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 B2ClassicsOn the Stage--and Off: The Brief Career of a Would-Be ActorA young man’s dream of the stage sparks a humorous and honest journey through the trials of aspiring to act, discovering the harsh realities behind theatrical glamour and the trans…
Level C1PhilosophyOn the Significance of Science and ArtExplore the clash between old philosophical doctrines and the rise of experimental science as society seeks to justify human roles, labor divisions, and moral reasoning through evo…
Level C1ClassicsOn the Seaboard: A Novel of the Baltic IslandsA tense voyage to the isolated East Skerries sets the stage for a clash between a fearless fish commissioner and a domineering surveyor, as they navigate perilous waters under an o…
Level C1PhilosophyOn the Prospects of Christianity: Bernard Shaw's Preface to Androcles and the LionA skeptical yet thoughtful examination of Christianity explores whether Jesus' teachings, untried by modern society, could offer solutions to humanity's enduring social and politic…
Level B2AdventureOn the Plantation: A Story of a Georgia Boy's Adventures during the WarIn a small Georgia town on the brink of war, twelve-year-old Joe Maxwell navigates curious post offices, mysterious lawyers, and his own mischievous adventures, all while the world…
Level B2AdventureOn the Plains with Custer: The Western Life and Deeds of the Chief With the Yellow Hair, Under Whom Served Boy Bugler Ned Fletcher, When in the Troublous Years 1866–1876 the Fighting Seventh Cavalry Helped to Win Pioneer Kansas, Nebraska, and Dakota for White Civilization and Today's PeaceExperience the harrowing journey of young bugler Ned Fletcher alongside General Custer and the Seventh Cavalry as they navigate the fierce battles and complex relations on the West…
Level B2AdventureOn the Pampas; Or, The Young SettlersA struggling English architect and his family decide to leave behind their crowded life for the vast, untamed Pampas, seeking new opportunities and a fresh start in the wilderness.
Level C1ClassicsOn the Old Road, Vol. 2 (of 2): A Collection of Miscellaneous Essays and Articles on Art and LiteratureExplore the art and architecture of picture galleries through a detailed examination of their design, function, and the ideal relationship between sculpture and painting.
Level C1ClassicsOn the Old Road Vol. 1 (of 2): A Collection of Miscellaneous Essays and Articles on Art and LiteratureStep into a bygone literary world where a writer reflects on decades of meticulous editing, shifting ideals, and the evolving landscape of art, politics, and society.
Level C2PoetryOn the Nature of ThingsA poetic exploration unfolds, revealing the cosmic forces of nature and the eternal power of love that shapes life and the universe.
Level C1FantasyOn the LightshipA mysterious lightship hosts a diverse cast of characters, each with their own enchanting tales woven into a fantastical maritime setting where reality and imagination blur seamles…
Level C1AdventureOn the Irrawaddy: A Story of the First Burmese WarCaught in the turmoil of the First Burmese War, a young boy faces a new life far from England, learning to navigate the challenges of empire, culture, and conflict along the perilo…
Level B2ClassicsOn the Iron at Big CloudA determined young man takes on the grueling role of Locomotive Foreman in the rugged Hill Division, where tough conditions and fierce competition test every ounce of skill and res…
Level B2HistoricalOn the Heights: A NovelAmidst the serene beauty of a royal summer palace, the king's physician navigates delicate duties and whispered secrets, while a queen seeks counsel on matters of the soul, setting…
Level C1PhilosophyOn the Future of our Educational Institutions; Homer and Classical Philology: Complete Works, Volume ThreeA young professor challenges the era’s education system, arguing that true culture must nurture exceptional minds through classical wisdom, not mere practical skills.
Level C1ClassicsOn the FrontierA mysterious fog-shrouded California coastline hides a stranded boat with a sleeping child, setting the stage for a suspenseful tale of survival and secrets on the untamed frontier…
Level C1AdventureOn the Firing LineAboard a ship bound for adventure, Harvard Weldon navigates social icebergs and a frosty English companion whose guarded exterior hints at unexpected depths.
Level C1AdventureOn the Field of Glory: An Historical Novel of the Time of King John SobieskiAmid the harsh winter of 1682-83, Polish valor and resilience rise as King John Sobieski prepares to defend Vienna against a second great Turkish siege, where history, faith, and f…
Level C1HistoricalOn the Face of the Waters: A Tale of the MutinyAmid the tense atmosphere of 1856 Lucknow, the auction of a deposed king’s menagerie signals the unraveling of an empire on the brink of rebellion.
Level B2MysteryOn the Edge of the Arctic; Or, An Aeroplane in SnowlandTwo Canadian boys debut their innovative aeroplane, the "Spirit of the Wind," at Calgary's Stampede, hoping to prove its worth in the harsh Arctic wilderness.
Level C1PhilosophyOn the Duty of Civil DisobedienceWhen does obedience to government become a betrayal of conscience?
Level C1ClassicsOn the Decay of the Art of LyingExplore a witty defense of lying as an essential, even noble art, lamenting its decline in skill and advocating for its careful cultivation in daily life and society’s rituals.
Level C1RomanceOn the Cross: A Romance of the Passion Play at OberammergauIn the secluded village of Oberammergau, faith and tradition intertwine as young villagers bring the Passion Play to life, revealing timeless struggles of belief, sacrifice, and lo…
Level C1RomanceOn the Church StepsOn the church steps, two close friends navigate the delicate boundaries between affection and society’s watchful eyes, as secrets and unspoken feelings stir beneath the calm surfac…
Level B2RomanceOn the Brink of a Chasm: A record of plot and passionAmidst lavish parties and looming bankruptcy, a young woman defies expectations by refusing a wealthy but loveless match to follow her heart for a struggling barrister, challenging…
Level C1FantasyOn the BorderlandA ship’s doctor and a group of men indulge in eerie tales of spiritualism and the subconscious mind, sparking a mysterious personal story that blurs the line between science and th…
Level B2AdventureOn the Border with Andrew JacksonIn the untamed Muscogee forests of 1812 Alabama, two young frontiersmen and a Cherokee brave navigate a wilderness filled with danger, mystery, and the looming threat of Red Stick…
Level C1AdventureOn the Banks of the AmazonBorn amid the towering, fiery volcanoes of Ecuador, a young boy with English and Spanish roots grows up surrounded by majestic Andean mountains and the mysteries they hold, setting…
Level C1ClassicsOn reading in relation to literatureExplore the art of true reading beyond mere words on a page, uncovering how genuine literary appreciation demands critical thought, original insight, and a deeper engagement with t…
Level C1HistoricalOn poetic interpretation of natureExplore the profound connection between nature and the human soul beyond scientific explanation, as poetry reveals the beauty and deeper truths that arise from their encounter, inv…
Level C1HistoricalOn both sides of the seaIn the shadow of England’s Commonwealth and the Restoration, witness the solemn, turbulent days through the eyes of Olive and Lettice as they navigate loyalty, justice, and sorrow…
Level C1HistoricalOn books and artsExplore the art and craft of the short story through thoughtful essays that challenge conventions and reveal its unique power beyond mere plot—a medium demanding subtlety, precisio…
Level B2Science FictionOn a lark to the planets: A sequel to "The wonderful electric elephant"Soaring beyond Earth’s atmosphere in a magical balloon, young travelers embark on a breathtaking journey through the solar system, encountering dazzling planets and mysterious cele…
Level B2Science FictionOn a Torn-Away World; Or, the Captives of the Great EarthquakeTwo adventurous college friends unveil their groundbreaking airship, the Snowbird, ready for a daring trial flight that promises speed and innovation.
Level B2AdventureOn Your Mark! A Story of College Life and AthleticsAmid the chill of a fading autumn evening, college athletes gather for a tense mile race where seasoned runners face off against ambitious freshmen, including a mysterious freshman…
Level B2RomanceOn With TorchyAn office boy with a fiery spirit navigates love and ambition in bustling New York, chasing the elusive Vee despite obstacles from her formidable aunt and his own uncertain future.
Level C1HistoricalOn Translating HomerA deep exploration into the challenges of translating Homer, offering practical advice to capture the poet’s original impact while navigating the delicate balance between fidelity…
Level B2Children'sOn Time; or, Bound to Get ThereAn enterprising young man seizes a chance to buy a bankrupt boat at auction, dreaming of turning it into a profitable pleasure craft for fishing and lake excursions, despite doubts…
Level C1AdventureOn The BlockadeA young naval officer, barely eighteen, takes command of the steamer Bronx amidst the tense backdrop of the Civil War’s Southern coast blockade.
Level C1ClassicsOn Strike, or, Where do the Girls come in?A wealthy man, devastated by love and loss, dedicates his fortune to improving the lives of working women.
Level C1PoetryOn Strike Till 3In a humble cottage beside a deep ravine, a devoted widow and her young son find hope and comfort through love and small miracles during a harsh winter.
Level C1ClassicsOn SomethingExplore the bold vision of revitalizing English drama by focusing on the nuanced lives of the middle class, where everyday struggles and triumphs unfold in the majestic cadence of…
Level B2MysteryOn Secret Service: Detective-Mystery Stories Based on Real Cases Solved by Government AgentsAmidst the shadows of wartime Washington, a Secret Service agent races to uncover the insider leaking crucial troop movements to German submarines, using subtle clues like the tick…
Level C1HistoricalOn RevenuesExplore the wealth and strategic advantages of Attica, where natural resources and clever governance of resident aliens promise to sustain Athens independently.
Level C1HistoricalOn Picket Duty, and Other TalesAmid moonlit campfires and whispered memories, four Union soldiers from diverse backgrounds share stories of love and loyalty while standing watch during the Civil War, revealing t…
Level B2HistoricalOn PatrolStep aboard the Duty Steam Boat and navigate the strict codes of naval protocol, where every letter and order carries weight and the chain of command dictates life on patrol.
Level B2ClassicsOn Our SelectionA family's grueling struggle to clear and cultivate a wild Australian selection tests their endurance, hope, and unity amid isolation and harsh nature.
Level C1ClassicsOn Nothing & Kindred SubjectsExplore the profound and paradoxical nature of Nothing as the author delves into philosophy, society, and human experience, revealing the mysterious allure and ultimate significanc…
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.