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 C2HistoricalMirror for Magistrates, Volume 2, Part 2Explore the lives and fates of ten renowned princes through poetic histories that blend careful scholarship with vivid storytelling, offering moral lessons drawn from the triumphs…
Level C1HistoricalMirror for Magistrates, Volume 2, Part 1Explore a vivid reflection on governance where the fate of princes and magistrates reveals how ambition, justice, and corruption shape the destiny of a realm.
Level C1HistoricalMirror for Magistrates, Volume 1Amidst England's turbulent reigns, a poetic chronicle unfolds, tracing the fates of nobles and commoners alike, offering a mirror to history’s lessons.
Level C1ClassicsMirk Abbey, Volume 3 (of 3)As preparations for a grand Coming of Age celebration unfold at Mirk Abbey, the sudden arrival of the enigmatic Madame de Castellan stirs curiosity and old memories, promising unex…
Level C1ClassicsMirk Abbey, Volume 2 (of 3)Amidst memories of a daring sea rescue, a noble lady and her devoted maid confront a life-changing conversation that threatens their lifelong bond.
Level C1HistoricalMirk Abbey, Volume 1 (of 3)On a snowy Christmas Eve at Mirk Abbey, a widowed lady haunted by memories of lost love contemplates her unusual past—from shipwreck survivor to elegant matron—unfolding a tale of…
Level C1HistoricalMiriam: A Tale of Pole Moor and the Greenfield HillsIn 1829, amidst the rugged moors of Yorkshire, an unlikely friendship forms between a towering laborer and a reluctant apprentice clothier.
Level C1ClassicsMiriam's Schooling and Other PapersAmidst oppression and despair, a humble man receives a divine command to lead his people against overwhelming foes.
Level C1ClassicsMiriam Monfort: A NovelTorn between two worlds, a young woman born of English aristocracy and Jewish heritage navigates love, loss, and identity in a new American land.
Level C1ClassicsMiranda of the Balcony: A StoryAmidst swirling fog and whispered mysteries on the Scilly Isles, a short-sighted taxidermist's unexpected discovery unravels the enigmatic disappearance of Captain Warriner, drawin…
Level C1ClassicsMiracle Gold: A Novel (Vol. 3 of 3)A man discovers a startling family connection tied to an ancient legend of a missing bride and a mysterious foreign nobleman.
Level C1ClassicsMiracle Gold: A Novel (Vol. 2 of 3)In a lively London salon where wit masks serious undercurrents, a tense exchange unfolds between two men entangled by a secret contract and a woman who commands both admiration and…
Level B2HistoricalMiracle Gold: A Novel (Vol. 1 of 3)Caught in a relentless summer rain and missing the last train to London, a young woman races through a dim, deserted road, desperate to return unnoticed to Eltham House.
Level C1HistoricalMinstrelsy of the Scottish border, Volume 1Journey through the turbulent Scottish borders, where fierce clans and noble houses clash in a saga of valor, betrayal, and shifting power.
Level C1PoetryMinstrelsy of the Scottish Border, Volume 3 (of 3): Consisting of Historical and Romantic Ballads, Collected in the Southern Counties of Scotland; with a Few of Modern Date, Founded Upon Local TraditionDive into a collection of ancient Scottish ballads where kings, knights, and enchanted palaces blur history and legend, revealing tales of romance, transformation, and chivalry fro…
Level C1HistoricalMinstrelsy of the Scottish Border, Volume 2 (of 3): Consisting of Historical and Romantic Ballads, Collected in the Southern Counties of Scotland; with a Few of Modern Date, Founded Upon Local TraditionAmid the turbulent backdrop of 17th-century Scotland, where fierce religious and civil wars shape the land, discover ballads that capture the clash between monarchy and church, tra…
Level C1Science FictionMinos of SardanesAmidst a cataclysmic volcanic eruption in the Antarctic, a daring crew races against time through ice and fire toward Sardanes, where the fate of a nation hangs in the balance.
Level C1PoetryMinor Tibetan Texts: 1. The song of the Eastern Snow-mountainExplore the intricate world of Tibetan language and culture through a meticulous study of ancient texts, focusing on the revered reformers of Lamaism and their enduring spiritual l…
Level C1PoetryMinor Poets of the Caroline Period, Vol. IIIDive into the rich world of 17th-century English poetry with carefully curated works from lesser-known Caroline poets, complete with scholarly revisions and historical insights tha…
Level C1PoetryMinor Poems of Michael DraytonExplore the heartfelt devotion and poetic craft of a Renaissance poet whose verses blend history, legend, and pastoral themes with personal passion and political nuance, revealing…
Level C1PoetryMinor PoemsExplore a diverse collection of poems capturing themes from love and laughter to mystery and heroism, each verse a window into the varied human experience and the subtle beauty of…
Level C1PhilosophyMinor Dialogues, Together With the Dialogue on ClemencyExplore profound Stoic dialogues that challenge the nature of providence, virtue, and adversity, revealing how the wise endure trials as part of a divine order shaping the soul's s…
Level B1FantasyMinnie; or, The Little Woman: A Fairy StoryIn a charming town touched by fairy magic, a mighty giant named Rodocanachi falls into a deep slumber, giving the fairy queen and her enchanted army a chance to confront his dark r…
Level C1HistoricalMinnie's SacrificeIn the shadow of slavery’s cruelty, a young girl vows to protect an innocent child of mixed blood, challenging the harsh realities that bind them all.
Level C1HistoricalMinnie's Pet ParrotA young girl named Minnie finds joy and comfort in the company of her many pets, from a tortoise-shell kitten to a silver-gray parrot, as she learns about kindness and the wonders…
Level B2HistoricalMinnie's Pet MonkeyA lively monkey named Jacko, rescued from a ship's voyage, wins the heart of young Minnie with his playful antics and clever charm.
Level B2HistoricalMinnie's Pet LambA tender bond forms between Minnie and Nannie, a South Down lamb who finds comfort and friendship in a gentle Shetland pony named Star.
Level B2HistoricalMinnie's Pet HorseA young girl’s gentle bond with her Shetland pony, Star, unfolds amidst pastoral charm, where loyalty and affection bloom alongside tales of remarkable animal friendships.
Level B2HistoricalMinnie's Pet DogA gentle spaniel named Tiney navigates friendship, mischief, and loyalty in a cozy household, revealing the tender bonds between a girl and her beloved dog amid summer frolics and…
Level B2HistoricalMinnie's Pet CatA tender tale unfolds as Minnie shares a deep bond with her graceful tortoise-shell cat, Fidelle, whose loyalty and affection brighten the child's days and adventures amid the gent…
Level B2Children'sMinnie Brown; or, The Gentle GirlA gentle girl named Minnie faces life's trials with patience and a loving heart, learning how challenges, like storms testing a young tree, shape her spirit and teach her the true…
Level C1ClassicsMinna Von BarnhelmA discharged officer struggles with debt and honor while navigating misunderstandings at a rustic inn, where loyalty, wit, and spirited exchanges reveal the complexities of post-wa…
Level B2MysteryMinkieWhen a mysterious guest named Schwartz arrives unexpectedly at Dale End on Christmas Eve, Minkie and her quirky gang—led by Bobby, the horse—set out to uncover his secrets, blendin…
Level C1Children'sMingo, and Other Sketches in Black and WhiteIn post-Civil War Georgia, Mingo, once a lively slave known for his humor and storytelling, now faces the heavy burdens of freedom and change.
Level C1ClassicsMinerva's Manoeuvres: The Cheerful Facts of a "Return to Nature"When the only cook falls ill, Minerva reluctantly agrees to leave the city for Clover Lodge’s countryside kitchen, sparking a humorous and heartfelt adventure filled with unexpecte…
Level C1ClassicsMind Amongst the Spindles. A Miscellany, Wholly Composed by the Factory GirlsDiscover the voices of young women laboring in the bustling mills of Lowell, Massachusetts, as they share poetry, essays, and reflections crafted during fleeting moments of leisure…
Level B2Science FictionMimsy's JokeAn elite crew lands on a cold, desolate Mars to explore an ancient, crumbling city that hints at long-lost intelligent life—yet the eerie silence and the looming unknown threaten t…
Level C1ClassicsMimi's MarriageIn a vivid portrait of Russian society, a charming yet shallow Mimi navigates love and flirtation against the breathtaking backdrop of the Caucasus, revealing the complexities and…
Level C1PoetryMilton: Minor PoemsExplore the challenges and rewards of studying the profound, musical poetry of one of literature’s gravest minds, as this guide offers insights into mastering difficult diction, sy…
Level C1ClassicsMilton's Tercentenary: An address delivered before the Modern Language Club of Yale University on Milton's Three Hundredth Birthday.Celebrate the enduring genius and complex character of the poet whose epic verse and fierce convictions continue to shape English literature.
Level C1HistoricalMilton's EnglandExplore the vibrant world of 17th-century London through the eyes of John Milton, tracing the city's transformation amid political upheaval, literary genius, and the fight for free…
Level C2PoetryMilton's ComusA noble soul faces a dark enchantment in a poetic drama exploring the clash between virtue and temptation, body and spirit.
Level C1ClassicsMiltonExplore the life and mind of a seventeenth-century poet whose personal thoughts and feelings emerge vividly through autobiographical prose, revealing an intimate portrait beyond th…
Level C1HistoricalMiltonA remarkable discovery of John Milton’s long-lost Latin manuscript sparks a deep exploration into his rebellious mind and controversial religious doctrines, revealing the fiercely…
Level C1ClassicsMiltonExplore the towering legacy of a poet whose soul is as radiant as a star, whose voice echoes like the sea, and whose life and works continue to reshape our understanding of art, po…
Level C1ClassicsMiltonExplore the life and work of a towering poet through a deep reflection on literary criticism, the challenges of understanding genius, and the intricate relationship between author,…
Level B2RomanceMilly: At Love's Extremes; A Romance of the SouthlandIn the rugged Alabama mountains, an Englishman overseeing family mines seeks solace in the wild landscape, where nature’s beauty and a sudden storm mirror the complexities of his n…
Level B2AdventureMilly's errandTwo determined brothers gather seaweed to help their bedridden mother, while a mysterious, tormented doctor battles inner demons near their storm-threatened coastal village.
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.