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 C1ClassicsGrey RosesAwakening in a Parisian home, a man reflects on his old friend Nina Childe’s remarkable rise from struggle to success, unfolding a tale of art, ambition, and transformation set aga…
Level C1ClassicsGreville FaneA journalist is tasked with writing a delicate obituary for the late Mrs.
Level C1AdventureGrettir the Outlaw: A Story of IcelandIn the haunting midnight sun of Iceland's rugged north, a legendary outlaw is born amidst ancient sagas and wild landscapes.
Level B2ClassicsGretchen: A NovelWhen Arthur Tracy unexpectedly returns from Europe, his brother Frank faces the uneasy prospect of defending the lavish estate he’s managed in Arthur’s absence, sparking tension be…
Level C1ClassicsGreifensteinA proud baroness and her daughter cling to their noble heritage amid crushing poverty in a half-ruined castle, holding onto hope that a wealthy cousin's marriage will restore their…
PoetryGreetings from LongfellowExplore a collection of evocative poems that weave history, legend, and human emotion into timeless verses, inviting you to climb the ladder of inspiration and journey through hear…
Level C1MysteryGreenmantleIn the shadow of World War I, a seasoned officer receives a mysterious summons from the Foreign Office, thrusting him from the battlefield into a perilous mission where diplomacy a…
Level B2AdventureGreener than spruceA determined newcomer braves the Alaskan wilderness, hauling heavy gear and learning harsh lessons from seasoned veterans as he stakes his claim in the gold rush.
Level C1ClassicsGreene Ferne FarmIn a tranquil village where farmers gather and gossip, a newcomer from Australia arrives to learn the ways of rural life, stirring curiosity and quiet intrigue among the locals at…
Level B2Children'sGreenacre GirlsIn a snowy coastal home, a group of spirited sisters and cousins juggle preparations for a Valentine’s party while coping with their parents' illness and absence, discovering the s…
Level B2AdventureGreen Timber ThoroughbredsIn a quiet village cloaked in frost and silence, an old man wakes to a deadly fire, his desperate cries unanswered until a mysterious stranger arrives—soon risking all to rescue a…
Level C1MysteryGreen Tea; Mr. Justice HarbottleA reclusive clergyman suffers mysterious, sudden collapses during his sermons, sparking intrigue about his hidden ailments and secrets.
Level B2ClassicsGreen Stockings: A Comedy in Three ActsIn a stately country house, an ensemble of lively characters navigate witty social games and family dynamics, blending humor and charm in a sparkling comedy of manners and relation…
Level C1RomanceGreen Mansions: A Romance of the Tropical ForestIn a lush tropical forest, a mysterious bird-girl named Rima captures the heart of a traveler, blending romance with a profound communion with nature’s beauty and wild spirit.
Level B2Science FictionGreen Grew the LassesWhen a mysterious green plant overtakes a town, women and girls begin turning green overnight, sparking panic and isolation in Mimosa Beach.
Level C1RomanceGreen Fire: A RomanceIn a lush springtime landscape where every leaf and bird sings with life, a powerful force stirs the human heart—a green fire of youth, love, and ancient memory that pulses through…
Level C1PoetryGreen Fields and Running Brooks, and Other PoemsStep into serene landscapes where green fields and running brooks invite quiet reflection, childhood memories, and the gentle rhythms of nature captured in vivid, heartfelt poetry.
Level C1MysteryGreen FancyA weary traveler braves a forbidding forest and a brewing storm, seeking shelter at a mysterious tavern known as Hart’s.
Level C2PoetryGreen Bays. Verses and ParodiesDive into a world of wit and whimsy where Oxford verses meet lively parodies, weaving tales of love, loss, and legend through vivid imagery and playful rhythm.
Level C2HistoricalGreek tragedyExplore the origins and evolution of Greek tragedy, tracing its roots in Dionysian rituals and the innovations that shaped dramatic structure and lyrical form, revealing the soul o…
Level C1ClassicsGreek primer, colloquial and constructiveUnlock the secrets of language learning by exploring natural, effective methods that mirror how children acquire speech, adapted for adult learners seeking mastery and practical us…
Level C1ClassicsGreek in a NutshellMaster the essentials of New Testament Greek with clear lessons on alphabet, accents, breathings, and grammar rules, designed for beginners eager to unlock the original language of…
Level C1RomanceGreatheartIn a sunlit Alpine retreat, devoted Biddy tends to her fragile mistress Isabel, whose heart is shadowed by a mysterious sorrow.
Level B2RomanceGreat short stories, Volume 3 (of 3)As Father Merlier's mill prepares for a joyous betrothal celebration in a lush, enchanting valley, tensions simmer beneath the idyllic surface, promising romance and adventure amid…
Level C1ClassicsGreat short stories, Volume 2 (of 3)A devoted priest’s life is shattered by a haunting vision of a radiant woman during his ordination, igniting a mysterious and forbidden passion that blurs the line between sacred d…
Level C1MysteryGreat short stories, Volume 1 (of 3)Dive into a collection of gripping detective tales where sharp intellects unravel baffling mysteries through keen observation and deduction, from eerie murders in Paris to cunning…
Level C1AdventureGreat Sea StoriesAmid raging seas and burning vengeance, a determined crew faces hostile Spanish ships in a fierce battle for honor and survival.
Level B2ClassicsGreat PossessionsIn the shadow of Sir David Bright’s death, his young widow, Lady Rose, confronts grief, duty, and the weight of great possessions left behind, as she navigates loss and the stirrin…
Level C1ClassicsGreat PossessionsImmerse yourself in a sensory journey through the countryside, where every scent and flavor tells a story of nature’s fleeting beauty.
Level C1MysteryGreat Porter Square: A Mystery. v. 3In a London boarding house shadowed by a mysterious death, a clever woman enlists a sharp-witted child to spy on the enigmatic lodger Richard Manx, uncovering secrets with wit, cou…
Level C1MysteryGreat Porter Square: A Mystery. v. 2As Mrs.
Level C1MysteryGreat Porter Square: A Mystery. v. 1In the basement kitchen of a London lodging-house, Mrs.![Cover of Great Poems of the World War by William Dunseath [Editor] Eaton](https://dsx1pat3ljtul.cloudfront.net/books/daf7qooe1ofc73dhc8ng.webp)
Level C1HistoricalGreat Poems of the World WarVoices rise from the chaos of the Great War—poetic echoes of heroism, hope, and heartbreak from soldiers and civilians alike.
Level C1Children'sGreat Mysteries and Little PlaguesDelve into a charming collection that explores the nature of childhood through playful stories and thoughtful reflections, revealing the profound mysteries behind the everyday live…
Level B2AdventureGreat Hike; or, The Pride of the Khaki TroopA lively troop of Boy Scouts embarks on their greatest adventure, testing their skills, teamwork, and courage in the wild while rivalries and mysteries challenge their resolve.
Level C1MysteryGreat Ghost StoriesA philosopher and his wife rent an apartment in a London house rumored to be haunted, but it’s an eerie, undefinable terror rather than ghosts that drives them away.
Level C1ClassicsGreat Catherine (Whom Glory Still Adores)Amidst the extravagant intrigues of 18th-century Russian court life, a straightforward English gentleman navigates the dazzling and morally complex world of Catherine the Great, wh…
Level B2Children'sGray Hairs Made Happy: An interesting story for childrenIn a quiet village, young Mary’s kindness shines as she helps a lonely old man ridiculed by local boys, teaching lessons of compassion, respect, and the bittersweet realities of ag…
Level C1RomanceGraustarkA restless traveler, bored with familiar sights, boards a cross-country train only to be captivated by a mysterious young woman and her distinguished companions.
Level B2AdventureGratitudeIn the rugged Alaskan wilderness, a group of steadfast partners known as the Competents face their final days at a mountain claim, where reckless gambler Laughing Jim's charm and d…
Level B2Children'sGrateful Peter's new year's giftOn a bitter New Year's Eve, twelve-year-old Peter braves the stormy streets selling baked potatoes, dreaming of a better life while learning harsh lessons about honesty, hardship,…
Level C2PoetryGrass of ParnassusExplore timeless verses weaving friendship, change, and memory with delicate translations and original poems inspired by ancient muses and landscapes.
Level B2HistoricalGrapes of wrathAmid the brutal realities of World War I, a battle-hardened officer draws from his daring front-line experiences to reveal the grit, danger, and determination of soldiers and civil…
Level C1Children'sGranny's wonderful chair & its tales of fairy timesStep into Granny's wonderful chair and be whisked away to enchanting fairy times through vivid tales spun from imagination and resilience, where darkness never dims the magic of st…
Level C1ClassicsGranny Maumee; The rider of dreams; Simon the CyrenianIn a humble cabin marked by memory and loss, blind Granny Maumee prepares for a long-awaited reunion with her great-grandchild, holding onto hope and the weight of past sorrows as…
Level C1ClassicsGrania, The Story of an Island; vol. 2/2Amid relentless rain and fierce storms on a rugged island, Grania juggles daily farm life while probing a mysterious turf thief in a tightly knit community where suspicion and kins…
Level C1ClassicsGrania, The Story of an Island; vol. 1/2On the remote Aran Isles, a worn fishing hooker sails under a grey sky, carrying Con O’Malley and his daughter Grania, while nearby, the restless and menacing Shan Daly hunts the s…
Level C1ClassicsGrania, The Story of an Island (Complete)Amid the haunting gloom of the Aran Isles, a weathered fisherman and his daughter navigate the uncertain seas, while a restless outsider with a wild, predatory gaze lurks nearby, b…
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.