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 C1ClassicsElmer GantryA charmingly brash college football captain with a powerful voice and a thirst for life stumbles through wild nights and fierce loyalty in small-town Missouri, setting the stage fo…
Level C1RomanceEllice Quentin, and other storiesA brooding man in London reflects on a mysterious letter and the haunting memories of Ellice Quentin, a striking woman whose presence shaped his past.
Level C1PoetryEllen of Villenskov, and Other BalladsIn a remote forest, a yeoman builds his home despite warnings from mischievous Trolds who threaten to claim his wife.
Level C1HistoricalEllen WaltonIn post-Revolutionary Pittsburgh, Eliza Fleming’s trust in a charming suitor spirals into a web of deceit, shattered vows, and a dark quest for revenge—where love confronts betraya…
Level C1HistoricalEllen Terry and Her SistersStep into the captivating world of the theatre through the eyes of a young woman whose passion for the stage defies family disapproval and societal expectations, revealing the triu…
Level C1ClassicsEllen Middleton—A TaleIn a town graced by a majestic cathedral, a devoted clergyman reflects on faith, childhood memories, and the sacred traditions that shape his life.
Level C1HistoricalEllen Duncan; And The Proctor's Daughter: The Works of William Carleton, Volume TwoIn a turbulent Clare county, Owen Duncan and his devoted wife Ellen struggle against poverty and injustice, clinging to hope and faith amidst threats to their humble home and posse…
Level B2Children'sElla, a little schoolgirl of the sixtiesAn eight-year-old girl embarks on a new adventure living at a seminary in the countryside, where she must navigate loneliness, new friendships, and the reopening of an old school f…
Level B2Children'sElla Clinton; or, By Their Fruits Ye Shall Know ThemAn affectionate but quick-tempered orphan struggles to find love and guidance under her strict Aunt Prudence’s care, longing for the warmth and patience of her late mother.
Level C1RomanceElla Barnwell: A historical romance of border lifeAmid the untamed wilderness of early Kentucky, settlers carve out homes on the "dark and bloody ground," facing perilous frontier life and fierce conflicts.
Level C1HistoricalElkswatawaA vivid tale unfolds along the turbulent frontier, exploring the lives and struggles of Native American leaders striving to reclaim their heritage amid conflict and misunderstandin…
Level B2ClassicsElkan Lubliner, AmericanIn the bustling world of a Lower East Side garment shop, two partners grapple with loyalty, family ties, and the challenges of immigrant life as one debates sending money to bring…
Level C1PoetryElizabethan Sonnet Cycles: Idea, Fidesa and ChlorisFollow the devoted poet Michael Drayton as he immortalizes his unrequited love, Idea, through a passionate cycle of sonnets blending pastoral beauty, classical imagery, and heartfe…
Level C1HistoricalElizabethan Drama and Its Mad Folk: The Harness Prize Essay for 1913Explore the portrayal of madness in Elizabethan and early Stuart drama, revealing how playwrights reflected and shaped contemporary views on mental illness through vivid, artful ch…
Level C1ClassicsElizabethan & Jacobean PamphletsDive into the vibrant world of Elizabethan and Jacobean pamphlets, where sharp wit, political intrigue, and vivid social sketches unfold in prose and verse, revealing voices that s…
Level B2Children'sElizabeth, Her FolksA young girl returns to her grandparents' countryside home after years away, struggling to adjust to their simple ways and unfamiliar customs.
Level B2Children'sElizabeth, Betsy, and Bess—schoolmatesThree schoolgirls—Elizabeth, Betsy, and Bess—navigate friendship, school adventures, and heartfelt moments under the inspiring guidance of their beloved teacher, Miss Jewett, as th…
Level B2HistoricalElizabeth's CampaignAmid the upheaval of war, Sir Henry Chicksands grapples with the challenges of enforcing agricultural reforms on reluctant farmers, while his daughter Beryl fears for the delicate…
Level C1ClassicsElizabeth and Her German GardenAmidst a wild, neglected garden in the German countryside, a woman finds solace and joy in nature's changing seasons, reflecting on the beauty, history, and quiet mysteries surroun…
Level B2ClassicsElizabeth Visits AmericaA young woman, seeking freedom from a troubled marriage, joins her eccentric relatives on a lively automobile journey through Europe filled with humor, family dynamics, and unexpec…
Level B2Children'sElizabeth Hobart at Exeter HallIn a gritty mining town clouded with coal dust and conflict, young Elizabeth Hobart grows up amidst the harsh realities of industrial life and the quiet comforts of a refined home,…
Level B2ClassicsElizaA man reflects on his modest life with Eliza, exploring the delicate balance of respectability, taste, and financial constraint in their marriage, revealing the humor and challenge…
Level C1AdventureElissa; Or, The Doom of ZimbabweA diverse caravan journeys across harsh African landscapes to reach the mysterious ancient city of Zimboe, a Phœnician stronghold famed for its gold and surrounded by enigmatic rui…
Level C1HistoricalElinor Wyllys; Or, The Young Folk of Longbridge: A Tale. Volume 2After years apart, the young folk of Longbridge reunite, bringing together tales of love, travel, and new challenges across America, Mexico, and the West Indies.
Level C1HistoricalElinor Wyllys; Or, The Young Folk of Longbridge: A Tale. Volume 1Young Elinor Wyllys navigates the shifting fashions and social tides of Longbridge, offering a heartfelt glimpse into the joys and sorrows of youth in a changing world.
Level C1ClassicsEline VereAmid a stirring revolt against old Dutch literary traditions, a new generation of young writers bursts forth with passion and innovation, challenging the established norms and igni…
Level C2PoetryElias: An Epic of the AgesJourney through ages of divine inspiration and human endeavor as a visionary spirit, Elias, guides the epic tale of progress, prophecy, and the eternal quest for truth and restorat…
Level C1MysteryEli: First published in the "Century Magazine"In a quiet New England town shaken by a bank robbery, John Wood, a humble storekeeper and key witness, balances daily life with the looming mystery.
Level C1ClassicsEli's Children: The Chronicles of an Unhappy FamilyIn a quiet village, tradition clashes with change as an old church clerk resists newfangled stoves and modern ideas threatening the sanctity of the ancient church.
Level A2PoetryElfin songs of sunlandStep into a sunlit world of playful elves, joyful songs, and whimsical adventures where children dance, kite soar, and soap bubbles float, celebrating the magic of nature and imagi…
Level C2PoetryElfin land: and other poemsStep into a realm where myth and memory entwine through evocative verse, exploring enchanted landscapes, timeless heroes, and profound reflections on love, loss, and destiny.
PoetryElfin LandStep into a whimsical world where fairies dance, mermaids charm, and flowers come alive in a collection of enchanting poems that celebrate nature’s magic and playful tales.
Level B2MysteryEleven Possible CasesIn a remote mountain outpost, Mary Warriner, the sole telegrapher among rugged railroad workers, navigates isolation and hidden tensions as urgent messages arrive.
Level C2HistoricalElene; Judith; Athelstan, or the Fight at Brunanburh; Byrhtnoth, or the Fight at Maldon; and the Dream of the Rood: Anglo-Saxon PoemsDive into heroic tales of faith, battle, and vision where empresses seek the true cross, warriors clash in fierce historic fights, and a mystical cross reveals the story of redempt…
Level C1ClassicsElements of Criticism, Volume III.Explore the art of comparison in language, revealing how unusual resemblances and contrasts can instruct the mind and delight the heart.
Level C1PhilosophyElements of Criticism, Volume II.Explore the nature of human perception and taste as it examines the delicate sense of congruity and propriety that distinguishes refined behavior, art, and morality from mere appea…
Level C1PhilosophyElements of Criticism, Volume I.Explore how the fine arts, through refined taste and education, unite society and foster virtue amid luxury's challenges, revealing the delicate balance between sensory perception…
Level C1ClassicsElementary Guide to Literary CriticismUnlock the art of literary criticism with clear guidance on analyzing form, content, and spirit across poetry, fiction, and drama.
Level C1PoetryElegy in AutumnReflect on the poignant beauty of autumn’s fading light through evocative verses that capture memory, loss, and the quiet passage of time in a deeply personal elegy.
Level C1PoetryElegies and Other Small PoemsA British maid awaits her lover's victorious return from battle, her hopes and fears echoed in heartfelt vows beneath a fading western sky.
Level C1MysteryEleanor's victoryA radiant young girl journeys alone to the Norman coast, her innocence and cheerfulness standing out amidst the sea voyage’s bustle.
Level C1ClassicsEleanorIn a secluded villa near Rome, a young American woman arrives unexpectedly, stirring tension and curiosity among her English hosts.
Level C1HistoricalElderflowersA seasoned doctor confronts the fragile beauty of life and grief within a stately home, seeking solace where medicine cannot reach.
Level C1ClassicsElder Conklin and Other StoriesIn a Kansas prairie town, a cultured schoolmaster navigates the rough manners and sharp tongues of the Conklin family, especially their spirited daughter whose curiosity and candid…
Level C1RomanceElder ConklinA young schoolmaster from Boston finds himself caught between the rustic ways of a Western family and the sharp, independent spirit of the elder’s daughter, whose curiosity and fie…
Level C1ClassicsElbow-Room: A Novel Without a PlotAmid the pressures of crowded city life, a man struggles to preserve his individuality against conformity and competition.
Level B2AdventureElam Storm, the Wolfer; Or, The Lost NuggetTrapped in a fierce blizzard, three rugged frontiersmen share tales by the fire, while the elusive Elam Storm prepares for his perilous mountain quest.
Level C1HistoricalEl VerdugoUnder a moonlit Spanish sky, a young French officer stationed at the chateau de Menda grapples with suspicion and forbidden desire amid political unrest, as secret signals and hidd…
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.