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 C1HistoricalCelebrated Travels and Travellers, Part 1.: The Exploration of the WorldEmbark on a vivid journey through the ages, tracing the bold voyages and discoveries that shaped the known world.
Level C1AdventureCedric, the ForesterAs war calls the lord of Mountjoy to battle, his family must defend their castle against the looming threat of the Old Wolf of Carleton.
Level C1HistoricalCedar Creek: From the Shanty to the Settlement. A Tale of Canadian LifeA young Irishman, hopeful yet disillusioned, arrives in London chasing a promised Civil Service appointment amid the city's bustling streets and harsh realities.
Level A2PoetryCecily Parsley's Nursery RhymesStep into a whimsical world where mischievous animals and charming characters come alive through playful nursery rhymes and enchanting illustrations, perfect for young readers and…
Level C1RomanceCecilia; Or, Memoirs of an Heiress — Volume 3Torn by doubt yet bound by duty, Cecilia wrestles with her heart and honor as she faces a secret, hastened marriage that could alter her life forever.
Level C1RomanceCecilia; Or, Memoirs of an Heiress — Volume 2Caught between duty and despair, Cecilia aids a struggling family torn by illness and fading fortunes, navigating the harsh realities of society and the sacrifices made for love an…
Level C1RomanceCecilia; Or, Memoirs of an Heiress — Volume 1An orphaned heiress embarks on a journey to navigate the complexities of wealth, society, and virtue in 18th-century England, determined to honor her parents' legacy while facing t…
Level C1ClassicsCecilia: A Story of Modern RomeIn the serene, hidden garden of Rome’s Arcadian Society, two contrasting friends—a bold naval officer and a contemplative dreamer—reflect on life, art, and the restless tides of th…
Level B2RomanceCecilia of the Pink RosesIn a sweltering tenement, young Cecilia struggles to care for her ailing mother and mischievous brother amid harsh poverty and broken dreams.
Level C1MysteryCecilia de NoëlIn a grand house where science and skepticism reign, a sudden eerie howl disrupts a dinner gathering, sparking whispers of a ghostly presence.
Level C1ClassicsCecil Castlemaine's Gage, Lady Marabout's Troubles, and Other StoriesIn a dazzling 18th-century court, Cecil Castlemaine reigns as an untouchable beauty whose pride and political zeal defy the suitors vying for her favor, challenging the era's socia…
Level C1HistoricalCease firingAmid the flooded bayous and shattered cotton fields of 1862 Mississippi, Confederate troops struggle through relentless rain and muddy roads as the Civil War rages fiercely along t…
Level C1Science FictionCaxton's Book: A Collection of Essays, Poems, Tales, and Sketches.Explore a rich collection of essays, poems, and tales born from a brilliant mind torn between law and literature, blending wit, pathos, and scientific imagination that captivates a…
Level C1HistoricalCaxton's Book of CurtesyeDiscover the medieval guide to proper behavior and manners as a father advises his son on courtly conduct, weaving poetry and wisdom from ancient manuscripts to shape noble charact…
Level C1PoetryCaw! Caw! Or, The Chronicle of Crows, A Tale of the Spring-timeAs spring breathes life into the countryside, a community of crows builds nests, cares for their young, and faces the challenges of survival against farmers determined to protect t…
Level B2AdventureCaves of TerrorSent to India on a secret mission, a resourceful agent partners with a legendary ex-soldier to unravel dangerous propaganda threatening British interests.
Level B2Science FictionCave-Dwellers of SaturnIn a future where Earth faces a dire threat from Martian invaders wielding an unstoppable weapon, a skilled soldier is chosen to lead a perilous mission to Saturn’s mysterious ring…
Level B2RomanceCavanagh, Forest Ranger: A Romance of the Mountain WestReturning to the rugged mountain West, a woman confronts the clash between old frontier life and the encroaching modern world, embodied by a forest ranger navigating both the wilde…
Level B2RomanceCavalry Curt; Or, The Wizard Scout of the ArmyA fearless Union scout races through enemy lines in war-torn Georgia, defying capture with daring skill and unyielding spirit.
Level B2Science FictionCause of DeathHaunted by the mystery of death, a man resolves to experience it firsthand and return to share what lies beyond—armed only with determination, curiosity, and carefully laid plans t…
Level C1MysteryCaught in the NetIn the bitter cold of a harsh Paris winter, delicate Rose clings to hope amid the squalor of the Hotel de Perou, where secrets and hardship intertwine.
Level C1ClassicsCaught in a TrapA restless soldier dreads a dull week at his strict mother’s country estate and persuades his charming friend to join him, promising adventure, social intrigue, and a mysterious go…
Level B2AdventureCattle-Ranch to College: The True Tales of a Boy's Adventures in the Far WestA cattleman races to warn a frontier town of an impending Indian attack, sparking tense preparations in the wild and lawless West.
Level B2AdventureCattle Brands: A Collection of Western Camp-Fire StoriesStranded by swollen rivers on the Old Western Trail, a cattle outfit battles delays and dangers while navigating the unpredictable frontier.
Level C1ClassicsCato: A Tragedy, in Five ActsIn a time of political turmoil, a stoic Roman leader faces the ultimate test of virtue and freedom.
Level B2MysteryCato, the creeper; or, The demon of Dead-Man's ForestIn the eerie depths of Dead-Man’s Forest, the stealthy Cato, known as the Creeper, navigates a world of outlaws and danger under the watchful eye of the ruthless Captain Downing.
Level C1PhilosophyCato Maior de Senectute with Introduction and NotesDelve into a rich dialogue on aging and friendship, exploring timeless Roman philosophy and ethical reflections amid the cultural shifts of Cicero’s era.
Level C1HistoricalCatherine: A StoryIn early 18th-century England, the dark tale of Catherine Hayes unfolds, revealing the grim reality behind romanticized criminals.
Level B2ClassicsCatherine's coquetriesIn a lively French village, Catherine, the gamekeeper’s spirited wife, invents a playful chase among raspberry bushes that sparks joy, rivalry, and unexpected encounters—where laug…
Level B2ClassicsCatherine herselfA young girl named Catherine navigates the rhythms of home, school, and church life in a small town, observing the quirks and mysteries of the adults around her while trying to und…
Level C1HistoricalCatherine De MediciDive into the enigmatic life of Catherine de’ Medici amid the turbulent Reformation, where history is shadowed by myths and misunderstood truths.
Level B2HistoricalCatharine's perilAs Napoleon's army sets Moscow ablaze during its 1812 invasion of Russia, young Catharine Somoff becomes lost and alone amid the chaos.
Level C1ClassicsCatharine FurzeIn the quiet market town of Eastthorpe, where ancient traditions meet subtle change, life unfolds under the shadow of St.
Level C1ClassicsCatharineA young woman faces a long, painful illness with unwavering Christian faith, transforming her final days into a testament of hope and spiritual peace.
Level B2HistoricalCathalina at GreycliffIn a summer home filled with family ties and tender moments, Cathalina Van Buskirk navigates the joys and trials of youth, longing for change amid the familiar rhythms of school, m…
Level B2Children'sCatcher CraigSeventeen-year-old Sam Craig, captain of his high school baseball team, faces a tough choice between saving money or buying a new catcher's mitt, setting the stage for a summer of…
Level B2Children'sCat and Dog; Or, Memoirs of Puss and the CaptainA well-bred setter reflects on a life filled with kindness, loyalty, and discerning friendships in an old manor.
Level C1AdventureCastles in the AirFollow the misadventures of Hector Ratichon, a charming rogue whose wit and audacity navigate the turbulent streets of post-revolutionary Paris, serving kings and emperors alike wh…
Level B2MysteryCastle of TerrorA tense flight turns deadly when a volatile criminal seizes a gun midair, trapping passengers in a terrifying struggle at 10,000 feet.
Level C1RomanceCastle RichmondAmid the backdrop of the Irish famine, a complex tale unfolds featuring cunning rogues and steadfast priests, exploring the harsh realities and resilient spirits of 19th-century Ir…
Level C1ClassicsCastle RackrentAn intimate portrait unfolds of the spirited Edgeworth family, whose lively letters and rich traditions reveal the passionate, unconventional lives of a prominent Irish household n…
Level C1AdventureCastle NowhereA solitary wanderer embraces the wild northern shores of Lake Michigan, seeking freedom in unexplored wilderness where no map leads.
Level C1RomanceCastle Hohenwald: A RomanceAt a grand spring ball, a delicate Assessor navigates the lively company of young officers while a mysterious young woman, radiant yet sorrowful, captures the gaze of Count Styrum,…
Level B2RomanceCastle CraneycrowA sharp-witted gentleman catches a burglar in the act but surprises him with unexpected hospitality, sparking a curious alliance.
Level B2Children'sCastle Blair: A Story of Youthful DaysAt Castle Blair in rainy Ireland, three spirited children anxiously await the arrival of their French cousin Adrienne, a graceful stranger destined to bring new warmth and friendsh…
Level C1HistoricalCasteIn colonial India, a cunning Brahmin prince, Nana Sahib, hides a fierce ambition beneath his English veneer, while British officials navigate treacherous alliances and secret plots…
Level C2PoetryCastaraExperience the refined courtship of a cultured English gentleman as he woos a noble beauty, weaving tender poems of love, friendship, and life's trials beneath the gentle shade of…
Level B2HistoricalCast Upon the BreakersA wealthy young ward discovers his guardian has squandered his inheritance, leaving him penniless and forced to face a harsh reality.
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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.