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 C1HistoricalNarrative of Travels in Europe, Asia, and Africa, in the Seventeenth Century, Vol. IEmbark on a vivid 17th-century journey through Europe, Asia, and Africa with an inquisitive traveler whose dream inspires a lifelong quest to explore foreign lands, histories, and…
Level C2ClassicsNarrative and Miscellaneous PapersExplore the fragile nature of human happiness and the relentless upheavals that can shatter families in an instant, as the relentless forces of life’s frailty and misfortune unfold…
Level C1PoetryNarrative and Lyric Poems (first series) for use in the Lower SchoolStep into a world where history and heartfelt emotion intertwine through carefully selected narrative and lyric poems, exploring tales of friendship, love, and legendary heroism se…
Level C1PoetryNarrative and Lyric Poems (Second Series) for Use in the Lower SchoolIn a rugged coastal village, three childhood friends—Enoch, Annie, and Philip—navigate the tides of love and rivalry, as Enoch strives to build a home and secure a future amid the…
Level C1PoetryNarrative and Legendary Poems, Complete: Volume I of The Works of John Greenleaf WhittierExplore a rich tapestry of narrative and legendary poems that weave tales of human rights, freedom, and heartfelt struggle, capturing the spirit of past ages with earnest passion a…
Level C2ClassicsNarcissus, a Twelfe Night MerrimentSet in the lively academic world of Oxford in 1602, this Twelfth Night play blends classical mythology with festive merriment, revealing the spirited theatrical traditions of unive…
Level B2RomanceNarcissa, or the Road to Rome; In VeronaIn a weathered New England farmhouse, a quietly beautiful girl named Narcissa tends her lively turkeys, unaware of the young traveler whose curious blue eyes have just discovered h…
Level C1HistoricalNapoleon and the Queen of PrussiaIn the aftermath of devastating defeat at Jena and Auerstadt, a severely wounded Prussian officer struggles to survive amidst the deserted, blood-soaked battlefield while the victo…
Level B2HistoricalNapoleon and Blücher: An Historical NovelAmid the shadow of Napoleon's tyranny, a grieving King Frederick William of Prussia wrestles with loss and impossible choices, forced to submit to his conqueror while secretly year…
Level C1HistoricalNaomiAs Jerusalem faces its final days, young Naomi and her companion Claudia witness the city's fading glory and looming tribulation, set against the backdrop of sacred temples and anc…
Level B1Children'sNanny Merry: or, What Made the Difference?In a quaint town by a narrow river, young Nannie Merry brings comfort and joy to her dear Grannie through heartfelt Bible readings and tender moments, revealing the simple yet prof…
Level C1RomanceNancy: A NovelAmid lively family banter and the chaos of making taffy, six siblings navigate the quirks and challenges of growing up together in a bustling household.
Level B2RomanceNancy first and lastIn a lush garden, Nancy confronts the coldness in her lover Terrence’s heart, yearning for a passionate, poetic love that he cannot give.
Level C1HistoricalNancy Stair: A NovelAmid the rolling hills near Edinburgh, the intimate story of Nancy Stair unfolds—a gifted woman whose life intertwines with mystery, love, and the shadow of a notorious murder.
Level B2AdventureNancy Pembroke in Nova ScotiaNancy Pembroke invites a lonely classmate to share her room for summer, setting the stage for unexpected encounters and adventures across Nova Scotia's scenic towns and rugged coas…
Level B2RomanceNancy MacIntyre: A Tale of the PrairiesOn the vast prairie, a shy farmer wrestles with newfound feelings for Nancy MacIntyre, whose arrival stirs jealousy, rivalry, and tender moments.
Level B2MysteryNancy Brandon's MysteryAs Nancy’s mother departs for Europe, Nancy faces a lonely summer at her mysterious cousin Rosalind’s imposing estate, where unsettling secrets and strange tensions hint at a puzzl…
Level C1AdventureNan of Music MountainIn a frontier railroad town, a fierce shooting challenge ignites rivalry when skilled marksmen face off, but the Morgans surprise everyone by sending Nan, a formidable young woman,…
Level B2AdventureNan Sherwood's Winter Holidays; Or, Rescuing the RunawaysIn icy Michigan, the girls of Lakeview Hall embrace winter sports and secretive plans amidst the thrill of bobsledding down Pendragon Hill.
Level B1AdventureNan Sherwood's Summer HolidaysOn the cusp of a thrilling summer, Nan Sherwood prepares to leave her American school friends and journey to her ancestral home in Scotland, sparking excitement, mystery, and the b…
Level B2AdventureNan Sherwood on the Mexican BorderWhen Nan Sherwood’s summer plans with friends suddenly change, a mysterious and lively cousin arrives with an unexpected proposal: an adventurous trip to Mexico.
Level B2AdventureNan Sherwood at Rose Ranch; Or, The Old Mexican's TreasureAt Lakeview Hall, spirited schoolgirls clash over a daring Western newcomer and whispered tales of a runaway sleigh rescue.
Level B2MysteryNan Sherwood at Pine Camp; Or, The Old Lumberman's SecretAs Atwater Mills faces an unexpected shutdown, Nan Sherwood confronts the harsh realities behind the yellow poster that spells hardship for the mill workers and their families—can…
Level B1MysteryNan Sherwood at Palm Beach; or, Strange adventures among the orange grovesAt a wintery Lake Huron boarding school, spirited Nan Sherwood and her friends navigate snowy adventures and icy thrills, but beneath the laughter and games lurk strange mysteries…
Level B2AdventureNan Sherwood at Lakeview Hall; Or, The Mystery of the Haunted BoathouseAt Lakeview Hall, Nan Sherwood’s new traveling bag leads her into the mystery of a haunted boathouse, where friendship and courage intertwine with eerie secrets by the lakeside.
Level C1ClassicsName and Fame: A NovelIn the lively spa town of Aix-les-Bains, a striking French woman and her reserved English husband navigate a tense marriage marked by passion, resentment, and the clash of contrast…
Level C1PoetryNala and Damayanti and Other PoemsEmbark on a journey through ancient Indian epic poetry, where the timeless tales of mythological bards unfold in a unique blend of Homeric simplicity and profound beauty, revealing…
Level C1AdventureNada the LilyAmid the rise of the mighty Zulu kingdom, witness the fierce battles and intricate politics that shaped a nation under Chaka’s rule.
Level B2Children'sNabul, Our Little Egyptian CousinIn bustling Cairo, lively Nabul and his trusty donkey, Teddy Pasha, navigate crowded streets and playful adventures, dreaming of far-off lands and friendship with curious travelers…
Level C1ClassicsMère Giraud's Little DaughterIn a small village, Mère Giraud faces gossip and judgment as her daughter Laure's rise to wealth stirs envy and resentment.
Level B2ClassicsMårbackaIn a grand but eerie nursery at Mårbacka, three children face restless nights with creaking beds and a haunting owl above, while their stern and awkward nursemaid Back-Kaisa strugg…
Level C1ClassicsMás vale maña que fuerza: Proverbio en un acto; with notes, exercises, and vocabularyA woman anxiously awaits her husband’s return on their anniversary, suspecting his growing distance while comparing her own marriage to a troubled couple nearby.
Level B2Children'sMyths That Every Child Should Know: A Selection Of The Classic Myths Of All Times For Young PeopleExplore timeless myths that reveal the ancient beliefs and stories shared across cultures, from mysterious arrowheads to the eerie howls of dogs, weaving a tapestry of human imagin…
Level C1PoetryMyth and Romance: Being a Book of VersesDive into a lush tapestry of nature, myth, and romance, where vivid imagery and classical elegance bring to life timeless dreams, ancient legends, and the delicate beauty of the na…
Level C1HistoricalMysticism in English LiteratureExplore the profound philosophy of mysticism as it unfolds through the works of great English writers, revealing a spiritual journey towards unity, divine knowledge, and the eterna…
Level C1HistoricalMystic London; or, Phases of occult life in the metropolisExplore the hidden struggles of destitute London children, dubbed "London Arabs," as they navigate harsh streets and find hope through night schools, soup kitchens, and dedicated v…
Level C1MysteryMystery of the inn by the shoreThree friends seek leisure and golf at a faded seaside town, but curiosity leads them to uncover secrets at a shabby inn and a mysterious colonel’s home, where mistaken identities…
Level B2MysteryMystery of the Chinese RingWhen a mysterious ring tied to a stone crashes through his window at dawn, Biff Brewster finds himself caught in a puzzling adventure just as he's about to embark on a journey to f…
Level B2MysteryMystery of the Caribbean PearlsA man discovers a hidden pearl fishery in the treacherous Caribbean waters, igniting a dangerous race to claim the treasure.
Level B2MysteryMystery of the Ambush in IndiaThree adventurous boys arrive in India, eager to explore gold mines and towering mountains, but a mysterious swimmer approaching their ship signals that danger and intrigue lie ahe…
Level C1MysteryMystery at Lynden SandsA family gathers at a troubled seaside hotel, where old estates, tangled inheritances, and simmering tensions hint at deeper mysteries.
Level C1ClassicsMystery and Confidence: A Tale. Vol. 3A mysterious, troubled lord returns to England, haunted by memories of his lost sister, stirring unease among a close-knit circle gathered around a fire.
Level C1ClassicsMystery and Confidence: A Tale. Vol. 2Lady St.
Level C1RomanceMystery and Confidence: A Tale. Vol. 1A weary traveler arrives at a quaint Welsh farmhouse, seeking rest amid simple rural beauty and unexpected kindness.
Level B2MysteryMystery RanchA murder discovered on the edge of an Indian reservation ignites tensions as the Indian agent and chief of police race to uncover the truth, navigating cultural conflicts and simme…
Level B2MysteryMysterious Mr. SabinAmid London’s glittering supper scene, a mysterious duo captures the attention of curious onlookers who scramble to uncover their identity.
Level C1MysteryMysteries of Paris — Volume 03In the labyrinthine heart of Paris, a cunning countess schemes to wed a grand duke, weaving deceit and ambition around a hidden child whose true identity could unravel her plans.
Level C1ClassicsMysteries of Paris — Volume 02In the shadowy corners of Paris, a struggling jeweler faces a grim arrest over debts, while mysterious figures close in on his precious stones and family secrets.
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.