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 C1HistoricalHeidelberg: A Romance. Volumes I, II & IIITwo young riders arrive at the majestic Neckar valley in 1619, their journey weaving through vivid landscapes and hidden emotions.
Level B1Children'sHeedless HettyWhen Mrs.
Level C1ClassicsHedda GablerIn a world shaped by societal expectations, Hedda Gabler struggles with her identity as her father's daughter rather than her husband's wife, revealing the complexities of human em…
Level C1ClassicsHecuba and other playsAmidst the aftermath of the Trojan War, royal bloodlines clash as Orestes seeks vengeance for his father’s murder, navigating curses, divine wrath, and deadly intrigues that threat…
Level B2HistoricalHector's Inheritance, Or, the Boys of Smith InstituteA young boy's future hinges on his uncle’s choice between two vastly different schools—one expensive and elite, the other affordable and homey—setting the stage for challenges, sec…
Level C1RomanceHector GraemeA confident young officer on leave boasts unbeatable shooting skills during a partridge hunt on the estate of Sir Thomas Caldwell, where sparks fly between him and the sharp-witted…
Level C1PhilosophyHebrew LiteratureExplore the profound spiritual and philosophical depths of Hebrew literature, from vivid poetic songs praising peace and divine favor to the mystical Kabbalah's intricate teachings…
Level C1HistoricalHebrew Humor and Other EssaysExplore a rich collection of essays unveiling the unique humor and satire embedded in ancient and modern Hebrew writings, revealing wit and irony that illuminate biblical texts and…
Level C1HistoricalHebrew Heroes: A Tale Founded on Jewish HistoryAmidst the fiery persecution under the ruthless king Antiochus Epiphanes, faith and courage ignite in Jerusalem as heroes rise to defend their ancient temple and sacred traditions.
Level C1PoetryHeavens and EarthExplore a poetic journey through myth and legend, where ancient visions of Helen of Troy intertwine with haunting encounters and timeless wonders, revealing the mystical ties betwe…
Level B2Science FictionHeavenly GiftsIn a quiet lab, a humble janitor’s midnight prayers are answered in extraordinary ways when mysterious gifts begin appearing—transforming faith into a cosmic connection that blurs…
Level B2ClassicsHeather's mistressIn a gloomy old house, twin sisters Heather and Bluebell grapple with newfound freedom and the weight of their grandmother’s passing, as they navigate solitude, duty, and the stirr…
Level C1ClassicsHeather and SnowIn the wild heather, a spirited girl challenges an ambitious boy whose dreams of glory may outpace his understanding of himself and the world.
Level C1RomanceHeartsease; Or, The Brother's WifeIn a sunlit English estate, a proud young woman faces unsettling news about her brother's impulsive engagement to a questionable family, threatening honor and estate.
Level C1PoetryHeartsease and RueExplore a rich tapestry of poems blending sentiment, fancy, humor, and satire, reflecting personal memories, nature, and timeless themes with wit and depth.
Level C1FantasyHearts of threeThree men bound by fate embark on a thrilling adventure filled with danger and discovery, where love and loyalty are tested amid relentless action and unexpected twists.
Level B2AdventureHearts of OakSet against the daring life of Horatio Nelson, this thrilling naval adventure follows young heroes navigating the perils of war, duty, and courage at sea, capturing the spirit of B…
Level C1HistoricalHearts of ControversyDive into a passionate exploration of Tennyson’s poetry, unraveling the fierce debates of admiration and criticism that shape its legacy.
Level C1AdventureHearts in exileIn a room shadowed by sacrifice and revolution, Paul Pavlof awaits a crucial meeting with Hope Ivanovna, whose family legacy of courage and suffering hangs heavily in the air.
Level C1RomanceHearts and the highwayLady Katharine Clanranald embarks on a daring quest, risking jewels, loyalty, and love to reclaim her family's honor amid royal intrigue and perilous journeys on the highway.
Level B2ClassicsHearts and clubsAt a seaside hotel, a weary wife struggles with loneliness and aches until a spirited friend introduces her to the X.
Level C1MysteryHearts and MasksAt a mysterious charity masquerade dance with whimsical playing-card invitations, an impulsive visitor finds himself drawn into an enchanting adventure behind the masks, where wit…
Level C1ClassicsHeartbreak HouseIn a decadent European country house on the brink of war, cultured leisure masks political paralysis and moral decay as guests evade reality amid revolutionary ideas shelved alongs…
Level C1ClassicsHeart: A Social NovelTwo parents debate the worth of a suitor, torn between wealth and virtue, as they decide their daughter's future.
Level C1ClassicsHeart-Histories and Life-PicturesExplore the delicate bonds of love and friendship as Edwin Florence’s affection shifts, challenging the tender connection with Edith and revealing the quiet struggles hidden in eve…
Level B2ClassicsHeart's KindredIn a rugged western landscape marked by solitude and fading glory, a solitary man contemplates a small-town wedding that stirs memories and unsettles his quiet life.
Level C1RomanceHeart's Desire: The Story of a Contented Town, Certain Peculiar Citizens, and Two Fortunate Lovers: A NovelIn a rugged frontier town where East meets West, a cast of peculiar citizens navigates love, law, and the arrival of Eastern capital.
Level B2MysteryHeart to heartOn a perfect spring day, a grand wedding stirs whispers of hidden truths and complicated hearts among Lakeview's social elite.
Level B2FantasyHeart of the WorldAn English mine manager in remote Chiapas seeks solace in ancient ruins and legends, leading him to a mysterious hacienda and the enigmatic Don Ignatio.
Level C1ClassicsHeart of the WestIn the rugged West, Webb Yeager wrestles with his role as a sidelined husband to the powerful "cattle queen" Santa McAllister, navigating loyalty, love, and the harsh realities of…
Level C1AdventureHeart of the SunsetA lone woman battles scorching heat and relentless thirst as she treks through a vast, deceptive desert, desperate to find a hidden water-hole before her strength fails.
Level C1RomanceHeart of the Blue RidgeIn the misty Blue Ridge mountains, Zeke leaves his lonely mother to reunite with the girl he loves, battling jealousy and longing amid the dawn’s promise.
Level C1AdventureHeart of Oak: A Three-Stranded Yarn, vol. 3A desperate search unfolds after a shipwreck leaves a young woman lost at sea near Cape Horn, sparking hope and despair in her loved ones as they await news of her fate amidst brut…
Level C1AdventureHeart of Oak: A Three-Stranded Yarn, vol. 2.Trapped in an icy wasteland, a desperate crew ignites a fiery signal to beckon rescue—but when a mysterious ship appears, mutiny brews as survival hangs by a thread amidst frozen s…
Level C1AdventureHeart of Oak: A Three-Stranded Yarn, vol. 1.A delicate young woman prepares to sail around the world aboard the merchant ship Lady Emma, seeking health and adventure under the watchful care of her old nurse and the ship’s he…
Level C1PoetryHeart of New EnglandImmerse yourself in stirring poems that evoke the spirit of New England’s Pilgrim legacy, from prayers aboard the Mayflower to the struggles and triumphs of a new generation forgin…
Level C1PoetryHeart of ManAmid the misty Sicilian landscape, a poet reflects on the deep connections between nature, spirit, and human experience, as the haunting presence of Mount Etna shapes a world where…
Level C1ClassicsHeart of DarknessA seasoned seaman reflects on the storied Thames as he prepares for a voyage into the mysterious heart of the African continent, where darkness broods beyond the known world and th…
Level C1RomanceHeart and Science: A Story of the Present TimeIn a world where science challenges the heart, complex characters navigate love, ethics, and the harsh realities behind medical progress.
Level C1RomanceHeart and CrossIn a quiet country estate, a spirited boy with a knack for uncovering village secrets roams freely, drawing together the lives and stories of those around him.
Level C1PoetryHeart Utterances at Various Periods of a Chequered LifeExplore heartfelt reflections and varied emotions through poetry, from tender kindness and nature’s awe to hope’s illusions and the soul’s search for faith amid life’s trials and l…
Level C1ClassicsHeadlong HallFour strangers, united by fate, journey to Headlong Hall, where clashing philosophies and eccentric characters collide amidst debates on society, science, and human nature in this…
Level C1Children'sHead of the Lower SchoolIn the windswept marshlands of Lincolnshire, the spirited Graham children navigate childhood’s challenges with resilience and resourcefulness.
Level C1ClassicsHe that will not when he may; vol. IIIIn a house shadowed by secrets and strained loyalties, a mysterious visitor stirs unrest as legal battles and fractured relationships threaten to unravel a family’s fragile peace.
Level C1ClassicsHe that will not when he may; vol. IIAt Markham Chase, thirteen-year-old Bell is entrusted with the care of the household after the sudden departure of the family elders, facing unexpected challenges and mysterious vi…
Level C1ClassicsHe that will not when he may; vol. IAs Easter holidays wane at the grand Markham Chase, the children seize a rare chance to rule the house with playful dances and woodland picnics, savoring fleeting freedom before th…
Level C1AdventureHe swallows goldIn the bustling trade hub of Sabang, a man haunted by past swindles faces looming danger from vengeful Chinese factions clinging to ancient beliefs.
Level C1ClassicsHe Knew He Was RightA brilliant and independent young man marries into a lively family with eight daughters, but his insistence on having his own way soon tests the harmony of their London household.
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.