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 B1AdventureSlicko, the Jumping Squirrel: Her Many AdventuresIn a cozy tree nest, Slicko, a curious young squirrel, faces the dangers of hunters in the woods and embarks on lessons in survival, agility, and courage.
Level C1ClassicsSleeping Fires: a NovelIn 1860s San Francisco, the city's rigid Southern aristocracy reels from Dr.
Level C1ClassicsSlang and cant in Jerome K. Jerome's worksExplore the vivid slang and cant of Victorian England through the lens of Jerome K.
Level C1RomanceSlain By The DoonesIn a secluded Exmoor wood, a young woman navigates loss, loyalty, and the shadows of her family's fallen fortune, while an unexpected visitor challenges her desire for solitude and…
Level B1FantasySky Island: Being the further exciting adventures of Trot and Cap'n Bill after their visit to the sea fairiesTrot and her sailor friend Cap'n Bill embark on a fantastical journey to Sky Island, where they encounter magical companions like Button-Bright and the Rainbow's Daughter, explorin…
Level C1Children'sSkippy Bedelle: His Sentimental Progress From the Urchin to the Complete Man of the WorldA spirited boy wrestles with his aversion to girls and the confusion of growing up, navigating the awkward path from boyhood to manhood with humor and heart.
Level B2ClassicsSkipper WorseIn a small Norwegian coastal town, the fierce clash between devout pietism and worldly life unfolds through vivid portraits, including the complex Skipper Worse and the zealous lay…
Level B1AdventureSkinny McCordAt camp, shy Skinny McCord loses his compass, sparking a lively search by his boisterous scout friends who delight in teasing him.
Level B2ClassicsSkinner's Dress SuitA modest cashier dubbed the "cage man" battles stage fright and self-doubt as he musters courage to ask his employer for a raise, driven by his devoted wife's hopes and their share…
Level C1AdventureSkewbald, the New Forest PonyOn the sunlit plains of the New Forest, a diverse herd of ponies, from elegant racers to rugged ancient breeds, navigate the challenges of wild heath and changing seasons.
Level C1ClassicsSketches of Young GentlemenAt a lively dinner party, a bashful young gentleman’s awkward manners and crimson blush reveal the tender unease beneath his polished exterior, inviting a humorous exploration of y…
Level C1ClassicsSketches of Young CouplesIn a leap year when tradition allows women to propose marriage, a surge of bold plans and secret plots unfolds across England, stirring society into a frenzy of romance, rivalry, a…
Level C1PoetrySketches of Southern lifeA young prince inherits riches and must choose between the seductive allure of Pleasure, the promise of Wealth, or the serene path of Peace accompanied by Self-Denial.
Level B2ClassicsSketches of GothamIn the bustling streets of old New York, a cunning woman uses charm and wit to ensnare wealthy strangers, weaving a dangerous game of deception and allure where every smile hides a…
Level C1HistoricalSketches of Aboriginal Life: American Tableaux, No. 1In a world where astrology shapes fate, a priest’s dire prophecy looms over the Aztec princess Tecuichpo and the imperial House of Tenochtitlan, setting the stage for a tale of des…
Level C1PoetrySketches in Verse: respectfully addressed to the Norfolk YeomenryDive into vivid scenes of the bustling Norwich Corn Mart, where merchants and farmers negotiate grain prices with keen wit, and hear the heartfelt farewell of a man sentenced to fo…
Level C1ClassicsSketches in Lavender, Blue and GreenIn a world where convenience rules hearts, a cold financier marries a young woman bound by duty and sacrifice, while past lovers linger close, weaving a tale of complex social ties…
Level C1ClassicsSketches from Memory: (From: "The Doliver Romance and Other Pieces: Tales and Sketches")A vivid journey unfolds on the shores of Lake Champlain, where a bustling port town teems with diverse characters—from Irish emigrants to frontier traders—each shaping the lively b…
Level C1ClassicsSketches from Memory (From "Mosses from an Old Manse")Journey into the heart of the majestic White Mountains, where rugged peaks and deep forests hide ancient paths and wild tales.
Level C1ClassicsSketches by Boz, Illustrative of Every-Day Life and Every-Day PeopleStep into a vivid world of everyday struggles and local authority as the parish beadle enforces the harsh realities of poor laws, revealing the delicate balance between dignity, po…
Level C1HistoricalSketches and StudiesDelve into the early life and character of Franklin Pierce, shaped by the legacy of his Revolutionary War father and the spirited political landscape of New Hampshire.
Level C1ClassicsSketches New and Old, Part 7.In the rough silver mines of Nevada, a curious encounter unfolds over whisky cocktails as a newcomer tries to grasp the baffling intricacies of silver-mining veins from the eccentr…
Level B2ClassicsSketches New and Old, Part 6.An undertaker reflects on the wishes of a modest man determined to control every detail of his funeral, from a simple coffin to an unconventional hymn.
Level C1ClassicsSketches New and Old, Part 5.Discover the extraordinary bond of the Siamese Twins, whose intertwined lives weave a tale of loyalty, love, and shared struggles—from childhood playmates to soldiers and suitors—c…
Level C1ClassicsSketches New and Old, Part 4.A satirical memoir skewers the revered image of Benjamin Franklin, revealing the mischievous motives and exhausting maxims behind his famed wisdom, challenging the myths that glori…
Level C1ClassicsSketches New and Old, Part 3.A well-dressed boy in San Francisco is arrested for stoning a Chinaman, exposing the bitter injustices and racial prejudices ingrained in society and law enforcement.
Level C1ClassicsSketches New and Old, Part 2.Wit and wisdom collide in a collection of sharp commentaries and humorous letters that challenge moralizing statistics, celebrate human quirks, and honor the colorful characters of…
Level C1ClassicsSketches New and Old, Part 1.A once-perfect watch begins to malfunction, speeding ahead and falling behind in chaotic bursts, mirroring the narrator’s growing frustration as he seeks countless repairs.
Level B2ClassicsSketches New and OldDive into a collection of sharp, witty tales and reflections where everyday objects, like a watch, reveal deeper truths through humor and human folly.
Level C1PoetrySketchesJourney through reflective poems and sketches inspired by college days, exploring biblical stories, nature’s quiet moments, and heartfelt personal reflections that capture youthful…
Level C1RomanceSketchesAmidst a bitter feud between rival lords, Lady Imogene and the mysterious palmer Lothair risk everything for a secret love that defies their warring families.
Level C1ClassicsSketch of Grammar of the Chippeway Languages: To Which is Added a Vocabulary of some of the Most Common WordsExplore the structure and vocabulary of the Chippeway language through detailed lessons on syllable accents, grammar rules, and common words, accompanied by traditional prayers and…
Level B2ClassicsSixpenny PiecesIn the gritty streets of London, a battered woman leans on a determined doctor who defies the authorities to care for her at home, revealing the harsh realities of life, loyalty, a…
Level C1ClassicsSixes and SevensA wandering minstrel, Sam Galloway, the Last of the Troubadours, leaves a lively ranch to seek solitude on a remote sheep ranch, blending music, humor, and the rugged spirit of the…
Level C1Children'sSix to Sixteen: A Story for GirlsTwo girls on the Yorkshire moors embark on a heartfelt project to chronicle their lives from childhood, exploring the joys and challenges of growing up through intimate diaries and…
Level B1AdventureSix little Bunkers at farmer Joel'sWhen the youngest Bunker, Mun Bun, embarks on mischief and the spotted Esmeralda disappears, the six Bunker siblings must navigate mystery and adventure on Farmer Joel’s lively hom…
Level B1AdventureSix little Bunkers at Uncle Fred'sFour lively Bunker siblings turn a rainy afternoon into an adventure with a homemade scooter crafted by their inventive older brother.
Level B1Children'sSix little Bunkers at Mammy June'sSix lively Bunker siblings gather around puzzles and riddles during a snowy day, as curious Violet tries to unravel the mystery of William’s mysterious illness while their older si…
Level B1Children'sSix little Bunkers at Grandpa Ford'sA young boy’s adventurous day at Grandpa Ford’s turns into an unexpected splash when a feisty crab on Clam River leads to a watery rescue and a big catch.
Level B1MysterySix little Bunkers at Grandma Bell'sSix energetic Bunker siblings transform a rainy day into an imaginative steamboat adventure, filled with riddles and playful mysteries.
Level B1AdventureSix little Bunkers at Cowboy Jack'sSix adventurous siblings face a fierce September storm at the seashore, braving thunder and lightning in an old house while inventing games to keep their fears at bay.
Level B1AdventureSix little Bunkers at Cousin Tom'sSix lively siblings gather at Aunt Jo's house for a summer filled with playful soap-bubble parties, riddles, and sweet treats—where every moment promises fun and childhood wonder.
Level B1Children'sSix little Bunkers at Aunt Jo'sSix lively siblings enjoy a summer vacation filled with playful adventures in the woods and on a homemade raft by Lake Sagatook.
Level B2FantasySix giants and a griffin, and other storiesA curious boy discovers a secret trapdoor leading to a magical blue land where industrious gnomes and solemn blue elephants await his help.
Level C1ClassicsSix WomenHaunted by a loveless marriage and a deep despair, a handsome civil servant in colonial India struggles with a life drained of passion and meaning, seeking solace amid the dust and…
Level B2ClassicsSix Short PlaysTwo brothers grapple with a chilling confession: one has killed a man in a desperate act tied to a troubled woman’s torment.
Level C1ClassicsSix PlaysStep into the authentic world of English country life where peasants speak with vivid, homely metaphors and simple stories unfold, capturing timeless folk traditions and the heart…
Level C1ClassicsSix One-Act PlaysIn a richly detailed Arabian setting, a wedding feast unfolds amid mysterious delays, whispered secrets, and the arrival of a captivating stranger whose presence stirs passion and…
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.