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 B2Children'sMary: A Nursery Story for Very Little ChildrenOn her birthday morning in May, young Mary wonders if the day will finally arrive as she puzzles over Thursdays and fairy rings dancing on her counterpane.
Level C1ClassicsMary: A FictionA thoughtful woman defies conventional roles, exploring her mind’s vast powers beyond society’s shallow expectations.
Level B2Children'sMary-'GustaAs the respected Captain Marcellus Hall passes away, the town of Ostable buzzes with curiosity about the future of his enigmatic stepdaughter, Mary-'Gusta.
Level C1Children'sMary's Meadow, and Other Tales of Fields and FlowersA family’s peaceful life is disrupted when a bitter dispute over a footpath through Mary’s Meadow pits neighbors against each other, revealing challenges of selfishness, sharing, a…
Children'sMary's Little Lamb: A Picture Guessing Story for Little ChildrenA lonely lamb follows little Mary home from Clover Farm, sparking a heartwarming friendship filled with playful adventures, schooltime surprises, and tender moments of care.
Level C1HistoricalMary of LorraineAmidst the cold halls of Fawside Castle, a tale unfolds of political intrigue, violent feuds, and shifting loyalties in 16th-century Scotland, where noble families clash and secret…
Level C1HistoricalMary of Burgundy; or, The Revolt of GhentIn a richly detailed fifteenth-century world, the young Mary of Burgundy faces political turmoil and personal sacrifice as Ghent rebels rise under the idealistic Albert Maurice.
Level C1Children'sMary Wollstonecraft's Original StoriesIn a series of moral tales, the impeccable Mrs.
Level C1ClassicsMary WollastonIn post-WWI New York, a celebrated surgeon grapples with a strained relationship with his devoted daughter, whose defiance and heartbreak ripple through their genteel household.
Level B2Children'sMary Ware in TexasIn the vibrant courtyard of a San Antonio hotel, young Mary Ware escapes the loneliness of a snowy mining camp to find herself enchanted by the lively world of military banquets an…
Level C1HistoricalMary Stuart: A TragedyImprisoned and stripped of all but secrets and jewels, a queen's dignified captivity unfolds amid suspicion and intrigue, as her captors seek proof of treason to justify her downfa…
Level C1RomanceMary Seaham: A Novel. Volume 3 of 3A chance encounter in Edinburgh reignites the complicated romance between Mary and Eugene, whose love is tested by distance, doubt, and the pressures of society.
Level C1RomanceMary Seaham: A Novel. Volume 2 of 3A young woman’s heart is caught between devotion and scrutiny as her brother evaluates her suitor with keen eyes, while love and jealousy quietly weave through their intertwined li…
Level C1HistoricalMary Seaham: A Novel. Volume 1 of 3Amidst the fading echoes of a wedding celebration, Mary Seaham faces the solitude of her family estate and the uncertainty of leaving home, as she navigates the challenges of loss,…
Level C1HistoricalMary Schweidler, the amber witch: The most interesting trial for witchcraft ever known, printed from an imperfect manuscript by her father, Abraham Schweidler, the pastor of Coserow in the island of Usedom / edited by W. Meinhold ; translated from the German by Lady Duff Gordon.In a small island church, a forgotten manuscript reveals the harrowing trial of Mary Schweidler, accused of witchcraft amid dark superstitions and brutal justice.
Level C1ClassicsMary Russell MitfordExplore the life of Mary Russell Mitford, a woman whose tender charm masks a tragic devotion to an unworthy cause, set against the quiet backdrop of early Victorian Hampshire and m…
Level C1ClassicsMary RoseIn a silent, timeworn Sussex manor, a weary soldier returns to unravel the house’s haunting past, where shadows cling to peeling wallpaper and whispered memories linger in the cold…
Level C1MysteryMary ReganIn a dazzling New York restaurant where society's elite and shadowy figures collide, Clifford waits for Mary Regan, grappling with six months of silence and the blurred lines betwe…
Level C1HistoricalMary Powell & Deborah's DiaryAmid the bitter clash of King and Parliament, a 17-year-old country girl marries the fiery poet John Milton, sparking a turbulent union marked by separation, pamphlets on divorce,…
Level C1ClassicsMary Olivier: a LifeA young girl navigates a confusing world filled with eerie shadows and complex family dynamics, where love and fear intertwine in the quiet moments of infancy.
Level C1ClassicsMary MarstonIn a quaint, shadowed town, a humble draper’s shop becomes the backdrop for delicate negotiations and quiet connections, where young Mary Marston’s simple voice and steadfast chara…
Level B2Children'sMary MarieThirteen-year-old Mary Marie navigates the upheaval of her parents' divorce, splitting her time between her mother in Boston and her father at home.
Level C1ClassicsMary Magdalene: A Play in Three ActsIn a Roman garden overlooking Bethany, a retired scholar and a military tribune discuss the enigmatic Mary Magdalene, a woman whose mysterious past and complex relationships stir c…
Level C1HistoricalMary Magdalen: A ChronicleIn a vibrant Roman circus, political intrigue brews beneath the roar of chariot races as Herod Antipas uses grand games to mask his fragile hold on power in the volatile city of Ti…
Level B2MysteryMary Louise at DorfieldIn a town struggling to regain its prewar calm, Mary Louise and her friends confront the restlessness and shifting roles of young women eager to find purpose beyond old expectation…
Level B2MysteryMary Louise and the Liberty GirlsIn a small town struggling to meet its Liberty Bond quota during wartime, Mary Louise and her friends step up to prove that even the humblest girls can make a vital difference thro…
Level B2MysteryMary Louise and Josie O'GormanWhen a young widow faces sudden poverty, she teams up with her friend Josie, a skilled detective and laundress, to rebuild their lives through a quaint shop and a bold charitable p…
Level B2MysteryMary Louise Stands the TestAmid whispers of fortune and fading health, Mary Louise faces the challenge of her grandfather’s growing suspicion toward Danny, the scarred war hero she loves.
Level B2MysteryMary Louise Solves a MysteryAn eleven-year-old girl anxiously awaits news about her critically ill mother, whose days may be numbered.
Level B2MysteryMary Louise Adopts a SoldierAs the Dorfield Regiment returns from war, Mary Louise and her grandfather prepare to welcome the soldiers home, eager to help any displaced men find their place in a community sti…
Level B2MysteryMary LouiseAt Miss Stearne's strict boarding school, Mary Louise navigates teenage tensions and a controversial curfew that sparks a student rebellion.
Level C1AdventureMary Liddiard; Or, The Missionary's DaughterAmidst the lush Pacific islands, a devoted missionary family strives to spread faith and hope to fierce native tribes, while young Mary Liddiard navigates the challenges of culture…
Level B1Children'sMary Lee the Red Cross GirlAmid the peaceful countryside, Mary Lee, a spirited Red Cross girl, eagerly awaits the return of her friend Bobbie, whose miraculous recovery inspires hope and joy.
Level C1HistoricalMary LambExplore the intertwined lives of Mary Lamb and her brother Charles, whose deep bond and friendships with literary figures like Coleridge and Wordsworth sustain them through tragedy…
Level B2ClassicsMary Jane Married: Tales of a Village InnA former servant turned landlady pours heart and humor into running a charming village inn, revealing the trials and triumphs behind the cozy facade.
Level C1ClassicsMary Gresley, and An Editor's TalesA young woman named Mary Gresley captivates with her gentle spirit and quiet strength amid sorrow, drawing the protective affection of an older editor who witnesses her struggles a…
Level C1Children'sMary ErskineChildren from Franconia embark on a journey to visit Mary Erskine, whose remote home lies along a wild, seldom-traveled road.
Level C1HistoricalMary DerwentIn the untamed Wyoming Valley, amidst clashing settlers and looming danger, a determined pioneer strives to build a home and find hope after personal loss, weaving a vivid tale of…
Level B2Children'sMary Cary: "Frequently Martha"In a strict orphanage, spirited Mary Cary challenges the rules and expectations, revealing her honest thoughts and longing for a family.
Level B2ClassicsMary Broome: A Comedy, in Four ActsIn a lively suburban household preparing for a wedding, tensions and playful rivalries surface among family and friends, especially surrounding the enigmatic Leonard, whose charm a…
Level C1RomanceMary BartonIn the shadow of Manchester’s factories and rural fields, the lives of struggling workers intertwine with love and hardship, revealing deep social divides and the yearning for just…
Level C1HistoricalMary Anerley: A Yorkshire TaleIn 18th-century Yorkshire, a fierce family feud unfolds along the treacherous Tees River, where legacy, rebellion, and tragedy collide at the infamous Seven Corpse Ford.
Level C1ClassicsMary AndersonAmid the fragrant gardens and crashing Atlantic waves, a captivating actress retreats to her peaceful Long Branch home, where passion for the stage and nature intertwine in a world…
Level C1ClassicsMaryIn a secluded Norwegian fjord, the Krog family estate stands as a peaceful refuge shaped by history and nature.
Level C1RomanceMarujaIn the sunlit valleys near San Jose, a wandering wayfarer drifts past opulent estates and sleepy servants, hinting at a collision between untamed freedom and refined society—where…
Level C1AdventureMaru: A Dream of the SeaOn a remote Pacific atoll ravaged by smallpox and haunted by ancient taboos, Maru, the last true leader, struggles with isolation and loss as mysterious ships arrive, stirring memo…
Level B2MysteryMartin of old LondonIn the smoky streets of 1666 London, fourteen-year-old Martin Leake navigates the bustling riverbank and a mysterious rendezvous that hints at hidden dangers.
Level C1RomanceMartin ValliantIn the shadowed halls of a moonlit priory, Brother Geraint prowls with a sly grin and simmering hatred, plotting against the young, golden-haired novice whose bold piety threatens…
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.