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 C1ClassicsDiana Tempest, Volume IA man returns to his estranged family estate after fourteen years, haunted by a bitter feud sparked by love and betrayal.
Level C1ClassicsDiana CarewDiana Carew, a young woman sheltered by her protective father, receives an unexpected invitation that could open her world to new experiences and challenges.
Level C1ClassicsDianaIn a quiet New England farmhouse surrounded by blossoming meadows and ancient elms, a young woman sits peacefully, embodying strength and serenity as her life story quietly begins…
Level B2AdventureDiamond Dyke: The Lone Farm on the Veldt - Story of South African AdventureIn the harsh South African veldt, young Vandyke Emson battles scorching sun, scarce water, and restless ostriches on his lone farm, wrestling with his longing for home and the fier…
Level C1PhilosophyDialogues of the DeadIn a series of imagined conversations between historical figures, opposing views on liberty, power, and conscience unfold, revealing the timeless struggles behind political and mor…
Level C1ClassicsDialogue between John and Thomas, on the Corn Laws, the Charter, Teetotalism, and the Probable Remedy for the Present DisstressesIn a candid dialogue between John and Thomas, the harsh realities of economic hardship, the impact of the Corn Laws, national debt, political reform, and the personal toll of alcoh…
Level C1HistoricalDialogueExplore the art of conversation as minds meet and clash in vivid dialogue, revealing character and conflict beyond mere narration.
Level B1PoetryDew Drops, Vol. 37, No. 34, August 23, 1914A young boy experiences the joy of his first store-bought suit and a mischievous kitten that mysteriously lights up the house, while a lonely girl faces the sting of exclusion at a…
Level B2PoetryDew Drops, Vol. 37, No. 18, May 3, 1914On a rainy May afternoon, young Francis learns to find joy within himself, inspired by a singing robin and his mother's gentle wisdom.
Level B1PoetryDew Drops, Vol. 37, No. 17, April 26, 1914Twins Toby and Nancy discover a mysterious boat stranded among the rocks at low tide, only to find a frightened kitten hiding inside—sparking a heartfelt adventure of kindness and…
Level B1PoetryDew Drops, Vol. 37, No. 16, April 19, 1914Children's wonder blooms as ten fluffy chicks hatch unexpectedly on a warm engine room shelf, sparking delight and inventive care at home.
Level B1Children'sDew Drops, Vol. 37, No. 15, April 12, 1914Two young neighbors face small Easterday disappointments with kindness and creativity, discovering the true meaning of friendship and love.
Level B1PoetryDew Drops, Vol. 37, No. 10, March 8, 1914A young boy longs to bring a new friend to Sunday school, where each newcomer is celebrated like a fish caught in a shining river.
Level B2Children'sDew Drops, Vol. 37, No. 09, March 1, 1914At a lively children's lawn party, a brother's broken promise to avoid tempting treats leads to unexpected consequences, teaching valuable lessons about trust, responsibility, and…
Level B2Children'sDew Drops, Vol. 37, No. 08, February 22, 1914Young girls learn that true kindness comes from simply being patient, thankful, and sweet, discovering how small acts of goodness can quietly brighten the world around them.
Level B1PoetryDew Drops, Vol. 37, No. 07, February 15, 1914A young boy discovers the joy of painting and creating homemade valentines, planning thoughtful gifts for friends and family while learning about kindness and creativity.
Level C1PoetryDevotional Poetry for the Children. Second PartA heartfelt collection of devotional poems invites children to explore themes of kindness, prayer, and the wonders of nature, nurturing a gentle spirit and faith through simple, in…
Level C1RomanceDevotaA mysterious and aloof heiress, Devota Lindsay, surprises her acquaintances with an unexpected visit, stirring curiosity about her enigmatic past and her refusal to embrace the soc…
Level B2AdventureDevon Boys: A Tale of the North ShoreThree school friends return to their rugged North Devon coast hometown, where new land ownership sparks adventures and rivalries amid wild cliffs, secret histories, and the promise…
Level C1MysteryDevlin the BarberIn the heart of London, a struggling man becomes entwined with the Melladew family and an unfathomable being who unravels a chilling mystery that has gripped the city.
Level B2ClassicsDevil's FordIn a booming frontier mining camp, newfound riches spark grand dreams and wild plans among rugged prospectors, whose boyish enthusiasm clashes with the harsh realities of the dusty…
Level C1MysteryDevil's DiceA restless Londoner drifts into a chance encounter with a mysterious English woman while seeking escape in the Pyrenees, sparking a bittersweet tale of secret sorrows, fleeting rom…
Level C1ClassicsDevil talesStep into a Southern plantation’s past where Mammy’s enchanting tales weave magic and mystery under the live oaks, guarding children through childhood and beyond as the dark of the…
Level C1HistoricalDevereux — CompleteA philosophical young man navigates the trials of life and belief against a historical backdrop, blending introspective character study with sweeping narrative.
Level B2MysteryDetectives, Inc.: A Mystery Story for BoysDive into a gripping mystery where keen observation and loyal canine companions unlock secrets and solve crimes, revealing the powerful bond between a blind man and his remarkable…
Level C1PhilosophyDesultory thoughts and reflectionsExplore profound reflections on love, life, and human nature as the author dissects the complexities of emotions, character, and society with philosophical insight and candid obser…
Level B2ClassicsDestinyOrphaned and penniless, Muriel Standen is invited to uncover long-hidden family secrets that may change her fate forever.
Level C1ClassicsDespotism and Democracy: A Study in Washington Society and PoliticsIn the political heart of Washington, two contrasting men navigate the intrigues of power, ambition, and society amid an unexpected extra session of Congress.
Level C1ClassicsDespised and rejectedIn a cozy provincial hotel where everyone knows each other's business, reserved Hester Cawthorn stands apart, drawn into the lively community's theatrical preparations and quiet in…
Level C1RomanceDesperate RemediesIn 1835 London, a young architect falls deeply for the captivating Cytherea, whose elusive affections and hidden secrets spark a tangled tale of love, mystery, and moral complexity…
Level C1ClassicsDespair's Last JourneyA solitary city man disembarks at a remote mountain station, abandoning his polished attire for rugged wilderness gear.
Level B2AdventureDesk and Debit; or, The Catastrophes of a ClerkA determined young clerk sets out for Chicago to uncover the truth about his missing mother, navigating treacherous family secrets and facing moral challenges in the bustling city…
Level C1RomanceDeserted: 1898Two travelers share a train journey across Nevada’s stark desert, discovering a surprising beauty in its desolation while engaging in witty, intimate conversations that hint at dee…
Level C1RomanceDesert LoveAmid the sunbaked desert and bustling Egyptian stations, a golden-haired woman stands apart from the crowd, drawn into a world of camels, Bedouins, and hidden passions where East m…
Level B2AdventureDesert GoldHaunted by a lost love, a solitary prospector roams the harsh Sonora Desert, where chance encounters with a mysterious man spark a journey through unforgiving landscapes in search…
Level C1ClassicsDesert Air: 1905In the heart of the Sahara, a journey to the remote, untamed city of Beni-Kouidar reveals how the fierce desert air can alter the nature of even the most serious-minded traveler, c…
Level C1AdventureDerval Hampton: A Story of the Sea, Volume 2 (of 2)A young officer faces harsh tyranny and brewing conflict aboard a merchant ship, where a brutal first mate and mysterious family ties threaten to turn the voyage into a perilous fi…
Level C1ClassicsDerval Hampton: A Story of the Sea, Volume 1 (of 2)A once-wealthy family now lives in humble poverty by the sea, where Greville Hampton wrestles with bitterness and loss while his devoted wife Mary finds solace in their young son,…
Level C1ClassicsDerrick Vaughan, NovelistA shy boy’s fascination with history sparks vivid tales of heroism and adventure, revealing the true journey behind Derrick Vaughan’s rise to literary fame.
Level B2AdventureDerrick Sterling: A Story of the MinesIn a grim mining village, Derrick Sterling faces the harsh, dust-choked life of a breaker boy to support his struggling family after his father's death.
Level C1RomanceDerelictsA fallen gentleman, freshly released from prison, wanders aimlessly through a once-familiar neighborhood, haunted by lost wealth and shattered relationships.
Level C1PoetryDerby Day in the Yukon, and Other Poems of the "Northland"Vivid poems capture the rugged spirit and wild adventures of the Yukon frontier, from thrilling Derby Day races to tales of loyalty and survival in the Northland’s harsh wilderness…
Level C2HistoricalDepartmental ditties and Ballads and Barrack-room balladsExplore the ironies and intrigues of colonial life through sharp, satirical verse that reveals the timeless struggles of ambition, favoritism, and bureaucracy within the British Em…
Level C1ClassicsDenzil QuarrierIn a quiet London home, Lilian Quarrier navigates solitude, unexpected visitors, and the weight of compassion as she awaits her husband's return.
Level B2Children'sDenslow's Three BearsIn a cozy forest cottage, young Golden Hair befriends a welcoming family of three bears, sharing chores, meals, and joyful adventures that bring warmth and friendship to their once…
Level B1Children'sDenslow's Humpty DumptyHumpty Dumpty fears breaking like his father and seeks the Black Hen’s advice to become hard as a rock.
Level B2AdventureDenry the AudaciousIn an industrial town, audacious Denry Machin defies his humble beginnings with cunning schemes and bold ambitions, aiming to rise beyond his modest station.
Level C1RomanceDenounced: A RomanceCaught in a fierce storm, a young noblewoman journeys across treacherous seas with mysterious companions, her sharp gaze and defiant spirit hinting at secrets and dangers that thre…
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.