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 C1ClassicsEmile ZolaWitness the fierce struggle of an epic poet torn between romantic roots and relentless realism, as he crafts grand narratives that capture life's raw truths yet wrestle with the li…
Level B2MysteryEmerson's Wife and Other Western StoriesIn the rugged West, Nick Ellhorn wakes drunk in a Santa Fe hotel room, drawn into a deadly mystery as the Dysert gang strikes again—murders, secrets, and danger threaten the lawles…
Level C1HistoricalEmerson and Other EssaysExplore the fierce struggle between individual liberty and societal tyranny as a provocative voice challenges the idealization of the masses, advocating instead for the cultivation…
Level C1AdventureEmelian the Fool: a taleIn a Russian village, Emelian the fool, known for his laziness, unexpectedly captures a magical pike that promises to grant his every wish—unleashing a whimsical adventure that rev…
Level C2PoetryEmblems of LoveAmid a starry night and looming wolf attacks, two warriors face a fierce struggle between man and beast, while love’s profound mysteries echo through poetic hymns and ancient disco…
Level C1PoetryEmbers, Volume 3.Explore the tender reflections of youth, love, and memory woven through evocative verses that trace the passage of time and the lingering presence of past joys and sorrows in every…
Level C2PoetryEmbers, Volume 2.Dive into a rich tapestry of love, loss, and longing woven through lyrical poems that journey from playful springtime hunts to haunting reflections on life, death, and the eternal…
Level C1PoetryEmbers, Volume 1.A collection of heartfelt verses captures youth, memory, and fleeting impressions, weaving tales of love, loss, and longing against a backdrop of pastoral and distant lands.
Level C1PoetryEmbers, CompleteA collection of heartfelt poems capturing youthful memories, love, and longing across landscapes both near and far.
Level C1ClassicsEmbarrassmentsA young writer seizes the chance to review a celebrated novelist’s new work, hoping to impress both the literary world and the author himself.
Level B2RomanceEm's husbandA young woman escapes the city’s chaos to a paradisiacal island, where she encounters a powerful, blind preacher whose presence captivates her and promises a life transformed by fa…
Level C1Science FictionEly's Automatic HousemaidFed up with unreliable cooks, a man invests in Harrison Ely’s groundbreaking invention: an electric, automatic housemaid designed to revolutionize domestic life.
Level C1PoetryElves and HeroesStep into a mysterious world where ancient Highland fairies, both friend and foe, mingle with heroic legends from the Ossianic cycle, revealing the rich spirit, customs, and enchan…
Level C1MysteryElusive IsabelIn the heart of Washington's diplomatic intrigue, a mysterious woman demands urgent audience with the Italian ambassador, sparking a secret that could unsettle the delicate balance…
Level C1ClassicsElster's Folly: A NovelOn a radiant August morning, the quiet village of Calne awakens to the bustle brought by a new railway line, setting the stage for intertwining lives across social classes and the…
Level A2PoetryElson Grammar School Literature, book 4Dive into a curated collection of stirring poetry, legendary rides, and timeless American literature, designed to inspire rhythm, patriotism, and appreciation for classic voices fr…
Level C1RomanceElsket: 1891A traveler ventures into a remote Norwegian fjord, bound by a solemn oath to keep its secrets, where mysterious locals and a forbidden name—Elsket—await.
Level C1ClassicsElsket and Other StoriesA traveler ventures into a remote Norwegian fjord, bound by a solemn oath to keep a secret and navigate a mysterious land where fishing legends and Viking descendants like Elsket a…
Level B2Children'sElsie's scholarshipThree girls compete for a coveted scholarship that promises to fund their education, but the pressure to succeed weighs heavily on Elsie, the eldest sibling who risks losing her ch…
Level B2Children'sElsie's childrenIn a loving nursery, the Travilla children eagerly welcome a new baby sister while grappling with their mother's illness.
Level B2AdventureElsie's Young Folks in Peace and WarSet sail along the coast of Maine with Elsie and her family, uncovering thrilling tales of early American history, Revolutionary battles, and daring sea adventures that shaped a yo…
Level B2Children'sElsie's WomanhoodAs a cherished young woman faces an unexpected marriage proposal to a much older family friend, her loved ones grapple with surprise, loyalty, and the challenge of honoring her hea…
Level B2Children'sElsie's Winter TripA newlywed couple settles into their charming new home, balancing early mornings, business duties, and family visits while discovering the joys and challenges of married life toget…
Level B2Children'sElsie's Widowhood: A Sequel to Elsie's ChildrenElsie faces the painful prospect of leaving her loving family to marry Lester Leland, who must soon depart for Italy.
Level B2HistoricalElsie's Vacation and After EventsA family faces the bittersweet challenge of separation as young Maxie leaves home, while his sisters find comfort in sharing daily life through letters.
Level C1Children'sElsie's New Relations: What They Did and How They Fared at Ion; A Sequel to Grandmother ElsieAs autumn paints the seaside in vivid hues, newlyweds Edward and Zoe navigate the joys and challenges of family life at Ion, discovering love, learning, and the bonds that tie them…
Level C1Children'sElsie's MotherhoodIn a post-Civil War Southern town, a loving family celebrates a decade of marriage amidst the innocence of childhood and the complexities of rebuilding a fractured society.
Level C1RomanceElsie's Kith and KinNewlyweds Zoe and Ned embrace the joys and challenges of married life on a sprawling plantation, finding love, companionship, and unexpected visitors to brighten their quiet days t…
Level B2HistoricalElsie's Journey on Inland WatersA family explores the dazzling exhibitions of a grand international fair, where young Elsie’s curiosity is sparked by a captivating painting of Joan of Arc.
Level B2Children'sElsie's Girlhood: A Sequel to "Elsie Dinsmore" and "Elsie's Holidays at Roselands"As Elsie and her family settle into a charming hotel for their summer stay, she faces the unexpected presence of the overly attentive Miss Stevens, whose flattery and unsolicited a…
Level B2HistoricalElsie's Friends at WoodburnOn a snowy Christmas Eve, friends gather at the grand Oaks estate, where family ties and festive spirits intertwine amid whispers of loss and new beginnings.
Level B2HistoricalElsie on the HudsonSet sail on the Hudson with Captain Raymond and his daughter Lucilla as they explore historic riverbanks aboard their charming yacht, the Dolphin, uncovering scenic beauty and fami…
Level B2Children'sElsie in the SouthAmid a fierce December storm, Lucilla and her family find warmth and joy indoors, embracing lessons, music, and heartfelt Christmas preparations.
Level B2Children'sElsie at the World's FairAs a close-knit family reunites to celebrate a Naval Academy commencement, they embark on a joyous journey filled with homecomings, heartfelt connections, and the charm of cherishe…
Level C1HistoricalElsie at ViamedeAmid the tranquil beauty of Viamede, a family gathers to recount the stirring tale of Andrew Jackson’s relentless defense of New Orleans during the War of 1812, revealing courage,…
Level C1Children'sElsie at NantucketA family plans a summer retreat to Nantucket, a charming island with a rich whaling history and quaint villages.
Level B2Children'sElsie at IonTwo young sisters welcome a weary friend burdened by sorrow into their warm home, offering comfort and kindness amid life's trials.
Level C1Children'sElsie at HomeA weary mother arrives at her daughter's grand home, battling illness and a stormy journey, seeking comfort and reunion.
Level B2HistoricalElsie and the RaymondsIn a bustling city, compassionate siblings Lulu and Max encounter Susan, a desperate seamstress struggling to support her sick mother in a squalid alley.
Level B2Children'sElsie and Her NamesakesAs a wedding draws near at Woodburn, family and friends bustle with preparations and plans for a winter honeymoon at the beloved Viamede.
Level B2AdventureElsie and Her Loved OnesA warm family gathering sparks plans for a grand journey westward to California’s mild, inviting climate.
Level B2Children'sElsie Yachting with the RaymondsJoin Lulu, Max, and their father on a summer journey to Saratoga, exploring historic battlefields and scenic sights along the Hudson River while cherishing family bonds and the joy…
Level C1ClassicsElsie VennerA young woman, Elsie Venner, bears an inherited venomous influence that shapes her nature and moral choices, challenging the ideas of sin and responsibility.
Level B2ClassicsElsie Marley, HoneyA pale, expressionless young woman leaves her sheltered life behind to live in a bustling New York boarding-house with her eccentric cousin, facing the challenges of independence a…
Level C1ClassicsElsie Lindtner: A sequel to "The Dangerous Age"Elsie Lindtner confronts the trials of middle age with restless energy, fleeing a loveless marriage and seeking freedom through travel, adventure, and unexpected new connections.
Level B2HistoricalElsie DinsmoreIn a charming old-schoolroom overlooking blooming gardens, young Elsie Dinsmore strives to master her lessons amidst playful sibling antics and strict expectations, revealing her g…
Level B2ClassicsElsieIn a sunlit house known as “Noah’s Ark,” a quack doctor thrives by treating those the official physician has abandoned, aided by Elsie—a spirited girl saved from blindness whose my…
Level C1ClassicsElocution Simplified: With an Appendix on Lisping, Stammering, Stuttering, and Other Defects of Speech.Unlock the power of your voice with practical guidance on reading, speaking, and overcoming speech defects like stammering and lisping.
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.