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 B2FantasyIt's Your Fairy Tale, You KnowA boy enchanted by fairy tales escapes his dull schoolwork and modern world, longing for the magic of knights and wishes.
Level C1ClassicsIt was a Lover and His LassIn the eerie twilight of northern Scotland, an unfinished, grand palace stands abandoned, its eerie presence stirring local superstition.
Level B2ClassicsIt pays to advertiseWhen an enterprising secretary battles language barriers and a determined French countess to protect her absent employer’s soap business, a farcical tale of advertising and ambitio…
PoetryIt Was the Road to JerichoJourney along the Road to Jericho, where each poem unveils vivid imagery and profound reflections, capturing the timeless spirit of a path laden with history and emotion.
Level C1HistoricalIt Was Marlowe: A Story of the Secret of Three CenturiesAmid swirling rumors about Christopher Marlowe's mysterious death, an investigation reveals striking similarities between his works and Shakespeare's plays, challenging accepted au…
Level C1ClassicsIt Never Can Happen AgainIn a gritty London neighborhood, young Lizarann guides her blind father through the maze of streets, unaware of his mysterious daily routine, while navigating the harsh realities a…
Level C1MysteryIt Might Have Happened OtherwiseTrapped in a dull job as a remote station agent, Parsly’s restless mind fixates on the temptation of stealing the money he handles daily.
Level C1HistoricalIt Might Have Been: The Story of the Gunpowder PlotAmidst the shadow of the Gunpowder Plot, a young woman named Lettice embarks on a journey filled with family ties, faith, and the uncertain promise of new beginnings in a turbulent…
Level C1RomanceIt May Be True, Vol. 3 (of 3)Amy cares for her ailing mother while grappling with unspoken heartache and the complicated returns of Charles and Robert, whose presence stirs unresolved feelings and the fragile…
Level B2ClassicsIt May Be True, Vol. 2 (of 3)In a quiet village, Matthew the pikeman encounters the enigmatic Mrs.
Level C1ClassicsIt May Be True, Vol. 1 (of 3)In the tranquil village of Ashleigh, surrounded by lush forests and rolling hills, young Amy Neville wanders through blooming lanes and sunlit bridges, carrying the quiet weight of…
Level C1ClassicsIt Is Never Too Late to MendA struggling Berkshire farmer faces the harsh realities of rural life and a tempting offer from an honorable gentleman seeking fortune in Australia, challenging George to choose be…
Level B2ClassicsIt Happened in JapanOn a voyage to Japan, two men observe a mysterious woman whose scandalous past stirs whispers among the passengers.
Level B2AdventureIt Happened in EgyptAn adventurous secret hidden in the deserts of Egypt draws two men into a thrilling quest beneath the Mountain of the Golden Pyramid, while a mysterious woman aboard the Laconia st…
Level C2FantasyIstar of Babylon: A PhantasyA young Greek rhapsode, inspired by tales of the living goddess Istar of Babylon, embarks on a profound journey from Sicily to the ancient city itself, seeking to witness and worsh…
Level C1MysteryIsrael RankIn the bleak streets of Ursula Grove, a chilling mystery unfolds as a family’s modest life is shadowed by secrets and the unsettling question: does murder truly always come to ligh…
Level C1HistoricalIsrael Potter: His Fifty Years of ExileA loyal soldier of Bunker Hill faces fifty years of exile and hardship, his story pieced together from fading memories and tattered pages.
Level C1RomanceIsopel Berners: The History of certain doings in a Staffordshire Dingle, July, 1825In the summer of 1825, a restless young man escapes the confines of London to a quiet Staffordshire dingle, where encounters with gypsy camps and vivid countryside awaken a world o…
Level C1ClassicsIsola; or, The disinherited: A revolt for woman and all the disinheritedA visionary queen challenges outdated laws and superstitions, demanding justice and equality for all living beings, women, and rulers alike.
Level B2RomanceIsobel : A Romance of the Northern TrailIn the frozen wilderness a Royal Northwest Mounted Police sergeant hunts a dangerous fugitive while battling isolation and a companion’s descent into madness.
Level C1HistoricalIsmael; an oriental tale. With other poemsA youthful poet, barely in his teens, offers a vivid collection of early verses bursting with imagination and sincerity, capturing the spirit of his time and the passion of a buddi…
Level C1AdventureIsles of the sea; or, Young America homeward boundA young academy squadron embarks on a thrilling homeward voyage across the Atlantic, exploring exotic islands like Madeira and the Azores while navigating the challenges of rank, r…
Level C1ClassicsIsland Tales / On the Makaloa MatAmidst the lush beauty of Hawaii, Martha Scandwell’s grand estate teems with family, tradition, and the vibrant mingling of cultures.
Level C1ClassicsIsland Nights' EntertainmentsStranded on a remote South Sea island, a solitary man encounters enigmatic traders and navigates the mysterious customs, dangers, and secrets of island life, where the line between…
Level C1HistoricalIslam and the Divine comedyExplore the groundbreaking investigation into how medieval Islamic philosophy and mysticism may have influenced the imagery and themes of Dante’s Divine Comedy, sparking a passiona…
Level C1AdventureIsla HeronA young preacher visits a rugged New England coastal village, where she encounters the gruff but kind-hearted Joe Brazybone and his fearsome sister-in-law, setting the stage for a…
Level C1RomanceIshmael; Or, In the DepthsBorn into poverty but gifted with strength and virtue, a young man rises against all odds in a story of hope and perseverance.
Level C1HistoricalIsabella Orsini: A Historical Novel of the Fifteenth CenturyIn fifteenth-century Italy, a woman’s secret, forbidden love ignites a fierce inner turmoil, set against a backdrop of faith, guilt, and tragedy.
Level C1RomanceIsabel LeicesterIsabel Leicester faces a heart-wrenching fall from privilege as her father's death and financial ruin force her into the uncertain world of a governess.
Level C1ClassicsIsabel Clarendon, Vol. 2 (of 2)Vincent Lacour cherishes a life of leisurely ease, dreaming of escape and travel, until an unexpected visitor disrupts his quiet existence, revealing hidden tensions and uncertain…
Level C1ClassicsIsabel Clarendon, Vol. 1 (of 2)A solitary traveler chooses the winding, forgotten old road over the new highway, encountering quaint rural scenes and curious characters that hint at deeper stories in this quiet…
Level C1ClassicsIsaac Watts; his life and writings, his homes and friendsExplore the serene and devout life of Isaac Watts, whose profound hymns and theological writings reveal a mind illuminated by piety and charity.
Level C1ClassicsIsaac Bickerstaff, Physician and AstrologerStep into the witty world of Isaac Bickerstaff, a shrewd physician and astrologer who dispenses sharp social commentary through lively essays that challenge the vices and follies o…
Level B2Children'sIs There a Santa Claus?A young boy’s question about Santa Claus leads to a heartfelt journey through holiday cheer, kindness, and the true spirit of giving, from the White House to the streets of New Yor…
Level C1Science FictionIs That You Xeluchli?Two curious observers break the rules on a galactic tour and discover a fledgling civilization on the brink of collapse.
Level C1ClassicsIs Shakespeare Dead?: From My AutobiographyExplore the enigmatic world of historical claimants, from lost heirs to literary legends, as a seasoned observer unravels the enduring mysteries and passionate debates surrounding…
Level C1ClassicsIs Polite Society Polite? and Other EssaysExplore the true nature of polite society as it unveils the contrast between genuine manners and superficial flattery, questioning whether social graces mask selfishness or reflect…
Level C1RomanceIs He Popenjoy?A young woman of charm and complexity navigates love and social expectations in a small English city, where family ties and reputations hold sway.
Level C1ClassicsIrvin Cobb, His Book:: Friendly Tributes upon the Occasion of a Dinner Tendered to Irvin Shrewsbury Cobb at the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel, New York, April Twenty-Fifth, MCMXVCelebrate the wit and insight of a renowned storyteller who captures the spirit of American life—from Southern roots to bustling New York streets—with humor, pathos, and vivid char…
Level C1ClassicsIrresolute CatherineAmid rugged mountain slopes and a tight-knit chapel community, Heber Moorhouse, known as ‘Black Heber,’ grapples with duty and fiery independence while a delicate young woman named…
Level C1PoetryIrradiations; Sand and SprayDive into a poetic exploration that challenges traditional forms, revealing rhythm and cadence as the true heart of verse.
Level B2ClassicsIronheartThree tramps with sharply different backgrounds and secrets cross the scorching western desert, navigating harsh survival and clashing codes in a world where pride and pasts weigh…
Level C1AdventureIron Hand, Chief of the Tory League; or, The Double FaceAmid the fierce struggle for American independence, a young English-born patriot faces bitter family betrayal and divided loyalties as he joins the Continental army, determined to…
Level B2Children'sIrma in Italy: A Travel StoryA sixteen-year-old girl sets off on an exciting journey through Italy, balancing the thrill of travel with the challenge of keeping up her studies.
Level C1ClassicsIrish Wit and Humor: Anecdote Biography of Swift, Curran, O'Leary and O'ConnellDive into lively anecdotes and sharp wit as this collection brings to life the spirited tales and clever humor of Swift, Curran, O'Leary, and O'Connell, revealing the vibrant perso…
Level B2ClassicsIrish Ned: The Winnipeg NewsyIn bustling Winnipeg, young Irish Ned sells newspapers by day and leads his lively Boy Scout troop by night, navigating the challenges of city life with cheer, courage, and a sharp…
Level C1ClassicsIrish MemoriesDelve into a tender memoir capturing the vibrant spirit of Martin Ross and a fading era of Irish life, as remembered through intimate letters, diaries, and reflections on family an…
Level C1Children'sIrish Fairy TalesStep into a world where ancient Irish hills and streams come alive with enchanting fairy tales crafted to inspire love for Ireland’s rich traditions.
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.