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 C1MysteryFrom the RanksA mysterious nighttime shooting at an old fort sparks intrigue as the officer of the day refuses to explain, while the garrison buzzes with rumors and the colonel hides a troubling…
Level C1HistoricalFrom the Memoirs of a Minister of FranceAmid court intrigues and looming danger, a minister navigates favors and secret warnings to protect the King’s fragile reign.
Level C2PoetryFrom the Lips of the SeaImmerse yourself in evocative verses that summon the sea’s timeless mysteries, from ancient mariners’ legends to haunting mists and the eternal dance of wind and tide.
Level B2ClassicsFrom the Land of the Snow-Pearls: Tales from Puget SoundIn the shadow of Puget Sound’s snow-capped mountains, a young woman named Demaris struggles to balance duty and desire, caring for her ailing mother while yearning for a night of f…
Level C1PoetryFrom the Five RiversUnder a star-studded sky, Gunesh Chund, village headman, awaits the birth of his heir amid omens of luck and renewal in a timeless rural landscape where tradition and nature intert…
Level C1ClassicsFrom the Easy Chair, Volume 3Explore the idealistic yet challenging world of Brook Farm, where intellectuals sought a utopian community, only to confront the harsh realities of manual labor and human nature in…
Level C1ClassicsFrom the Easy Chair, Volume 2Reflect on the passing year and the hopeful dawn of the new as voices sing the requiem and celebration of time's relentless march.
Level C1ClassicsFrom the Easy Chair, Volume 1Step into a richly detailed 19th-century world of eloquent orators, refined society, and the quiet tensions beneath a genteel gathering amid the shadow of civil war.
Level C1Science FictionFrom the Earth to the moon; and, round the moonInventors of colossal artillery in post-war Baltimore redirect their genius toward an audacious new venture: launching a projectile to the moon.
Level B2ClassicsFrom sawdust to Windsor CastleBorn into hardship and drawn to the circus, a young boy's journey takes him from running away at nine to the dazzling stages of London and America.
Level B2Children'sFrom ploughshare to pulpitIn a serene Scottish parish, young minister Mackenzie balances his peaceful life with the demands of his flock, guided by nature’s beauty and the steadfast spirit of his Shetland p…
Level B2MysteryFrom out the Vasty DeepIn a remote, eerie manor known for ghostly tales, a loyal maid confesses to unsettling encounters that shake her usually sensible mistress’s disbelief.
Level B2ClassicsFrom a Swedish homesteadIn 1830s Upsala, a privileged student is confronted with the harsh truth about his family’s fading fortune and the heavy expectations tied to his inheritance.
Level C2PoetryFrom a London gardenExplore vivid reflections on life, time, and the human spirit through a collection of evocative poems set against the backdrop of London’s streets and gardens.
Level C1HistoricalFrom a Cornish WindowA reflective critique unfolds as a man wrestles with the prevailing philosophy of the "Superman," challenging notions of power and morality amid early 20th-century political curren…
Level C1ClassicsFrom a College WindowA reflective scholar shares his sincere and intimate perspective on life, art, and education from the quiet sanctuary of a college fellowship, revealing the delicate balance betwee…
Level B2Science FictionFrom Zone to Zone: Or, The Wonderful Trip of Frank Reade, Jr., with His Latest Air-ShipA visionary inventor unveils his revolutionary airship, promising to conquer the uncharted polar regions deemed unreachable by traditional means.
Level B2MysteryFrom Whose BourneAs William Brenton retreats to his room feeling unwell, he experiences a haunting vision of his own lifeless body, unable to wake or communicate with his living wife downstairs.
Level C1ClassicsFrom Wealth to Poverty; Or, the Tricks of the Traffic. A Story of the Drink CurseA man battles to reclaim his life and honor after struggling with the curse of drink, while his devoted wife and children pray for his strength and salvation.
Level C1AdventureFrom Veldt Camp FiresAmid the rugged South African veldt, transport riders share tales of wild adventures, mysterious lands, and perilous journeys beyond the Orange River.
Level B2AdventureFrom Tenderfoot to Golden EagletAn adventurous Girl Scout named Joanne Selden embarks on a journey filled with unexpected discoveries, including a spirited little pony and mysterious passengers aboard a steamer.
Level B2AdventureFrom Squire to Squatter: A Tale of the Old Land and the NewOn the eve of his tenth birthday, young Archie stands on the brink of manhood amidst the warm glow of family and old heirlooms, while dreams and mysterious siblings hint at adventu…
Level B2AdventureFrom Sea to Sea; Or, Clint Webb's Cruise on the WindjammerSet sail aboard the majestic Gullwing with Clint Webb as he navigates the challenges of life at sea, encountering strict captains, tough crews, and the thrill of adventure on the h…
Level B2MysteryFrom Sand Hill to PineA coach carrying diverse passengers is suddenly halted by a fallen tree near the site of a notorious robbery, sparking tension and suspicion as they navigate the dark, rainy night.
Level C1RomanceFrom Ritual to RomanceExplore the mysterious origins and evolution of the Grail legend through ancient rituals, heroic quests, and comparative religion, uncovering the profound links between myth, ferti…
Level B2AdventureFrom Powder Monkey to Admiral: A Story of Naval AdventureA young boy's daring journey unfolds amidst the chaos of naval warfare, where courage and duty guide him from humble beginnings toward the highest ranks of the British Navy.
Level C1ClassicsFrom Place to PlaceAn elderly man known as Uncle Tobe Dramm holds a grim monopoly as the continent’s lone professional hangman, navigating the complexities of duty, state sovereignty, and morality in…
Level C1ClassicsFrom Pillar to Post: Leaves from a Lecturer's Note-BookA seasoned lecturer shares the raw realities of life on the speaking circuit, revealing the nervous struggles and unexpected adventures behind each public appearance.
Level C1ClassicsFrom One Generation to AnotherAmid the chaos of the Indian Mutiny, a calculating young officer navigates ambition, love, and betrayal, weighing fortune against conscience as he seizes his chance for power in a…
Level C1MysteryFrom Now OnAmid the roaring chaos of a racetrack, a desperate man tasks Dave Henderson with retrieving a staggering sum of cash—one hundred thousand dollars—setting off a high-stakes race aga…
Level B2RomanceFrom MissouriWhen a mysterious letter arrives from Missouri, four cowboys face the surprise of a schoolmarm en route to their Arizona ranch—threatening their uneasy pact and stirring unexpected…
Level C1RomanceFrom Kingdom to ColonyAmidst the unrest of 17th-century England, a noble family prepares to journey across the ocean to a distant, untamed land, where adventure and danger await.
Level C1RomanceFrom Jest to EarnestAmidst a snowy Hudson winter, a spirited young belle escapes city life for a festive country mansion, where flirtations and family ties intertwine.
Level C1MysteryFrom Headquarters: Odd Tales Picked up in the Volunteer ServiceIn a hidden urban courtyard overshadowed by a towering warehouse, volunteer soldiers uncover strange and compelling tales that challenge common misconceptions about militia service…
Level B2AdventureFrom Farm to Fortune; or, Nat Nason's Strange ExperienceA determined country boy escapes a harsh farm life and ventures to the city, only to face deception and hardship as he strives to earn success and prove his worth against the odds.
Level C1HistoricalFrom Chaucer to Tennyson: With Twenty-Nine Portraits and Selections from Thirty AuthorsExplore the rich evolution of English literature from the Norman Conquest to the Victorian era, tracing how language and culture transformed under French influence and shaped iconi…
Level C1AdventureFrom Chart House to Bush Hut: Being the Record of a Sailor's 7 Years in the Queensland BushA sailor endures the relentless monotony of a trans-Pacific coal run before trading the grey seas for seven challenging years in the untamed Queensland bush, offering a raw glimpse…
Level B2RomanceFrivolous CupidReturning home transformed, Harry Sterling navigates new social circles, flirtations, and unexpected feelings amid the genteel tennis clubs and village life, where youthful charm m…
Level C1ClassicsFrivolities, Especially Addressed to Those Who Are Tired of Being SeriousA found purse sparks a series of eccentric visitors each claiming ownership, revealing quirky characters and unexpected tensions in a whimsical tale that questions identity, honest…
Level B2MysteryFritz to the Front, or, the Ventriloquist Scamp-HunterOn a bustling summer excursion to Atlantic City, a young woman named Madge finds unexpected protection from a mysterious young man named Fritz as they navigate a crowd full of roug…
Level C1AdventureFritz and Eric: The Brother CrusoesTwo brothers set sail from their ancient hometown, braving the perils of the sea and the uncertainty of the future, while their mother’s heartfelt prayers and fears linger on the s…
Level C1PoetryFritiofs SagaJourney into a world where nature's wild music and ancient gods walk among mortals, as a heroic saga unfolds, embodying the spirit and ideals of a proud people through stirring ver…
Level C2PoetryFringilla: Some Tales In VerseJourney into ancient Egypt where the river’s rise signals a sacred festival entwined with beauty, mystery, and a bridal prize tied to the flood’s terrifying power.
Level B2ClassicsFriendship and Folly: A NovelA spirited boy discovers a lost ring worth fifty dollars, sparking a sibling adventure that intertwines family loyalty and unexpected fortune on a rustic summer lawn.
Level C1RomanceFriendship Village Love StoriesIn a charming village reborn each spring, old friendships and new romances bloom amid familiar streets and changing homes.
Level C1ClassicsFriendship VillageIn a small town caught between modern progress and old-fashioned ways, the residents of Friendship Village navigate daily life with a charming blend of tradition and change.
Level B2HistoricalFriends, though divided: A Tale of the Civil WarTwo friends stand divided on the eve of England’s Civil War, caught between loyalty to king and Parliament as the nation teeters toward conflict and upheaval.
Level C1HistoricalFriends on the ShelfA reflective journey into the inner joys of a man who, despite a troubled life and squalid circumstances, finds happiness through sentimentalism and the deep appreciation of his ow…
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.