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 C1PoetryGoethe and Schiller's XenionsTwo towering poets unite to unleash sharp, satirical epigrams targeting the narrow-minded critics and cultural stagnation of their time, crafting a bold literary rebellion that cha…
Level B2AdventureGodsend to a LadyAn old stage driver turned prospector races across the Nevada desert with $25,000 in his pocket and dreams of a new life in Los Angeles, facing rugged terrain, solitude, and the lu…
Level C1Science FictionGods of the NorthIn a frozen wasteland where brutal clans clash and gods linger in shadows, a lone warrior named Amra confronts a mysterious, enchanting woman whose allegiance—and power—defy the ha…
Level C1Children'sGods and Heroes; or, The Kingdom of JupiterJourney into the vivid world of ancient gods and heroes, where the tales of Jupiter's kingdom unfold in a seamless saga blending myth and poetry.
Level C1Children'sGods and HeroesIn a world where mortals live in darkness and ignorance, Prometheus defies the mighty Zeus by gifting humanity with knowledge, fire, and the tools to thrive.
Level C1ClassicsGodolphin, Volume 6.Torn between past love and present neglect, Constance delves into the troubled heart of her husband Godolphin, uncovering secrets and seeking a path to rekindle their fading bond a…
Level C1ClassicsGodolphin, Volume 5.Torn between duty and desire, a man grapples with a haunting past love and a sacred pledge to another, as a woman waits anxiously in his chamber, uncovering a letter that reveals t…
Level C1ClassicsGodolphin, Volume 4.Haunted by love and regret, a man wrestles with his conscience and the silence of the woman he adores, torn between duty and desire as he prepares to leave the eternal city behind.
Level C1ClassicsGodolphin, Volume 3.A young countess navigates the glittering yet treacherous social and political circles of London, using wit and charm to outmaneuver rivals and shape alliances in a world where app…
Level C1RomanceGodolphin, Volume 2.Two souls navigate the delicate dance of love and ambition, their contrasting passions and intellects weaving a tale of romance and reflection amid society’s expectations and perso…
Level C1ClassicsGodolphin, Volume 1.A poetically inclined man drifts through the frivolities of high society, his genius stifled by indolence and vanity.
Level C1ClassicsGodolphin, CompleteA young man discovers his true parentage and navigates the allure and pitfalls of high society, exploring the conflict between ambition, intellect, and the seductive distractions o…
Level B2MysteryGodfrey Morgan: A Californian MysteryAn auction in bustling San Francisco offers an uninhabited Pacific island for sale—pristine, vast, and full of mystery.
Level B2HistoricalGodfrey Marten, UndergraduateAn earnest young man arrives at Oxford, armed with a modest allowance and high hopes, only to face the humbling realities of college life, social awkwardness, and the challenge of…
Level C1PoetryGod's drum, and other cycles from Indian loreImmerse yourself in vivid cycles of nature, spirit, and tradition where Pueblo art, dance, and ritual reveal the deep harmony between earth, sky, and human life.
Level C1HistoricalGod's PlaythingsIn the turbulent aftermath of the Duke of Monmouth's failed rebellion, a loyal secretary unravels a haunting secret that could reshape the fate of a doomed prince and the ruthless…
Level C1RomanceGod's Good Man: A Simple Love StoryIn the vibrant bloom of an English May, a spirited country parson embraces the season’s promise of renewal and love.
Level B2ClassicsGod's Country—And the WomanAlone in the vast Arctic wilderness, Philip Weyman paddles toward civilization, haunted by loss but buoyed by hope.
Level B2PhilosophyGod's Country: The Trail to HappinessAlone in a remote wilderness cabin, a man reflects on humanity’s restless search for spiritual truth amid a world torn by doubt and division, as he prepares to share his personal d…
Level C1HistoricalGod and the KingAmid the opulent intrigues of Whitehall Palace in 1688, a troubled king faces unrest as London erupts against disloyal prelates, while cunning courtiers plot beneath the surface—ca…
Level C1PoetryGodExplore a groundbreaking theology that harmonizes science, nature, and spirituality, unveiling the dynamic union of love and wisdom as the driving force behind existence and evolut…
Level C1ClassicsGobseckIn a winter salon of 1829 Paris, a young count's promising future and questionable family past stir whispers and warnings among the elite.
Level B2PoetryGobolinks; or, Shadow Pictures for Young and OldDiscover the whimsical world of Gobolinks—mysterious inkblot creatures born from folded ink-spots on paper.
Level C1PoetryGoblins and PagodasExplore a profound meditation on art, literature, and human emotion amid the upheavals of early 20th-century thought.
Level C2PoetryGoblin Market, The Prince's Progress, and Other PoemsTwo sisters encounter mysterious goblin merchants tempting them with exotic fruits, but their curiosity and desire lead to unforeseen consequences in this hauntingly lyrical tale o…
Level B2ClassicsGoat-FeathersA man battles endless distractions—"goat-feathers"—that steal his time and keep him from success, juggling countless roles and committees while trying to focus on his true work.
Level B2AdventureGo-Ahead; Or, The Fisher-Boy's MottoA determined fisher-boy battles a streak of bad luck threatening his hard-earned savings and dreams of going to sea.
Level C2PoetryGloucester Moors and Other PoemsExplore a rich tapestry of reflections and emotions inspired by historical moments, haunting landscapes, and profound dialogues, each poem inviting you to pause and ponder the dept…
Level B2ClassicsGlory of YouthA young woman, haunted by her parents' troubled past and isolated in a gloomy seaside house, wrestles with loneliness and the desire to escape.
Level B2Children'sGlory and the Other GirlA struggling student faces a lonely year at a strict seminary while grappling with self-doubt and the weight of expectations from her beloved Aunt Hope.
Level C1ClassicsGloriana; or, the revolution of 1900In a visionary tale set at the turn of the 20th century, a young girl named Gloriana embodies the fight for women's equality, challenging societal injustices and envisioning a revo…
Level B2Children'sGloria: A Girl and Her DadTwo inseparable friends, Gloria and Tom, navigate the joys and challenges of life in the seaside town of Barbend, sharing adventures, schooldays, and the unbreakable bond forged by…
Level B2AdventureGloria at Boarding SchoolAt an exclusive boarding school, spirited Gloria faces strict rules and unexpected mysteries when she accidentally opens a glittering trunk filled with dazzling gems, challenging h…
Level B2ClassicsGloria and Treeless StreetA wealthy young woman’s quiet days are stirred by her chance friendship with a diligent district nurse from a stark, treeless street.
Level C1ClassicsGloria MundiA chance encounter on a speeding train sparks tension and intrigue between two strangers forced to share a reserved compartment.
Level C1ClassicsGloriaAmidst the dazzling Christmas Eve bustle of New York, a desperate young man races through the theater crowd to confront the woman who has shattered his heart, only to face her cold…
Level C1RomanceGloriaA wealthy, beautiful heiress makes a desperate marriage proposal to a rugged, poor fisherman, seeking escape from an unnamed peril.
Level B2FantasyGlinda of Oz: In Which Are Related the Exciting Experiences of Princess Ozma of Oz, and Dorothy, in Their Hazardous Journey to the Home of the Flatheads, and to the Magic Isle of the Skeezers, and How They Were Rescued from Dire Peril by the Sorcery of Glinda the GoodIn the magical Land of Oz, Princess Ozma and Dorothy discover a mysterious conflict between the unknown Skeezers and Flatheads, prompting a daring journey to uncover hidden realms…
Level C1Children'sGli Idioti = The IdiotsIn a vividly described Breton coastal village, local traditions and the natural bounty of seaweed shape a rich cultural tapestry.
Level B1Children'sGlenloch GirlsIn a cozy winter setting, Ruth Shirley finds a new home in Glenloch and the warmth of true friendship, while a young boy learns lessons in patience and courage amidst everyday adve…
Level C1Children'sGlengarry School Days: A Story of Early Days in GlengarryIn a lively log-built school nestled by an enchanting forest, a strict yet compassionate master struggles to maintain order among spirited children.
Level C1GothicGlenarvon, Volume 3 (of 3)Torn between love and duty, Calantha flees her past to find refuge—and confronts the agonizing ties that bind her to Glenarvon.
Level C1GothicGlenarvon, Volume 2 (of 3)Amidst political unrest and personal turmoil, Lady Calantha returns to a world where loyalties clash and dangerous passions ignite, centered around the enigmatic and divisive figur…
Level C1GothicGlenarvon, Volume 1 (of 3)In a land shadowed by loss and mystery, a wandering visionary returns with his young daughter seeking refuge under the care of an abbess, while dark omens hang over the noble house…
Level C1RomanceGlen's CreekIn the early 1800s Kentucky wilderness, a determined family leaves their Virginia home to face frontier dangers and forge a new life amid forests, Indian threats, and the birth of…
Level B2RomanceGlen of the High NorthA war-weary young man’s dull city life is transformed by a fleeting glimpse of a mysterious woman, sparking a restless desire for adventure and freedom beyond the urban grind.
Level C1ClassicsGleanings in Graveyards: A Collection of Curious EpitaphsExplore a fascinating collection of quirky and humorous epitaphs from British graveyards, revealing how wit and whimsy mark the resting places of the departed, alongside reflection…
Level C1ClassicsGleanings from the Harvest-Fields of Literature: A Melange of ExcerptaDive into a rich mosaic of literary snippets and curiosities, from whimsical epigrams to profound reflections, offering a diverse feast for every appetite and a charming companion…
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.