native tribes, navigates colonial strife, and witnesses the harsh realities of frontier life, revealing the spir…
Level C1ClassicsStories in yellow, black, white, blue, violet and redDive into a collection of vivid tales painted with poetic rhythm and color, where happiness sparks stories as fleeting and bright as a stroll on a sunny afternoon.
Level C1PoetryStories in VerseEnter a world where vivid tales unfold through poetic verses, weaving stories of love, mystery, betrayal, and unexpected fortune.
Level C1ClassicsStories in Light and ShadowIn a quaint German town where soldiers parade like actors on a stage, the American consul navigates the curious blend of military spectacle and peaceful industry, uncovering the ch…
Level B2ClassicsStories from the PentameroneA melancholy princess who never laughs embarks on a quest to break a mysterious curse, aided by magical fairies and enchanted gifts, as she seeks the elusive Prince of Round-Field…
Level C1AdventureStories from the OdysseyJourney through the fragmented world of ancient Greece, where gods mingle with mortals and heroes navigate treacherous seas and shadowy realms beyond death.
Level C1PoetryStories from the Italian Poets: with Lives of the Writers, Volume 2Dive into the vibrant world of Italian Renaissance poetry, where noble poets balance courtly duties with epic tales of love, valor, and enchantment.
Level C1PoetryStories from the Italian Poets: with Lives of the Writers, Volume 1Dive into captivating tales from Italy’s greatest narrative poets, blending rich biography with prose renditions and poetic excerpts that illuminate the intensity and passion shapi…
Level B2Children'sStories from the Iliad; Or, the siege of TroyAmidst gods’ rivalries and mortal passions, a golden apple sparks a legendary conflict as Paris’s choice ignites the decade-long siege of Troy, where heroes rise and kingdoms clash…
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.