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 C1HistoricalCuriosities of Literature, Vol. 3Explore the challenges and quirks of literary local descriptions, revealing how writers’ vivid attempts to capture settings often confuse more than clarify, blending imagination wi…
Level C1HistoricalCuriosities of Literature, Vol. 2Explore the intricate politics and superstitions surrounding the Prince of Wales's perilous journey to Spain to win the Infanta’s hand, revealing secret alliances, court intrigues,…
Level C1HistoricalCuriosities of Literature, Vol. 1Dive into a rich tapestry of literary, artistic, and political history, woven with critical insights and biographic anecdotes that illuminate the lives and influences of great thin…
Level C1HistoricalCuriosities of CivilizationExplore a vivid tapestry of England’s past through the lens of historical advertisements, revealing the everyday lives, trades, and social shifts from the dawn of the press through…
Level B2RomanceCupid's UnderstudyBorn into modest means, Elizabeth's life transforms when a dreamer strikes gold in Death Valley, thrusting her into high society and a world of unexpected romance and adventure.
Level B2RomanceCupid's MiddlemanA seasoned love letter writer navigates the perils and pitfalls of matchmaking for his bachelor friend, uncovering comic misadventures and heartfelt truths about romance, communica…
Level C1RomanceCupid's Almanac and Guide to Hearticulture for This Year and NextNavigate the whimsical science of Hearticulture, where love blooms like a garden filled with Proposal Plants, Valentine Flowers, and tricky weeds to beware.
Level C1AdventureCupid of CampionTwo unlikely companions—a restless butcher's boy and a whimsical youth in a sailor suit—join forces in a small Iowa town, seeking fun and adventure on the river and beyond, driven…
Level C1HistoricalCupid in AfricaIn the shadow of a storied military lineage, Bertram Greene struggles to live up to his father’s expectations amid the backdrop of war-torn East Africa, where duty, family honor, a…
Level B2ClassicsCupid and the lawIn the shadowy world of Honolulu's opium smuggling, a cunning crew navigates danger and deception, racing against customs officers to protect their illicit cargo.
Level C1MysteryCupboard Love: The Lady of the Barge and Others, Part 5.In a quiet farm living-room, a retired policeman probes the mysterious theft of a gold brooch, uncovering hidden tensions and secrets among the household.
Level C1ClassicsCup-bearers of wine and helleboreDive into the boisterous world of François Rabelais, where earthy humor and profound truths mingle amid vineyards, monasteries, and lively kitchens.
Level B2Children'sCuore (Heart): An Italian Schoolboy's JournalFollow a young Italian schoolboy’s heartfelt journal as he navigates a year filled with lessons, friendships, and the bittersweet moments of growing up in a bustling schoolhouse al…
Level C1AdventureCumner's Son and Other South Sea Folk — CompleteVivid tales of life in Australia and the South Seas unfold through adventurous stories shaped by firsthand experience and youthful enthusiasm, revealing the rugged charm and comple…
Level A2Children'sCumberland Island: Junior Ranger Program Activity Guide for Ages 5-7Join Junior the Gopher Tortoise on an exciting adventure through Cumberland Island, discovering its plants, animals, and history while completing fun activities that teach you how…
Level C1ClassicsCulture's garlandExplore sharp wit and tender insight as humor gently unmasks the follies and pretensions of society, blending satire with reverence in a lively celebration of American literature a…
Level B2Children'sCulm Rock: The Story of a Year: What it Brought and What it TaughtOn the rugged, storm-battered Culm Rock, a mysterious old stone house stands as a beacon to sailors and home to a sorrowful, reclusive master.
Level B2HistoricalCudjo's CaveIn a divided Tennessee, a young Quaker schoolmaster faces violent mobs threatening tar and feathers, challenging his faith in nonviolence and courage as he stands firm amid rising…![Cover of Crying for the Light; Or, Fifty Years Ago. Vol. 3 [of 3] by J. Ewing Ritchie](https://dsx1pat3ljtul.cloudfront.net/books/da89al4v7nos73d6p7u0.webp)
Level C1HistoricalCrying for the Light; Or, Fifty Years Ago. Vol. 3 [of 3]In a vibrant English countryside setting, tensions rise as traditional farming meets the relentless advance of steam-powered machinery, challenging the livelihoods of rural workers…![Cover of Crying for the Light; Or, Fifty Years Ago. Vol. 2 [of 3] by J. Ewing Ritchie](https://dsx1pat3ljtul.cloudfront.net/books/da89aikv7nos73d6p7sg.webp)
Level C1HistoricalCrying for the Light; Or, Fifty Years Ago. Vol. 2 [of 3]Amid spiritual turmoil and societal facades, an actress wrestles with faith, confronting the hollowness of worldly pleasures and the rigid doctrines of church institutions as she s…![Cover of Crying for the Light; Or, Fifty Years Ago. Vol. 1 [of 3] by J. Ewing Ritchie](https://dsx1pat3ljtul.cloudfront.net/books/da89afkv7nos73d6p7r0.webp)
Level B2HistoricalCrying for the Light; Or, Fifty Years Ago. Vol. 1 [of 3]In the grim heart of Sloville’s Parker’s Piece, a squalid tenement houses a desperate community marked by poverty, violence, and fleeting hopes.
Level B1AdventureCrusoes of the Frozen NorthYoung Aralia and Pansy eagerly await their adventurous uncle’s return from a daring voyage to the frozen North, where mysteries and thrilling tales await.
Level C1AdventureCrusoe in New York, and other talesA young carpenter in 19th-century New York navigates apprenticeship, family struggles, and unexpected responsibilities when tasked with enclosing a mysterious vacant lot—setting th…
Level C1ClassicsCrump folk going homeIn a cold, creaking manor shadowed by sudden death, Christian de Lyndesay returns home to confront family secrets and the eerie legacy of “Slinkin’” Lyndesay.
Level C1RomanceCruel as the graveA newlywed couple arrives at a quaint inn, their love intense but shadowed by an unshakable sense of impending doom.
Level C1RomanceCruel Barbara Allen: From Coals Of Fire And Other Stories, Volume II. (of III.)A gifted but misunderstood fiddler struggles against a dull town’s indifference while his heart is captivated by the charming Barbara, whose own spirit shines bright despite uncert…
Level C1ClassicsCrucial InstancesStep behind the shuttered facade of an ancient Italian villa, where time stands still in the untouched apartments of a long-gone duchess, and uncover the silent secrets nestled in…
Level B2AdventureCrown and Sceptre: A West Country StoryA spirited West Country lad navigates moors, lakes, and deer herds, uncovering the wild beauty and hidden dangers of his rugged homeland.
Level B2AdventureCrown and Anchor: Under the Pen'antA boy new to London becomes fascinated by a quirky old sea captain whose rugged appearance and mysterious air set him apart from the city's polished elite.
Level C1ClassicsCrowded Out! and Other SketchesAn ambitious artist battles the harsh realities of London life, striving to be recognized while clinging to a fierce love for the city’s gritty charm and endless possibilities.
Level B2AdventureCrowded Out o' Crofield; or, The Boy who made his WayA determined blacksmith's boy, feeling "crowded out" of his small village, sets his sights on the city where he hopes to carve out a surprising and profitable future against all od…
Level B2ClassicsCrowd-horrorA fiercely powerful boxer with raw talent struggles to master the science of fighting as his determined manager guides him from reckless slugger to potential champion in the brutal…
Level C1PhilosophyCrotchet CastleIn a witty satire blending philosophy and social critique, a cast of eccentric characters debates reform, knowledge, and poetry amid the turbulence of early 19th-century England.
Level B1MysteryCrossed Trails in Mexico: Mexican Mystery Stories #3A spirited group of friends embarks on a thrilling road trip from Texas to Mexico, where mysterious adventures await amid old silver mines, hidden dangers, and a boy caught between…
Level B2FantasyCross Purposes and The ShadowsA curious queen invites mortals to her whimsical Fairyland, where a girl named Alice embarks on a magical journey guided by a charming fairy.
Level B2MysteryCrooked Trails and StraightDust and danger swirl in Dry Valley as Curly Flandrau and a rough crew navigate a secretive cattle deal teetering on the edge of betrayal.
Level B2HistoricalCrooked TrailsVenture into the untamed Texas frontier with the legendary Texas Rangers as they battle Comanches, Mexicans, and the wild landscape to claim and defend their land.
Level C2HistoricalCromwell: A Drama, in Five ActsAmid England’s turbulent past, a young man returns to a village shadowed by political strife and familial betrayal, while a proud woman resists a forced marriage that threatens her…
Level B2AdventureCrofton ChumsAt Crofton Academy, friendships, school spirit, and youthful adventures come alive as Gil and his chums return for another year filled with football, camaraderie, and the charm of…
Level C1AdventureCrocker's Hole: From "Slain By The Doones" By R. D. BlackmoreIn the lush Devonshire valleys, a river teems with life and legend, centering on the mysterious Crocker's Hole—a deep pool harboring a remarkable trout and stirring tales of love a…
Level C1RomanceCrittenden: A Kentucky Story of Love and WarAmid the dawn of a new war, Clay Crittenden returns to Kentucky, where family legacies and divided loyalties echo through the Bluegrass hills.
Level C1PhilosophyCritoAs Socrates faces execution, his friend Crito urges him to escape, but Socrates weighs the duty to justice and the laws of Athens against the instinct for survival, exploring the t…
Level C1HistoricalCriticism: Part 4 from The Works of John Greenleaf Whittier, Volume VIIExplore the haunting tale of Evangeline, a faithful heroine wandering the American wilderness in search of lost love amidst the tragic expulsion of the Acadian settlers.
Level C1HistoricalCriticism and FictionExplore the evolving nature of art and criticism through a thoughtful examination of beauty, truth, and fashion, questioning how timeless values endure amid changing tastes and fle…
Level C1HistoricalCritical, Historical, and Miscellaneous Essays; Vol. 6: With a Memoir and IndexExplore the turbulent political life of Lord Chatham amid the shifting allegiances of Whigs and Tories during George III's reign, revealing how traditional parties transformed and…
Level C1HistoricalCritical, Historical, and Miscellaneous Essays; Vol. 5: With a Memoir and IndexExplore the complex legacy of Warren Hastings, a man of great ambition and flaws, whose life intertwines with family honor, political power, and the turbulent history of 18th-centu…
Level C1HistoricalCritical, Historical, and Miscellaneous Essays; Vol. 4: With a Memoir and IndexExplore sharp political insights and detailed portraits of influential figures like Sir William Temple and Lord Clive, revealing the complex interplay of power, principle, and pers…
Level C1HistoricalCritical, Historical, and Miscellaneous Essays; Vol. 3: With a Memoir and IndexExplore the intricate life and times of Lord Burleigh, a pragmatic statesman navigating the complex politics of Elizabethan England, through detailed essays that reveal the era’s p…
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.