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 C1ClassicsSwan SongIn a Russia shadowed by apathy and despair, a young doctor-writer struggles to find meaning and hope amid societal stagnation and personal hardship, blending humor and deep sympath…
Level C2PoetrySwamp DemonsPhosphorescent lights beckon travelers into a treacherous swamp where ancient curses and vengeful spirits linger beneath the muck.
Level C1AdventureSwallow: A Tale of the Great TrekAn elderly Boer woman recounts the perilous journey of the Voortrekkers during the Great Trek of 1836, revealing the courage and struggles behind their escape from English rule int…
Level C1Children'sSuzanna stirs the fireAn imaginative young girl transforms her ordinary morning into a magical kingdom where she reigns as a princess, inviting her little sister to join in a world where everyday life g…
Level C1ClassicsSusâni: 1901On a remote Pacific island, a fading native community clings to ancient traditions amid encroaching change, as two visitors encounter Susâni, a mysterious girl whose haunting song…
Level C1ClassicsSusy, a Story of the PlainsIn the sunbaked expanse of a vast Californian rancho, a young girl named Susy returns from convent school, restless amid the wild plains and ancient adobe walls.
Level C1AdventureSustained honor: The Age of Liberty EstablishedAmid the turbulent era leading to the War of 1812, Fernando Stevens, a descendant of legendary explorers, navigates the hardships and intrigues of pioneer life, forging his path th…
Level C1AdventureSuspense: A Napoleonic NovelAs the winter sun sets over the Gulf of Genoa, a young English traveler encounters a mysterious guardian atop a deserted tower, where echoes of past naval battles and lingering ten…
Level C1ClassicsSuspense, Volume 3 (of 3)A determined war-correspondent follows the trail of a troubled soldier lost in London's foggy streets, uncovering secrets and confronting fate in a tense quest for truth and redemp…
Level C1ClassicsSuspense, Volume 2 (of 3)A steamer navigates the treacherous yet stunning waters near the Pointe de Raz, carrying passengers whose lives conceal quiet struggles and unspoken sorrows.
Level C1ClassicsSuspense, Volume 1 (of 3)Aboard the luxurious schooner Hermione, Brenda Gilholme wrestles with her feelings for Theo Trist amid the restless sea and complex social expectations.
Level C1MysterySuspenseA scarred young woman seeking refuge and a fresh start answers an unusual advertisement, stepping into a shadowy world where appearances deceive and danger lurks behind veils and p…
Level C1ClassicsSusanna and SueIn a serene Shaker settlement where order and harmony reign, two girls navigate the quiet rhythms of spring and community life.
Level B2Children'sSusan: A Story for ChildrenLeft behind while her family journeys to care for her ailing brother, young Susan faces a winter with a mysterious and unfamiliar aunt by the seaside.
Level B2Children'sSusan and Edward; Or, A Visit to Fulton MarketTwo curious children explore the bustling Fulton Market in early 19th-century New York, discovering lively stalls filled with fresh meats, fish, exotic turtles, and vibrant fruits.
Level C1ClassicsSusan ProudleighCaught in a bitter neighborhood feud fueled by envy and social divides, a proud young woman refuses to lower herself, even as hostility grows around her.
Level C1ClassicsSusan Lenox: Her Fall and RiseAmid societal hypocrisies and harsh truths about human nature, Susan Lenox emerges as a deeply real and complex woman, navigating love, morality, and identity in a world rife with…
Level B1ClassicsSusan Gets Ready for Church: A MonologueSusan rushes through a chaotic Sunday morning, juggling last-minute preparations, misplaced items, and reluctant duties as she begrudgingly gets ready for church—where a returned m…
Level B2ClassicsSusan Clegg and a Man in the HouseSusan Clegg navigates life alone after her father's death, skeptical about men despite multiple proposals and unexpected suitors returning once wealth is discovered.
Level C1ClassicsSusan Clegg and Her Neighbors' AffairsIn a quiet town shadowed by loss, Susan Clegg faces a delicate truth that will shock her dear neighbor, Mrs.
Level C1ClassicsSusan Clegg and Her Love AffairsIn a quiet town, Susan Clegg shares curious tales from the Sewing Society, unraveling dreams and signs that hint at unexpected twists in everyday life.
Level B2ClassicsSusan Clegg and Her Friend Mrs. LathropTwo neighbors and close friends, Susan Clegg and Mrs.
Level B2RomanceSusanOn the eve of a seaside trip, Susan’s sudden uncharacteristic behavior puzzles her employer, revealing the hidden depths behind her cheerful facade and sparking a delicate explorat…
Level B2Science FictionSurvivorsIn a post-atomic war world, survivors navigate a harsh wilderness where remnants of old technology and mutated humanity collide.
Level C1Science FictionSurvival of the fittestIn a world where androids demand equal rights and threaten rebellion, humans grapple with the rise of near-human robots capable of original thought, sparking a tense struggle for s…
Level B1AdventureSure Pop and the Safety ScoutsA spirited boy named Bob dreams of adventure but learns the true meaning of safety when a mysterious scout named Sure Pop saves him from a near accident.
Level C1Children'sSupplemental Nights to the Book of the Thousand and One Nights — Volume 6 (of 6)Dive into a rich collection of enchanting tales from the supplemental Arabian Nights, featuring cunning sages, mysterious warlocks, and royal intrigues set in ancient Baghdad and b…
Level C1AdventureSupplemental Nights to the Book of the Thousand and One Nights — Volume 5 (of 6)Dive into a tapestry of enchanting tales featuring kings, lovers, cunning thieves, and brave adventurers spanning hundreds of nights, where mystery, romance, and intrigue unfold in…
Level C1Children'sSupplemental Nights to the Book of the Thousand and One Nights — Volume 4 (of 6)Dive into a rich tapestry of enchanting tales filled with sultans, sharpers, lunatics, and scholars, where each night unveils new adventures, mysteries, and wisdom from ancient lan…
Level C1Children'sSupplemental Nights to the Book of the Thousand and One Nights — Volume 3 (of 6) Part 2A restless Caliph disguises himself to explore his city incognito, encountering mysterious figures and strange rituals that hint at deeper tales and hidden truths within Baghdad’s…
Level C1AdventureSupplemental Nights to the Book of the Thousand and One Nights — Volume 3 (of 6) Part 1Delve into a rich collection of retranslated tales from the Gallandian Nights, blending French, Arabic, and Hindustani influences to reveal the true origins and vibrant storytellin…
Level C1FantasySupplemental Nights to the Book of the Thousand and One Nights — Volume 3 (of 6)Dive into a rich tapestry of fantastical tales unfolding over hundreds of nights, where legendary adventures and mysterious characters weave an enchanting world beyond the original…
Level C1Children'sSupplemental Nights to the Book of the Thousand and One Nights — Volume 2 (of 6)Dive into a rich tapestry of enchanting tales featuring clever thieves, noble kings, and whimsical jesters, where mysteries unfold through the stories of sixteen captains of police…
Level C1AdventureSupplemental Nights to the Book of the Thousand and One Nights — Volume 1 (of 6)Dive into a rich tapestry of enchanting tales filled with kings, merchants, poets, and wise men, exploring themes of fate, patience, and justice in a world where destiny unfolds th…
Level C1ClassicsSupersededAt St.
Level B2AdventureSunshine and snowAt Firdene School, Charley Gordon excels in academics and athletics, facing fierce competitions and unexpected challenges during a winter day’s paper-chase.
Level B2RomanceSunshine and shadow, or, Paul Burton's surpriseIn a serene New England farm, Nettie Spaulding, a once-wealthy city girl, faces sorrow and change as she finds refuge with kind relatives by the lake, seeking hope and happiness am…
Level B2ClassicsSunshine Sketches of a Little TownStep into the quirky rhythms of small-town life where a sharp-witted observer chronicles the joys, struggles, and eccentricities of its residents with warmth and humor.
Level C1PhilosophySunshine JaneA radiant young woman returns to a sleepy village, unknowingly poised to ignite profound change and uncover life's deepest lessons.
Level B1Children'sSunshine FactoryWhen rain ruins little Jennie’s plans, her inventive Uncle Jack teaches her three simple rules to create happiness indoors, turning a gloomy day into a joyful adventure filled with…
Level B2AdventureSunshine BillA spirited boy known as Sunshine Bill navigates hardship and loss with unbreakable cheer, taking on odd jobs to support his struggling family by the sea.
Level B2AdventureSunset Pass; or, Running the Gauntlet Through Apache LandA seasoned captain defies warnings to lead his small family and trusted companions through the perilous Apache lands along Sunset Pass, where danger lurks in every shadow and survi…
Level C1ClassicsSunriseIn chilly London, a worldly bachelor and a young baron delve into a secretive organization claiming to defend the oppressed worldwide, challenging loyalties and beliefs amid suspic…
Level C1ClassicsSunny-SanIn the House of a Thousand Joys, the death of the celebrated dancer Madame Many Smiles casts a shadow of despair, leaving her enigmatic daughter to step into her revered place amid…
Level B1AdventureSunny Boy in the CountryA cheerful boy named Sunny Boy loves drumming and helping around the house, but when his drum rolls into the street, a kind stranger's rescue sparks a day full of small adventures…
Level B1AdventureSunny Boy in the Big CityA spirited boy leads his backyard "army" through drills and adventures on a quiet street, balancing commands, friendship, and playful challenges in the big city.
Level A2AdventureSunny Boy at the seashoreA cheerful boy eagerly awaits a seaside adventure with family and friends, dreaming of swimming lessons, hammock naps, and sandy fish ponds.
Level A2Children'sSunny Boy and His PlaymatesSunny Boy is eager to master his new ice skates with the help of Grandpa Horton, while sharing playful adventures and Christmas treasures with his friend Nelson.
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.