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 B2ClassicsMiss Gibbie GaultIn a small town where tradition reigns, Miss Gibbie Gault stands apart with her unconventional ways—ordering hats years in advance and managing a mysterious family graveyard no one…
Level C1RomanceMiss Fairfax of Virginia: A Romance of Love and Adventure Under the PalmettosIn the shadowed streets of Dublin, a skilled American diplomat encounters a mysterious woman disguised as a nun, who warns him of a deadly plot—sparking a tense game of intrigue an…
Level C1ClassicsMiss Esperance and Mr WycherlyIn a quaint Northern village, the dignified Miss Esperance quietly supports her community while sharing her home with the learned but occasionally boisterous Mr.
Level B2Children'sMiss Elliot's Girls: Stories of Beasts, Birds, and ButterfliesDiscover the secret lives of tobacco worms and caterpillars as Miss Ruth cares for her unusual tenants, guiding them through transformation from crawling creatures to delicate-wing…
Level C1HistoricalMiss Eden's LettersExplore the witty and insightful letters of a politically engaged woman navigating the intrigues of 19th-century society and family life, revealing the intimate world behind histor…
Level C1RomanceMiss Dividends: A NovelA determined Western adventurer arrives in New York to negotiate the sale of a silver mine, captivated by a mysterious beauty and drawn into high-stakes financial dealings amid the…
Level B2RomanceMiss DexieAmid the turmoil of the Civil War, a New England family grapples with divided loyalties as a man must confront his Southern-born mother's opposition to his Union enlistment, while…
Level C1RomanceMiss Devereux, spinsterSybella Devereux faces life alone for the first time, a sheltered woman whose gentle nature has been shaped by years of protection and indecision.
Level C1RomanceMiss CrespignyLisbeth Crespigny is a bold, enigmatic young woman restless to escape her quiet village life and the stifling attention of three devoted spinster aunts.
Level C1Children'sMiss ConConstance Conway faces a crossroads as she contemplates becoming a governess, navigating the expectations of family and society while seeking purpose and excitement beyond a monoto…
Level B2ClassicsMiss Civilization: A Comedy in One ActIn a snowy Long Island mansion just after Christmas, Alice Gardner faces a tense midnight burglary while desperately calling for help to protect her ill mother and their home from…
Level C1HistoricalMiss Cheyne of Essilmont, Volume 3 (of 3)Amid the dense jungles and brutal conflicts of the Ashantee War, soldiers face fierce battles, strange omens, and the harsh realities of colonial warfare.
Level C1RomanceMiss Cheyne of Essilmont, Volume 2 (of 3)Haunted by love and secrets, Alison Cheyne embarks on a voyage along the French coast, caught between hope and despair as she contemplates her future with Bevil Goring amidst subtl…
Level C1RomanceMiss Cheyne of Essilmont, Volume 1 (of 3)A chance meeting between Alison Cheyne, the last of her line, and Captain Goring, a soldier bound by loss and duty, sparks a connection amid the thrill of a royal hunt and the shad…
Level B2MysteryMiss Cayley's AdventuresA spirited young woman, newly independent and unwilling to teach, sets out to embrace the bustling city of London and seize any adventure or opportunity that fate might offer her.
Level B2RomanceMiss CapriceIn the vibrant setting of Malta's fortified city of Valetta, a spirited Englishwoman and her eclectic companions find their unexpected stopover stirring passions and rivalries.
Level C1ClassicsMiss BrethertonIn the vibrant world of London's theatre and art scene, an actress navigates the delicate balance of beauty, talent, and public scrutiny, revealing the complex interplay between pe…
Level C1ClassicsMiss Bracegirdle and othersA devoted woman ventures far from her quiet English town to meet her ailing sister-in-law in Bordeaux, confronting unfamiliar customs and her own fears in a journey defined by duty…
Level C1RomanceMiss Billy's DecisionIn Paris, a witty friendship unfolds between Calderwell and the enigmatic M.
Level B2RomanceMiss Billy — MarriedA whirlwind romance defies family expectations as Billy and Bertram marry in a quiet, sunlit ceremony, their love triumphing over misunderstandings, broken engagements, and a drama…
Level C1Children'sMiss BillyIn a struggling neighborhood, Mrs.
Level B2ClassicsMiss BillyOrphaned and isolated at eighteen, Billy Neilson clings to a fragile hope as she reaches out to the mysterious William Henshaw—her father's old friend and her only link to family—s…
Level C1ClassicsMiss Ayr of Virginia, & other storiesA young Southern belle steps into the dazzling, judgmental world of New York high society for the first time, facing sharp contrasts between wealth, manners, and upbringing as she…
Level B2HistoricalMiss Ashton's New Pupil: A School Girl's StoryA young girl from a remote missionary family arrives late at an esteemed eastern academy for young ladies, facing the challenges of fitting into a world far different from her own.
Level C1ClassicsMiss Arnott's MarriageA woman grapples with shame and despair after her husband is sentenced to hard labor, revealing a haunting portrait of loyalty, hardship, and the harsh realities behind a fractured…
Level B2Science FictionMisruleIn a government building under siege during the chaotic annual People's Day, Glen Wheatley navigates hidden corridors and safety-holes to survive the escalating destruction unleash…
Level C1PoetryMisrepresentative WomenWitty and sharp, these poems playfully satirize notable women and societal norms, blending humor and critique through clever verse and lively illustrations.
Level B2ClassicsMiser Farebrother: A Novel (vol. 3 of 3)A desperate man faces ruin after losing a fortune betting on horse races under a false name, while a shrewd captain offers a risky chance to reclaim his losses—if only he can summo…
Level B2ClassicsMiser Farebrother: A Novel (vol. 2 of 3)At a lively tea gathering, young Jeremiah Pamflett arrives determined to assert his influence over the shrewd Miser Farebrother, plotting bold moves and hidden schemes that promise…
Level C1ClassicsMiser Farebrother: A Novel (vol. 1 of 3)In a decaying Surrey estate tangled in legal battles and forgotten fortunes, Miser Farebrother seizes Parksides, defying claims with cold calculation.
Level B2RomanceMischievous Maid FaynieIn a snowbound New York, two handsome cousins lead starkly different lives—one a struggling cashier with a heart of gold, the other a charming actor desperate for money.
Level C1PhilosophyMiscellaniesExplore profound reflections on nature, solitude, and the universe that challenge us to seek original insight beyond tradition.
Level C1ClassicsMiscellaniesExplore the lesser-known fragments and essays revealing a brilliant mind in transition, from youthful literary ambitions to mature reflections on history and faith, alongside rare…
Level C1HistoricalMiscellaneous Writings and Speeches — Volume 4Experience the fierce political battles and eloquent speeches that shaped a turbulent era, as one statesman reflects on contentious debates, personal rivalries, and the struggle to…
Level C1HistoricalMiscellaneous Writings and Speeches — Volume 3Explore the vivid political, ecclesiastical, and literary history of England through captivating essays and poems, including incisive biographies, stirring epitaphs, and eloquent d…
Level C1ClassicsMiscellaneous Writings and Speeches — Volume 2Explore influential essays and speeches that dissect the forces shaping history, literature, and government, revealing how individuals and ideas intertwine to mold society's progre…
Level C1ClassicsMiscellaneous Writings and Speeches — Volume 1Explore the evolution of a brilliant mind through a rich collection of essays and speeches that trace the formation of ideas on history, government, and society, revealing the pass…
Level C1PhilosophyMiscellaneous Studies; a series of essaysExplore a rich collection of essays that traverse art, literature, and philosophy, revealing deep reflections on figures from Pascal to Renaissance artists.
Level C1ClassicsMiscellaneous ProseExplore sharp satirical insights into 19th-century society, politics, and literature, guided by keen observations on figures like Thackeray and the shifting tides of English politi…
PoetryMiscellaneous PoemsExplore a vivid collection of poems that delve into the depths of human experience and the natural world, capturing moments of beauty, struggle, and reflection with keen observatio…
Level C1ClassicsMiscellaneous Pieces, in ProseExplore the art of comedy through a thoughtful analysis of how dramatic works portray human life, distinguishing between serious and ludicrous emotions, and revealing the power of…
Level C1ClassicsMiscellaneous PapersIn a sharp critique of industrial dominance, the agricultural interest faces a powerful conspiracy threatening its survival, revealing deep societal divides between rural tradition…
Level C1ClassicsMiscellaneous EssaysExplore provocative reflections on art, murder, and human perception, where understanding clashes with intuition in a quest to grasp the profound impact of Shakespeare’s Macbeth an…
Level C1PhilosophyMiscellaneous Aphorisms; The Soul of ManDelve into sharp, witty reflections on love, beauty, morality, and human nature, revealing the contradictions and complexities of life through provocative aphorisms that challenge…
Level C1Children'sMiscellaneaA mysterious and thrilling account unfolds as Dorothy recounts a strange New Year's Day event, blending everyday life with hints of the supernatural.
Level C1ClassicsMisallianceIn a sunlit Surrey pavilion, two contrasting young men clash over intellect and identity during a weekend escape from ordinary life, setting the stage for sharp wit and social intr…
Level C1PoetryMirth and metreDive into a collection of witty lays and legends crafted in a comic verse style inspired by the Ingoldsby Legends, blending admiration and originality in tales of ancient heroes, m…
Level C1PoetryMirror of the MonthsExperience the unique character of each month through vivid observations blending country and city life, where nature’s subtle changes come alive in a poetic calendar that reveals…
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.