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 B2AdventureGordon Craig, Soldier of FortuneA wounded veteran turned lumber hauler catches the eye of a mysterious stranger offering an opportunity that promises adventure—and danger.
Level B1Children'sGoody Two-ShoesOrphaned Margery, nicknamed Goody Two Shoes, turns hardship into hope by teaching village children to read using wooden letters, while navigating challenges and kindness in a world…
Level C1HistoricalGoody Two-ShoesAn orphaned girl named Margery, known as Goody Two Shoes, rises from humble beginnings through kindness and perseverance in 18th-century England.
Level B2Children'sGoody Two ShoesOrphaned Margery, nicknamed Goody Two Shoes for her single pair of footwear, overcomes hardship with kindness and determination, teaching village children and caring for animals, w…
Level B2Science FictionGoodbye, Dead Man!In a tense mountain reactor installation under Outsider control, two friends face the deadly menace of Orley Mattup, a guard whose lethal power and sinister card games threaten the…
Level B2AdventureGood men and true, and Hit the line hardUnder the scorching sun of the Old West, Jeff Bransford, a spirited foreman with a sharp wit, navigates the rugged frontier and unexpected encounters as he pursues a mysterious ran…
Level B2ClassicsGood Stories Reprinted from the Ladies' Home Journal of PhiladelphiaStep into a world of humor and unexpected twists as everyday moments—from a crowded streetcar to a courtroom drama—unfold with wit and surprise, revealing the quirky side of human…
Level B2RomanceGood ReferencesIn a world where only the best minds find work, Mary Wayne faces rejection at the Brain Workers' Exchange for lacking the all-important references.
Level B2HistoricalGood Old AnnaAs war breaks out between England and Germany, Mrs.
Level C1Children'sGood Night (Buenas Noches)In a sunlit Californian garden, a mischievous parrot named Loretta flirts with trouble and companionship, delighting in stolen fuchsias and playful chatter with a canary.
Level B2Children'sGood LuckAn elderly woman faces the devastating news that her needle-working hand is failing, threatening her livelihood and the care of her six orphaned grandchildren.
Level C1ClassicsGood IndianOn a rugged Western ranch, Peaceful Hart—once a gold prospector—now watches his five unruly sons embrace the wild, untamed spirit of the frontier, challenging the calm he once embo…
Level C1ClassicsGood BloodIn a quiet wine-room, a retired colonel’s intense gaze fixes on a brewing schoolboy fight in the square outside, unraveling a story of curiosity, conflict, and the unexpected drama…
Level C1ClassicsGone to EarthIn the wild beauty of the Callow, Hazel Woodus, a girl with foxlike eyes and a fierce spirit, navigates the mysteries of her gypsy heritage and the quiet power of nature.
Level B2Science FictionGoma's FolliclesStranded on the remote mining colony of Procyon IV, a weary traveler faces unexpected dangers just trying to get a haircut aboard a starship.
Level C1ClassicsGoldsmith: English Men of Letters SeriesExplore the life of a writer whose cheerful optimism masks a troubled career marked by misfortune, wit, and a relentless struggle for recognition in 18th-century England.
Level C1ClassicsGoldsmith's Friend Abroad AgainAn eager immigrant leaves China for America, dreaming of freedom and opportunity, only to confront harsh realities aboard ship and a hostile reception upon arrival in San Francisco…
Level C1MysteryGolden Stories: A Selection of the Best Fiction by the Foremost WritersA tense night express hurtles through a storm, carrying a bank cashier, a coffin, and a locked carriage filled with valuable specie.
Level C1HistoricalGolden Stars, and Other Verses Following "The Red Flower"Amid the turmoil of war, a devoted lover of peace channels righteous wrath and hope into stirring verses that reflect the struggle for liberty and the dream of lasting democracy.
Level C2PoetryGolden Numbers: A Book of Verse for YouthImmerse yourself in a curated collection of inspiring poems that celebrate nature, seasons, and youthful wonder, drawn from timeless voices and crafted to ignite the imagination of…
Level B2PoetryGolden Moments: Bright Stories for Young FolksAt a beloved teacher's birthday celebration, a group of schoolgirls weave wreaths and share heartfelt moments, revealing kindness and friendship in simple acts.![Cover of Golden Grain Garnered from the World's Great Harvest-field of Knowledge: Comprising Selections from the Ablest Modern Writers of Prose, Poetry, and Legendary Lore by Joshua C. [Editor] Chilton](https://dsx1pat3ljtul.cloudfront.net/books/daf3770e1ofc73dhb1v0.webp)
Level C1PoetryGolden Grain Garnered from the World's Great Harvest-field of Knowledge: Comprising Selections from the Ablest Modern Writers of Prose, Poetry, and Legendary LoreAn inspiring collection of prose, poetry, and legendary lore from modern writers, offering pure, uplifting reflections on nature, liberty, and life's noble pursuits to enrich the m…
Level C1ClassicsGolden Fleece: The American Adventures of a Fortune Hunting EarlAn English earl faces financial ruin and must navigate the uneasy alliance of marrying a wealthy American heiress, while his family grapples with pride, class tensions, and the loo…
Level C1AdventureGolden Face: A Tale of the Wild WestIn the icy wilderness of the Black Hills, two seasoned scouts brace themselves against a bitter blizzard and the eerie sounds of the wild, while tension mounts over mysterious war-…
Level C1AdventureGolden Dreams and Leaden RealitiesAn aging man reflects on a rapidly changing world where technology and progress race ahead, leaving him feeling outpaced and nostalgic for simpler times.
Level B2Children'sGolden Dicky, The Story of a Canary and His FriendsFollow the charming life of Dicky-Dick, a bright canary, as he grows from a blind hatchling to a lively songster, making friends among birds, squirrels, and even a monkey, while le…
Level B2HistoricalGolden Deeds: Stories from HistoryBrave heroes stand against overwhelming odds to protect their cities and loved ones, from a lone Roman defending a vital bridge to a Swiss archer defying a tyrant’s cruel test.
Level B2AdventureGolden Days for Boys and Girls, Volume XIII, No. 51: November 12, 1892Embark on thrilling adventures and moral tales crafted to inspire young minds, featuring daring voyages, puzzling mysteries, and heartwarming stories that blend education with exci…
Level B2AdventureGolden Days for Boys and Girls, Vol. XIII, Nov. 28, 1891Step into a vibrant world of adventure and discovery with thrilling tales, clever games, and fascinating curiosities from the late 19th century, all designed to entertain and inspi…
Level C1AdventureGolden Days for Boys and Girls, Vol. XII, Jan. 3, 1891Dive into a world where adventure meets invention, featuring telegraphy kits, magic lanterns, and thrilling puzzles that spark curiosity and excitement for young explorers eager to…
Level C1AdventureGold-Seeking on the Dalton Trail: Being the Adventures of Two New England Boys in Alaska and the Northwest TerritoryTwo New England boys embark on a daring journey along the Dalton Trail, braving the Alaskan wilderness in search of gold and adventure.
Level C1AdventureGold, Gold, in Cariboo! A Story of Adventure in British ColumbiaIn 1862 British Columbia, the sleepy town of Victoria awakens to a fresh gold rush as miners and dreamers prepare to brave the rugged Cariboo region, chasing fortune amid stunning…
Level B2MysteryGold of the GodsWhen a priceless ancient Peruvian dagger is stolen from a university museum, a determined explorer and a keen investigator uncover hidden clues, including mysterious shoeprints and…
Level C1HistoricalGold and glory; or, Wild ways of other days, a tale of early American discoveryIn 1485 Aragon, noblemen grapple with the ruthless new Inquisition imposed by King Ferdinand, shattering centuries of freedom and justice.
Level B2ClassicsGold and Incense: A West Country StoryIn a quaint village, plain yet spirited Jennifer captures the heart of Sam Petch, the tallest and most admired lad around, sparking whispers and wonder among the local maidens.
Level B2AdventureGold Seekers of '49In 1849, Charley Adams and his father embark on a perilous journey across the Isthmus of Panama to California’s gold fields, facing adventure, fortune, and hardship amid the bustli…
Level B2AdventureGold Out of CelebesStranded in a stifling port, sailor Jack Barry meets the enigmatic Tom Little, who tempts him with a mysterious maritime venture aboard a lone brigantine.
Level C1ClassicsGold ElsieAmid a snowstorm in the bustling capital, a young woman cloaked in mystery braves the cold, her joyful eyes hinting at a hidden past intertwined with noble legacy and the fading gr…
Level B2ClassicsGoldBeneath Colorado’s rugged mountains, a sudden gold strike ignites a fierce battle for a fortune that could change lives—and destroy old rivalries.
Level C1AdventureGoldStranded on a scorching, barren island with no water or food, a desperate boy and a weary man guard their last precious drops of water while awaiting rescue, facing hunger, thirst,…
Level C1AdventureGoldAmid the feverish excitement of the 1849 California Gold Rush, a group of hopeful adventurers wrestles with dreams, doubts, and the harsh realities of fortune hunting, set against…
Level C1PoetryGoing-to-the-SunEmbark on a rugged journey through the towering peaks of Glacier Park alongside two friends whose debates span history, hieroglyphics, and the essence of tea.
Level C1ClassicsGoing to Maynooth: Traits and Stories of the Irish Peasantry, The Works of William Carleton, Volume ThreeIn a lively Irish village, young Denis O'Shaughnessy, a sharp-witted and long-winded boy, is groomed by his father to become a priest and master debater, sparking humorous and spir…
Level C1ClassicsGoing into SocietyA wandering showman recalls his time running a curious house adorned with bizarre canvases depicting giants, dwarfs, and exotic spectacles, centered around a mysterious dwarf known…
Level B2HistoricalGoing WestA spirited broker with a family legacy of soldiers faces the call to war, torn between his burgeoning career, a controversial engagement, and the duty ingrained in generations befo…
Level B2RomanceGoing SomeUnder the vast southwestern sky, rival ranch hands grapple with pride, loss, and a precious phonograph won in a fierce foot-race, as music and tension weave through their nights—wh…
Level C1HistoricalGoethe's literary essaysDive into the profound reflections of a master critic who explores art, poetry, and life with unmatched insight, revealing the eternal struggle for meaning and freedom through time…
Level B2HistoricalGoethe and Schiller: An Historical RomanceIn the quiet streets of Mannheim, a restless poet defies the cold and the watchful night, caught between harsh reality and the fiery passion of creation.
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.