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'sEthel Morton at Rose HouseIn a small New Jersey town, a spirited group of young club members plans to bring city children suffering from poverty to the countryside for a healing summer of fresh air, care, a…
Level B2Children'sEthel Morton at ChautauquaA family embarks on a summer journey to Chautauqua, guided by history and curiosity, as they explore the land once traveled by Native Americans carrying their canoes across obstacl…
Level B2Children'sEthel Morton and the Christmas ShipWhen a long-lost aunt and her daughter suddenly reconnect with the Morton family, a quiet town buzzes with new friendships, family secrets, and the promise of a heartwarming Christ…
Level B2Children'sEthel Hollister's Second Summer as a Campfire GirlSixteen-year-old Ethel yearns to escape her mother's social ambitions by joining the Camp Fire Girls, finding adventure and friendship despite family pressures and secrets.
Level B2ClassicsEthan FromeIn the bleak winter town of Starkfield, a mysterious man named Ethan Frome carries the weight of a tragic past and a haunting accident that changed his life forever, revealing the…
Level B1Children'sEsther's triumphIn a harsh world where schoolyard judgments and family duties weigh heavily, Esther navigates challenges at home and school, confronting her own frustrations and the rough realitie…
Level B2AdventureEsther's Charge: A Story for GirlsA serious young girl becomes her mother's trusted advisor as they face the sudden arrival of two lively cousins needing care and education during their father's absence abroad.
Level B2ClassicsEsther WatersA young kitchen-maid arrives at Woodview, a grand estate in a bleak coastal town, burdened with heavy hopes and a heavy bundle.
Level B2Children'sEsther : a book for girlsA thoughtful girl named Esther navigates the challenges of youth, friendship, and self-discovery amidst the lively backdrop of Redmayne House and its surrounding adventures.
Level C1RomanceEstherAmid the vast, untamed Oregon Trail, a radiant young woman named Esther embraces the wild beauty and peril of westward expansion, where every step stirs the echoes of vanished peop…
Level C1ClassicsEstherIn a refined French tragedy unfolding within a single day and place, a gripping tale of character and passion emerges, rooted in biblical history and crafted with classical eleganc…
Level C1ClassicsEstherIn the vibrant new church of St.
Level B2Children'sEster Ried Yet SpeakingIn a rain-soaked city, a young clerk wrestles with how to continue the meaningful work of his late sister, Ester, who was devoted to helping neglected boys.
Level B2Children'sEster RiedAmid the lively chaos of a bustling household, Ester Ried balances the demands of caring for boarders, managing household chores, and tending to her spirited niece, all while navig…
Level C1PhilosophyEssays, or discourses, vol. 4 (of 4)Explore surprising paradoxes in natural philosophy that challenge conventional beliefs, such as elemental fire not being the hottest and air being colder than commonly thought, rev…
Level C1HistoricalEssays, or discourses, vol. 3 (of 4)Explore the intricate art of historical writing through sharp critiques of famed historians, revealing the challenges and controversies behind recording the past.
Level C1PhilosophyEssays, or discourses, vol. 2 (of 4)A newly appointed judge receives a stern letter from his father, warning of the heavy burdens and moral challenges that come with dispensing justice impartially.
Level C1PhilosophyEssays, or discourses, vol. 1 (of 4)Explore a collection of thoughtful discourses from a learned Spanish clergyman, addressing philosophy, history, and society with candor and wide-ranging knowledge, while thoughtful…
Level C1ClassicsEssays — Second SeriesExplore the profound role of the poet as the embodiment of beauty and truth, revealing the deep connection between soul, nature, and expression beyond mere form or action.
Level C2PhilosophyEssays — First SeriesExplore the boundless human spirit as it connects individual experience with the vast tapestry of history, revealing how every thought, law, and revolution reflects the universal m…
Level C1ClassicsEssays on thingsAwaken to the majestic drama of dawn, where celestial music and the promise of renewal unfold in vivid detail.
Level C1ClassicsEssays on Work and CultureExplore a world where versatility is seen as weakness and specialization reigns supreme, challenging the notion that a man can excel in multiple fields without suspicion.
Level C1ClassicsEssays on Various Subjects, Principally Designed for Young LadiesGuiding young women through the delicate balance of virtue and society, these essays explore the unique strengths and qualities of femininity, offering thoughtful reflections on ch…
Level C1HistoricalEssays on Scandinavian LiteratureExplore the fierce spirit and cultural roots of Norway through the life and works of Björnstjerne Björnson, whose poetry and drama embody the nation's soul and struggle, shaping it…
Level C1HistoricalEssays on Russian NovelistsExplore the rise of Russian literature from its youthful origins to its profound impact through giants like Pushkin, Gogol, and Dostoevski, revealing a nation's character shaped by…
Level C1HistoricalEssays on Paul BourgetAn incisive foreign observer attempts to teach America about itself, applying a scientific method of classification and analysis that may reveal unsettling truths—if only the natio…
Level C1HistoricalEssays on Modern NovelistsExplore the lives and works of modern novelists who found success later in life, revealing how experience and perseverance shape timeless stories.
Level C1PhilosophyEssays on Life, Art and ScienceExplore thought-provoking essays that delve into the intersections of life, art, and science, challenging established ideas on evolution, creativity, and language while inviting re…
Level C1ClassicsEssays of TravelExperience a vivid voyage across the Atlantic, where the uneasy camaraderie of emigrants unfolds aboard a vast ocean steamer.
Level C1ClassicsEssays of Robert Louis Stevenson: Selected and Edited With an Introduction and Notes by William Lyon PhelpsExplore the vibrant mind behind iconic tales through essays that reveal his personality, philosophy, and humor, offering intimate insights into a restless spirit shaped by illness,…
Level C1ClassicsEssays of Michel de Montaigne — CompleteDive into a profound exploration of human nature, society, and philosophy through a series of reflective essays touching on sorrow, friendship, custom, and the art of living though…
Level C1HistoricalEssays in the Study of Folk-Songs (1886)Delve into the vanished world of folk-songs, exploring how ancient tales and melodies carry the imagination and traditions of peoples whose histories live only in memory and oral a…
Level C1HistoricalEssays in the Art of WritingExplore the intricate craft of literature as it reveals how writers transform rigid words into vivid patterns of meaning and emotion, uncovering the delicate balance between art’s…
Level C1HistoricalEssays in miniatureExplore the joys and challenges of reading through thoughtful essays that defend the pleasure of familiar books against the pressures of modern tastes and critical prescriptions, i…
Level C1HistoricalEssays in criticismDive into a thoughtful exploration of literary criticism and cultural reflection, where the author challenges prevailing opinions and seeks a balanced vision of truth amidst changi…
Level C1ClassicsEssays in RebellionExplore the fierce spirit of rebellion shaping an era through candid essays that reveal how writers and thinkers challenge societal norms, authority, and complacency with bold indi…
Level C1HistoricalEssays in LittleDive into a collection of vivid essays exploring the lives and works of literary giants like Alexandre Dumas, Stevenson, and Kipling, revealing the timeless power of stories to ins…
Level C1HistoricalEssays in Literature and HistoryIn an era where Victorian society suppresses individual thought beneath a rigid homogeneity, a relentless intellect challenges prevailing hypocrisies and unspoken truths, wielding…
Level C1ClassicsEssays in IdlenessA witty meditation on the elusive charm of cats, exploring their proud independence and inscrutable nature through affectionate reflections and playful anecdotes.
Level C1HistoricalEssays in English Literature, 1780-1860Explore incisive critiques of early 19th-century English literature, unveiling overlooked authors whose works hover just beneath the towering giants of their age, revealing the nua…
Level C1HistoricalEssays from the Chap-Book: Being a Miscellany of Curious and interesting Tales, Histories, &c; newly composed by Many Celebrated Writers and very delightful to read.A troubled marriage unravels as a passionate wife neglects her son, whose tragic accident forces the family to confront guilt, remorse, and the harsh realities of love and responsi…
Level C1HistoricalEssays from 'The Guardian'Explore the delicate balance between poetry and prose through a thoughtful examination of English literature’s finest prose styles, revealing the unique beauty and rigorous order t…
Level C1PhilosophyEssays by Ralph Waldo EmersonExplore profound reflections on self-reliance, nature, and intellectual independence as a thinker challenges conventional beliefs and inspires a new American philosophy grounded in…
Level C1PhilosophyEssays and soliloquiesConfined on a stark island by an oppressive regime, a passionate thinker reflects on identity, creativity, and the interplay between life and art.
Level C1ClassicsEssays and TalesExplore a world of wit and wisdom through essays that blend sharp observation with gentle humor, tackling everything from public credit to art, friendship, and human nature.
Level C1ClassicsEssays and LecturesExplore the evolution of historical criticism as a revolutionary force shaping freedom, democracy, and philosophy, alongside vivid lectures and whimsical prose poems reflecting wit…
Level C1PhilosophyEssays and DialoguesExplore profound philosophical dialogues and essays that challenge human wisdom and culture, revealing timeless truths through conversations between legendary figures and abstract…
Level C1HistoricalEssays Literary, Critical and HistoricalDive into a thoughtful exploration of Tennyson’s controversial poem "The Princess," blending medieval pomp with modern ideas on education, gender, and culture, while challenging pr…
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.