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 C1Children'sHeroes Every Child Should KnowDiscover the inspiring tales of legendary heroes from diverse cultures and ages, brought to life through captivating stories that reveal the qualities admired across history.
Level C1HistoricalHerodiasAmid political intrigue and shifting alliances in ancient Galilee, the tetrarch Antipas navigates danger and distrust while secretly imprisoning a mysterious figure whose fate coul…
Level C1RomanceHero-Myths & Legends of the British RaceExplore the heroic ideals and ancient legends that shaped the British race, revealing timeless tales of honor, loyalty, and valor set against the vivid backdrop of medieval life an…
Level C2PoetryHero and Leander and Other PoemsAcross the Hellespont, young Leander braves the treacherous waters to reach Hero, a radiant priestess of Venus, sparking a passionate romance shadowed by fate’s cruel hand in this…
Level C2PoetryHero and LeanderAcross the divided shores of Hellespont, the beautiful Hero and the passionate Leander are drawn together by a love that defies Neptune’s might and the watchful eyes of gods and mo…
Level C2ClassicsHermione and Her Little Group of Serious ThinkersStep into a quirky salon where a vibrant cast of artists, mystics, and thinkers gather to debate art, society, and the soul, while Hermione seeks sincerity and meaning by transform…
Level C1ClassicsHermia SuydamIn a cold New York mansion, two sisters face hardship after their father's death leaves them at the mercy of a stern, prideful uncle who grudgingly offers shelter but demands self-…
Level C1ClassicsHermann: A NovelIn a quiet town shaken by the steward Brand's mysterious theft and sudden suicide, the noble household of Count Arnau faces suspicion and sorrow.
Level C1RomanceHermann and DorotheaAs refugees fleeing the turmoil of the French Revolution arrive in a peaceful German village, the lives of Hermann and Dorothea intertwine amidst a backdrop of political upheaval a…
Level C1ClassicsHerman Melville, Mariner and MysticDive into the turbulent life of a mariner turned mystic whose youthful adventures on the seas and brushes with cannibals contrast starkly with his later years of solitude and metap…
Level B2FantasyHerlandThree scientists embark on a daring expedition into uncharted territory, chasing legends of a mysterious land inhabited solely by women.
Level B2MysteryHeritage of the seaIn the treacherous fog of Long Island Sound, a rum-runner captain navigates a maze of vessels, racing against danger and suspicion to deliver a secret cargo.
Level C1ClassicsHeriot's Choice: A TaleA devoted sister leaves behind years of quiet caregiving to answer her brother's urgent plea for help after his wife's sudden death, stepping into a new life filled with unexpected…
Level B2AdventureHereward, the Last of the EnglishOutlawed and driven from home, a fierce English hero embarks on a daring journey through battles, alliances, and enchanted encounters as he fights to reclaim his land and honor in…
Level B2PhilosophyHereticsExplore a provocative critique of modern society’s shifting values, where being “heretical” means clarity and courage, and “orthodoxy” implies error.
Level C2PoetryHere foloweth a lytell treatyse of the beaute of women newly translated out of Frenshe in to EnglysheExplore a delicate poetic treatise celebrating the beauty of women, presented in its original medieval form with authentic spelling and structure, inviting readers into a timeless…
Level C1PoetryHere are LadiesIn a world where kindness could transform nature itself, a fiercely jealous stockbroker confronts the clash between possession and love when his wife asserts her independence, chal…
Level C1ClassicsHere and HereafterIn a remote farmhouse where isolation breeds mystery, a doctor is summoned to aid a foreign woman facing childbirth alone.
Level C2PhilosophyHerder's conception of "das Volk"Explore the rich historical and linguistic roots of the German term "Volk," tracing its evolution from ancient Germanic languages to its broader cultural and philosophical meanings…
Level C1PoetryHerbs and ApplesExplore a vivid collection of poems that weave nature, life, and human emotion into lyrical reflections, inviting readers to wander through heartfelt moments and timeless truths ca…
Level B2HistoricalHerbert Carter's Legacy; Or, the Inventor's SonIn a small village, young Herbert Carter faces taunts for his family's poverty but stands firm with courage and kindness.
Level C1ClassicsHerb of GraceA young lawyer with a poetic soul finds solace in the quiet corners of London, observing the simple beauty of life and the fragile bond between a crippled child and her cobbler fat…
Level C1AdventureHeralds of Empire: Being the Story of One Ramsay Stanhope, Lieutenant to Pierre Radisson in the Northern Fur TradeA young man, orphaned and cast among stern Puritan kin, embarks on a daring adventure in the northern fur trade alongside the cunning and controversial explorer Pierre Radisson.
Level B2Children'sHer own wayIn a modest London home shadowed by family tensions, Juliet defies expectations and stirs worry with her independent spirit and questionable friendships, while her sisters navigate…
Level B2ClassicsHer own wayIn a charming nursery alive with playful children and family secrets, a lively birthday celebration reveals tender bonds and amusing rivalries, hinting at the complexities beneath…
Level B2RomanceHer own peopleIn the vibrant spa town of Homburg, Captain Malcolm Haig grapples with financial hardship and his uncle's push to marry for money.
Level C1RomanceHer mother's secretTorn between childhood devotion and her mother’s stern counsel, Odalite faces a heart-wrenching choice as Leonidas returns with hopes of marriage—while another suitor, Angus Angles…
Level C1RomanceHer kingdomAnstice Barrett faces sudden ruin and poverty after the loss of her family estate, forced to navigate a harsh new reality with only a modest income and distant relatives to turn to…
Level C1ClassicsHer fairy princeTwo estranged Englishmen reunite in Boulogne, one a fallen man desperate for help, the other a cynical captain with a soft spot.
Level C1RomanceHer evil geniusAs Andria Heathcote prepares to leave the convent for a new life as a governess, she must navigate the fierce loyalty and wild rebellion of young Beryl Corselas, whose defiance thr…
Level B2ClassicsHer countryIn a fading family estate, young Honor battles doubt and duty, determined to transform her gifted voice into a fortune to restore their legacy.
Level C1ClassicsHer brother's keeperTorn between duty to her unreliable brother and a long-lost love who suddenly inherits a fortune, a devoted woman navigates loyalty, sacrifice, and hope amid the bustling streets o…
Level C1RomanceHer Weight in GoldIn a town where beauty rules, plain Martha Gamble is deemed "worth her weight in gold" by her wealthy stepfather, despite her looks.
Level C1RomanceHer Serene Highness: A NovelA passionate art collector battles against wealthy rivals and a shadowy auction to reclaim a masterpiece misattributed and nearly lost to history.
Level C1HistoricalHer Season in Bath: A Story of Bygone DaysAmid the glittering social whirl of Bath's 1779 season, a young woman navigates the delicate intrigues and grand amusements of high society, where fashion, music, and whispered rom…
Level B2RomanceHer Sailor: A Love StoryIn a picturesque New England summer, a spirited young woman and her enigmatic, foreign-born sailor lover navigate the delicate dance of love and commitment on the eve of a life-cha…
Level C1MysteryHer Royal Highness: A Romance of the Chancelleries of EuropeAmid the exotic splendor of the Nile’s timeless desert, a merry group of English travelers revels in the mysteries of ancient Egypt.
Level C1RomanceHer Prairie KnightCaught in a fierce prairie storm, a spirited young woman and her companions face wild weather and rugged terrain on their journey to a distant ranch, where adventure and unexpected…
Level C1MysteryHer Majesty's MinisterIn the shadowy world of diplomacy, a British embassy in Paris grapples with a mysterious betrayal that threatens to ignite a devastating European war.
Level C1RomanceHer Majesty the KingIn a realm where power and tradition clash, a Pasha and his formidable wife grapple over their son's future and the limits of parental control.
Level B2ClassicsHer Lord and MasterA wealthy Western family reunites in New York, where pride, mystery, and unexpected emotions intertwine as patriarch Horatio Stillwater confronts strange feelings and the spirited…
PoetryHer Letter, His Answer & Her Last LetterA poignant exchange unfolds through letters and poetry, revealing the emotional depths of love, hope, and farewell.
Level C1RomanceHer Ladyship's ElephantA charming English gentleman finds his world turned upside down by a captivating American woman who challenges his traditions and confounds his intentions, sparking a witty and unc…
Level C1AdventureHer Father's DaughterIn a California high school, Linda Strong defies convention with her practical shoes and sharp wit, navigating family grief and social expectations while holding onto the lessons a…
Level C1GothicHer Dark InheritanceOn a stormy night in a desolate Massachusetts town, a struggling country doctor receives a mysterious stranger carrying a gravely ill woman and her child—setting the stage for secr…
Level B2AdventureHer Benny: A Story of Street LifeIn the foggy, cold streets of Liverpool, young Benny and his sister Nelly struggle to survive as street waifs, peddling matches and facing hardship with unwavering sibling devotion…
Level C2PoetryHephaestus, Persephone at Enna, and Sappho in LeucadiaGods and mortals entwine in a poignant tale of love and loss, as Hephaestus relinquishes Aphrodite to Ares while grappling with the immortal and mortal forces that bind desire, fat…
Level C1ClassicsHenry of Ofterdingen: A Romance.A young nobleman’s life is transformed by a profound love that awakens his spirit and fuels his poetic dreams, set against the backdrop of family ties, deep friendships, and a worl…
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.