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 C1HistoricalDreamers of the GhettoIn the sealed canals of Venice’s ancient Ghetto, a child grows up surrounded by tradition, mystery, and confinement.
Level C2PoetryDream tapestriesExplore vivid imagery and delicate emotions woven through a collection of poems that range from nature’s quiet beauty to intimate moments of memory and reflection.
Level C1ClassicsDream Tales and Prose PoemsIn 19th-century Moscow, a delicate young man named Yakov Aratov lives under the care of his anxious aunt while grappling with fragile health, scientific curiosity, and the mysterio…
Level C1ClassicsDream Life: A Fable of the SeasonsJourney through the changing seasons in a lyrical fable that intertwines nature’s beauty with heartfelt reflections and vivid observations, inspired by close encounters with a belo…
Level B2ClassicsDream Life and Real Life: A Little African StoryIn the harsh African plains, young Jannita dreams of a kinder life far from her harsh reality as a poor indentured child.
Level C1Children'sDream DaysA group of children, each captivated by their own unique passions—from military regiments and wild American fauna to naval history—navigate the joys and quirks of youthful curiosit…
Level B2AdventureDreadnoughts of the Dogger: A Story of the War on the North SeaTensions rise at a coastal camp where Sea Scouts spy on naval cruisers and debate the might of the British and German fleets, just as war looms on the horizon and a mysterious pilo…
Level B2ClassicsDrawing Rooms, Second Floor, and Attics: A Farce, in One ActIn a bustling London household preparing for a grand ball, a spirited servant and her quirky uncle navigate mishaps and social ambitions amidst chaotic preparations, promising a ni…
Level B2AdventureDraw Swords! In the Horse ArtilleryA young artillery officer navigates favoritism and rivalry as he embarks on a challenging new assignment with the prestigious Sixth Horse Artillery in colonial India, where discipl…
Level C1PoetryDramatized Readings: Recitations in Poetry and Prose, Illustrated with Tableaux: Preston Library No. 1Transform poetry and prose into vivid visual stories with expert guidance on creating captivating tableaux, from detailed staging tips to costume and lighting advice, ensuring ever…
Level C1HistoricalDramatis PersonæExplore the enigmatic mind of Conrad, a man whose secret world reveals the illusions, dreams, and dark mysteries lurking beneath human nature, challenging perceptions of virtue, vi…
Level C1ClassicsDramatic TechniqueUnlock the secrets of playwriting through historical practice and expert guidance, as this work distills timeless techniques to transform aspiring dramatists from hopeful beginners…
Level C1PoetryDramatic RomancesExplore the passionate and turbulent lives of Renaissance characters, where love, jealousy, and power collide amid historical intrigue.
Level C1HistoricalDrake; or, the Transfer of the Trident: A National DramaAmid political intrigue and treacherous alliances, Queen Elizabeth's reign shapes the dawn of England's naval supremacy, with Sir Francis Drake emerging as a daring hero whose expl…
Level C1ClassicsDragon's teethIn the sultry heat of a Lisbon summer, Jorge, a mining engineer, faces the looming disruption of his tranquil life as he prepares to leave his beloved wife, Luiza, behind.
Level C1RomanceDragon's bloodIn a vibrant port where East meets West, a young German clerk embarks on a journey toward mysterious China, grappling with homesickness and ambition amid a mosaic of cultures and b…
Level C1FantasyDracula's GuestOn Walpurgis Nacht, a traveler defies warnings and ventures down a forbidding road leading to an unholy village, where restless horses and eerie sounds hint at dark secrets lurking…
Level C1HistoricalDr. Wortle's SchoolA determined rector and schoolmaster runs a prestigious boys’ school in a quiet village, balancing ambition, authority, and conflict with church leaders.
Level C1ClassicsDr. Wainwright's Patient: A NovelIn a seaside village transformed by progress and gossip, the close-knit community of Beachborough navigates secrets and rivalries beneath its picturesque facade.
Level C1ClassicsDr. Vermont's fantasy, and other storiesA solitary woman ventures onto a mysterious island shrouded in decay and silence, where the echoes of history mingle with the quiet pulse of life.
Level C1ClassicsDr. SevierIn mid-19th century New Orleans, a stern and principled physician navigates the bustling commercial heart of the city, balancing his commitment to fight disease with a sharp critiq…
Level B2RomanceDr. Rumsey's patientIn a charming village inn, two young men vie for the affection of the spirited Hetty, whose playful teasing stirs jealousy and passion.
Level B2RomanceDr. Paull's Theory: A RomanceA dedicated house-surgeon confronts an unexpected challenge when a distinguished old man, brought in after a frightening carriage accident, lies unconscious under his care—setting…
Level C1MysteryDr. Mabuse, master of mysteryIn a high-stakes gambling club, a mysterious elderly gentleman’s uncanny influence traps a wealthy heir in a web of losses and intrigue, where every move feels controlled by an uns…
Level C1ClassicsDr. Lavendar's PeopleIn a small town, Miss Ellen Baily runs a humble school while her brother David, haunted by lost love and misfortune, drifts through life marked by sorrow and failure.
Level C1ClassicsDr. JonathanIn 1917 New England, tensions rise as George, a young army lieutenant, and his father Asher, a powerful industrialist, confront the clash between war, class, and democracy amid the…
Level C1HistoricalDr. Jolliffe's BoysAt Weston School, a fierce cricket rivalry unfolds between Weston and Hillsborough, igniting personal ambitions and jealousies among the boys.
Level C1PoetryDr. Johnson's Works: Life, Poems, and Tales, Volume 1: The Works of Samuel Johnson, LL.D., in Nine VolumesExplore a rich collection of poetry and essays that delve into human nature, morality, and society, guided by a voice renowned for its depth of thought and insight into mind and mo…
Level C1HistoricalDr. Johnson and His CircleExplore the enduring legacy of Samuel Johnson, whose wit and wisdom shaped English character and literature far beyond his time.
Level C1Science FictionDr. Heidenhoff's ProcessIn a small town’s prayer meeting, George Bayley, a repentant man haunted by past misdeeds, takes a bold step that disrupts the decorum and tests the community’s capacity for forgiv…
Level B2Children'sDr. Hardhack's Prescription: A Play for Children in Four ActsWhen the delicate Emily Proudie falls ill, the witty Dr.
Level C1HistoricalDr. Bullivant: (From: "The Doliver Romance and Other Pieces: Tales and Sketches")In a somber 1670 New England town, Dr.
Level C1ClassicsDr. Breen's PracticeA remote seaside hotel offers a peaceful retreat where nature and quiet charm prevail, drawing a close-knit group of regular visitors who cherish the simple pleasures of sunbathing…
Level C1ClassicsDr. AdriaanUnder heavy, brooding skies, a family navigates secrets and shifting loyalties in a gloomy villa surrounded by restless pines.
Level C1HistoricalDoña PerfectaA passionate clash unfolds between rigid tradition and modern ideals in a Spanish town where bigotry and ambition collide, challenging faith and family ties with profound human dra…
Level B2ClassicsDown the line with John HenryFollow John Henry’s wild bets and witty schemes through the thrilling chaos of the racetrack, where luck, hunches, and high stakes collide in a rollicking adventure filled with col…
Level B2FantasyDown the Snow Stairs; Or, From Good-Night to Good-MorningOn a snowy Christmas Eve, young Kitty struggles with worry over her ill brother Johnnie, who paints secret worlds of good and naughty children.
Level B2MysteryDown the SlopeA young boy takes his first grueling job in a coal breaker, facing harsh labor, tough rivals, and the struggle to support his mother.
Level B2Children'sDown the River; Or, Buck Bradford and His TyrantsA determined boy endures harsh treatment from the tyrannical Fishley family while navigating challenges on a journey down the Wisconsin and Mississippi Rivers.
Level C1AdventureDown the River to the SeaAmidst the breathtaking roar of Niagara Falls, May Thorburn embarks on a summer journey from the Cataract to the Saguenay, joining a lively party including her spirited cousin Kate…
Level B2AdventureDown the Rhine; Or, Young America in GermanyA spirited group of academy students embarks on a grand European adventure, navigating strict discipline, secret orders, and youthful rebellion as they explore the scenic wonders a…
AdventureDown the RavineA perilous journey unfolds as characters navigate treacherous landscapes and confront hidden dangers lurking in the ravine’s shadows, testing courage and survival in an unforgiving…
Level B2HistoricalDown the Mother LodeJourney into the heart of California’s legendary gold rush as miners, engineers, and dreamers search for the elusive Mother Lode—a vast, mysterious vein said to hold unimaginable r…
Level B2Children'sDown the ChimneyOn Christmas Eve, Jack Frost awakens a sleepy Chimney and summons the Wind Fairies to bring a magical snowstorm.
Level C1HistoricalDown at Caxton'sStep into the fading world of ante-bellum Middle Georgia, where vivid characters speak in authentic local dialect and live out the rich, complex traditions of their time, captured…
Level C1HistoricalDown among menAmid the turmoil of a military campaign in the Philippine islands, a soldier and a correspondent navigate the harsh realities of war, local customs, and survival.
Level B2AdventureDown South; or, Yacht Adventure in FloridaEmbark on a thrilling yacht voyage through Florida’s wild waterways, where a skilled captain and his diverse crew navigate rivers, hunt alligators, and explore sunlit southern land…
Level C1ClassicsDoubly falseA young woman and her father embark on a luxurious Atlantic steamer voyage, surrounded by a diverse crowd of travelers, from restless adventurers to dreamers who find poetry in the…
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.