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 C1ClassicsSpinster of This ParishIn a meticulously kept London maisonette, a young woman seeks solace from a reserved, elegant spinster whose quiet life conceals untold stories.
Level B2Children'sSpinning-Wheel StoriesA fierce winter storm traps a lively family in a grand old house, where restless children discover dusty chests filled with antique costumes and forgotten relics.
Level B2MysterySpies of the Kaiser: Plotting the Downfall of EnglandEngland faces a covert threat as thousands of German spies infiltrate its cities, gathering secrets about military defenses and vital resources.
Level C1PoetrySpider-webs in Verse: A Collection of Lyrics for Leisure Moments, Spun at Idle HoursReflect on the delicate interplay between life's fleeting moments and deeper ideals through a collection of lyrical verses crafted during quiet, idle hours.
Level C1PoetrySpenser's The Faerie Queene, Book IAmid the vibrant England of Queen Elizabeth’s reign, a revival of chivalry and national pride sparks an epic allegory of ideal knighthood, weaving romance, classical learning, and…
Level C1PoetrySpenser's Faerie Queene, Vol. 1 (of 2)Enter a richly imagined realm where knights embark on quests embodying virtues, encountering enchantments and allegories that weave a tapestry of morality and chivalry in an epic p…
Level C1PoetrySpenserExplore the rise of English poetry through the life of a pioneering poet whose work bridges the gap between medieval tradition and Renaissance brilliance, laying the foundation for…
Level C1ClassicsSpeed the ploughIn a bustling English countryside, Farmer Ashfield and his wife navigate market rivalries and social gossip, while unexpected visitors stir curiosity and comedic intrigue, blending…
Level C1HistoricalSpeeches: Literary and SocialExplore the early life and literary rise of a keen observer of society whose sharp wit and storytelling shaped English literature.
Level C1HistoricalSpeeches against CatilinaIn the tense political arena of ancient Rome, a powerful and controversial figure plots a sweeping revolution amid widespread debt and unrest.
Level C1RomanceSpeculum Amantis: Love Poems, from Rare Songbooks and Miscellanies of the Seventeenth CenturyDiscover a provocative collection of seventeenth-century love poems, ranging from audacious dedications to rare verses hidden in forgotten miscellanies, revealing the shifting boun…
Level C1PoetrySpecimens with Memoirs of the Less-known British Poets, CompleteExplore the dawn of English poetry through the lives and works of lesser-known British poets, tracing the rise of literary tradition from early Christian missionaries to the first…
Level C1PoetrySpecimens of the Table Talk of Samuel Taylor ColeridgeEnter the intimate world of a brilliant mind through vivid recollections of Samuel Taylor Coleridge’s conversations, where profound thoughts and eloquent expressions reveal his uni…
Level C1HistoricalSpecimens of the Russian poets, vol. 2 (of 2)Explore the rise of Russian poetry amid a vast empire's quest for civilization, power, and liberty.
Level C1HistoricalSpecimens of the Russian poets, vol. 1 (of 2)Discover the early sparks of Russian poetic genius as this collection unveils the works and lives of pioneering poets who shaped a nascent literary tradition emerging from centurie…
Level C1ClassicsSpecimens of Greek Tragedy — Aeschylus and SophoclesStep into the origins of Greek drama, where dance, song, and masked actors bring mythical heroes and gods to life, unfolding the rich evolution of tragedy from choral hymns to powe…
Level C1FantasySpecimens of German Romance; Vol. II. Master FleaOn a Christmas Eve filled with mysterious gifts and eerie delights, the melancholy Peregrine Tyss embarks on strange adventures that blur the line between reality and fantasy, invi…
Level C1RomanceSpecimens of German Romance; Vol. I. The PatriciansWidowed Althea struggles with grief and the pressure to remarry in turbulent 1568 Schweidnitz, as suitors vie for her hand to protect her son's future and her family's honor.
Level C1ClassicsSpecial Method in the Reading of Complete English Classics: In the Grades of the Common SchoolExplore the transformative power of literature in education as this guide reveals how introducing classic works to schoolchildren can awaken their minds and hearts, enriching teach…
Level C1HistoricalSpecial MessengerIn a divided Southern village during the Civil War, a curious boy forms an unexpected bond with a Union bandmaster, hinting at secret alliances and the hidden lives of those caught…
Level C1MysterySpecial Detective (Ashton-Kirk)A young detective with keen intellect and a taste for the unusual tackles a perplexing case involving an ancient friend's perilous entanglement with a powerful Mexican family.
Level B2AdventureSpears of destinyIn a springtime chase through Crowden Wood, a young Norman and a Saxon girl hunt a cunning fox, leading to a tense encounter that sets the stage for a daring adventure amidst polit…
Level C1ClassicsSparrows: The Story of an Unprotected GirlIn a town defined by wealth and appearances, the Devitt family navigates power, expectations, and hidden disappointments.
Level B1Children'sSparrow the tramp: A fable for childrenWhen mischievous Posy discovers a mouse in the china-closet, her playful antics lead to unexpected household chaos.
Level C1ClassicsSpare HoursDiscover heartfelt essays revealing the lives of doctors, clergymen, shepherds, and their loyal dogs, blending genuine human feeling with keen observation and a deep sympathy for a…
Level C1HistoricalSpanish colonial literature in South AmericaExplore the rich tapestry of South America's colonial past through the writings of Spanish settlers—from poetry and history to geography and ecclesiastical debates—offering a vivid…
Level C1AdventureSpanish bayonetIn 1769, amid the festive yet struggling streets of Port Mahon, young Sebastian Zafortezas prepares to leave his island home for a new life as a colonist in British America, chasin…
Level C1HistoricalSpanish Prisoners of War (from Literature and Life)As Spanish prisoners of war arrive in New England, the harsh realities of captivity clash with the serene beauty of the American summer landscape, revealing the grim inconsequence…
Level C1HistoricalSpanish PapersUncover the dramatic saga of Spain’s conquest by the Saracens, where history blends with legend, chivalry, and romance.
Level C1AdventureSpanish John: Being a Memoir, Now First Published in Complete Form, of the Early Life and Adventures of Colonel John McDonell, Known as "Spanish John," When a Lieutenant in the Company of St. James of the Regiment Irlandia, in the Service of the King of Spain Operating in ItalyAmid the turbulent 18th century, a young Scottish noble embarks on a journey from Rome’s Scots College to the battlefields of Italy, serving under the King of Spain while navigatin…
Level B2Science FictionSpacemen are bornTrase Barnes, born on the Moon with a normal ear and grounded by gravity, dreams of joining the elite spacemen born for the stars.
Level B2Science FictionSpace BatLou Flint defends a fragile ecosystem on a wild planetoid from ruthless hunters wielding deadly ice-ray pistols.
Level C1ClassicsSowing and Sewing: A Sexagesima StoryFour young women apprenticed in dressmaking navigate their craft and community in a bustling cottage workshop, inspired by a stirring sermon that challenges them to bear fruit beyo…
Level B2ClassicsSowing and Reaping: A Temperance StoryTwo men set out in life with starkly different values: one pursues wealth at any cost, while the other chooses conscience over profit.
Level B2ClassicsSowing Seeds in DannyIn a small Manitoba town weighed down by winter's chill, a compassionate woman seeks to nurture the struggling Watson family, especially little Danny, through kindness and the wisd…
Level C1HistoricalSouvenir of the George Borrow Celebration: Norwich, July 5th, 1913Step into the life and legacy of a restless literary pioneer intimately tied to Norwich, whose travels and tales unveil hidden cultures and timeless truths.
Level C1ClassicsSoutheyDive into the life of a man wholly devoted to literature, whose works span history, poetry, and personal reflection, revealing the intimate voice behind his vast and varied achieve…
Level B2Children'sSouthern Stories: Retold from St. NicholasIn the tranquil beauty of the Blue Ridge, a young boy's imagination is stirred by the echoes of war and the heroic figure of General Lee, as he dreams of courage and honor amidst t…
Level B2HistoricalSouthern Soldier StoriesExperience the tense strategies and vivid realities of Civil War battles as soldiers navigate skirmishes, defensive lines, and the crucial fight to control supply routes in this gr…
Level C1HistoricalSouthern Literature From 1579-1895: A comprehensive review, with copious extracts and criticisms: for the use of schools and the general readerExplore the rich tapestry of Southern life and history through the voices of its writers, offering vivid extracts and insightful critiques that bring the past alive for students an…
Level C1ClassicsSouthern Lights and ShadowsIn the rugged Southern wilderness, a weary man ventures into a mysterious cave, only to encounter a formidable stranger armed and enigmatic.
Level C1ClassicsSouthern HeartsIn the heart of Virginia’s mountain region, a proud Southern woman grapples with the subtle tyranny of her husband’s overbearing nature, revealing the delicate balance between love…
Level C1PoetrySoutherly BustersVividly capturing the rugged life of the Australian bush, these poems blend humor and hardship through the eyes of wanderers and jackeroos, offering a raw and heartfelt glimpse int…
Level C1ClassicsSouth-Sea IdylsStranded on a tiny schooner amid the vast, unforgiving South Seas, a weary crew battles relentless storms, haunting isolation, and the crushing weight of despair, seeking hope and…
Level B2Science FictionSouth to PropontisStranded in a scorching Martian desert, Don Moffat escapes a deadly betrayal only to be forced into a perilous journey south toward Propontis, Mars' capital, alongside two ruthless…
Level C1ClassicsSouth WindA sea-sick bishop endures a grueling voyage to the mysterious island of Nepenthe, where a sultry south wind stirs hidden tensions and unexpected encounters among a diverse cast of…
Level C1ClassicsSouth Sea YarnsStep inside a South Sea village where elders gather to share stories, blending ancient customs with tales of mysterious foreigners, strange technologies, and the changing world bey…
Level C1AdventureSouth Sea TalesA young supercargo navigates the treacherous South Seas, confronting fierce island rivalries and a legendary pearl that could change everything.
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.