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 C1AdventureStolen TreasureA daring young adventurer joins the infamous pirate Captain Morgan aboard the gunship Good Samaritan, setting sail from the wild and lawless Port Royal to plunder Spanish treasures…
Level C1MysteryStolen SoulsIn the icy heart of St.
Level C1MysteryStolen IdolsAmidst silent, swampy rivers, a fierce river pirate holds a foreign prisoner destined for a deadly fate, but a mysterious trader with Maxim guns challenges his authority and questi…
Level C1RomanceStingareeIn the remote Australian wilderness, a captivating voice breaks the silence, drawing a mysterious visitor intrigued by the hidden talents of Mrs.
Level B2ClassicsStill JimIn a struggling New England quarry town, young Jim grapples with his father's pride, immigrant workers, and the fading legacy of their forefathers as he dreams of his own place in…
Level B2Children'sStick to the raftAmid the serene Bavarian Fir Mountains, a devoted wood-cutter and his son prepare to navigate life's hardships and the winding river Saale on a sturdy raft, holding fast to faith a…
Level C1ClassicsStevensoniana: Being a Reprint of Various Literary and Pictorial Miscellany Associated with Robert Louis Stevenson, the Man and His WorkExplore the early life and literary rise of a visionary writer whose restless spirit and vivid imagination shaped timeless adventures and essays.
Level C1ClassicsStevenson's Perfect Virtues, as Exemplified by Leigh HuntExplore the warmth and wisdom of a gentle, cheerful soul whose home welcomed literary giants and whose life embodied kindness, resilience, and simple joys.
Level B2AdventureSteve YoungA determined captain and a resilient sixteen-year-old set out on a perilous Arctic expedition to find a lost schooner trapped in the icy northern seas.
Level B2AdventureSteve YeagerA broke cowpuncher clings to fading Western ways until a sudden encounter with disguised villains and a mysterious girl plunges him into a dangerous game of deception and survival…
Level C1ClassicsSterneExplore the elusive life of Laurence Sterne, tracing his journey from turbulent birth through his formative years, academic pursuits, and literary triumphs, revealing the man behin…
Level C1AdventureStepsons of LightIn the restless spirit of 1846 Missouri, pioneers embark on the Great Trek westward, driven by hope, freedom, and the pursuit of a better life.![Cover of Stepping backwards [Night watches, Part 5.] by W. Jacobs](https://dsx1pat3ljtul.cloudfront.net/books/da6jn92pmtvc73csnnp0.webp)
Level B2ClassicsStepping backwards [Night watches, Part 5.]A man in his fifties, tired of being mistaken for his elders, undergoes a dramatic transformation by shaving and dyeing his hair, only to face the shock and disbelief of those who…
Level C1RomanceStepping WestwardIn a vibrant autumn countryside, Sol Bowditch, a hardworking stranger, meets a young carrier girl whose life and struggles intertwine with the rustic rhythms of the land, setting t…
Level B2ClassicsStepping HeavenwardA spirited sixteen-year-old girl begins a journal to confront her flaws and fulfill her mother's hopes, navigating self-doubt, family tensions, and the challenges of growing up wit…
Level C1HistoricalStephen: A Soldier of the CrossAmid the bustling streets and sacred temples of ancient Jerusalem, a gifted blind singer and a young water-carrier are caught in the tides of faith and fate, offering a glimpse int…
Level B2Children'sStephen Grattan's Faith: A Canadian StoryStruggling against a haunting past of addiction, John Morely and his devoted wife face the harsh realities of poverty and temptation in a new land.
Level C1FantasyStephen Archer, and Other TalesA principled bookseller’s life shifts when marriage opens his world beyond strict beliefs and humble shop walls, revealing the struggles and quiet triumphs of faith, family, and co…
Level B2HistoricalStep by Step; Or, Tidy's Way to FreedomA powerful narrative unfolds the brutal reality of slavery, revealing its crushing impact on body, mind, and soul while exploring the hope for freedom and true liberty amid a natio…
Level C1ClassicsStentorExplore the vibrant evolution of newspapers from ancient scrolls to modern dailies, revealing their role in shaping public opinion, culture, and democracy through news, advertiseme…
Level B2AdventureStem to Stern; or, building the boatOn the shores of Lake Champlain, a determined young boat-builder navigates challenges both on the water and in life, blending adventure with hands-on lessons in shipbuilding and sa…
Level B2Science FictionStellar VengeanceTrapped in a remote cabin with a captured alien warning of impending doom, a geologist faces a tense standoff as extraterrestrial reinforcements arrive seeking their comrade’s free…
Level B2RomanceStella RoseveltA young orphan braves a terrifying Atlantic storm aboard a lonely steamer, finding unexpected comfort in the silent presence of a mysterious old man amid the ship’s desperate strug…
Level C1FantasyStella Fregelius: A Tale of Three DestiniesAn inventor obsessed with bridging earthly distance and celestial mystery perfects wireless communication devices, but their true potential lies beyond technology, in the spiritual…
Level B2Science FictionSteel Giants of ChaosGene Drummond returns from a perilous Venus expedition only to find Earth caught in chaos, where mysterious forces threaten survival and loyalty is tested.
Level C1ClassicsStavrogin's Confession and The Plan of The Life of a Great Sinner: With Introductory and Explanatory NotesUncover the hidden depths of a tormented soul through unpublished confessions and lost chapters revealing the complex psyche behind revolutionary turmoil and personal torment in 19…
Level C1PhilosophyStatesmanPhilosophical dialogues explore the elusive nature of true statesmanship and the ideal ruler, blending political theory with sharp dialectical method and satirical insight into hum…
PoetryStarved RockExplore a vivid collection of poems that traverse themes of history, mythology, and human experience, weaving voices from ancient times to modern reflections with striking imagery…
Level C1RomanceStarvecrow FarmAmidst the treacherous tides and shifting loyalties of the Lancashire coast, a young woman flees a loveless past toward an uncertain future, bound by a fragile pact with her enigma…
Level B2ClassicsStarr, of the DesertIn a bustling city, Peter Stevenson grapples with his wife Helen May’s fragile health and a doctor's urgent advice to seek a radical change of climate.
Level C1AdventureStarlight Ranch, and Other Stories of Army Life on the FrontierA cavalry detachment embarks on a tense mountain scout to track renegade Apaches, but suspicion grows that their cautious leader has other motives.
Level C1AdventureStar: The Story of an Indian PonyAmid the vast Southwest plains, a spirited Indian pony named Star awakens to a world of Comanche braves, buffalo hunts, and fierce battles for survival—where honor and courage defi…
Level C1Science FictionStar-Crossed LoverA chance encounter with a mysterious old woman leads an ordinary man into a bewildering world where nothing is as it seems, forcing him to confront illusions, danger, and secrets b…
Level B2Science FictionStar of RebirthA desperate tribe faces starvation as their last hunt yields no game, forcing their leader Atanta to confront fading gods and dwindling hope within the icy expanse.
Level C1HistoricalStar of MerciaIn a rugged land where ancient Welsh legends intertwine with Saxon tales, a weary traveler seeks refreshment and news of the enigmatic King Gwrtheyrn, setting the stage for a vivid…
Level C1HistoricalStar of IndiaIn a quiet English village, seventeen-year-old Stella Carrington feels trapped by her stifling life and envies the privileged Maud Verrall, sparking a restless yearning to break fr…
Level B2FantasyStar PeopleUnder a sky sprinkled with stars, a mysterious Princess and her three companions—Prudence, Pat, and the Kitten—explore celestial wonders and the secrets of the Star People, weaving…
Level C1ClassicsStanford Stories: Tales of a Young UniversityAmid the blossoming gardens and festive receptions of a Stanford winter, a young mandolin player navigates college life, music tours, and a captivating encounter with a charming Lo…
Level C1RomanceStandish of Standish: A Story of the PilgrimsAmid the harsh new world of 1620 Plymouth, the Pilgrim Mothers’ steadfast traditions and the Pilgrim Fathers’ resolve collide with humor and heart.
Level C1ClassicsStandard Selections: A Collection and Adaptation of Superior Productions from Best Authors for Use in Class Room and on the PlatformExplore a powerful collection of eloquent selections designed to inspire public speaking, featuring vivid narratives, stirring oratory, and dramatic scenes that bring timeless them…
Level B2ClassicsStand Pat; Or, Poker Stories from the MississippiIn a quiet Mississippi town, a spirited poker game unfolds among colorful locals, each raising stakes and tensions as the arrival of a riverboat looms.
Level C1RomanceStand Fast, Craig-Royston! (Volume III)In a world of political intrigue and hidden alliances, a determined young man seeks answers about a mysterious figure, navigating the sharp wit and veiled intentions of London's jo…
Level C1RomanceStand Fast, Craig-Royston! (Volume II)A young man grapples with a shocking letter accusing a revered Scottish elder of betrayal and fraud, threatening the bonds of friendship and trust.
Level C1ClassicsStand Fast, Craig-Royston! (Volume I)In Victorian London, an enigmatic grandfather and his quietly captivating granddaughter seek to unite scattered Scots worldwide through shared heritage and heartfelt poetry, reveal…
Level B2AdventureStand By: The Story of a Boy's Achievement in RadioIn a forgotten village clinging to the past, Lee Renaud discovers a mysterious glass wheel—an old device that once sparked dreams of harnessing electricity.
Level B2AdventureStand By The UnionA young lieutenant on the eve of deployment faces mysterious nighttime visitors amid the tense backdrop of the Civil War.
Level B2AdventureStan Lynn: A Boy's Adventures in ChinaA boy recently returned to his family’s vast warehouse in China must quickly learn to wield a sword and pistol when river pirates attempt a daring nighttime break-in, thrusting him…
Level C2Children'sStalky & Co.Three mischievous boys at a strict boarding school build secret hideouts and navigate rules, authority, and friendship with clever schemes and unexpected alliances.
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.