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 B2AdventureRick Dale, A Story of the Northwest CoastA delicate, bookish boy from a vast Pacific Coast fortune embarks on an unexpected adventure that challenges his sheltered life and uncovers the rugged wilds and mysteries of the N…
Level C1ClassicsRiches have wings; or, A tale for the rich and poorIn a society where wealth changes hands as swiftly as the wind, fortunes rise and fall amid fierce ambition and moral challenges.
Level C1HistoricalRichelieu: A Tale of France, v. 3/3Amid political intrigue and peril, the Count de Blenau faces a harrowing dilemma that threatens his honor and life as Cardinal Richelieu arrives unexpectedly to seize control.
Level C1HistoricalRichelieu: A Tale of France, v. 2/3Amidst the treacherous intrigues of Cardinal Richelieu’s France, Claude de Blenau must navigate danger and deceit to protect his love, Pauline de Beaumont, as he confronts the ruth…
Level C1HistoricalRichelieu: A Tale of France, v. 1/3Amidst the turbulent reign of Louis XIII, a young Bishop named Richelieu navigates court intrigues, shifting alliances, and deadly factions to rise from obscurity to power.
Level C1RomanceRichardson's New London fashionable gentleman's valentine writer, or, the lover's own book for this yearDiscover a charming collection of original and popular valentines paired with heartfelt answers, capturing the hopes and hesitations of love across all ranks and walks of life in t…
Level B2AdventureRichard of Jamestown : a Story of the Virginia ColonyAt just ten years old, Richard Mutton embarks on a perilous journey to the untamed Virginia Colony, witnessing the struggles, dangers, and triumphs of early settlers alongside the…
Level C1RomanceRichard Vandermarck: A NovelAn orphaned young woman grows up in a gloomy, neglected home under the indifferent care of her uncle, finding solace only in books and a small sunlit garret room.
Level C1ClassicsRichard SteeleStep into the lively world of early 18th-century English drama, where wit and satire expose society’s quirks—from mock grief to flawed justice—all crafted by a soldier turned playw…
Level C1HistoricalRichard Lepsius, a biographyExplore the life of a devoted Egyptologist who braves harsh conditions and isolation to unveil the ancient secrets of Nile temples and tombs, revealing mysteries hidden in centurie…
Level C1HistoricalRichard Judkins' Wooing: A Tale of Virginia in the RevolutionAmid the simmering tensions of Revolutionary Virginia, a cool and calculating gentleman encounters a stern Major bearing urgent news, weaving a tale of loyalty, duty, and the stirr…
Level C1AdventureRichard Galbraith, Mariner; Or, Life among the KaffirsOrphaned young and raised by fishermen, a spirited boy with the sea in his heart embarks on a journey from rugged Cornish shores to daring adventures among distant tribes, guided b…
Level B2AdventureRichard Dare's Venture; Or, Striking Out for HimselfA determined young country boy leaves his quiet village for bustling New York City, ready to work hard and carve out his own future despite the city's many challenges and temptatio…
Level C1HistoricalRichard Carvel — CompleteIn colonial Maryland, Lionel Carvel navigates loyalty, honor, and family legacy amid the fading grandeur of a once-glorious estate.
Level C1RomanceRich men's childrenIn the frosty stillness of a California mountain night, a mysterious woman arrives in the rough mining town of Rocky Bar, stirring curiosity and old memories as she reconnects with…
Level C1ClassicsRich enoughA cautious farmer seeks safe, steady investments amidst the bustling ambitions of his wealthy merchant brother, exploring the tension between simple contentment and the lure of spe…
Level B2Children'sRich and humbleSibling rivalry and lessons in character clash as Bertha seeks funds for a noble cause while her brother Richard struggles with his own desires and his father’s stern expectations.
Level C1ClassicsRich Man, Poor ManIn a bustling city, a solitary, shy clerk named Mr.
Level C1ClassicsRiceyman Steps: A NovelIn post-World War I Clerkenwell, a refined, introspective bookseller becomes quietly captivated by a mysterious widow across the street, dreaming of sharing his rich visions of the…
Level C1AdventureRice PapersAmid the sweltering heat of a Chinese river, naval officers aboard a British gunboat navigate the challenges of colonial life, local culture, and unexpected adventures in a land fa…
Level C1AdventureRhymes of the Survey and FrontierVenture into the solitary, perilous world of pioneers who carve civilization from the wilderness, facing relentless hardships and forging a nation's future through courage and sacr…
Level B2HistoricalRhymes of the Rookies: Sunny Side of Soldier ServiceExperience the gritty camaraderie and raw realities of soldier life through vivid poems that capture the humor, hardship, and heart behind the uniforms, from bunkmates’ loyalty to…
Level B2PoetryRhymes of the RockiesJourney through the rugged beauty and solitude of the Rocky Mountains in vivid poems that capture the spirit of trappers, hunters, and nature’s quiet wonders, celebrating the wild…
Level C1PoetryRhymes of the East and Re-collected VersesExplore vivid verses reflecting life, culture, and humor from British India, blending local color with universal themes in this evocative collection of reprinted and revised poems…
Level C2PoetryRhymes of a RoughneckIn a harsh northern wilderness forged by devilish design, men are drawn by gold and ambition to a land where nature itself seems hostile and fortune is a deadly gamble.
Level C2PoetryRhymes of Old PlimouthStep into the spirit of early Plymouth through evocative poems that celebrate its history, people, and landscapes—honoring the enduring legacy of the Old Colony and its storied pas…
Level C1PoetryRhymes of Northern Bards: Being a Curious Collection of Old and New Songs and Poems, Peculiar to the Counties of Newcastle upon Tyne, Northumberland, and DurhamDiscover a lively collection of songs and poems capturing the spirit, history, and local color of Newcastle upon Tyne, Northumberland, and Durham, preserving the voices and tales o…
Level C2PoetryRhymes from the RussianDiscover faithful English translations of Russia’s finest poets, capturing the spirit and soul of a society where poetry unites nobles, soldiers, and peasants alike, revealing the…
Level B2PoetryRhymes for the nurseryDelight in gentle, soothing verses that capture the tender moments of childhood—from morning wake-ups to bedtime lullabies—inviting little ones to explore the world through simple…
Level C1PoetryRhymes for Harry and His Nurse-MaidGentle rhymes guide young children and their caregivers through early lessons in care, discipline, and virtue, blending simple narratives with practical advice to nurture good habi…
Level A2PoetryRhymes and JinglesDiscover a delightful collection of playful rhymes and jingles that capture the charm of childhood, nature, and everyday adventures, inviting young readers into a world of imaginat…
Level C2PoetryRhymes a la ModeJourney to an enchanted island where time stands still and immortal souls roam beneath eternal silver dawns.![Cover of Rhymes Old and New : collected by M.E.S. Wright by M. E. S. [Compiler] Wright](https://dsx1pat3ljtul.cloudfront.net/books/dagoip25dk3s73eg9990.webp)
Level C1PoetryRhymes Old and New : collected by M.E.S. WrightDelight in a rich collection of rhymes gathered from diverse regions and traditions, blending timeless nursery verses with local variations and weather lore, perfect for children a…
Level C2FantasyRhyme? and reason?Dive into a whimsical collection of poems and riddles where nonsense and reason intertwine, guided by curious voices and playful rhythms that challenge the mind and delight the sen…
Level B2Children'sRhoda's educationA young girl named Rhoda devotes herself to caring for her new baby brother and navigating a challenging home life marked by her mother's sharp mood.
Level B2HistoricalRhoda of the UndergroundIn a peaceful riverside town before the Civil War, Rhoda navigates family ties and societal expectations as she eagerly awaits news arriving by steamboat—her poised demeanor hiding…
Level C1ClassicsRhoda Fleming — CompleteIn a Kentish village, two striking sisters navigate the clash between rustic tradition and their mother's fierce determination to nurture beauty and strength amidst poverty and gos…
Level C1RomanceRezanovIn 1806 California, a Russian diplomat arrives to secure aid for a struggling outpost, only to find unexpected passion with the daughter of a Spanish commandante.
Level B2AdventureRex Kingdon on Storm IslandA summer camping trip on a remote Maine island turns tense when Rex Kingdon and his friends discover impostors have stolen their exclusive permit, sparking unexpected rivalry and a…
Level C1Science FictionRex Ex MachinaA dying father reveals a secret weapon: a device capable of hypnotizing the entire world, forged in Cold War espionage and moral conflict.
Level C2FantasyRewards and FairiesTwo siblings in the English countryside encounter Puck, the last of the fairies, who grants them the magical ability to see and converse with remarkable figures from England’s dist…
Level C1PhilosophyRevolutionist's Handbook and Pocket CompanionChallenging the foundations of society, this handbook explores revolution not just as upheaval but as a personal transformation, urging readers to envision a new kind of human—stro…
Level B2ClassicsRevolution, and Other EssaysAn unprecedented global movement of millions unites under the red banner of revolution, challenging old orders with passionate solidarity and a vision for a new world.
Level C1ClassicsRevisiting the EarthA man embarks on a heartfelt journey to revisit every place tied to his youth, seeking renewal and rediscovery through the memories and landscapes of his past.
Level C1PoetryRevised Edition of PoemsA lifetime of heartfelt musings unfolds in verse, celebrating local heroes, humble lives, and the spirit of a Yorkshire town.
Level C1ClassicsReviewsDive into a collection of sharp, insightful reviews revealing the rise and reception of a bold literary figure who challenged Victorian norms with wit and style, offering a unique…
Level C1ClassicsReveries over Childhood and YouthA reflective journey through fragmented memories of childhood and youth reveals the bittersweet mix of innocence, fear, and wonder, set against the backdrop of family, nature, and…
Level B2MysteryRevenge!In a bitter marriage marked by relentless hatred, John Bodman plots a chilling scheme to murder his wife during their Alpine retreat, concealing deadly intent beneath the serene mo…
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.