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 B2Science FictionRabbits Have Long EarsA cautious spaceship crew investigates a green, oxygen-rich planet teeming with endless radio chatter from many languages, hoping to discover intelligent life similar to their own…
Level C1ClassicsRabbi SaundersonA scholarly minister, long rejected by congregations, finally finds his calling in the quiet parish of Kilbogie, where a mysterious plague and deep spiritual questions test his fai…
Level C1Children'sRab and His FriendsIn a small Scottish village, a loyal dog named Rab and his devoted owner navigate the trials of life, friendship, and loss, revealing the quiet strength found in love and suffering…
PoetryR.E.H.Explore a poignant tribute woven through sparse lines, reflecting on loss and memory in a brief, haunting poetic form.
Level C1MysteryR. Holmes & Co.: Being the Remarkable Adventures of Raffles Holmes, Esq., Detective and Amateur Cracksman by BirthOn a scorching August night, a mysterious figure stealthily climbs fire escapes, sparking curiosity and suspense.
PoetryR. Caldecott's Picture Book (No. 2): The Three Jovial Huntsmen—Sing a Song for Sixpence—The Queen of Hearts—The Farmer's BoyDelight in a charming collection of timeless nursery rhymes and lively poems brought to life with whimsical illustrations, featuring jovial huntsmen, playful songs, and heartwarmin…
Level B2Children'sR. Caldecott's Picture Book (No. 1)Join the whimsical adventures of John Gilpin as he rides beyond his intentions, explore the tangled tales of the house that Jack built, and uncover charming stories filled with hum…
Level C1PoetryR. Caldecott's First Collection of Pictures and SongsJoin John Gilpin on a wild, unexpected ride as he sets out for a simple holiday, only to find chaos, humor, and lively mishaps along the way.
Level C1ClassicsQuodlibet: containing some annals thereof ...Delve into the spirited political and social life of Quodlibet, where vivid characters and town events unfold against the backdrop of shifting party loyalties and historical upheav…
Level C1HistoricalQuo Vadis: A Narrative of the Time of NeroAmid the decadence and power struggles of Nero's Rome, the witty and cultured Petronius navigates political intrigue and moral conflict as Christianity begins its rise against the…
Level C1ClassicsQuite SoIn the aftermath of the first battle of Bull Run, four weary soldiers share a rain-soaked tent, their spirits dampened by loss and uncertainty, when a mysterious new recruit with a…
Level C1ClassicsQuisisana; or, Rest at LastA man grappling with illness and restless memories arrives at a country estate, haunted by past vows and shadowed by secret visitors who are forbidden in his presence.
Level C1ClassicsQuisantéA restless young man, reliant on his austere aunt's reluctant support, navigates debts and social ambitions in a world where family ties are cold and alliances transactional.
Level C1ClassicsQuips and Quiddities: A Quintessence of Quirks, Quaint, Quizzical, and QuotableDive into a lively collection of witty quips, playful parodies, sharp satire, and charming epigrams drawn from a rich tapestry of literary works.
Level C1MysteryQuintus Oakes: A Detective StoryOn a scorching summer evening, an unexpected hero saves a young girl from a burning building, only to vanish into the bustling streets of Broadway.
Level C1HistoricalQuintus Claudius: A Romance of Imperial Rome. Volume 2In turbulent Imperial Rome, Emperor Domitian faces ominous graffiti and a rebellious centurion, while an astrologer predicts his violent downfall—sparking a deadly game of power, p…
Level C1RomanceQuintus Claudius: A Romance of Imperial Rome. Volume 1Aboard a trireme near the shores of ancient Campania, a stout man named Herodianus peers toward the distant island of Capreae, setting the stage for a vivid journey through the sti…
Level B2ClassicsQuinneys'After inheriting his father's antique shop and modest fortune, Young Joe Quinney faces the challenge of transforming his father's dusty, disorganized business into a thriving enter…
Level B2RomanceQuincy Adams Sawyer and Mason's Corner Folks: A Picture of New England Home LifeIn a snowy New England village, the Eastborough Singing Society prepares for its annual concert amid youthful hopes and whispered romances.
Level B2ClassicsQuinWounded soldier Quinby Graham, restless after months of hospital confinement, sneaks into a lively dance hall seeking escape, companionship, and the chance to reclaim his spirited…
Level B2ClassicsQuill's WindowBy a lazy river under scorching August sun, a young man and an old fisherman share sharp-witted reflections on life, habits, and the past, weaving humor and nostalgia into a quiet…
Level B2Science FictionQuiet, PleaseOn a silent planet where the tiny inhabitants communicate without words, a music-loving visitor struggles with unbearable noise and baffling customs, only to discover that his grea…
Level B2Children'sQuicksilver: The Boy With No Skid to His WheelA grubby, golden-haired toddler plays joyfully by a woodland pool, captivating passing strangers who wonder about his origin.
Level B2Children'sQuicksilver SueA lively girl named Sue buzzes with excitement over the arrival of Clarice, a stylish new neighbor whose father is a wealthy mill agent.
Level C1RomanceQuicksandsIn a sultry English countryside, a young woman navigates family tensions and social snubs while uncovering secrets that threaten to upend her carefully guarded world.
Level C1ClassicsQuicksandsA young man, burdened by despair and weary of his monotonous life, retreats to a secluded forest clearing to confront his darkest thoughts with a loaded revolver in hand.
Level C1RomanceQuick ActionIn a city veiled by mystery, a luminous crystal sphere reveals secrets only the enigmatic Countess Athalie can command, blending romance with the occult art of crystal gazing and t…
Level C1HistoricalQuestions at IssueDive into a lively exploration of contemporary literature where criticism sheds its authoritative mask for open, spirited debate on the shifting art and ideas that shape the litera…
Level C1ClassicsQuestionable ShapesWhen Hewson encounters a serene, self-lit apparition before dawn, he faces the delicate balance between the natural and supernatural, grappling with disbelief and anticipation as h…
Level C1AdventureQuentin DurwardAmid the fading age of chivalry and ruthless ambition of Louis XI, a young knight navigates a treacherous world where honor clashes with cunning, and loyalty is tested by the selfi…
Level B2Children'sQueer little peopleA lively young hen named Mrs.
Level C1Children'sQueer Stories for Boys and GirlsIn a rustic log cabin by Indian Kentucky Creek, young Bobby Towpate encounters unspoiled, humble fairies who delight in the simple joys of childhood and nature, weaving whimsical t…
Level C1ClassicsQueer Luck: Poker Stories from the New York SunFive seasoned players engage in a high-stakes poker game in a secret New York club, where extraordinary luck and mounting tension blur the line between friendly contest and fierce…
Level B2Children'sQueer Little FolksA lively young hen, Mrs.
Level B2AdventureQueensland CousinsAmid the rugged beauty of Queensland, a lively family awaits a long-anticipated parcel from England, revealing the tensions and tender bonds that shape their adventurous frontier l…
Level C1HistoricalQueens of the French StageStep into the vibrant theatrical world of 17th-century Paris, where Armande Béjart, daughter of a struggling family, rises amid the bustling stages and intrigues surrounding Molièr…
Level B2ClassicsQueenie's whim, Volume 3 (of 3)Tensions simmer as Dora departs on a journey to care for an ailing sister, while Garth grapples with restless nights and simmering resentment at home.
Level B2RomanceQueenie's whim, Volume 2 (of 3)When Queenie is appointed mistress of the Hepshaw girls' school, she faces the challenge of earning her place and salary with pride and independence, navigating new duties and unex…
Level B2ClassicsQueenie's whim, Volume 1 (of 3)In a strict boarding school, Queenie Marriott supports herself and her little sister Emmie as a young teacher, navigating cold indifference and hidden struggles while clinging to h…
Level C1AdventureQueen of the jesters, and her strange adventures in old ParisIn the shadowy streets of old Paris, a proud young man arrives hungry and desperate, seeking aid from the enigmatic Corinne de Montesson, a woman who defies nobility and law alike…
Level B2Science FictionQueen of the Flaming DiamondIn a bustling night club, a mysterious dancer captivates the crowd with a dazzling diamond that seems almost otherworldly, drawing a reluctant, troubled man into a night of intrigu…
Level B2AdventureQueen of the Dawn: A Love Tale of Old EgyptIn a land torn by war, an infant princess named Nefra is hidden from the conquerors who demand her surrender, while mysterious divine forces surround her birth, hinting at a destin…
Level C1Science FictionQueen of the Black CoastA fierce warrior escapes the law after defending a friend, forcing him to flee on a swift galley bound for distant Kush.
Level C1PoetryQueen Summer; Or, The Tourney of the Lily and the RoseIn a vibrant garden kingdom, noble Roses and Lilies vie in a dazzling tourney for Queen Summer's favor, their floral rivalry unfolding in a spirited dance of color, chivalry, and h…
Level C1AdventureQueen Sheba's RingAn aging doctor recounts a daring journey to the mysterious tableland of Mur in North Central Africa, where ancient underground cities and a strange tribe hide secrets that challen…
Level C1HistoricalQueen Moo's Talisman: The Fall of the Maya EmpireDelve into the rich spiritual and cultural tapestry of the ancient Maya, exploring their beliefs in immortality, divine intelligence, and sacred rituals, all woven through traditio…
Level C1HistoricalQueen Mary; and, HaroldAmidst political intrigue and religious turmoil, Queen Mary ascends the throne, navigating alliances and rivalries that threaten her reign and England's future.
Level C1ClassicsQueen LuciaIn the charming village of Riseholme, Mrs.
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.