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 C1HistoricalCritical, Historical, and Miscellaneous Essays; Vol. 2: With a Memoir and IndexExplore sharp critiques and spirited debates on government, utilitarianism, and society through a series of essays dissecting influential thinkers and their philosophies, revealing…
Level C1HistoricalCritical, Historical, and Miscellaneous Essays; Vol. 1: With a Memoir and IndexExplore a rich collection of essays that delve into history, literature, and politics, revealing the sharp intellect and wide-ranging knowledge of a brilliant mind shaped by early…
Level C1HistoricalCritical and Historical Essays, Volume III (of 3)Explore the enduring influence and resilience of the Roman Catholic Church through a detailed examination of its history, spiritual power, and political role from ancient times to…
Level C1HistoricalCritical and Historical Essays — Volume 2Dive into a provocative exploration of Machiavelli’s life and works, unraveling the paradox of a man condemned as the author of political deceit yet hailed as a passionate advocate…
Level C1HistoricalCritical and Historical Essays — Volume 1Explore a masterful collection of essays that illuminate English history from Elizabeth I to George III, blending sharp critique, vivid storytelling, and insightful analysis that b…
Level C1HistoricalCritical StudiesExplore the fierce and unfiltered world of Gabriele d'Annunzio through vivid essays that unveil the raw passions and contradictions of Italian life, blending fanaticism, beauty, an…
Level C1ClassicsCritical Strictures on the New Tragedy of Elvira, Written by Mr. David MallochThree young Scotsmen set out to harshly critique a new tragedy by David Malloch, a controversial figure despised for his arrogance and betrayals.
Level C1PhilosophyCritical Miscellanies, Vol. 1, Essay 5: EmersonExplore the life and philosophy of a profound thinker who embraced intuition and ethical imagination over systematic doctrine, shaping a spiritual quest for truth that transcends t…
Level C1ClassicsCritical Miscellanies, Vol. 1, Essay 3: ByronExplore the paradox of a conservative England birthing a revolutionary poet whose fiery verses inspired social rebels across Europe, yet remains misunderstood and underappreciated…
Level C1ClassicsCritical Miscellanies, Vol. 1, Essay 2: CarlyleExplore the profound influence of a fiery intellectual who sees society's unraveling and challenges the complacency of his age.
Level C1ClassicsCritical Miscellanies, Vol. 1 (of 3), Essay 4: MacaulayExplore the enduring influence of a literary titan whose vivid narration and commanding style shaped modern journalism and captivated generations.
Level C1ClassicsCritical Miscellanies (Vol. 3 of 3), Essay 6: Harriet MartineauExplore the life of Harriet Martineau, a woman of steadfast moral courage and intellectual rigor, whose unwavering sincerity and progressive social insights challenge the conventio…
Level C1ClassicsCritical Miscellanies (Vol. 3 of 3), Essay 5: On Pattison's MemoirsExplore the unvarnished memoirs of a reserved scholar whose intellect, though not groundbreaking, offers sharp irony and insightful reflections amid Victorian academic life.
Level C1ClassicsCritical Miscellanies (Vol. 3 of 3), Essay 4: The Life of George EliotExplore the thoughtful life behind the literary genius George Eliot, revealed through her letters and journals, as this biography delves into her views on privacy, criticism, and t…
Level C1PhilosophyCritiasAmidst a mythical struggle between ancient Athens and the vast island of Atlantis, gods and heroes shape a world where wisdom, virtue, and war intertwine.
Level B2Science FictionCrisis on TitanStranded on Titan with scarce supplies, a tough patrol confronts hostile natives and the daunting task of mining a vital mineral that could secure humanity's future in space.
Level C1ClassicsCripps, the Carrier: A Woodland TaleIn the secluded village of Beckley, the Cripps family follows a strict tradition: each son inherits a specific trade, with the eldest becoming the carrier.
Level B2AdventureCringle and cross-treeA young man with a thirst for adventure leaves behind his backwoods life and uncertain family past to pursue a daring voyage at sea.
Level B2Children'sCricket at the SeashoreAt Marbury by the sea, Cricket and her siblings embark on a summer adventure filled with swimming lessons, treasure hunts for buried money-bags, and endless seaside fun, where dete…
Level C1PoetryCricket SongsCelebrate the timeless spirit of cricket through vivid, lyrical poems that capture the game's charm, camaraderie, and the thrill of the pitch.
Level B2Children'sCricketIn a lively summer at Kayuna, a bustling country home, spirited Cricket navigates schooldays, friendships, and family chaos with boundless energy and charm.
Level C1HistoricalCrestlands: A Centennial Story of Cane RidgeAmid the tranquil Kentucky forest of Indian Summer, a sharply dressed traveler arrives with urgent business, navigating through a lively frontier community where old alliances and…
Level C1AdventureCressy & PoictiersAmid the turbulent rise of Edward the Black Prince, a young page of noble birth navigates treacherous courts and fierce battles, witnessing historic clashes at Creçy and Poictiers…
Level C1ClassicsCressyIn a rustic California schoolhouse, a young teacher grapples with the unruly, wandering spirits of his country pupils, whose reluctant arrival and lively chatter hint at hidden sto…
Level C1ClassicsCreatures That Once Were MenIn a land teetering between ancient paganism and modern upheaval, the raw spirit of revolution clashes with deep-rooted loyalty, revealing the turbulent souls of men caught between…
Level C1ClassicsCream of the jugA lively anthology of humorous tales capturing American wit and charm from the 1920s, blending sharp storytelling with laughter-inducing moments across diverse voices and styles.
Level C1PhilosophyCratylusPhilosophers debate whether words are naturally linked to their meanings or are mere conventions, exploring the origins and nature of language through wit and skepticism.
Level C1ClassicsCradock Nowell: A Tale of the New Forest. Vol. 3 (of 3)In a quaint New Forest parish, festive preparations mask deeper sorrows as Parson John faces an uncertain future and Amy ventures beyond familiar woods to the dazzling yet daunting…
Level C1ClassicsCradock Nowell: A Tale of the New Forest. Vol. 2 (of 3)In the heart of the New Forest, Cradock Nowell and Amy Rosedew forge a moonlit bond, while secrets and rivalries simmer beneath the genteel surface at Kettledrum Hall.
Level C1HistoricalCradock Nowell: A Tale of the New Forest. Vol. 1 (of 3)In the heart of the New Forest, the ancient Nowell family clings to long-held privileges amidst changing times and royal intrigue.
PoetryCradle SongsDelight in a collection of gentle, whimsical lullabies and poems that capture the tender moments of childhood, from playful birds to sleepy lullabies, inviting young readers into a…
Level C1PoetryCowperExplore the life of a sensitive poet caught between the fading elegance of 18th-century verse and the stirring currents of religious revival and social reform.
Level C1AdventureCowmen and Rustlers: A Story of the Wyoming Cattle RangesAmid the snowy Maine winter, spirited twins Fred and Jennie Whitney plan a daring 30-mile skate to the mysterious Wolf Glen, sparking adventure and suspense as their mother warns o…
Level C1PoetryCowley's EssaysExplore the early life and poetic development of a young scholar whose passion for verse blooms amidst the fields, friendships, and academic trials of 17th-century England.
Level C1PoetryCowboy songs, and other frontier balladsExperience the rugged spirit of the American frontier through authentic cowboy songs and ballads that capture the life, challenges, and legends of the Old West, preserved with care…
Level B2ClassicsCowboy Life on the Sidetrack: Being an Extremely Humorous & Sarcastic Story of the Trials & Tribulations Endured by a Party of Stockmen Making a Shipment from the West to the East.A group of seasoned cowboys faces the chaotic reality of shipping cattle eastward, battling delays, deceptive agents, and railroad logistics on the great Overland route.
Level B2AdventureCowboy Dave; Or, The Round-up at Rolling RiverDusty cowboys return from a grueling round-up, their spirits high but the future uncertain on the struggling Bar U ranch.
Level C1RomanceCowardice CourtTwo rival landowners—a proud American heiress and a defiant young gentleman—battle over a coveted wilderness estate in the Adirondacks, where nature’s beauty contrasts sharply with…
Level B2Children'sCoward or Hero?A young boy struggles with fear and the harsh disappointment of his soldier father who doubts his courage.
Level C1AdventureCow-CountryAmid the relentless dust and heat of the Staked Plains, a determined family drives a slow-moving cattle herd, where worn oxen falter and a spirited boy named Buddy longs to join th…
Level C1ClassicsCousin PonsAmid the bustling streets of 1844 Paris, an eccentric old man clad in outdated Empire fashion captures the curious gaze of passersby, hinting at a poignant tale of faded grandeur a…
Level B2ClassicsCousin PhillisA young clerk embarks on newfound independence in a quiet county town, navigating the challenges of work, solitude, and society.
Level B2ClassicsCousin MaudeA young widow faces a life-changing engagement to a wealthy but cold doctor whose true nature remains unknown as she prepares to leave her simple home and bring her spirited daught…
Level C1ClassicsCousin MaryA proud but fading family estate hides stories of past glory and quiet struggles as the Prescotts navigate their diminished fortunes and complicated relationships within their gran…
Level B2Children'sCousin Lucy's Conversations: By the Author of the Rollo BooksA young girl named Lucy turns her playful imagination into a make-believe schoolroom, where lessons, laughter, and sibling antics bring childhood adventures to life.
Level B2Children'sCousin Lucy at Study: By the Author of the Rollo BooksA young girl named Lucy receives a special slate and embarks on her first arithmetic lessons with her brother Royal, sparking sibling dynamics and the promise of a shared reward.
Level B2Children'sCousin Lucy at Play: By the Author of the Rollo BooksWhen illness confines Lucy and her brother Royal indoors, a special marble-colored box filled with books and toys becomes their treasure trove, offering comfort and amusement durin…
Level C1ClassicsCousin HenryA young woman faces a wrenching choice between family duty and personal integrity when her uncle insists she marry her despised cousin to keep their ancestral estate intact.
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.