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 B2MysteryGallegher and Other StoriesA streetwise office boy with sharp instincts and a knack for uncovering crime, Gallegher navigates the gritty underbelly of Philadelphia's streets and newsrooms.
Level C1HistoricalGalen: On the Natural FacultiesExplore the foundations of ancient Greek medicine as this work delves into the teachings of Hippocrates and Galen, revealing the origins of healing arts, clinical observation, and…
Level C1PoetryGalateaAmidst scholarly debates and historical mysteries, a pastoral tale unfolds through lyrical poetry, exploring love and nature’s beauty with rich Renaissance charm and intricate refl…
Level B2ClassicsGala-DaysA determined woman drags down a cumbersome trunk, setting off on a carefully planned journey where her adventures are crafted to create a captivating travelogue.
Level C1ClassicsGadsbyIn a small town bursting with youthful ambition, follow a story filled with love, comedy, patriotism, and political dreams—all crafted without using the most common vowel in Englis…
Level C1RomanceGabrielle of the Lagoon: A Romance of the South SeasIn the mysterious South Seas, a white girl suddenly emerges among the tribal dancers, captivating a primitive island tribe with her unearthly beauty and haunting song amidst ancien…
Level C1HistoricalGabrielle de BergeracIn the shadow of the French Revolution, a faded portrait sparks a quest to uncover the life of Gabrielle de Bergerac, a woman of gentle strength and tragic fate.
Level C1PoetryGabriele Rossetti: A Versified AutobiographyDive into the life of Gabriele Rossetti, whose poetic voice and political backdrop in Napoleonic Italy intertwine with a complex era of dynastic upheaval, revolution, and personal…
Level C1HistoricalGabriel: A Story of the Jews in PragueIn 1620 Prague's Jewish quarter, a striking young Talmud student arrives seeking a quiet place to study amid bustling markets and lively streets.
Level B2HistoricalGabriel and the Hour BookIn a quiet medieval abbey, young Gabriel serves as a color grinder for monks who painstakingly illuminate sacred manuscripts by hand.
Level B2HistoricalGabriel Tolliver: A Story of ReconstructionA man returns to Shady Dale, his childhood home, inviting his skeptical wife to discover its true spirit and the enduring bonds of community during Reconstruction.
Level C1AdventureGabriel ConroyTrapped by relentless snow in the California Sierras, a desperate party of emigrants leaves a haunting plea for help carved into the wilderness.
Level C1ClassicsG. K. Chesterton, A Critical StudyExplore the turbulent shift in English literature at the turn of the 20th century, where Victorian order gives way to eccentric voices wrestling with boredom, convention, and the s…
Level C1Science FictionG-r-r-r...!In a cloister steeped in piety, Brother Ambrose seethes with hatred for the sanctimonious and lustful Brother Lorenzo, whose false devotion and secret vices drive Ambrose to desper…
Level C1HistoricalFénelon: The MysticExplore the life of a noble-born mystic whose radiant devotion and profound intellect illuminate the pursuit of Christian perfection amid the glitter of courtly life, blending humi…
Level B2ClassicsFuturist StoriesIn a world where art, history, and philosophy grapple with beauty and despair, spirits seek to awaken mankind to new wonders.
Level C1HistoricalFurze the CruelOn the wild, granite heights of ancient Dartmoor, a mysterious living jelly atop the mountain sparks a tale of nature’s enduring power and magic, weaving folklore, elemental forces…
Level B2ClassicsFurther FoolishnessDive into a witty collection of sharply condensed stories and humorous sketches that poke fun at fiction, society, and human folly with clever brevity and unexpected twists.
Level C1ClassicsFurther Experiences of an Irish R.M.An Englishman reluctantly takes on the chaotic role of Master of Hounds in rural Ireland, navigating local disputes, eccentric characters, and the unexpected challenges of managing…
Level C1Children'sFurther Chronicles of AvonleaIn the charming village of Avonlea, quirky characters and heartfelt stories unfold, blending humor and pathos against the poetic backdrop of Prince Edward Island.
Level B2ClassicsFurther Adventures of Quincy Adams Sawyer and Mason Corner FolksA newly elected governor reflects on his journey from outsider to beloved member of a small town, urging citizens to build a beautiful, thriving community grounded in education, se…
Level C1AdventureFurther Adventures of LadIn a peaceful North Jersey homestead troubled by a burglary spree, a remarkable collie named Lad arrives, destined to become a fearless protector with an uncanny intelligence and a…
Level B2PoetryFunny Little Socks: Being the Fourth BookEight-year-old Kitty embraces her new role as "Little Mother," caring for her siblings and managing the household while her mother is away.
Level C1ClassicsFunny EpitaphsDiscover a collection of witty, poignant, and eccentric epitaphs from graves around the world, revealing the humor and humanity behind the final words of those departed.
Level B2Children'sFunny Big Socks: Being the Fifth Book of the SeriesCaught in a fierce winter storm, a family’s sleigh ride takes a mysterious turn deep into a shadowy forest, where unexpected guidance and eerie twists await.
Level B2Children'sFunny Alphabet: Uncle Franks' SeriesDiscover a whimsical alphabet where each letter comes to life as a playful character, from actors and clowns to mermaids and unicorns, inviting children on a charming journey throu…
Level C1PoetryFun and NonsenseDelight in whimsical poems where everyday objects and characters come to life with humor and charm, from a peppermint barber pole to a wise pen navigating the quirks of daily life.![Cover of Fun and Frolic by E. T. [Editor] Roe](https://dsx1pat3ljtul.cloudfront.net/books/da6ib52pmtvc73csn0b0.webp)
Level B1PoetryFun and FrolicDelight in charming tales of childhood mishaps, playful pets, and tender family moments, where kindness and humor bring joy to everyday adventures and surprises.
Level C1PoetryFugitive PoetryExplore a collection of reflective and heartfelt poems that seek to ease sorrow, inspire kindness, and brighten the human spirit through vivid scenes, personal musings, and timeles…
Level C1PoetryFugitive PiecesEarly poetic works reveal the youthful voice of a restless spirit grappling with love, loss, and identity through a collection of intimate verses and reflections.
Level C1RomanceFrédérique, vol. 2A chance encounter with a mysterious young shopgirl reignites a man’s passion for the theater and stirs a hopeful new friendship, challenging rumors and the boundaries of innocent…
Level C1ClassicsFrédérique, vol. 1At a lively gentlemen’s dinner, a frank conversation about love, fidelity, and desire sparks witty debates on passion and society’s hypocrisy, revealing tangled hearts and the comp…
Level B2RomanceFräulein Schmidt and Mr. AnstrutherA young woman’s world transforms in a single hour when a long-time acquaintance reveals a sudden, soul-stirring love, awakening her from a life of duty and dullness to dazzling pos…
Level C1ClassicsFruits of CultureIn a grand Moscow household, the lives of aristocrats and servants intertwine with ambition, desire, and social intrigue, revealing the complex dynamics beneath polished appearance…
Level C1ClassicsFruitfulnessA visionary exploration of society’s future, where the creation of home and the promise of progress are intertwined with the pursuit of a new social religion built on fruitfulness,…
Level C2PoetryFruit-GatheringA poetic journey through life's seasons, exploring themes of growth, loss, and spiritual yearning, as a soul gathers the fruits of experience and seeks freedom, wisdom, and union b…
Level C1HistoricalFroude's History of EnglandExplore a bold critique of English historical writing as it challenges prevailing views of the nation’s past, questioning the reverence for tradition and revealing the struggles an…
Level C1ClassicsFroth: A NovelDive into the evolving world of Spanish literature as it shifts from romanticism to realism, following the journey of a young lawyer-turned-writer navigating cultural change and li…
Level C1AdventureFrontier StoriesIn a scorching, spice-filled mountain vale, an outlaw named Lance Harriott seeks refuge and redemption while evading a relentless sheriff.
Level C1PoetryFrontier Humor in Verse, Prose and PictureDive into uproarious tales and vivid sketches of frontier life, where awkward social calls, quirky characters, and sharp humor paint a lively picture of everyday adventures and mis…
Level B2AdventureFrontier Boys on the Coast; Or, In the Pirate's PowerFour resourceful boys journey westward, only to find themselves targeted by the notorious pirate Captain Bill Broom, whose cunning and ruthless nature threaten their survival along…
Level B2AdventureFrontier Boys in the South SeasThree adventurous brothers and their wild-raised comrade Juarez embark on a daring expedition from the American West to the mysterious South Seas, chasing lost treasures while faci…
Level B2AdventureFrontier Boys in FriscoA daring young engineer and his boyhood friend race through mountain passes aboard a roaring locomotive, embarking on thrilling adventures that start with a mysterious summons to S…
Level C1PoetryFrontier BalladsExperience the rugged spirit of prairie life through stirring ballads that celebrate frontier faith, courage, and the harsh realities of Dakota militia patrols, capturing the raw b…
Level C1ClassicsFromont and Risler — CompleteIn a Parisian café, Risler, a self-made man, celebrates a joyful moment amidst a society rife with corruption he cannot escape—his story intertwines with complex characters reveali…![Cover of From the heart of a friend by Amy [Compiler] Addingley](https://dsx1pat3ljtul.cloudfront.net/books/dabnt009638s73a33g9g.webp)
Level C1ClassicsFrom the heart of a friendExplore the profound nature of friendship, its joys and challenges, through reflections and timeless wisdom that reveal how true friends shape our lives, support us in adversity, a…
Level C1ClassicsFrom the four windsIn a tropical paradise shadowed by unease, a group of friends confront secrets and silent tensions on the eve of departure.
Level C1AdventureFrom the West to the WestA determined family prepares to leave their frontier home in Illinois and brave the perilous journey to the Oregon Territory, seeking a new life amid unknown hardships and the prom…
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.