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 C1ClassicsEssays Irish and AmericanExplore a collection of essays that celebrate the natural, unspoiled beauty of humanity and art, revealing profound wisdom and lively reflections on life, creativity, and the endur…
Level C1PhilosophyEssays Before a SonataDive into a profound exploration of music and Transcendental philosophy as a pioneering composer unpacks the spiritual and intellectual essence behind his revolutionary piano sonat…
Level C1ClassicsEssaysWitty and insightful prose pieces penned by a bright young mind at Eton, exploring themes from friendship and youth to society’s quirks.
Level C2HistoricalEssaysExplore subtle portraits of literary and historical figures marked by elusive charm and unfulfilled promise, as critical essays delve into the delicate interplay of personality, cr…
Level C1ClassicsEssaysAmid the ancient ruins and soaring architecture of Rome, wild grasses and flowers defiantly reclaim the city’s forgotten corners, weaving a vivid tapestry of nature’s resilience ag…
Level C1ClassicsEssay on the Principles of TranslationExplore the art of poetic translation through a detailed essay that dissects principles, rules, and challenges, revealing the delicate balance between fidelity and literary grace i…
Level C1ClassicsEssay on BurnsExplore a profound critique of Robert Burns’s life and legacy through the lens of sharp literary analysis and historical insight, revealing the man behind the myth and the cultural…
Level C1HistoricalEsperanto: Hearings before the Committee on EducationExplore the push to adopt Esperanto as a universal auxiliary language in American schools, aiming to simplify international communication and trade by teaching a common, easy-to-le…
Level C1ClassicsEsperanto Self-Taught with Phonetic PronunciationMaster the international language designed for travelers, students, and professionals with practical vocabularies, conversational phrases, and clear phonetic pronunciation guidance…
Level B2ClassicsEspecially dance hall womenIn a rowdy dance hall where debts and tempers flare, Long Jim Briggs steps into danger to rescue the fiery Rosie from a violent clash with the ruthless manager.
Level C1ClassicsEsmeraldaIn 19th-century Paris, a humble language teacher and his artist wife observe a mysterious, out-of-place father and daughter in the Louvre, sparking curiosity about their story and…
Level C1ClassicsEscape, and Other EssaysExplore serene riverbanks and timeless villages, then confront the stark realities of war and its toll on the human spirit through poignant essays that contrast peaceful landscapes…
Level B2Science FictionEscape From PlutoExiled to Pluto’s frozen wasteland for his tyrannical ambitions, Marcius Kemble plots a fiery comeback while mysterious native beings monitor his every move—setting the stage for a…
Level C1PhilosophyEryxiasIn the bustling portico of Zeus, Socrates and companions debate the true nature of wealth and power, exploring early ideas that anticipate modern political economy amid the tension…
Level B2AdventureErskine Dale—PioneerIn a remote wilderness fort, hunters and settlers brace against the dangers of the untamed frontier, where every dawn brings threats from both nature and lurking enemies.
Level C1ClassicsErnest Maltravers — CompleteDive into the nuanced journey of Ernest Maltravers, a modern-day author navigating the spiritual and practical trials of life and love, shaped by time and circumstance in a world s…
Level B2ClassicsErnest Linwood; or, The Inner Life of the AuthorA shy twelve-year-old girl bravely reveals her hidden poetic talent before a harsh schoolmaster, facing public ridicule and personal doubt.
Level B2Children'sErnest Bracebridge: School DaysAt Grafton Hall, a distinguished school led by the respected and kind Doctor Carr, boys navigate the challenges of school life amid games, lessons, and camaraderie in a grand Eliza…
Level C1AdventureErmelineA daring knight encounters the mysterious Dwarf’s daughter, whose magical harp enchants the forest and ensnares him in a perilous spell.
Level C1RomanceErling the BoldTwo fierce Norse warriors clash on a rocky island, each fighting for the hand of a fair maiden caught between duty and desire, where honor and love collide amid the rugged beauty o…
Level C1ClassicsErlach CourtAt Erlach Court, a vine-clad castle on the Save, a diverse group gathers under starlit July skies—veteran aristocrats, a jilted beauty, and a lively child—each carrying secrets and…
Level B2ClassicsErisIn a struggling farmstead where twenty years of hope for a son end with the birth of a daughter, a sudden illness casts a shadow over the family’s future, forcing a weary farmer to…
Level A2Children'sErick and SallyIn a quaint Swiss village, young Erick navigates schooldays filled with lessons, family, and the gentle challenges of childhood, inviting readers into a world where every moment sh…
Level C1Children'sEric; Or, Little by LittleA spirited boy eagerly anticipates starting school, but his cousin Fanny fears the harsh lessons and changes that may lie ahead.
Level B2AdventureEric: or, Under the SeaYoung adventurer Eric embarks on a thrilling journey through Europe, exploring ancient castles and diving beneath the sea in armor, where he discovers sunken treasures and faces ch…
Level C1Children'sEric, or Little by LittleA spirited boy eagerly anticipates school and the return of his parents, but his cousin fears the harsh lessons ahead might change him forever.
Level B2HistoricalEric, a waifIn a small village on the edge of Epping Forest, young Eric Hunter faces suspicion and isolation after his mother's mysterious death, as whispers of witchcraft and outsider fears s…
Level A2PoetryEric's Book of BeastsWhimsical watercolors and playful jingles bring to life a charming menagerie of beasts, from elephants to crocodiles, blending humor and imagination to delight children and adults…
Level C1FantasyEric BrighteyesIn a world shaped by fierce family feuds and heroic deeds, Eric Brighteyes, a warrior of Northern stock, navigates a saga of honor, love, and supernatural intrigue rooted in ancien…
Level C1ClassicsErewhon; Or, Over the RangeA traveler discovers Erewhon, a mysterious land with customs and beliefs that challenge conventional logic and morality.
Level C1FantasyErewhon Revisited Twenty Years Later, Both by the Original Discoverer of the Country and by His SonTwenty years after a daring balloon escape shakes Erewhon’s society, a new religion emerges around the miraculous event, challenging old beliefs and igniting profound cultural uphe…
Level C1AdventureErema; Or, My Father's SinA determined father and his daughter break away from their caravan into wild, untamed mountains, seeking a new life amid secrets and silent dangers that shadow their journey and te…
Level C2ClassicsErechtheusIn a world where gods and mortals intertwine, Erechtheus faces divine challenges that test fate, loyalty, and sacrifice.
Level C1ClassicsErchie, My Droll FriendIn bustling Glasgow, Erchie navigates life as a church beadle by day and witty waiter by night, blending solemn duty with sharp humor.
Level C1HistoricalErasmusBorn into conflict and destined for the cloister, a young genius wrestles with monastic life and oppressive guardians while secretly cultivating a brilliant literary mind that will…
Level B2Science FictionEquation of DoomStranded on the harsh planet Irwadi after its government seizes control of interstellar transfers, pilot Jason Ramsey must navigate alien hostility and uncertain futures amid polit…
Level C1Science FictionEqualityA man from 1887 awakens in the year 2000 to find a society transformed by equality, where private wealth has vanished and all work serves the common good.
Level C1PhilosophyEqualityExploring the complex evolution of equality, this philosophical treatise challenges the popular notion that all men are created equal, tracing its roots through history, society, a…
Level C1ClassicsEpisodes in Van Bibber's LifeAmid the chaotic backstage world of a comic opera's opening night, a calm and mysterious visitor named Van Bibber navigates friendships, theatrical drama, and the high stakes of sh…
Level C1ClassicsEpisodes before thirtyA young Englishman recalls his harrowing early days in a cramped New York boarding-house, where hunger, vermin, and a menacing roommate test his endurance and spirit.
Level C1ClassicsEpicoene; Or, The Silent WomanA sharp-witted playwright navigates the turbulent world of Elizabethan theater, blending wit and conflict with the era’s fierce rivalries and personal struggles.
Level C1RomanceEpic and Romance: Essays on Medieval LiteratureExplore the rich tapestry of medieval narrative literature through insightful essays that illuminate epic poetry, romances, and ballads, revealing the intricate connections and cul…
Level C1HistoricalEphemera Critica; Or, Plain Truths About Current LiteratureA sharp critique exposes the chaos and decline in contemporary literature compared to the ordered progress of science, calling for urgent reform in how literature is taught and val…
Level C1PoetryEnthusiasm and Other PoemsExplore vivid reflections on nature, faith, and human emotion in a collection of poems that traverse themes from biblical visions and personal loss to the changing seasons and the…
Level C1ClassicsEnter BridgetTensions rise as Carrissima Rosser, seen by some as an adventuress, unexpectedly returns home and disrupts the quiet dinner plans of the Faversham family.
Level C1ClassicsEnsign Knightley, and Other StoriesIn a besieged Tangier, a mysterious lieutenant wrestles with lost memories and hidden passions as danger looms and loyalties are tested amidst the chaos of war and intrigue.
Level B2RomanceEnoch CraneIn a bustling apartment building, a spirited young architect navigates life’s challenges and unexpected connections, bringing warmth and vitality to those around him.
Level C2PoetryEnoch Arden, &c.In a coastal village, childhood friends Enoch, Philip, and Annie grow into love and rivalry amid the sea’s ever-changing tides.
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.