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 C1ClassicsMrs Dalloway in Bond StreetAs Mrs Dalloway steps into the bustling streets of London, the vibrant city pulses with memories, social encounters, and reflections on life’s fleeting moments.
Level C1HistoricalMrs Albert Grundy—Observations in PhilistiaIn a society ruled by the unyielding Mrs Grundy, tradition and respectability govern every facet of life, from domestic rituals to social expectations.
Level C1ClassicsMr. and Mrs. SênIn post-Civil War Virginia, Miss Julia Townsend upholds the rigid traditions and proud prejudices of her aristocratic family at Rosehill, navigating a world transformed by upheaval…
Level B2Children'sMr. and Mrs. Santa Claus: Musical Christmas play in four scenesSanta Claus falls for the Fairy Queen, causing both to neglect their Christmas duties and threatening the holiday’s magic.
Level C1ClassicsMr. Wycherly's WardsAfter the death of their aunt, Mr.
Level C1Children'sMr. Wu: Based on the Play "Mr. Wu" by H. M. Vernon and Harold OwenIn a richly adorned Chinese estate, young Wu faces a poignant farewell as his revered grandfather prepares him for a journey steeped in tradition, duty, and deep family loyalty ami…
Level C1ClassicsMr. World and Miss Church-Member: A Twentieth Century AllegoryFollow Miss Church-Member as she journeys the Broad Highway with the charming yet sinister Mr.
Level C1RomanceMr. Witt's Widow: A Frivolous TaleIn a world of aristocratic expectations and social ambitions, Gerald Neston’s engagement to the wealthy widow Neaera Witt promises to reshape fortunes and stir hidden desires.
Level C1ClassicsMr. Wayt's Wife's SisterA chance delay strands a charming young artist fresh from sea, who soon encounters a mysterious woman pushing a frail occupant in a wheeled chair.
Level C1ClassicsMr. Waddington of WyckA young secretary arrives at Lower Wyck Manor, navigating the delicate balance between serving Mr.
Level B2AdventureMr. Turtle's Flying Adventure: Hollow Tree StoriesIn a quiet hollow by the wide blue water, Mr.
Level B2AdventureMr. Trunnell, Mate of the Ship "Pirate"A weary sailor stranded in Melbourne confronts the dark reputation of the clipper Pirate, a ship rumored to harbor violence and mystery.
Level B2Children'sMr. Sweet Potatoes, and Other StoriesDiscover the curious life of Mr.
Level B2Children'sMr. Stubbs's Brother: A Sequel to 'Toby Tyler'A year after running away to join the circus, Toby Tyler faces a new adventure when his friends hatch a plan to start their own amateur circus, despite lacking tents, wagons, or bo…
Level C1MysteryMr. StandfastA decorated soldier is summoned from the front lines to undertake a secret, high-stakes mission under a new identity, navigating a shadowy world of espionage where loyalty and patr…
Level C1ClassicsMr. Sponge's Sporting TourOn a murky October day, Mr.
Level B2ClassicsMr. ScraggsIn a rugged cattle ranch, a new arrival with a haunting past challenges the quiet rhythm of life, sparking debates, dark secrets, and stories of love and loss in the untamed West.
Level C1ClassicsMr. Scarborough's FamilyA wealthy father’s shocking declaration that his eldest son is illegitimate threatens to upend the Scarborough family’s fortunes and reputations, revealing secrets and igniting con…
Level B1Children'sMr. Rabbit's Wedding: Hollow Tree StoriesIn a cozy woodland community, Jack Rabbit recalls his school days and the unexpected friendship with Bunty Bun that changes his lonely life forever.
Level B2FantasyMr. Rabbit at Home: A sequel to Little Mr. Thimblefinger and his Queer CountryChildren stumble upon a hidden world beneath a spring, where fantastical adventures unfold in Mr.
Level C1ClassicsMr. Punch's Scottish HumourDive into a lively collection of Scottish wit and character, where sharp humor and vivid illustrations reveal the hearty spirit and playful self-awareness of Scots from both Highla…
Level C1ClassicsMr. Punch's Railway BookStep aboard a humorous journey through the early days of railway travel, where delays, mishaps, and quirky passengers turn every trip into a comic adventure.
Level C1ClassicsMr. Punch's Life in LondonExplore the bustling life of London through the witty eyes of Mr.
Level C1ClassicsMr. Punch's Irish Humour in Picture and StoryDive into a spirited collection of Irish wit and satire, where lively illustrations and stories celebrate the clever blunders, sharp humor, and unique charms of the Irish character…
Level C1ClassicsMr. Punch's Golf StoriesDive into the humorous world of golf through the eyes of Henry Wilks, a seasoned caddie who navigates the quirks and challenges of players with wit and wisdom, revealing the amusin…
Level C1ClassicsMr. Punch's Dramatic SequelsUncover the untold aftermath of Alcestis and Admetus' reunion, where divine gratitude clashes with mortal discontent, and explore a bold sequel to Hamlet that delves into political…
Level C1ClassicsMr. Punch's Country Life: Humours of Our RusticsDiscover the charming and witty quirks of rural England through a collection of humorous sketches and dialogues that celebrate the simple, hearty spirit of country folk and their e…
Level C1ClassicsMr. Punch's Cockney HumourStep into the vibrant world of Cockney wit, where sharp humor and lively characters reveal the true spirit behind London's famous accents and manners—laugh with them as their stori…
Level C1ClassicsMr. Punch's Book of Sport: The Humour of Cricket, Football, Tennis, Polo, Croquet, Hockey, Racing, &cDive into a witty collection of humorous takes on English sports, from cricket to tennis, capturing the playful spirit and mishaps of athletes and fans alike, all illustrated with…
Level C1ClassicsMr. Punch's Book of Love: Being the Humours of Courtship and MatrimonyExplore the sharp wit and biting humor behind courtship and marriage as characters navigate love’s absurdities, from flirtation follies to matrimonial mishaps, all through the sati…
Level C1ClassicsMr. Punch's After-Dinner StoriesStep into the witty world of Victorian dining, where private dinners, public banquets, and the quirks of social invitations unfold with humor and charm, capturing the lively spirit…
Level C1Children'sMr. Punch with the ChildrenDelight in the mischievous and heartfelt antics of children through a collection of humorous stories and illustrations that capture their unique personalities and innocent troubles…
Level C1ClassicsMr. Punch with Rod and Gun: The Humours of Fishing and ShootingDive into the whimsical world of angling and shooting, where the quirks of fishermen and hunters are humorously exposed through lively illustrations and witty tales.
Level C1ClassicsMr. Punch on the Warpath: Humours of the Army, the Navy and the Reserve ForcesDive into the sharp wit and satire of military life, where Mr.
Level C1ClassicsMr. Punch on the ContinongWitty and sharply illustrated, this collection humorously contrasts British tourists’ antics with Continental customs, offering a playful and affectionate look at English travelers…
Level C1ClassicsMr. Punch on Tour: The Humour of Travel at Home and AbroadJoin Mr.
Level C1ClassicsMr. Punch in the Hunting FieldJoin the spirited adventures and mishaps of huntsmen and their steeds as they navigate the trials, humor, and traditions of the fox hunting season, all vividly captured with wit an…
Level C1ClassicsMr. Punch in the HighlandsVenture north of the Tweed to explore the witty and warm-hearted clash between the English visitor and Highland life, where sport, local quirks, and sharp humor paint a lively port…
Level C1ClassicsMr. Punch in Wig and Gown: The Lighter Side of Bench and BarStep into the courtroom’s lighter side with witty satire on judges, barristers, and legal quirks, as sharp humor exposes law’s delays, inconsistencies, and eccentric characters thr…
Level C1ClassicsMr. Punch in Society: Being the Humours of Social LifeDive into the witty and refined satire of social life, where Mr.
Level C1ClassicsMr. Punch in BohemiaStep into London's vibrant Bohemia, where artists, writers, and actors mingle in lively clubs and colorful haunts, guided by Mr.
Level C1ClassicsMr. Punch at the SeasideStep into Victorian seaside life where Mr.
Level C1ClassicsMr. Punch at the Play: Humours of Music and the DramaStep behind the curtain for a witty satire on the theater world, where actors, playwrights, and audiences collide in humorous chaos—from extravagant productions to mistaken lines a…
Level C1ClassicsMr. Punch at Home: The Comic Side of Domestic LifeExplore the humorous trials and tribulations of domestic life, from the chaos of housekeeping to the quirks of servants and social visits, all captured with wit and charm in vivid…
Level C1ClassicsMr. Punch Awheel: The Humours of Motoring and CyclingDiscover the humorous trials and tribulations of early motoring and cycling through satirical accounts that poke fun at both the enthusiasts and the chaos of the roads, revealing a…
Level B2ClassicsMr. Punch Afloat: The Humours of Boating and SailingDive into the lively misadventures of boating and sailing along Britain’s rivers and coasts, where humor turns seasickness and holiday mishaps into spirited tales of camaraderie, c…
Level C1ClassicsMr. ProhackA meticulous Treasury official navigates the quiet power and rigid rules behind Britain's war efforts, all while managing the domestic rhythms of his genteel London life.
Level C1ClassicsMr. Poskitt's Nightcaps: Stories of a Yorkshire FarmerTwo twin brothers explore the eerie, long-abandoned High Elms Farm, uncovering its mysteries and the reasons behind its forsaken state.
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.