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 B2RomanceRamonaAmid the sun-drenched ranches of Southern California, a strong-willed senora quietly commands her family's legacy, balancing tradition and change during the tense sheep-shearing se…
Level C1PoetryRambles in Waltham ForestExplore the rich history and serene beauty of Waltham Forest through poetic reflections that weave together royal legends, local lore, and timeless nature, inviting readers to jour…
Level C1HistoricalRambles in Germany and Italy in 1840, 1842, and 1843, vol. 2 of 2Explore the rich history and legends of Prague, tracing its rise under Emperor Charles IV, the fiery spirit of reformers like John Huss, and the dramatic clashes that ignited the T…
Level C1HistoricalRambles in Germany and Italy in 1840, 1842, and 1843, vol. 1 of 2Journey through 1840s Germany and Italy with vivid reflections on landscapes, cultures, and the political struggles shaping a restless Italy yearning for liberty and renewal beneat…
Level C1ClassicsRambles in Dickens' LandStep into the vivid world where Dickens' characters come to life, tracing the streets, inns, and countryside that inspired his timeless tales.
Level B2MysteryRalph, the Train Dispatcher; Or, The Mystery of the Pay CarRalph, a sharp young train dispatcher, teams with veteran fireman Fogg to unravel the suspicious activities of three mysterious men targeting the Overland Express.
Level C1ClassicsRalph the HeirA reserved and ambitious barrister faces the sting of political rejection and personal disappointment, revealing the hidden struggles behind a public career.
Level B2AdventureRalph on the Overland Express; Or, The Trials and Triumphs of a Young EngineerA young engineer takes the helm of the fastest locomotive on the Great Northern, racing against time to deliver the crucial China & Japan Mail.
Level B2AdventureRalph on the Midnight Flyer; or, The Wreck at Shadow ValleyAmid rising labor unrest on the Great Northern railroad, young dispatcher Ralph Fairbanks navigates tensions between officials and workers, uncovering the fragile balance of power…
Level B2AdventureRalph on the Engine; Or, The Young Fireman of the Limited MailA determined young fireman faces fierce rivalry and dangerous storms as he fights to prove his worth on the railroad and protect his family’s legacy against a ruthless magnate’s th…
Level C1AdventureRalph of the Roundhouse; Or, Bound to Become a Railroad ManAt Stanley Junction, young Ralph Fairbanks, a lively and resourceful railroad enthusiast, spends his summer days assisting with train deliveries and chasing adventure.
Level B2AdventureRalph in the Switch Tower; Or, Clearing the TrackIn the bustling switch tower of Stanley Junction, veteran railroader Jack Knight faces a crisis when his unreliable assistant Mort Bemis causes a devastating accident.
Level C1RomanceRalph Wilton's weirdIn the faded grandeur of a Mayfair mansion, a weary nobleman summons his distant cousin, a battle-hardened colonel, to confront family grudges and the uncertain legacy tied to a no…
Level C2ClassicsRalph Waldo Emerson, philosopher and seerExplore the intimate reflections and profound insights of a close friend who reveals the spirit and genius behind one of America's greatest thinkers.
Level C1ClassicsRalph Waldo EmersonExplore the mind of a thinker whose timeless genius transcends place and era, revealing profound insights without the need for grand systems or pretensions.
Level C1ClassicsRalph Waldo EmersonExplore the life and legacy of a profound thinker through detailed chapters covering his early years, philosophical evolution, influential lectures, and personal trials, culminatin…
Level B2Children'sRalph Trulock's Christmas RosesIn the village of Fairford, twelve charming homes called Lady Mabel's Rest shelter the poor and respectable, bound by a touching legacy of love and loss.
Level B2ClassicsRalph Sinclair's AtonementA troubled man steps into a well-established metalworks firm in London, poised to replace a beloved manager retiring after fifty years.
Level B2MysteryRalph Raymond's HeirA mysterious man buys a rare poison from a small drugstore, sparking a tense pursuit by a street-smart boy hired to uncover the stranger’s identity and motives.
Level B2AdventureRalph Osborn, Midshipman at Annapolis: A Story of Life at the U.S. Naval AcademyAn ambitious young man dreams of joining the U.
Level B2AdventureRalph Gurney's Oil SpeculationTwo college friends reunite to explore the thrilling world of Pennsylvania’s oil fields, where civil engineering meets danger from patent-infringing “moonlighters” risking both lif…
Level B2AdventureRalph Granger's FortunesCaught in a bitter family feud, fifteen-year-old Ralph Granger faces the deadly task of avenging his father's death—but his heart pulls him toward peace instead of violence.
Level B2AdventureRalph Denham's Adventures in Burma: A Tale of the Burmese JungleA young man faces the weight of family loss and duty as he prepares to leave his struggling home in Liverpool for a new life working in a rice firm in distant Burma.
Level B2Children'sRalph Clavering; Or, We Must Try Before We Can DoAn orphaned girl arrives at her strict uncle's grand estate, where her wild cousin Ralph’s unruly temper threatens to derail both their futures.
Level C1HistoricalRainbow's EndNestled in Cuba's breathtaking Yumuri Valley, a hidden treasure stirs old secrets and fierce passions among heirs and slaves alike.
Level C1PoetryRainbow gold; poems old and new selected for boys and girlsDiscover a vibrant collection of poems chosen to delight young imaginations, blending timeless ballads and lively verses that invite children into a world of color, rhythm, and sto…
Level B2HistoricalRainbow ValleyIn the tranquil village of Glen St.
Level A2MysteryRainbolt, the Ranger; or, The Aerial Demon of the MountainAs an emigrant train departs Omaha, two men conspire in secret, setting the stage for a thrilling mystery involving a shadowy figure known as the Aerial Demon of the Mountain.
PoetryRain and rosesDelve into a heartfelt collection where nature’s gentle rain mingles with the delicate beauty of roses, capturing moments of reflection and emotion through poetic verses.
Level B1Children'sRailroad building, and other storiesBoys transform their play into a grand railroad-building adventure, learning teamwork and engineering with boundless enthusiasm.
Level B2AdventureRaiding with MorganIn the aftermath of Shiloh, a daring Confederate general leads secret raids and covert operations, challenged by betrayal and shadowy alliances within the North’s rebellious underg…
Level A2Children'sRags: (The Story Of A Dog)A scruffy little dog named Rags is abandoned and sets out to find a new home, facing rejection until a kind boy named Gary offers friendship.
Level A2AdventureRago and Goni, the Tree-Dweller ChildrenIn a distant time long ago, siblings Rago and Goni live high in the treetops, navigating a wild forest filled with lurking panthers, cave bears, and hyenas.
Level B2Children'sRaggetyA scruffy little yellow terrier named Raggety arrives with a playful spirit and sad eyes, sparking a tender bond with a kind soul.
Level B2Children'sRaggedy Ann storiesIn a cozy attic, a forgotten rag doll named Raggedy Ann is rediscovered and comes to life, leading a delightful band of dolls on playful adventures filled with friendship and fun.
Level B2Children'sRaggedy Andy storiesEnter a world where rag dolls come to life with warmth and adventure, as Raggedy Andy joins Raggedy Ann in tales filled with friendship, laughter, and the magic of childhood imagin…
Level C1ClassicsRagged Lady — CompleteA retired couple navigates unfamiliar country roads to South Middlemount, encountering a cheerful, barefoot girl living in a half-finished house who offers unexpected warmth and in…
Level B2Children'sRagged Dick, Or, Street Life in New York with the Boot-BlacksA scrappy young bootblack navigates the tough streets of New York, earning his way with honesty and charm despite ragged clothes and a harsh world.
Level B2AdventureRaftmates: A Story of the Great RiverA proud boy embarks on his first journey down the mighty Mississippi aboard the Venture, a finely crafted raft carrying lumber and wheat to distant markets.
Level C1MysteryRaffles: Further Adventures of the Amateur CracksmanA down-on-his-luck writer answers a mysterious ad for a male nurse to care for an elderly gentleman, stepping into a world of secrets and unexpected adventures that blur the line b…
Level C1Science FictionRadio V-raysTwo engineering students bond over their passion for radio, building a cutting-edge superheterodyne receiver that captures distant signals with astonishing clarity.
Level B2AdventureRadio Boys in the Secret Service; Or, Cast Away on an IcebergTwin brothers Walter and Guy Burton, radio enthusiasts with a knack for wireless technology, embark on thrilling adventures that combine cutting-edge radio communication with darin…
Level B2AdventureRadio Boys in the Flying Service; or, Held For Ransom by Mexican BanditsWhen a daring bank robbery leaves a wounded father and stolen cash, three resourceful young men race against time using planes and radio to track down the bandits escaping through…
Level B2MysteryRadio Boys Loyalty; Or, Bill Brown Listens InTwo ingenious friends enter a prestigious technical school where their skills and loyalty are tested against hazing and rivalry.
Level B2Children'sRadio Boys Cronies; Or, Bill Brown's RadioTwo determined boys, one strong and the other a lifelong cripple, join their schoolteacher to explore the wonders of a new radio receiver, tuning in to exciting broadcasts about gr…
Level C1RomanceRachel RayA widow clings to her daughter for support, shaping their lives amid loss and duty in a small English town.
Level C1ClassicsRachel Gray: A Tale Founded on FactIn a fading London suburb, Rachel Gray runs a humble dress-making shop amid decay and whispers of haunting.
Level C1HistoricalRachel DyerIn a tale woven from the shadows of early American history, a story emerges that challenges the notion of beauty and heroism, revealing the profound moral strength that can dwell w…
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.