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 B2AdventureThe tale of Benny BadgerBenny Badger loves digging into the homes of his smaller neighbors on the high plains, using his sharp wits and powerful claws to explore and seek out fresh tunnels.
Level C1HistoricalThe sword of wealthOn the eve of her wedding, Hera's river crossing turns perilous when a fragile pontoon bridge breaks apart, leaving her stranded on a drifting raft with a calm, mysterious stranger…
Level B2ClassicsThe sword decidesIn 1343, Prince Andreas of Hungary camps on the Adriatic coast, caught between duty and desire as he prepares to claim his unseen wife Giovanna—and the throne of Naples—with secret…
Level C1ClassicsThe swing of the pendulumGraduation day finally ends for Jean Norris, who escapes the chaotic ceremonies to reflect by a quiet creek, confronting the bittersweet transition from college to life beyond.
Level C1PoetryThe sweet miracleAmid the fertile plains of Galilee, a weary old man seeks out a mysterious new Rabbi whose miracles ignite hope and challenge despair.
Level C1ClassicsThe suspicions of ErmengardeIn foggy Kensington Gardens, Ermengarde wrestles with the pressures of marriage, mounting expenses, and a creeping sense of dissatisfaction that shadows her once cozy domestic life…
Level C1ClassicsThe surprises of lifeAn enigmatic chairmender and storyteller named Mokoubamba shares his extraordinary journey from a royal minister in Africa to a worldly wanderer, revealing a life rich with adventu…
Level C1AdventureThe sureness of MacKenzieAmid thick fog and treacherous winds at the Golden Gate, a seasoned pilot faces his most thrilling challenge yet: guiding a massive liner safely into port while racing against natu…
Level B1AdventureThe summer holidaysTwo city cousins reunite at their uncle’s countryside home for an August holiday filled with warm summer days, garden adventures, and explorations through fields and meadows buzzin…
Level C1ClassicsThe strike of a sexIn a city where men bear the marks of neglect and despair, a mysterious strike disrupts society's fabric—literally and figuratively—challenging the roles and burdens of gender with…
Level B2ClassicsThe strike at Too DryWhen Percival "Dog" Bigelow receives a surprising letter about his nephew—a pampered poet sent West to toughen up and regain his health—he must prepare for an unexpected visitor an…
Level C1RomanceThe strength of loveTwo men find themselves captivated by a young, graceful beauty whose charm ignites rivalry and stirs jealousy in a lively village setting.
Level C1FantasyThe strange transfiguration of Hannah StubbsIn a Soho lodging house, mysterious Signor Ricardo guards a locked attic room no one has entered for years, while his enigmatic presence intrigues his landlord and visitors alike.
Level C1MysteryThe strange countessAn orphaned secretary takes a mysterious post with the enigmatic Countess of Moron, stepping into a world of high society, secrets, and unexpected intrigue.
Level C1MysteryThe strange case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. HydeA reserved lawyer investigates a sinister door linked to a chilling tale of a ruthless man trampling a child in a quiet London street, unveiling dark secrets lurking beneath the ci…
Level B2Children'sThe straight road is shortest and surestOn a scorching June day, young Wilfred Marsden ventures through a dense, enchanting thicket to fetch orange blossoms for a grand wedding, only to face unexpected mishaps that test…
Level B2Children'sThe story of the IliadWhen Helen, the fairest woman, is taken from her Spartan husband by Prince Paris of Troy, the Greeks launch a ten-year siege of Troy, where gods and heroes clash in a legendary tal…
Level C1HistoricalThe story of the GadsbysIn the sweltering social whirl of Simla, Captain Gadsby navigates love, society, and the expectations of those around him, revealing the quirks and tensions of colonial life throug…
Level C1ClassicsThe story of my first novel; How a novel is writtenA young writer’s journey from rejection to triumph reveals the raw struggles and joys of crafting a novel, while nocturnal imaginings bring characters and scenes vividly to life in…
Level B2Children'sThe story of ironA young boy named Billy balances chores and dreams as he helps his uncle at a bustling iron foundry.
Level A2Children'sThe story of a woolly dogIn a struggling toy shop, a soft and fluffy Woolly Dog dreams of being sold to save the day.
Level C1ClassicsThe story of a summerSpend a summer at Chappaqua, where intimate family moments, unexpected visitors, and rustic adventures reveal the private life behind a public figure’s busy world.
Level B1FantasyThe story of a sawdust dollWhen the store closes and the lights dim, the toys in Toy Town come alive, led by a brave Tin Soldier and a playful Calico Clown, ready to explore their world and enjoy secret adve…
Level B2HistoricalThe story of a HessianAmidst the dangers of the Thuringerwald forest, a noble hunting party faces ominous signs as wolves threaten a village, intertwining the lives of a grieving family and a proud prin…
Level B2ClassicsThe story of Wandering WillieWandering Willie, a beloved itinerant peddler, travels the moors through snow and mist, bringing gifts, stories, and comfort to village children and families.
Level B1Children'sThe story of PuffA frightened young canary named Puff is taken from his family and placed in a new home, where two sweet sisters try to comfort and care for him—teaching him about love, trust, and…
Level C1Children'sThe story of Mary Jones and her BibleA determined young girl in 19th-century Wales saves for six years to buy her own Bible, walking miles barefoot to claim this treasured book.
Level C1ClassicsThe story of Keedon BluffsAmid the rugged heights of Keedon Bluffs, a boy’s discovery of a long-forgotten cannonball stirs memories of a fierce past, weaving together tales of war, family divisions, and a b…
Level C1MysteryThe story of IvyAt a glamorous weekend party, the captivating Ivy Lexton draws the attention of a wealthy guest, sparking whispers of charm and cunning beneath the surface of high society.
Level C1ClassicsThe story of Ida: epitaph on an Etrurian tombA devoted friend recalls the brief, luminous life of Ida, a young Florentine girl whose story reveals tender truths about humanity, faith, and the quiet heroism found in everyday s…
Level C1ClassicsThe story of FifineA man torn between the vibrant streets of Paris and the solitude of his exile navigates complex family ties and unexpected visitors, setting the stage for a story of identity, ambi…
Level C1PoetryThe story of Eros & Psyche (retold from Apuleius)In a kingdom where the youngest princess, Psyche, captivates all with her otherworldly beauty, the goddess Aphrodite’s jealousy sparks a divine scheme to make her fall for a lowly…
Level C1HistoricalThe story of Don MiffDive into a satirical and candid narrative where an eccentric author challenges conventions, paints vivid Southern life post-Appomattox, and weaves personal and historical tales wi…
Level B2Children'sThe story of BettyIn a bustling spring morning on Warren Street, spirited 14-year-old Betty, a freckled Irish-American with a passion for bright colors, navigates the challenges of life in a boardin…
Level B2FantasyThe story of Aaron (so named) the son of Ben AliOn a Southern plantation where cotton grows and mockingbirds sing, children discover the mysterious Aaron, son of Ben Ali, who speaks the language of animals.
Level C1FantasyThe story hunterA solitary wanderer living in a caravan pursues his unique hobby: hunting down captivating, firsthand stories by hypnotizing their living narrators.
Level C1Science FictionThe storm of London: a social rhapsodyIn a London where clothes vanish, society is stripped to its barest form, revealing the raw chaos and hidden truths beneath.![Cover of The stories editors buy and why by Jean [Compiler] Wick](https://dsx1pat3ljtul.cloudfront.net/books/dafhtlla8p2c739iuk1g.webp)
Level C1ClassicsThe stories editors buy and whyDiscover the behind-the-scenes world of American short story publishing, where editors shape literary tastes, seek fresh voices, and explain why they select certain stories, offeri…
Level C1FantasyThe stone dragon and other tragic romancesA young man defies a controlling family legacy when his father refuses a forced marriage planned by a stern aunt.
Level B2MysteryThe stingA wealthy baronet faces relentless blackmail from a cunning doctor whose demands threaten to unravel dark secrets tied to betrayal and ruin.
Level B2MysteryThe step on the stairA man mistaken for another receives a mysterious letter and key from a frantic lawyer, thrusting him into a tangled web of secrets and mistaken identity.
Level B2FantasyThe star jewels, and other wondersA spoiled little mermaid, Wavilocks, desires a necklace of twinkling stars instead of her treasured pearls, sparking a desperate quest that challenges the limits of oceanic magic a…
Level C1RomanceThe star dreamer: A romanceBehind the locked gates of an ancient estate lies a wild, forbidden garden steeped in mystery and legends of love, betrayal, and dark family secrets.
Level C1AdventureThe squaw spy; or the rangers of the lava-bedsAmidst a brutal conflict with the Modoc tribe, a daring scout and a Native American spy navigate danger and deception in a desperate mission to capture the elusive rebel leader and…
Level C1RomanceThe sprightly romance of MarsacIn a cramped Paris garret, two struggling artists dodge their washerwoman’s relentless demands for payment, balancing creativity and survival amid poverty and sharp wit.
Level C1AdventureThe sporting chanceAmidst the thrilling backdrop of the Derby, a spirited group of sportsmen and society figures gather, led by the determined Sir Roderick Macphane and the ambitious Mostyn Clithero.
Level C1ClassicsThe spoil'd child: A farce, in two acts, as performed at the Theatre Royal, Drury LaneIn a country house rife with mischief, a spoiled boy’s pranks drive his family to the brink of chaos, blending wit and whimsy in a comedic fight for order and discipline.
Level C1FantasyThe spirit-rapper; an autobiographyAn introspective account delves into mysterious spirit manifestations intertwined with social upheaval and reform, blending personal experience with critical analysis.
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.