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 A2RomanceGuy Kenmore's Wife, and The Rose and the LilySecrets and passions entwine in a tale of love and loyalty, where the lives of Guy Kenmore’s wife and the mysterious Rose and Lily unfold with unexpected twists.
Level B2AdventureGuy Harris, the RunawayA spirited boy faces tough challenges from bullies and tests his mettle as he prepares for an unknown adventure on the prairie, armed with a mysterious match-box and a determinatio…
Level B2MysteryGuy GarrickA stolen luxury car leads to a murder mystery that challenges cutting-edge crime science.
Level C1RomanceGuy Fawkes; or, The Gunpowder Treason: An Historical RomanceAmid harsh persecution of Catholics in early 17th-century England, a secretive conspiracy unfolds, weaving loyalty, ambition, and fanaticism into a tense historical romance.
Level B2HistoricalGuy FalconerIn a world of debts and family secrets, a critical stroke of the pen sets the fate of the Old Moat House and its inhabitants in motion.
Level C1MysteryGuy Deverell, v. 2 of 2A mysterious green chamber haunts the Marlowe estate, its builder shrouded in disapproval and secrets.
Level C1MysteryGuy Deverell, v. 1 of 2At a quaint country inn, a distinguished baronet’s peaceful evening is shattered by the sudden appearance of a striking young stranger, stirring memories and secrets long buried—se…
Level B2Children'sGutta-Percha Willie: The Working GeniusIn a quiet village surrounded by gentle hills, young Willie—nicknamed Gutta-Percha Willie—finds joy and purpose in learning the value of honest work and the wonders of nature, all…
Level C1HistoricalGustavus Vasa: and other poemsA young poet ambitiously chronicles the rise of Gustavus Vasa, capturing the fervor and patriotism of a historic rebellion.
Level C2ClassicsGurre Kamilaroi,: or, Kamilaroi Sayings (1856)Explore the rich Kamilaroi language and wisdom through sacred sayings and teachings, revealing the spiritual and cultural heritage of an ancient people as conveyed by a devoted mis…
Level B2HistoricalGunsight Pass: How Oil Came to the Cattle Country and Brought a New WestIn a rugged, sun-scorched frontier where survival demands toughness, young David Sanders returns to the cattle country with his remarkable pinto, sparking rivalry and revealing the…
Level C1AdventureGuns of the Gods: A Story of Yasmini's YouthIn a palace where ancient gods watch silently, a fierce and brilliant princess defies tradition, wielding her wit and will to ignite rebellion and reshape her world.
Level B1AdventureGuns and Snowshoes; Or, the Winter Outing of the Young HuntersFour adventurous boys eagerly embrace winter’s snowy wilderness, turning to hunting, fishing, and thrilling snowball fights while uncovering new mysteries in their frozen outdoor e…
Level B2AdventureGunpowder Treason and Plot, and Other Stories for BoysTwo mysterious infant brothers are found adrift in a clever floating nest, sparking a heartfelt adoption by a childless naval couple.
Level B2MysteryGunman's bluffIn a world where gangsters clash with high society, a poised woman faces a tangled web of love and suspicion involving her fiancé, a charming crook, and a mysterious stranger with…
Level B2MysteryGunman's ReckoningAs a freight train thunders through Jericho Pass, old alliances and rivalries resurface when Lefty Joe, once a gang leader, confronts the dangerous shadow of Donnegan—a man whose n…
Level C1AdventureGunboat and Gun-runner: A Tale of the Persian GulfA young naval lieutenant seizes a rare chance for adventure, taking command of an armed launch patrolling the Persian Gulf to suppress the dangerous trade of smuggled rifles.
Level B2AdventureGun playIn a dusty frontier town, the wild and dangerous cowboy Chihuahua Pete stirs trouble with his quick temper and quicker draw, challenging friend and stranger alike in a tense showdo…
Level C1ClassicsGulmore, the BossIn a household marked by old habits and strong wills, Jonathan Gulmore seeks his daughter Ida’s insight to outmaneuver a clever professor stirring political unrest in their town’s…
Level B2FantasyGulliver's Travels into Several Remote Regions of the WorldShipwrecked and stranded in strange lands, a curious traveler encounters tiny people in Lilliput and giants in Brobdingnag, embarking on fantastical voyages that challenge his unde…
Level C1Science FictionGulliver of MarsA disillusioned Navy lieutenant crosses paths with a mysterious, otherworldly stranger who collapses in the streets of New York, setting off a surreal adventure that will challenge…
Level B2ClassicsGullible's Travels, Etc.When a lucky streak at cards leads to an unexpected invitation, two couples navigate charm, rivalry, and a night at the grand opera, blending humor and small-town life in a lively…
Level B2AdventureGulf and Glacier; or, The Percivals in AlaskaA lively group of young travelers embarks on a thrilling summer expedition from Boston to Alaska, exploring rugged landscapes and forging new friendships aboard a cross-continental…
Level C1RomanceGuingamor, Lanval, Tyolet, Bisclaveret: Four lais rendered into English proseStep into a world where knights and fairies mingle at Arthur’s court, blending myth, history, and enchantment in tales of love, loyalty, and otherworldly realms that reveal the roo…
Level C1MysteryGuilty BondsA chance midnight stroll turns deadly when a desperate cry leads to a grisly discovery in a London townhouse.
Level C1RomanceGudrunIn a kingdom where beauty and strength command respect, the proud Princess Gudrun spurns all suitors, igniting rivalries among kings determined to claim her hand—will love or war d…
Level C1HistoricalGudrid the Fair: A Tale of the Discovery of AmericaJourney to the dawn of America’s discovery through the intertwined lives of Gudrid, her husbands, and their hardships.
Level C1ClassicsGryll GrangeIn a world where satire meets society’s shifting values, a sharp-witted observer navigates the fading follies and newfound reconciliations of his time, blending humor, mildness, an…
Level C1ClassicsGrowth of the SoilA solitary man ventures into untamed wilderness, carving a home from the wild soil with steadfast labor and hope.
Level B2ClassicsGrowing Up: A Story of the Girlhood of Judith MackenzieA young girl finds joy and strength in caring for her ailing mother, weaving vivid stories and letters that bring light to their modest home.
Level B2Science FictionGrove of the UnbornStranded alone on a mysterious alien planet, a starship engineer uncovers unsettling secrets beneath a seemingly peaceful civilization—where strange creatures are sacred and a fana…
Level B2Children'sGritli's ChildrenA fragile child confined indoors longs to join the vibrant life of a sunlit garden by the Rhine, where nature’s beauty and gentle river waves promise freedom and joy.
Level B2Children'sGrit; or, The Young Boatman of Pine PointA determined fifteen-year-old boy known as "Grit" supports his struggling mother while facing the impending return of his troubled stepfather, whose past mistakes threaten their ha…
Level B2AdventureGrit LawlessIn the lawless wilds of Africa, a secretive Colonel seeks a man with fearless grit for a dangerous, off-the-books mission.
Level B2AdventureGrit A-Plenty: A Tale of the Labrador WildIn the remote Labrador wilderness, trapper Thomas Angus and his family find comfort and adventure in their sturdy cabin by Eskimo Bay, surrounded by vast forests, rushing brooks, a…
Level C1HistoricalGrisly Grisell; Or, The Laidly Lady of Whitburn: A Tale of the Wars of the RosesAmidst the turbulence of the Wars of the Roses, a terrible accident at the Manor-house of Amesbury leaves young Grisell Dacre gravely injured, unraveling a tense drama of blame, lo…
PoetryGriselda: a society novel in rhymed verseIn a society woven through rhymed verse, explore a narrative that unfolds with poetic rhythm and keen social insight, inviting you to uncover the layers beneath its structured stan…
Level C1PoetryGrimmer and Kamper, The End of Sivard Snarenswayne, and Other BalladsIn a land where valor and honor shape fate, young warriors like Grimmer and Mimmering face fierce battles and daring challenges for love and glory.
PoetryGrimm Tales Made GayStep into a whimsical world where beloved Grimm fairy tales are playfully reimagined with wit and charm, blending humor and unexpected twists in poetic form that delight and surpri…
Level C1PoetryGrimhild's Vengeance: Three BalladsDive into the mysterious world of Scandinavian heroic ballads, where history intertwines with fantasy and legendary tales are preserved through enchanting verse.
Level C1MysteryGrim TalesA newly wealthy journalist inherits a mysterious ebony frame concealing two eerie portraits—one of himself in anachronistic attire, the other a captivating woman with commanding ey…
Level C1RomanceGriffith Gaunt; or, Jealousy: Volumes 1 to 3 (of 3)In a world of pride, passion, and faith, a proud young beauty clashes fiercely with her husband while navigating love, loyalty, and the weight of family expectations amidst a backd…
Level C1AdventureGrif: A Story of Australian LifeIn the grim streets of Melbourne, two unlikely companions—Ally, a sorrowful young girl, and Grif, a tough boy with a troubled past—share a bleak existence, haunted by memories and…
Level B2HistoricalGreyfriars BobbyIn the shadow of Edinburgh Castle, a small Skye terrier named Bobby navigates the bustling, historic Grassmarket, drawn by the daily boom of the time-gun and the rhythms of city li…
Level C1AdventureGreycliff WingsSenior girls set off on a lake picnic aboard the Greycliff, their laughter and songs filling the air under a sapphire sky—until the ominous sight of a struggling plane overhead hin…
Level B2Children'sGreycliff HeroinesSummer adventures unfold as spirited girls from Merrymeeting Camp prepare for a house party aboard a boat to Boston, guided by lively counselors and warm family ties.
Level C2PoetryGreybeards at Play: Literature and Art for Old GentlemenOld age becomes a playground for wit and wonder as two lifelong friends embrace childlike joy and curiosity, exploring nature, philosophy, and the quirks of life with humor and hea…
Level B2ClassicsGrey TownIn the coastal town of Grey Town, a determined priest secures a disputed hilltop site to build a grand church, stirring local tensions and revealing the clash of community, faith,…
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.