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 C1HistoricalDust: A NovelIn post-Waterloo England, amidst a society of bold youth and shifting class lines, Mrs.
Level C1RomanceDust of the DesertIn the scorching deserts of the Road of the Dead Men, a haunted trail of lost hopes and fierce passions, a legacy of love and heroism unfolds around the Lost Mission and the storie…
Level B2ClassicsDustA struggling family battles relentless dust and drought on the harsh Kansas prairie, clinging to the hope of a farm that promises a better future.
Level B2AdventureDusky Dick: or, Old Toby Castor's great campaign: A story of the last Sioux outbreakIn the tense frontier wilderness, Dusky Dick, a mysterious and skilled wood-ranger marked by a haunting burn, arrives with urgent news of a brewing Sioux uprising.
Level C1ClassicsDuologues and scenes from the novels of Jane AustenExperience the wit and charm of Jane Austen’s world brought to life through seven carefully adapted duologues and scenes, perfect for intimate performances that capture the humor a…
Level C1AdventureDungeon Rock; or, the pirate's cave, at LynnA determined young settler, William Wallace, builds a solitary life by the sea, dedicating himself to aiding those in peril—until a violent storm brings unexpected visitors, includ…
Level B2Children'sDumps - A Plain GirlAt fifteen and nicknamed "Dumps," Rachel struggles with noisy younger brothers and a distant father, finding solace in quiet moments with friends and the challenge of growing up in…
Level C1HistoricalDulcie Carlyon: A novel. Volume 3 (of 3)In the rugged landscapes of Zululand, a relentless pursuit unfolds as Florian, driven by vengeance and grief, chases desperadoes through treacherous terrain, haunted by the memory…
Level C1RomanceDulcie Carlyon: A novel. Volume 2 (of 3)Amidst Scottish pines and shadowed turrets, Finella faces a tense farewell with her true love as jealous rivals and secret notes threaten to unravel their bond before departure.
Level C1RomanceDulcie Carlyon: A novel. Volume 1 (of 3)A young captain defies his proud aristocratic family by declaring love for Flora MacIan, a beautiful but penniless governess with a noble military heritage, igniting a fierce clash…
Level B2RomanceDulcibel: A Tale of Old SalemIn a Puritan village torn by disputes and strict devotion, a spirited young man encounters Dulcibel, a feisty woman whose wild horse mirrors her untamed spirit—setting the stage fo…
Level C1ClassicsDuffelsJourney through tales spanning centuries and regions, from rugged traders navigating Mohawk waters to Adirondack guides in the North Woods, each story a unique “duffel” of human na…
Level C1ClassicsDublinersIn a quiet Dublin neighborhood, a young boy grapples with the death of Father Flynn, an enigmatic and troubled priest whose life and secrets haunt the streets and the boy’s imagina…
Level C1ClassicsDu Bose Heyward: A Critical and Biographical SketchExplore the complex realities of Southern life through the lens of Du Bose Heyward, who portrays the fading plantation culture and its diverse inhabitants with a blend of intimate…
Level C1PoetryDryden's Palamon and ArciteIn a turbulent 17th-century England, two knights, Palamon and Arcite, become rivals for the love of the same woman, setting the stage for a tale of passion, honor, and fate told th…
Level C1ClassicsDry fish and wetIn a bustling town shaped by trade and tradition, Knut G.
Level B2ClassicsDrusilla with a MillionAn unexpected visit from two mysterious men disrupts the quiet life of Drusilla Doane, a solitary woman with no known family, stirring curiosity and whispers among the residents of…
Level C1HistoricalDrum-TapsAmid the chaos and darkness of war, nature’s enduring beauty offers a hopeful contrast, while reflections on conflict, culture, and humanity challenge us to find faith and dignity…
Level C1Science FictionDrowsyIn a secluded villa overlooking the Adriatic, a world-renowned opera singer and her daring American lover hide from scandal and society’s gossip, bound by love and secrets amid whi…
Level C1HistoricalDrossIn 1869 Paris, amid grand celebrations for Napoleon's centenary, a keen observer navigates the intrigues of empire, power, and identity beneath the pomp and ceremony.
Level B2Science FictionDroozleAn artist’s unusual pet—a twelve-inch ballpoint snake named Droozle—becomes a bestselling novelist, but his insistence on writing sprawling literary classics threatens the couple’s…
Level C1FantasyDrolls From ShadowlandTrapped in a grim underground mine beneath the ocean, a desperate man discovers a hidden cavern where shadows come alive—and a mysterious hump-backed figure offers to turn his bloo…
Level C1ClassicsDroll Stories — Volume 3A collection of ten lively tales that blend wit, mischief, and French spirit, revealing the joyous, rebellious heart of a society both scandalous and charming.
Level C1ClassicsDroll Stories — Volume 2Dive into a collection of seventy witty and ribald tales, brimming with humor, tricks, and lively plots drawn from the depths of human nature and imagination.
Level C1ClassicsDroll Stories — Volume 1Step into 16th-century France where gallant knights, witty dames, and merry monks share ribald tales and hearty laughter, painting a vivid picture of an age when humor and merrimen…
Level C1HistoricalDroll Stories — Complete: Collected from the Abbeys of TouraineStep into the lively world of sixteenth-century Touraine, where gallant knights, witty monks, and merry dames share ribald tales and hearty laughter.
Level C1ClassicsDriven to bay, Vol. 3 (of 3)A warm-hearted actress devotes herself to coaching fellow passengers for a shipboard performance, unknowingly sparking unrequited love and jealousy among them.
Level B2RomanceDriven to bay, Vol. 2 (of 3)Aboard the long voyage of the Pandora, flirtations spark and secrets simmer among passengers from all walks of life, while Maggie Greet navigates mystery and affection beneath the…
Level B2RomanceDriven to bay, Vol. 1 (of 3)A determined young sailor torn between duty and desire faces the challenges of securing his future at sea while navigating complex friendships and an alluring romantic invitation.
Level B2Children'sDriven from Home; Or, Carl Crawford's ExperienceA determined sixteen-year-old boy sets out alone to seek his fortune after conflicts with his stepmother force him from home, armed only with a small sum, his education, and his st…
Level B2Children'sDriven Back to EdenIn a cramped city home, restless children roam the streets, craving purpose and play beyond their crowded tenement.
Level C1HistoricalDriftwood Spars: The Stories of a Man, a Boy, a Woman, and Certain Other People Who Strangely Met Upon the Sea of LifeIn a harsh colonial outpost, a soldier reflects on his complex bond with John Ross-Ellison, a man whose extraordinary life intertwines with tales of loyalty, family secrets, and th…
Level C2PoetryDriftingA soul drifts peacefully over Vesuvian Bay, sailing among purple peaks and crystal inlets, embraced by the tranquil harmony of sea, sky, and distant mountains where dreams and natu…
Level C1Children'sDrifted ashore;A young fisherman's son watches over a mysterious, nameless boy washed ashore and lying unconscious in their humble cabin.
Level C1ClassicsDrift from Two ShoresA solitary man lives alone by a river’s edge, haunted by memories of a lost love and finding solace in the enduring rhythms of sea, sky, and drifting tides.
Level C1HistoricalDred: A Tale of the Great Dismal SwampIn the shadow of the Great Dismal Swamp, conflicting worlds collide as liberty and slavery wage a moral battle, seen through vivid characters caught in a society grappling with its…
Level B2RomanceDreamy HollowA powerful tycoon retreats from his empire to the secluded Dreamy Hollow, a mysterious estate built in memory of lost love.
Level C1ClassicsDreamthorpNestled in a timeless village where centuries slip by unnoticed, a weary traveler finds peace amid mossy roofs, ancient ruins, and quiet country roads.
Level C1ClassicsDreams, Waking Thoughts, and IncidentsA wanderer drifts through dreamy landscapes and bustling ports, caught between vivid illusions and harsh realities.
Level C1ClassicsDreams and delightsVenture with a young woman who escapes society’s constraints for a thrilling journey through the mystic Orient, where dreams and desires intertwine beneath ancient suns and whisper…
Level C1PoetryDreams and Images: An Anthology of Catholic PoetsExplore a rich anthology of English Catholic poetry from the 19th century onward, capturing faith woven into love, war, and daily life.
Level C2PoetryDreams and DustEvoking dreams, faith, and the vivid pulse of life, these poems journey through hope, love, and the eternal search for meaning amid the fleeting beauty and struggles of existence.
Level C1FantasyDreams and Dream StoriesA vivid collection of dream narratives unfolds, revealing surreal landscapes and profound insights that blur the line between sleep and waking life.
Level C2PoetryDreams and Days: PoemsA stirring collection of poems captures the vibrant pulse of youth, nature, and the struggles of life, weaving hope and truth through vivid imagery and heartfelt reflections.
Level C1ClassicsDreamsStep into a surreal theater where patrons are asked to leave their legs behind, unraveling a world where dreams defy logic and imagination roams free beyond the bounds of waking th…
Level C1PoetryDreamsLife waits by the sea, longing for an unknown joy until Love arrives, bringing a radiant happiness that evolves through trials into a deeper, enduring compassion.
Level B2Children'sDreamlandLarry, a dream-filled boy, lies beneath the trees, captivated by fleeting visions of heroic warriors and playful maidens in the sky.
Level B2Children'sDreamikinsTwo curious sisters discover a mysterious locked garden door on their new country estate, leading to a magical world filled with enchanted flowers, rabbits, and unexpected adventur…
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.