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 C1ClassicsIn Old KentuckyIn the rugged Kentucky mountains, a spirited young woman rides an ox through spring's vibrant wilderness, defying both nature’s dangers and the encroaching progress marked by railr…
Level B2AdventureIn New Granada; Or, Heroes and PatriotsAmidst the lush landscapes of New Granada, a naval surgeon and his young ward face capture and peril after a hunting expedition turns deadly, sparking a daring struggle for freedom…
Level C1HistoricalIn Naaman's HouseIn a village where faith and tradition shape every life, a young girl from a mixed heritage struggles to find her place and prove her worth amidst suspicion and cultural divides.
Level A2PoetryIn My NurseryDelight in a charming collection of playful and tender rhymes that capture the whimsy and wonder of childhood moments, from first teeth to bedtime songs, inviting young readers int…
Level C1ClassicsIn Mr. Knox's CountryIn a wild, rugged landscape where ancient paths wind among cliffs and furze, a mysterious fox den draws the attention of hunters and locals alike.
Level B2ClassicsIn Midsummer Days, and Other TalesIn a radiant Northern midsummer, a bedridden old woman views her world through magical, color-shifting windowpanes, while a dove’s heavenly song stirs hope among a struggling famil…
Level C2PoetryIn Memorabilia MortisAs autumn deepens, the year’s fading light casts a reflective shadow over nature’s decline, weaving dreams of love, loss, and memory in a garden where beauty and desire linger beyo…
Level C1ClassicsIn Madeira Place: 1887In a quiet alley near the docks, a diverse group of immigrants gathers nightly at Maison Sorel, where balloons, old war stories, and silent understanding reveal the hopes and hards…
Level C1HistoricalIn MacaoIn the vibrant city of Macao, a chance encounter between an American heir and a mysterious Portuguese priest spirals into a deadly confrontation, unveiling secrets beneath the sunl…
Level C1ClassicsIn Luck at LastIn a tucked-away London bookshop where faded charm meets the hum of city life, the delicate art of second-hand bookselling unfolds, revealing a world where history, mystery, and th…
Level C1ClassicsIn League with Israel: A Tale of the Chattanooga ConferenceAn old rabbi’s deep faith and music intertwine with the lives of a young man and his sister caught between traditions and new friendships.
Level C1HistoricalIn Kings' BywaysA humble clerk, newly married and hopeful, finds his life shattered when a grave error at the Bishop of Beauvais’ court turns him into a target of cruel punishment and scorn.
Level B2AdventureIn Kentucky with Daniel BooneA resolute hunter in colonial North Carolina confronts dwindling game and oppressive British rule, while hearing tales of a wild, untamed land beyond the Laurel Ridge—ripe for expl…
Level C1HistoricalIn Kedar's TentsAmid the stormy backdrop of 1838 England, a radical gentleman and determined miners join a forbidden Chartist meeting, where rising unrest threatens to ignite violent clashes betwe…
Level B2ClassicsIn Kali's Country: Tales from Sunny IndiaIn the shadow of Kali’s temple, a holy man completes a five-year vow of sacrifice, wrestling with inner turmoil despite outward piety.
Level B2MysteryIn JeopardyA distant cousin’s sudden death draws a Philadelphia lawyer to a secluded Maryland estate, where old family wounds and unexpected inheritances stir secrets and suspicions.
Level B2AdventureIn Hostile RedTwo young officers captured near Philadelphia find themselves caught in a dangerous game of deception during the Revolutionary War.
Level B2AdventureIn Honour's Cause: A Tale of the Days of George the FirstTwo young courtiers navigate the stiff, formal life of the royal palace amid whispers of loyalty and power in the days of George the First, craving freedom beyond the heavy Dutch e…
Level C1ClassicsIn Honour Bound: An Original Play, in One Act.: (Suggested by Scribe's Five Act Comedy, "Une Chaine.")In a richly appointed study, a seasoned lawyer unravels the tangled affairs of love and law, while a young man returns from travels, confessing a new engagement that promises more…
Level B2Children'sIn HomespunIn a quiet English village, a spirited young girl takes on the task of caring for her cantankerous Aunt Maria, whose sprained ankle sets the stage for family secrets, rivalries, an…
Level B2ClassicsIn His StepsA devoted minister wrestles with how to truly follow Christ's example when a desperate stranger challenges his faith and compassion, setting a profound journey of sacrifice and mor…
Level C1MysteryIn Her Own RightA devastating financial collapse shatters fortunes and reveals ruthless betrayals among high society’s elite, where friendship is a facade and survival demands sharp wits.
Level B2ClassicsIn Happy ValleyIn a rugged mountain valley, a fiercely independent young woman clashes with a shy new schoolteacher who brings new ways and challenges to their tight-knit community.
Level B2AdventureIn Greek Waters: A Story of the Grecian War of IndependenceA young scholar, captivated by his Greek heritage and fueled by a passion for his ancestral land, embarks on a journey into the turbulent early years of the Greek War of Independen…
Level C1ClassicsIn Great Waters: Four StoriesOn the island of Marken, a mad fisherman haunted by tragedy wields a mysterious curse feared by all, while love and rivalry entwine among the villagers who navigate the wrath of th…
Level C1ClassicsIn God's Way: A NovelExplore the rich inner life and moral struggles of Norway through a vivid, sympathetic narrative that reveals the true spirit of its people beyond picturesque landscapes.
Level B2MysteryIn Friendship's GuiseIn the vibrant streets of 1892 Paris, artist Jack Clare's promise of a joyful day unravels with the sudden disappearance of a wealthy collector, leaving behind a mysterious duplica…
Level C1AdventureIn Freedom's Cause : A Story of Wallace and BruceIn a wild Scottish valley torn by feuds and shifting power, young Archie Forbes grows up under his mother's cautious care, learning to navigate the dangers that threaten their ance…
Level B2PoetryIn Flanders Fields, and Other PoemsAmid the poppies of Flanders fields, the voices of fallen soldiers rise, urging the living to carry on their fight and honor their sacrifice through stirring, poignant verse that c…
Level B2AdventureIn Far Bolivia: A Story of a Strange Wild LandDeep in the uncharted wilderness of Bolivia, explorers face mysterious tribes and untamed landscapes beyond civilization’s reach.
Level C1ClassicsIn Exile, and Other StoriesIn a rugged Californian mining valley, a schoolmistress and a young miner's helper explore a hidden spring, uncovering the stark beauty and challenges of frontier life as unexpecte…
Level C1AdventureIn Doublet and Hose: A Story for GirlsIn the heart of the ancient New Forest, spirited Francis Stafford defies expectations with her daring hunts and sharp wit, challenging the old ways while navigating the perils of t…
Level C1PoetryIn Divers TonesA medley of heartfelt poems weaves through themes of nationhood, nature, and human experience, blending solemn reflection with bursts of lyric beauty.
Level C1RomanceIn Direst PerilAn honorable soldier of fortune recounts how a daring theft won the hand of the woman he loves, setting the stage for a romance born amidst danger, loyalty, and irresistible attrac…
Level C1AdventureIn Desert and WildernessTwo children, Nell and Stas, navigate the tense mysteries of colonial Egypt, caught between family ties, political intrigue, and the looming threat of the Mahdi’s uprising, as they…
Level C1ClassicsIn Defence of Harriet ShelleyA sharp critique dismantles a popular biography of Percy Bysshe Shelley, exposing its fanciful style and biased portrayal of his personal life.
Level C1HistoricalIn Convent Walls: The Story of the DespensersEntangled in the turbulent court of Queen Isabel, a gentlewoman recounts a tale of ambition, betrayal, and divine judgment that shadows one of England’s darkest chapters.
Level C1ClassicsIn Connection with the De Willoughby ClaimIn the sweltering heat of Talbot’s Cross-roads, Big Tom D’Willerby runs a bustling country store where laziness meets charm, and local gossip flows as freely as the goods on the sh…
Level C1AdventureIn Clive's Command: A Story of the Fight for IndiaAmid the bustling streets of 1754 Market Drayton, a tall, enigmatic Englishman with a keen curiosity steps into an unfolding drama that intertwines personal adventure with the epic…
Level B1AdventureIn Camp on the Big SunflowerDeep in the wilderness by the restless river, a group of boys on a camping adventure face eerie sights and mysterious sounds—could it be a wildcat, a panther, or something far stra…
Level B2FantasyIn Camp With A Tin SoldierA curious boy hears the distant beat of soldiers' drums and discovers his favorite picture—a quiet country lane—beginning to come alive with mysterious movement.
Level C1ClassicsIn Brief AuthorityIn a genteel English drawing-room, a chance visit from Lady Harriet Elmslie stirs the poised Mrs.
Level B2Children'sIn Blue Creek CañonIn a smoky mountain town, a lively group of children race across a frozen pond, eagerly awaiting the arrival of their mysterious cousin Charlie MacGregor, whose presence promises t…
Level C1ClassicsIn Black and WhiteIn a vibrant Northern Indian monastery where priests and wanderers mingle, an old holy man named Gobind shares timeless tales that blur the lines between creed and culture, reveali…
Level B2ClassicsIn Beaver Cove and ElsewhereIn a lively mountain settlement, a fierce rivalry ignites between two suitors vying for the spirited and captivating Armindy Hudgins, whose charm and daring set the stage for tensi…
Level B2ClassicsIn Bad Company, and other storiesBill Hardwick, a hardworking and skilled Australian farmer, strives to build a prosperous life with his capable wife Jenny on their rugged land.
Level C1RomanceImre: A MemorandumIn a vibrant Hungarian café, a chance encounter between two men sparks a profound exploration of love, identity, and society’s hidden truths about desire.
Level C1RomanceImprudenceIn the shadow of Wortheton’s towering chimneys, a young woman burdened by premature sorrow seeks refuge in nature’s embrace, while a powerful family navigates wealth, duty, and soc…
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.