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 B2RomanceLove InsuranceA nervous English lord seeks an unusual insurance policy from the famed Lloyds of London, pitching a bizarre gamble that could change his fortune forever.
Level C1RomanceLove Instigated: The Story of a Carved Ivory Umbrella HandleA carved ivory umbrella handle, seemingly alive with shifting expressions, draws a man into a haunting tale of love, betrayal, and mysterious artifacts—where a simple object harbor…
Level C1RomanceLove EternalTwo souls bound by fate awaken in neighboring Essex estates, their lives entwined across time and circumstance.
Level C1HistoricalLove Among the RuinsIn a forest ablaze with betrayal and violence, a young woman kneels amid the ruins of her fallen family, caught in the deadly feud that has shattered her world.
Level C1RomanceLove Among the Lions: A Matrimonial ExperienceA tea merchant's quiet life is upended when he becomes captivated by a mysterious woman gazing from a window in Canonbury Square.
Level C1RomanceLove After Marriage; and Other Stories of the HeartAn unexpected visitor bearing a letter from a dying friend disrupts the poised world of Miss Temple, challenging her illusions about her betrothed and igniting a poignant story of…
Level C1RomanceLoveTwo strangers meet repeatedly at a nearly empty theatre, drawn together by a shared passion for a haunting Celtic play.
Level B2AdventureLouisiana Lou: A Western StoryIn a rugged Western frontier where sheepmen clash with cattle ranchers, a mysterious young rider arrives at a remote ranch, stirring old tensions and disrupting the fragile peace.
Level C1ClassicsLouisianaA New Yorker in unfamiliar Southern surroundings, Olivia Ferrol navigates the social snubs and curious glances at Oakvale Springs, where an unexpected encounter with a timid young…
Level B2AdventureLouise de la VallièreAmid the intrigue-filled court of 1661 France, a young woman named Louise de la Vallière navigates love, loyalty, and danger as the legendary D’Artagnan and his companions face pol…
Level C1ClassicsLouise Imogen GuineyA vivid portrait unfolds of a spirited poet and scholar shaped by her Civil War heritage and transatlantic life, whose enduring passion for art, history, and letters illuminates a…
Level C1PoetryLouise Chandler Moulton, Poet and FriendExplore the life of a gifted poet whose lyrical spirit shapes not only her art but her wide circle of compassionate friendships.
Level C1HistoricalLouisa of Prussia and Her Times: A Historical NovelAmid the terror of Napoleon’s relentless advance on Vienna, the city reels under news of defeat and betrayal as imperial coffins roll through the streets.
Level C1ClassicsLouisa PallantA chance encounter at a bustling European resort reveals a woman whose past and present are shrouded in mystery, accompanied by a captivating daughter.
Level B2ClassicsLouisa May Alcott, the children's friendFollow the lively childhood and heartfelt inspirations of a spirited girl whose mischievous adventures and poetic gifts blossom into stories that have become cherished companions f…
Level C1ClassicsLouisa May Alcott : Her Life, Letters, and JournalsDiscover the intimate life of a beloved storyteller through her own journals and letters, revealing the inspirations, struggles, and family ties behind the timeless tales cherished…
Level C1Children'sLouis' School Days: A Story for BoysA young boy struggles under the strict tutelage of his new schoolmaster while striving to grow in faith and character amidst the challenges of school life and spiritual warfare.
Level C1ClassicsLouis LambertA prodigious boy from a humble tannery family defies expectations, diving into a world of books and profound ideas that challenge his future as a priest.
Level B2RomanceLouie's married lifeNewlyweds Louie and Ronald face the harsh trials of illness and recovery in a cramped London lodging, where love’s quiet strength and music offer hope amid shadows that deepen arou…
Level C1ClassicsLotta Schmidt, and Other StoriesIn the vibrant heart of Vienna, Lotta Schmidt and her friend Marie navigate the city's evolving landscape and social customs, exploring music, society, and unexpected companionship…
Level C1ClassicsLothairA shy, orphaned boy raised in the Highlands faces the challenges of high society and vast inheritance as he reconnects with a world of privilege, family duties, and complex relatio…
Level C1ClassicsLot & CompanyOn a restless Sunday in New York, Bellair is drawn to the mysterious sailing ship Jade of Adelaide as it prepares to set sail, sparking memories and curiosity about its secretive o…
Level C1RomanceLost: 1898In 1866 Bonn, two young lovers face a heart-wrenching farewell as he must return to America, leaving her behind with promises of reunion shadowed by doubt and fierce devotion.
Level B2AdventureLost with Lieutenant Pike: How from the Pawnee Village the boy named Scar Head marched with the young American Chief clear into the Snowy Mountains; how in the dead of winter they searched for the Lost River and thought that they had found it; and how the Spanish Soldiery came upon them and took them down to Santa Fé of New Mexico, where another surprise awaited themA young lieutenant leads a daring expedition through the snowy mountains in search of the legendary Lost River, facing starvation, freezing cold, and the threat of Spanish soldiers…
Level B1MysteryLost over GreenlandA daring aviator enters a high-stakes endurance flight competition, backed by the legendary ace Dave Boyd, aiming to outfly seasoned rivals and set a new world record in the thrill…
Level B2AdventureLost on the Orinoco; or, American boys in VenezuelaFive American boys embark on a thrilling journey through Venezuela, exploring bustling cities, vast plantations, and the mighty Orinoco River under the guidance of their adventurou…
Level B2Science FictionLost on the Moon; Or, in Quest of the Field of DiamondsTwo boys uncover a Martian newspaper article claiming a field of diamonds on the moon, sparking a daring quest to verify this astonishing discovery amid linguistic puzzles and thri…
Level B2AdventureLost in the wildsAs winter approaches the vast Canadian plains, a young boy named Wilfred arrives at Acland’s Hut, stepping into a wilderness filled with rugged landscapes, mysterious trails, and t…
Level B2AdventureLost in the land of iceA daring expedition races to the mysterious South Pole in search of a lost treasure ship, but rivals and harsh icy dangers threaten their quest.
Level B2AdventureLost in the backwoodsWhen a masked band of robbers attack their train deep in the North American wilderness, young Cyril is left unconscious and alone after his father’s desperate fight.
Level B1AdventureLost in the Wilds of BrazilTwo young naturalist enthusiasts eagerly await a daring expedition into the uncharted Amazon jungles of Brazil, where wild forests, mysterious tribes, and exotic creatures await di…
Level B2Science FictionLost in the FutureAfter humanity's first hyperspace journey, two explorers land on a seemingly Earth-like planet—only to find themselves out of sync with its inhabitants, trapped seconds ahead in ti…
Level B2AdventureLost in the Forest: Wandering Will's Adventures in South AmericaStranded aboard a ship with a mutinous crew plotting murder, Will Osten must navigate danger both at sea and within.
Level C1AdventureLost in the FogA group of adventurous boys sets sail on the schooner Antelope for an ambitious journey through the Bay of Fundy, hoping to reach distant homes by water.
Level B2AdventureLost in the Cañon: The Story of Sam Willett's Adventures on the Great Colorado of the WestIn the rugged wilderness of Southwestern Colorado, a young hunter named Sam Willett and his companions brave towering cliffs and scarce resources to capture a rare mountain bighorn…
Level C1AdventureLost in the Backwoods: A Tale of the Canadian ForestIn the untamed wilderness between Rice Lake and Ontario, a young Highland soldier and his companions carve out a new life amidst towering forests and native tribes, forging friends…
Level B2Science FictionLost in the Atlantic Valley; Or, Frank Reade, Jr., and His Wonder, the "Dart"A young inventor unveils the Dart, a magnificent electric-powered submarine designed for deep-sea exploration, and sets off with a scientist to investigate the mysterious Atlantic…
Level C1MysteryLost Sir Massingberd: A Romance of Real Life. v. 2/2A young man navigates the dark intrigues surrounding the enigmatic Sir Massingberd, whose ruthless nature and shadowy past cast a sinister pall over Fairburn Hall and its loyal yet…
Level C1MysteryLost Sir Massingberd: A Romance of Real Life. v. 1/2In a quiet midland village ruled by the feared Sir Massingberd Heath, a young pupil under the local rector recalls the dark shadow cast by this ruthless despot.
Level A2PoetryLost NellieYoung Nellie’s innocent prayers and wandering spirit lead her into a touching journey of faith and hope, while other heartfelt tales explore kindness, perseverance, and the comfort…
Level C1MysteryLost Man's Lane: A Second Episode in the Life of Amelia ButterworthA woman of principle and keen intellect reluctantly returns to detective work when a perplexing case of mysterious disappearances haunts a remote mountain village.
Level B2AdventureLost Lenore: The Adventures of a Rolling StoneBorn into humble circumstances yet claiming noble ancestry, a young boy known as "The Rolling Stone" faces the trials of family loss and the harsh realities of growing up in 19th-c…
Level C1ClassicsLost LeadersExplore the serene beauty and rich history along Scotland’s Tweed and its tributaries, where ancient castles, legendary tales, and the art of fly-fishing come alive in vivid, nosta…
Level B2AdventureLost IslandA young boy’s yearning for the sea leads to a perilous voyage when a fierce Pacific storm strands a ship near a mysterious island harboring the wreck of the Hatteras and untold sec…
Level C1ClassicsLost IllusionsA young provincial poet arrives in Paris brimming with ambition, only to confront the harsh realities of literary fame, love, and betrayal amid the shifting social tides of early 1…
Level B2HistoricalLost GipIn the sweltering alleys of London’s East End, a compassionate boy named Sandy clings to the fragile hope embodied in a newborn baby girl amidst poverty and despair.
Level B2AdventureLost FaceCaptured and bound in the frozen wilderness of Russian America, a sensitive poet-turned-survivor faces brutal torture while reflecting on a harrowing journey from Warsaw’s dreams o…
Level B1ClassicsLost DiariesStep into the mischievous world of St James's School through the candid diary entries of Smith Minor, where childhood pranks, school rivalries, and unexpected adventures paint a vi…
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.