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 C1PoetrySatan Absolved: A Victorian MysteryIn a provocative poetic journey set in the antechamber of Heaven, a solitary Satan confronts the hypocrisies and brutalities of Victorian England, challenging the era’s claims of p…
Level B2Children'sSasha the serf, and other stories of Russian lifeIn a Russian village under the rule of a distant baron, young Sasha the serf wrestles with questions of ownership, freedom, and the wild forest that surrounds him—where even a bear…
Level C1PhilosophySartor Resartus: The Life and Opinions of Herr TeufelsdröckhIn a world dissected by science and philosophy, one thinker turns to the overlooked realm of clothing, exploring how humanity’s outer coverings reveal deep truths about the self an…
Level C1PhilosophySartor Resartus, and On Heroes, Hero-Worship, and the Heroic in HistoryDive into the life and philosophies of Herr Diogenes Teufelsdröckh, a quirky German professor whose reflections on life, knowledge, and the meaning of existence unfold through sati…
Level C1AdventureSarréo: 1901A seasoned sailor recounts his complex friendship with Sarréo, a fierce and stoic native seaman, as they navigate tensions and confrontations aboard a trading schooner in the Solom…
Level C1ClassicsSarrasineAt a dazzling Parisian ball, whispers swirl around the mysterious and wealthy Lanty family, while the enchanting Marianina captivates all with her unparalleled beauty and voice, se…
Level C1RomanceSaronia: A Romance of Ancient EphesusIn ancient Ephesus, a dignified slave named Saronia harbors a fierce spirit beneath her quiet exterior, caught between the splendor of her mistress’s home and the yearning for free…
Level C1RomanceSarita, the CarlistCaught in a tangled web of family ambition and romantic preference, a reluctant man is sent to Madrid as a diplomatic attaché while a wealthy widow’s heart defies his brother’s cal…
Level C1AdventureSarchedon: A Legend of the Great QueenIn the ancient deserts between the Tigris and Euphrates, a mighty lion faces death under the shadow of Babylon’s towering splendor, while a royal hunt led by a great queen unfolds—…
Level B1HistoricalSaratoga National Historical Park Junior Ranger ProgramStep into the heart of the American Revolution at Saratoga National Historical Park, where you become a Junior Ranger exploring the 1777 campaign that turned the tide against Briti…
Level B2ClassicsSarah's first start in lifeA determined young woman from a humble family prepares to leave home and start work as a kitchen maid, facing the challenges of service life with hope, love, and the support of tho…
Level B2Children'sSarah's School FriendIn a grand Yorkshire mansion, spirited Sarah challenges her family’s traditional views and clashes with her mother and brother over respect, education, and the roles of women—spark…
Level C1RomanceSarah of the Sahara: A Romance of Nomads LandA chance encounter on a Cannes pier sparks a thrilling chase across desert sands, where fierce nomads and untamed passions collide.
Level C1ClassicsSarah BernhardtExperience the whirlwind life of a legendary actress whose unstoppable energy, fierce will, and dazzling presence command the stage and captivate the world, navigating triumphs, ch…
Level C1HistoricalSaragossa: A Story of Spanish ValorAmid Spain’s struggle against Napoleon’s forces, the city of Saragossa stands as a symbol of fierce resistance and patriotism, where citizens rally with unyielding valor in a despe…
Level C1HistoricalSaracinescaIn 1865 Rome stands timeless, a city caught between ancient grandeur and modern change, where French soldiers mingle with Papal guards beneath the watchful gaze of Pope Pius IX.
Level B2Children'sSara, a Princess: The Story of a Noble GirlIn a humble fishing village, young Sara balances household duties and her thirst for learning, determined to honor her late mother's wish for an education despite the hardships her…
Level B2Children'sSara Crewe; Or, What Happened at Miss Minchin's Boarding SchoolAt Miss Minchin's Select Seminary, Sara Crewe arrives wealthy and cherished, but when her fortune vanishes and her father dies, she faces harsh realities and cold cruelty, revealin…
Level C1PoetrySappho: One Hundred LyricsStep into the sunlit gardens of ancient Lesbos, where a revered poet queen weaves fiery passion and lyrical mastery into timeless verses.
Level C1PoetrySappho: Memoir, text, selected renderings, and a literal translationUnearth the lyrical world of an ancient poetess through newly discovered fragments and evocative translations, enriched by scholarly insights and rare reproductions that bring her…
Level C1PoetrySappho: A New RenderingStep into the ancient world where Sappho's haunting fragments whisper of love, longing, and divine enchantment, preserved only in echoes yet alive with timeless beauty and mystery.
Level C1HistoricalSapphoExplore the vibrant world of ancient Lesbos, where a flourishing culture shapes the life and lyric poetry of Sappho.
Level B2AdventureSappers and Miners: The Flood beneath the SeaWhen a retired colonel dismisses tales of a rich old tin mine on his Cornish estate, his adventurous son Gwyn dreams of uncovering its ancient secrets.
Level C1ClassicsSanta Fé's Partner: Being Some Memorials of Events in a New-Mexican Track-end TownIn the rugged frontier town of Palomitas, where lawlessness runs wild and cultures clash, survival demands grit and a sharp eye.
Level B2ClassicsSanta Claus's PartnerIn a snowy December, Berryman Livingstone—a self-made capitalist admired and envied—reflects on his relentless climb to success and the hollow social invitations that mask a deeper…
Level C1Children'sSanta Claus' SweetheartTerry O’Connor, known as a carefree good-for-nothing, embraces an unexpected mission on Christmas Eve, delivering joy to a logging camp despite his own doubts and inclinations.
Level C1Children'sSanta Claus' Message: A Christmas StoryIn a struggling mining camp near Christmas, a family faces hardship and hope as they navigate poverty, fleeting gold fortunes, and the promise of better days ahead—where love and r…
Level C1Children'sSanta Claus' FrolicsChildren gather in their nightclothes, eagerly awaiting Santa Claus, who quietly fills stockings and surprises them with gifts beneath a hidden Christmas tree.
Level C1ClassicsSanta Claus' Daughter: A Musical Christmas Burlesque in Two ActsIn Santa Claus’ snowy palace, preparations for Christmas Eve unfold as Santa and his witty daughter Gussie navigate the magical world of fairies, mysterious accidents, and holiday…
Level A2Children'sSanta Claus Gets His Wish: A Christmas Play in One Act For Young ChildrenOn Christmas Eve, Santa Claus seeks to discover what children truly dream about as he prepares for his magical journey, aided by whimsical characters like the Sand-Man and the mela…
Level C1RomanceSant' IlarioAnastase Gouache, a painter turned soldier, grapples with the transformation from youthful idealism to hardened duty as he patrols Rome's streets in his Zouave uniform, haunted by…
Level C1MysterySant of the Secret Service: Some Revelations of Spies and SpyingIn the shadowy world of espionage during wartime Europe, a daring secret agent races to uncover a hidden enemy submarine base off the Spanish coast, enlisting the help of a brillia…
Level C1ClassicsSans-Cravate; or, The Messengers; Little StreamsThree stylish young men prowl the fashionable Boulevard des Italiens, mingling wit, flirtation, and sharp social observations in the vibrant heart of Parisian high society, where e…
Level C1ClassicsSanineIn a stifling provincial town, a man who has escaped society's constraints observes the tormented lives of those around him, exposing the harsh truths of love, desire, and societal…
Level B2AdventureSandyA ragged but spirited boy named Sandy dreams of adventure as he contemplates a daring choice by the bustling English docks, where two great ocean liners prepare to set sail—will he…
Level C1ClassicsSandra Belloni — Volume 7Emilia, adorned in a stunning Venetian gown, grapples with her newfound beauty and the complex affections of Merthyr, her enigmatic tutor.
Level C1ClassicsSandra Belloni — Volume 6In a fog-shrouded city, Emilia faces despair and isolation, caught in a web of power struggles and shifting alliances.
Level C1ClassicsSandra Belloni — Volume 5In a world of tangled affections and social intrigue, Lady Charlotte grapples with jealousy and desire as Wilfrid’s passionate letters reveal a love that challenges their guarded l…
Level C1RomanceSandra Belloni — Volume 4In a midnight conversation fraught with tension, Emilia reveals her secret love for Wilfrid, who is promised to another.
Level C1ClassicsSandra Belloni — Volume 3Caught between society’s expectations and his own restless desires, Wilfrid navigates complex relationships with the proud Lady Charlotte and the passionate Emilia Belloni, where l…
Level C1ClassicsSandra Belloni — Volume 2A spirited group of Hillford's finest, armed with music and robust camaraderie, march to Ipley Common, blending goodwill with boisterous revelry.
Level C1ClassicsSandra Belloni — Volume 1In a society where music is the key to status, the refined Pole sisters navigate rivalry, social ambition, and mysterious nocturnal melodies that blur the line between art and intr…
Level C1ClassicsSandra Belloni (originally Emilia in England) — CompleteIn a refined English village, the mysterious, enchanting voice heard at night sparks rivalry and social ambition among the daughters of a prosperous merchant, while the enigmatic M…
Level C2PoetrySandhyaExperience the fading twilight through poems that blend Bengali musicality with English verse, capturing moments of longing, nature, and spiritual reflection in a collection born f…
Level C1AdventureSanders of the riverIn a remote African territory, Commissioner Sanders navigates the complex customs and fierce justice of native tribes, enforcing order with unyielding resolve amid a clash of cultu…
Level C1ClassicsSandburrsDive into gritty sketches of New York's East Side, where Martin, a barkeeper and dog-fighting enthusiast, introduces a fierce bull terrier named Spot, setting the stage for a raw g…
Level C1ClassicsSanctuaryAmid the serene beauty of a late September estate, Kate Orme basks in the bliss of her engagement to Denis Peyton, yet senses an unspoken complexity beneath their bright future.
Level C1HistoricalSan kuo; or, Romance of the three kingdoms (volume 1 of 2)Amid the decline of the Han dynasty, sworn brothers Liu Pei, Kuan Yü, and Chang Fei unite to uphold their crumbling empire, sparking fierce battles and alliances that shape the tur…
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.