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 B2AdventureOut with Garibaldi: A story of the liberation of ItalyAmidst the turmoil of 1849 Italy, a daring force led by Garibaldi sets out to liberate a kingdom with just a thousand ill-equipped men against a vast, well-armed army, relying on t…
Level B2ClassicsOut of the depthsA devoted clergyman faces a deepening storm of trials that test his faith and family bonds.
Level C1ClassicsOut of the WoodsA young girl caught between two worlds faces family strife and divided loyalties as she journeys through life marked by loss, pride, and the search for belonging beyond the tangled…
Level C1HistoricalOut of the Triangle: A Story of the Far EastIn Roman-ruled Alexandria, young Heraklas grapples with the exile of his Christian brother Timokles, accused of treason and lost to the desert’s harsh expanse.
Level C1AdventureOut of the PrimitiveA determined earl and seasoned captain scour the treacherous Mozambique coast at dawn, searching for survivors of a shipwreck lost among deadly reefs and swamps.
Level C1PoetryOut of the NorthExperience the haunting beauty and fierce solitude of the Arctic through evocative poems that capture both the relentless cold and fleeting bursts of life, hope, and laughter benea…
Level C1ClassicsOut of the Hurly-Burly; Or, Life in an Odd CornerDiscover the quirky charm of a sleepy village founded centuries ago, where humor and everyday oddities come to life through sharp wit and vivid illustrations, inviting readers to c…
Level B2Science FictionOut of the EarthIn a dystopian future where dissent means death, a group of condemned prisoners is sent through the terrifying Black Passage, facing darkness and despair as they struggle to surviv…
Level C1ClassicsOut of the AshesIn a quiet Fifth Avenue library, a powerful man faces unexpected blackmail involving secret letters that could unravel his vast business empire and alter the fate of Texas properti…
Level B2MysteryOut of a LabyrinthA skilled detective, wounded and weary, returns from a failed mission in a close-knit farming community shaken by the mysterious disappearance of a bright young woman.
Level B2Science FictionOut of Time's AbyssFive men explore a lush, perilous island teeming with prehistoric beasts and deadly dangers, testing their courage and survival skills as they navigate an ancient wilderness where…
Level C1MysteryOut of RussiaA reclusive ocean physicist’s peaceful life is shattered when a mysterious visitor from Moscow arrives, invoking a secret brotherhood and stirring shadows from the professor’s hidd…
Level C1ClassicsOut of Mulberry Street: Stories of Tenement life in New York CityStep into the bustling streets of New York’s tenements at Christmas, where worn holiday traditions meet the harsh realities of immigrant life, revealing moments of warmth, struggle…
Level C1Science FictionOut of MindAmid bureaucratic tensions and compulsory vacations, a mysterious and little-known planet called Nirva beckons with secrets hidden beneath its idyllic surface, challenging a rigid…
Level B2MysteryOut of Death's Shadow; Or, A Case Without a PrecedentA brilliant detective races against time to secure a conviction in a murder case shrouded in secrecy, while navigating complex friendships and hidden truths in early 20th-century S…
Level B2HistoricalOut in the Forty-Five: Duncan Keith's VowFour sisters return to a stark country estate where strict Aunt Kezia rules with sharp words and high expectations, while family tensions simmer beneath the surface.
Level B2HistoricalOut for Business; or, Robert Frost's Strange CareerA determined sixteen-year-old boy faces hardship after his father's tragic death and his stepfather's harshness, forcing him to leave home and carve out his own path to success ami…
Level C1ClassicsOurikaA young Senegalese girl, raised in French aristocracy, battles haunting memories and deep sorrow within the confines of a convent.
Level C1FantasyOur trip to BlunderlandThree boys, inspired by Alice’s adventures, try to follow her into Wonderland—not by sleeping, but by imagination and friendship—guided by the very Alice who once slipped through t…![Cover of Our Young Folks at Home and Abroad by Daphne [Editor] Dale](https://dsx1pat3ljtul.cloudfront.net/books/dabkfqg9638s73a2pnp0.webp)
Level A2PoetryOur Young Folks at Home and AbroadDelight in charming tales and poems that explore friendship, kindness, and adventure through the lives of children and their beloved pets.
Level B2AdventureOur Young Aeroplane Scouts in Russia; or, Lost on the Frozen SteppesTwo young aviators, caught in the icy chaos of wartime Russia, navigate perilous missions and shadowy enemies, including a relentless Cossack pursuer.
Level B2FantasyOur Young Aeroplane Scouts in Germany; or, Winning the Iron CrossTwo young aviators find themselves entangled in a high-stakes game of espionage when a secret agent drags them into a dangerous mission to uncover a mysterious figure named Ardelle…
Level B2AdventureOur Young Aeroplane Scouts in France and Belgium: Or, Saving the Fortunes of the TrouvillesBrave young aviators Billy and Henri embark on a daring sea-plane mission over the stormy Channel, navigating perilous skies and enemy watch as they venture into the heart of war-t…
Level B2ClassicsOur World; Or, the Slaveholder's DaughterOn a South Carolina plantation steeped in history and haunted by betrayal, the brutal realities of slavery unfold against a backdrop of faded ideals and harsh oppression.
Level B2Children'sOur Winnie, and The Little Match GirlA delicate young girl named Winifred finds comfort in watching swallows and dreaming by her nursery window, while pondering why the things she loves must often leave.
Level C1HistoricalOur Village in War-timeIn a tight-knit village shaken by war, the arrival of a troubled family in the once-abandoned Tyrrell House stirs curiosity and hope.
Level C1ClassicsOur VillageStep into a charming rural world where warm friendships, simple joys, and enduring hardships intertwine.
Level A2PoetryOur Story Book: Jingles, Stories and Rhymes for Little FolksJoin Wideawake Willy and his friends on playful adventures through seasons of fun and discovery, from cricket matches to exploring faraway places.
Level C1ClassicsOur Stage and Its Critics: By "E.F.S." of "The Westminster Gazette"Explore the complex world of theatrical criticism and the state of the English stage, revealing its struggles, commercial challenges, and the quest for a true national drama amid e…
Level B2AdventureOur Soldier BoyAmidst the brutal marches and battles of the 200th Fusiliers in war-torn Portugal, a young soldier named Tom navigates the harsh realities of camp life, fierce enemies, and fleetin…
Level C1PoetryOur Profession and Other PoemsExplore a heartfelt collection of poems reflecting on nature, love, memory, and the dignity of profession, interwoven with personal stories and legends that reveal beauty and truth…
Level C1AdventureOur Pirate Hoard: 1891A legendary pirate’s hidden fortune haunts his descendants, who live in hopeful poverty while searching for the elusive hoard.
Level B2HistoricalOur Pilots in the AirAmid the tense skies near No-Man’s-Land, young aviators in a French flying camp prepare for a perilous bombing raid, where skill, courage, and camaraderie will be tested in fragile…
Level A2Children'sOur PetsDiscover the playful antics of Pol-ly's cat Top-sy and the brave loyalty of Har-ry's dog Car-lo, alongside charming tales of pets large and small, from pigeons to lambs, each bring…
Level C1HistoricalOur Own Set: A NovelIn the divided society of 1870 Rome, Austrian aristocrats navigate shifting political tides and personal ambitions amid lavish salons and artistic pursuits.
Level C1HistoricalOur Old Home: A Series of English SketchesAn American observer recounts his impressions of English life and scenery, blending personal anecdotes with reflections on cultural contrasts and national character during a turbul…
Level C1HistoricalOur Old Home, Vol. 2: Annotated with Passages from the Author's NotebookJourney through the English countryside to the storied grounds of Blenheim, where centuries-old oaks and artfully crafted landscapes reveal the blend of nature and human design.
Level C1ClassicsOur Nig; Or, Sketches from the Life of a Free Black, in a Two-story White House, North: Showing That Slavery's Shadows Fall Even ThereA free Black woman battles hardship and social scorn in the North, revealing how the shadows of slavery reach even beyond its official bounds.
Level C1ClassicsOur Next-Door NeighborsA woman raised in strict isolation struggles to connect with children and dreams of family, while her husband watches as their quiet life is shaped by the mysterious presence of th…
Level C1ClassicsOur New Neighbors At PonkapogA newly married couple seeks quiet solitude in a remote village where neighbors are wary and mysteries linger.
Level C1RomanceOur Mutual FriendA father and daughter navigate the murky Thames in a shabby boat, haunted by dread and mystery as they search the river’s depths for a secret that sustains their grim existence.
Level C1RomanceOur Mr. Wrenn: The Romantic Adventures of a Gentle ManA timid sales clerk escapes his lonely New York life through vivid daydreams of far-off places, finding hope and quiet rebellion in the flickering images of travel films that promi…
Level B1Children'sOur Little Turkish CousinIn the heart of Constantinople, a young boy named Osman grows up surrounded by tradition and mystery under the watchful rule of the Sultan.
Level B1AdventureOur Little Swiss CousinIn the heart of the Swiss Alps, young Carl eagerly awaits a school festival celebrating his country's freedom, while his family prepares for a summer in the mountains filled with t…
Level B2Children'sOur Little Spanish CousinIn sunlit Spain, young Fernando navigates family celebrations, narrow streets, and vibrant customs, inviting readers to explore a warm-hearted world filled with charming traditions…
Level B2Children'sOur Little Siamese CousinJourney to Siam through the eyes of young Chin, whose first year is filled with vibrant customs, colorful festivals, and a life lived on the river in a unique house-boat.
Level B2Children'sOur Little Scotch CousinTwo Scottish boys discover a tiny abandoned puppy and set out to find its owner, weaving a heartwarming tale of friendship, family, and the charming traditions of Scottish life.
Level B1Children'sOur Little Russian CousinMeet Petrovna, a lively Russian girl from a grand home in St.
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.