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 B2ClassicsNew lives for oldA man with a farming heritage buys a farm near the city to escape urban life and fulfill his wife’s dreams, only to discover surprising truths about rural living and the elusive Am…
Level B2ClassicsNew York: Its Upper Ten and Lower MillionBeneath the glittering wealth of New York's elite, a dark night on Christmas Eve unravels secrets of jealousy, hidden infants, and desperate oaths that bind a family’s fate over tw…
PoetryNew York Nocturnes, and Other PoemsExplore the vibrant pulse and quiet shadows of New York City through evocative nocturnes and reflective poems that capture the city's moods, from bustling streets to solitary momen…
Level C1HistoricalNew YorkWitness the rise of Manhattan from a modest trading post to a global commercial powerhouse, as the city’s growth mirrors the burgeoning strength and changing demographics of New Yo…
Level C1PoetryNew Thought PastelsExplore a transformative dialogue between mortal struggle and spiritual guidance, where inner strength, love, and self-realization become the keys to overcoming despair and finding…
Level C1PoetryNew Poems, and Variant ReadingsDiscover intimate and sincere verses that reveal hidden depths of love, faith, and human experience, preserved through a life of wandering and longing.
Level C2PoetryNew PoemsExplore a world where dreams, nature, and the human spirit converge in vivid verse—from the haunting beauty of an unreachable city to the relentless hope found at every hilltop's c…
Level C2PoetryNew PoemsExplore vivid moments of urban life and nature through evocative imagery and deep emotion, as voices wrestle with love, loss, and longing in a world both tender and turbulent.
Level C2PoetryNew PoemsVenture into a secret garden where a mysterious Lady weeps and sings a haunting song of vision, sorrow, and ancient truths.
Level B2Children'sNew Lights on Old PathsIn a countryside inn where honest farmers and wicked forest men clash, the landlord must choose who will stay and who must leave, revealing timeless lessons about character, commun…
Level C1ClassicsNew Latin GrammarMaster the essentials of Latin grammar with clear explanations on sounds, inflections, syntax, and word formation, designed for both secondary and college students seeking a compre…
Level C1HistoricalNew House That Jack Built. An Original American VersionIn a stirring allegory of labor, freedom, and patriotism, a determined figure named Jack builds a vast national house founded on equality and free labor, battling the forces of opp…
Level B2AdventureNew History of the Life and Adventures of Tom ThumbA tiny boy no bigger than a thumb embarks on extraordinary adventures, from escaping a pudding pot to being swallowed by a fish, all while winning the favor of King Arthur and expl…
Level C1ClassicsNew Grub StreetIn a struggling literary world where ambition clashes with harsh realities, a young writer confronts the precariousness of success, friendship, and family tensions amidst the unfor…
Level B2ClassicsNew FacesIn a bustling settlement mission, the spirited Lady Hyacinths Shirt-Waist Club defies convention by deciding to stage a play, sparking lively debates and unexpected challenges as t…
Level B2ClassicsNew England Joke Lore: The Tonic of Yankee HumorDiscover the dry wit and sharp humor of New England Yankees through real-life tales that reveal their unique character and unshakable spirit, offering a hearty tonic for anyone in…
Level B2ClassicsNew ComediesIn a rustic crossroads shed, two men bound by family and fate share tales of hardship, ambition, and the struggle to rise above their humble trades.
Level C1PoetryNew Collected RhymesStep into a world of loyal memories, stirring ballads, and vivid historical scenes—from battlefield anthems to chivalrous tales—woven through evocative poetry that resurrects past…
Level C1Children'sNew Chronicles of RebeccaIn a charming garden alive with flowers and buzzing bees, young Rebecca Randall weaves poetry from her everyday world, balancing her creative spirit with the demands of a strict au…
Level B2ClassicsNew Century Speaker and Writer: Being a Standard Work on Composition and OratoryMaster the art of elegant writing and captivating oratory with comprehensive rules, model compositions, and a vast collection of readings and recitations suited for all occasions.
Level C1ClassicsNew BroomsA philosophizing cook reflects on human nature through the habits and tastes of unseen diners, revealing character and life lessons from the kitchen’s unique vantage point.
Level C1Science FictionNew Bodies for OldEight skeptical friends gather for a séance that unexpectedly summons a mysterious message predicting a future writer's fate.
Level B2Children'sNew Bed-Time StoriesIn bustling London, an aspiring writer finds a quiet refuge and an unexpected companion in Johnny, a silent, wistful boy with a mysterious ailment.
Level C1AdventureNew Arabian NightsPrince Florizel and his cunning companion Colonel Geraldine plunge into London's shadowy underworld, disguising themselves to infiltrate mysterious societies.
Level C1FantasyNew Amazonia: A Foretaste of the FutureIn a world sharply divided by social roles, a passionate critique ignites conflict among women, challenging the status quo and hinting at a revolutionary future where female indepe…
Level C1HistoricalNeville Trueman, the Pioneer Preacher : a tale of the war of 1812Amid the looming threat of the War of 1812, a young Methodist preacher traverses the rugged Canadian wilderness, carrying faith and hope to scattered settlers while witnessing a na…
Level C1AdventureNevermoreTorn between family pride and youthful rebellion, Launcelot Trevanion faces a legacy of dark eyes, ancient curses, and fading fortunes in Cornwall’s wild estates.
Level C1MysteryNever-Fail BlakeAn unyielding deputy commissioner faces off with a mysterious, irresistibly dangerous woman entangled in high-stakes crimes and deception.
Level A2ClassicsNevada; or, The Lost Mine, A Drama in Three ActsIn the rugged landscape of Nevada, the search for a lost mine sparks tension and drama among a cast of characters entangled in ambition and mystery.
Level C1RomanceNeva's three lovers: a novelAt Brighton’s lively pier, a chance encounter plunges a wealthy baronet into a dramatic rescue—and a perilous scheme hidden beneath the shimmering waves.
Level C1RomanceNeva's choice: A sequel to "Neva's three lovers"Caught in a web of deceit and dark family secrets, Neva refuses a forced marriage to Rufus Black, whose tortured past and hidden love haunt him.
Level C2PoetryNets to Catch the WindDive into a vivid collection where wild beauty and haunting nature intertwine through evocative poems, from soaring eagles to mysterious ponds, capturing the untamed spirit and del…
Level C1PoetryNestlings: A Collection of PoemsTender poems celebrate childhood’s innocence, exploring themes of love, growth, and faith through delicate imagery and heartfelt reflections on life’s earliest steps and the protec…
Level C1HistoricalNestleton Magna: A Story of Yorkshire MethodismIn the tranquil Yorkshire village of Nestleton Magna, rural life and Methodist faith intertwine amid charming landscapes and close-knit community bonds, revealing the quiet strengt…
Level C1AdventureNerve enoughThree daring pilots struggle to keep their fledgling aerial transport company aloft amid crashes, dwindling clientele, and the desperate need for stunt shows to survive—will they s…
Level B1AdventureNero, the Circus Lion: His Many AdventuresIn the heart of the African jungle, young Nero the lion cub embarks on thrilling adventures with his family and friends, learning the secrets of survival and the joys of play benea…
Level C1HistoricalNeroIn the shadow of Emperor Claudius's death, ambitious Agrippina schemes to crown her son Nero amid a web of political intrigue, hidden murders, and the restless Praetorian guard, wh…
Level C1FantasyNequa; or, The Problem of the AgesA respected physician, restless and burdened by unseen troubles, recalls a mysterious voyage and an enigmatic figure named Jack Adams, setting the stage for a journey into an inner…
Level B2AdventureNelson the Newsboy; Or, Afloat in New YorkA resourceful fifteen-year-old newsboy navigates the bustling streets of New York, risking everything to survive and rise above poverty.
Level B2Children'sNelly's dark daysIn the harsh streets of Liverpool, young Nelly clings to hope amid poverty and her father's drinking.
Level B2HistoricalNelly's Silver Mine: A Story of Colorado LifeOn a cold Christmas morning, twin siblings Nelly and Rob face the challenges of illness and family care, setting the stage for a heartfelt tale of resilience and life in Colorado’s…
Level B2Children'sNelly's First SchooldaysIn a struggling household overshadowed by hardship, young Nelly faces the challenges of her first schooldays while her sister Elinor battles a devastating illness that changes thei…
Level B2ClassicsNelly ChannellOn a bleak November day, Rhoda Farren returns to her childhood home to find it transformed by her cousin Helen’s arrival—with a baby in tow—and an unsettling family secret threaten…
Level B2Children'sNellie's Housekeeping: Little Sunbeams SeriesTwo sisters clash over a missed outing to the beach, as Nellie struggles with her responsibilities and growing impatience, while young Carrie longs for fresh air and playtime.
Level B2Children'sNellie ArundelIn a bustling London home, the Arundel family navigates the joys and challenges of everyday life, weaving warmth, wisdom, and gentle lessons through their close-knit bonds and shar…
Level B2RomanceNell, of Shorne MillsSibling rivalry and tender moments unfold in a sunny cottage where Nell struggles with bookkeeping while her mischievous brother Dick disrupts her with banjo tunes.
Level B2ClassicsNell and Her Grandfather, Told from Charles Dickens's "The Old Curiosity Shop"A brave young girl navigates the bustling streets of London alone, seeking her way home to a mysterious old curiosity shop where secrets and the bond with her devoted grandfather a…
Level B2ClassicsNeither Jew nor GreekOn the eve of her marriage to a wealthy but unremarkable businessman, Adeline faces the realities of a marriage of convenience that challenges her romantic ideals and social expect…
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.