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 B2Children'sFriends in strange garmentsJourney across distant lands to meet children clad in strange garments, discovering through their stories and drawings that kindness and friendship transcend borders and cultures,…
Level C1PhilosophyFriends in Council — First SeriesIn a serene countryside setting, two former pupils engage in thoughtful, wide-ranging conversations that explore philosophy, ambition, and the complexities of intellectual friendsh…
Level B2AdventureFriends and cousinsTwo children return to their beloved island summer home, eager to revisit secret spots like a mysterious wigwam in the forest—but when they find it missing, a thick fog descends an…
Level C1ClassicsFriends and Neighbors; Or, Two Ways of Living in the WorldExplore the power of kindness and charity to transform human relationships and overcome suspicion and discord.
Level C1ClassicsFriends I Have MadeA woman reflects on a life marked by early sorrow and quiet strength, becoming a confidante to those burdened by their troubles.
Level B1Children'sFriendly FairiesIn a magical forest, three little gnomes discover a lost and hungry boy, setting off on a heartfelt adventure to help him find his way home while healing wounded forest creatures a…
Level B2Children'sFriend and foeA one-armed sailor and his sister wrestle with questions of right and wrong as they navigate small moral challenges and everyday struggles, discovering that even little choices can…
Level C1Science FictionFriend IslandAmid a fierce sea storm, a tough sea-woman recalls her harrowing last voyage aboard the sturdy turbine-powered Shouter, where disaster strikes and survival depends on courage and u…
Level C1PoetryFridthjof's Saga; a Norse romanceIn a land of northern storms and ancient rites, a steadfast youth named Fridthjof grows alongside the graceful Ingeborg, their bond blossoming amid wild adventures and heartfelt le…
Level C1RomanceFrida; or, the lover's leap: a legend of the West Country: From "Slain by the Doones" by R. D. BlackmoreIn 1626 Devon, a beloved lord's only daughter, Jennyfried, faces the pressures of duty and family expectations as her father schemes to secure her future through a marriage with he…
Level B2ClassicsFrictional Electricity: From "The Saturday Evening Post."In a hospital ward, a battered plumber recounts how a lecture on frictional electricity and a bold bet to cure a rival's headache with it led to unexpected—and dangerous—consequenc…
Level B2Children'sFriarswood Post OfficeIn a cozy village post office, Ellen cares devotedly for her frail brother Alfred, whose illness shadows their once lively family.
Level C1AdventureFriar Tuck: Being the Chronicles of the Reverend John Carmichael, of Wyoming, U. S. A.An outdoor man shares his adventures and reflections on life beyond routine, capturing the spirit of the open road, the wild west, and the unique bond between men, horses, and natu…
Level C1HistoricalFrey and His WifeIn a rugged northern world of shifting loyalties and fierce honor, Ogmund Ravensson, a proud thrall-born trader, sets sail seeking fortune and fame, defying tradition and courting…
Level C1Science FictionFreudian SlipWhen the Earth vanishes beneath his feet, Herman Raye faces a surreal reality where solid ground is replaced by invisible voids and the familiar world dissolves into eerie nothingn…
Level C1HistoricalFreston TowerAmid the tranquil beauty of the River Orwell, a brilliant youth contemplates his destiny, immersed in ancient poetry and the stirring tides of the Reformation.
Level C1ClassicsFresh LeavesIn a modest home, the restless Mr.
Level C1ClassicsFresh Every Hour: Detailing the Adventures, Comic and Pathetic of One Jimmy Martin, Purveyor of Publicity, a Young Gentleman Possessing Sublime Nerve, Whimsical Imagination, Colossal Impudence, and, Withal, the Heart of a Child.At Jollyland amusement park, press agent Jimmy Martin's heart races uncontrollably over the enchanting Lolita Murphy, a small-town girl with big dreams of stardom and a flair for d…
Level C1ClassicsFrenzied FictionStep into the shadowy world of spies who move unseen, wielding secrets that shake empires and infiltrate the highest echelons of society.
Level B2ClassicsFrench without a masterIn a bustling London hotel, a French couple elopes under assumed names, navigating language barriers and familial opposition with humor and charm.
Level C1RomanceFrench and Oriental Love in a HaremA daring adventurer inherits a legacy tied to his enigmatic uncle, a sea-faring corsair turned Pasha with a turbulent past.
Level C1AdventureFrench and English: A Story of the Struggle in AmericaIn the shadow of a vast, untamed forest, a young settler navigates the dangers of frontier life amid rising tensions between French and English forces.
Level C1RomanceFrench Mediaeval Romances from the Lays of Marie de FranceExplore the passionate and intricate tales of love from the medieval world, told through the lyrical voices of women who dared to express themselves in a male-dominated era.
Level C1PoetryFrench LyricsDiscover the rich, distinct world of French lyric poetry, tracing its evolution from the Troubadours' courtly love verses to intricate, artful forms.
Level C1HistoricalFrench ClassicsDelve into the vibrant world of French literature, celebrated for its brilliance, wit, and precision across genres from comedy to philosophy.
Level B2ClassicsFreezing a Mother-in-Law; or, Suspended Animation: A farce in one actA determined suitor faces the formidable rule of his fiancée’s mother, whose iron will threatens to end their engagement.
Level C1PoetryFreedom, truth and beautyBlind yet soaring beyond darkness, a poet finds divine joy and profound truth in suffering and faith, inspiring readers to discover hope and beauty within life's deepest trials.
Level C1ClassicsFree, and other storiesIn a quiet Central Park West apartment, Rufus Haymaker faces the harsh reality of his ailing wife’s grave condition while wrestling with decades of unhappiness and a longing for fr…
Level C1AdventureFree Trapper's Pass; or, the Gold-seeker's Daughter!In the rugged wilderness near the Yellowstone, a young woman faces a sudden threat as a band of Blackfeet warriors surrounds her cabin, holding her father captive.
Level C1PhilosophyFree Opinions, Freely Expressed on Certain Phases of Modern Social Life and ConductChallenge the complacency of modern society with sharp critiques on education, morality, and religion, exposing the superficiality of the so-called cultured elite and questioning t…
Level C1ClassicsFree Joe and Other Georgian SketchesIn a Southern village shadowed by slavery’s threats, Free Joe, a freed slave, lives under constant suspicion and scrutiny.
Level C1AdventureFree AirCaught in a relentless Minnesota mud trap, Claire Boltwood battles treacherous roads and her own fears as she drives a powerful roadster through unforgiving terrain, testing her co…
HistoricalFrederick the Great and His Family: A Historical NovelIn the quiet solitude of Sans-Souci, a once joyful king faces melancholy and memories of lost love amid the weight of duty.
Level C1RomanceFrederick the Great and His CourtIn the glittering court of Prussia, Queen Sophia Dorothea prepares a grand ball to mask the king’s declining health and fierce resistance to his son Frederick's unconventional rule…
Level B2ClassicsFrederica and her Guardians; Or, The Perils of OrphanhoodBehind the high garden walls of a once-idyllic home, a family's fortunes unravel as illness and neglect shadow the life of poor Mrs.
Level C1AdventureFred Markham in Russia; Or, The Boy Travellers in the Land of the CzarTwo adventurous boys embark on a summer journey to Russia under the guidance of their lively and experienced naval companion, Cousin Giles.
Level B2AdventureFred Fenton on the Track; Or, The Athletes of Riverport SchoolFred Fenton faces schoolyard rivalries and family troubles while striving to prove his rightful claim to a valuable Alaskan mine.
Level B1AdventureFred Fenton on the Crew; Or, The Young Oarsmen of Riverport SchoolWhen Bristles Carpenter is accused of stealing precious opals from his wealthy aunt, suspicion falls on him despite his innocence.
Level B2AdventureFred Fenton Marathon Runner: The Great Race at Riverport SchoolWhen a group of friends challenge each other's skill with snowballs, Fred Fenton’s remarkable pitching sets the stage for an unforgettable race and adventures at Riverport School.
Level B2RomanceFred Fearnot's New Ranch: and How He and Terry Managed ItAmid fierce Wall Street rivalries and violent attacks, Fred Fearnot and Terry navigate high-stakes deals before returning to Texas to manage a sprawling ranch, blending financial c…
Level B2ClassicsFrecklesA one-handed boy named Freckles seeks acceptance and purpose guarding the vast Limberlost timberlands, facing skepticism but fueled by determination in a rugged lumber camp alive w…
Level C1Children'sFreaks on the Fells: Three Months' RusticationA bustling London merchant known for his explosive energy abruptly abandons his counting-house routine for a sudden adventure, leaving his timid clerk to anticipate the unexpected.
Level B2AdventureFreaks of Fortune; or, Half Round the WorldYoung inventor Levi Fairfield sets out on thrilling maritime adventures alongside the spirited Bessie Watson, as they explore the coast and test Levi’s ingenious creations.
Level C1HistoricalFray Luis de León: A Biographical FragmentExplore the life and trials of Luis de León, a revered Spanish poet caught in the complexities of the Inquisition.
Level C1ClassicsFraternityIn Edwardian London, a woman grapples with fading youth, financial strain, and the desire to keep her husband's admiration, while navigating the lives of those less fortunate aroun…
Level C1ClassicsFrançois the waifA mysterious foundling, François, grows up in a rustic village where humble affections and quiet self-devotion shape his world.
Level C1ClassicsFranklin KaneAn American woman weary of her endless European travels confronts the hollow routine of her privileged, nomadic life in elegant Paris, questioning what truly gives meaning beyond t…
Level B2Children'sFrankie's dog TonyA brave soldier's loyal dog, Tony, finds a new home with young Frankie and his family, where adventures, friendship, and lessons in kindness unfold.
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.