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 C1ClassicsConversationIn a Texas town where honor is defended with guns, a deadly dispute over a horse trade ignites a tense rivalry between Jim Begley, a feared gunman, and Curly Stewart, whose love fo…
Level C1ClassicsConundrums, Riddles and Puzzles: Containing one thousand of the latest and best conundrums, gathered from every conceivable source, and comprising many that are entirely new and originalDive into a vast collection of clever conundrums, riddles, and arithmetical puzzles that challenge wit and wordplay, perfect for sparking lively conversation and mental agility in…
Level C1ClassicsContributions to All The Year RoundStep into a world where imagination meets reality in a new weekly journal that captures the spirit of life with earnest devotion.
Level C1PoetryContrasted SongsExplore a rich tapestry of poems that journey from the sea to the fields, weaving themes of remembrance, nature, and patriotism with heartfelt reflections and legendary tales rende…
Level C1RomanceContrary MaryIn a grand, festively adorned mansion, a somber visitor seeks out the elusive Mary Ballard, whose tower rooms hold secrets amidst a shimmering world of elegance and intrigue.
Level C1RomanceContraband; Or, A Losing HazardA spirited widow finds new passion and freedom amidst the thrill of the hunt, where society’s admiration and secret desires collide in the English countryside.
Level B2AdventureContraband: A Tale of Modern SmugglersCaught in a fierce Newfoundland gale, Dare Stanley boards the S.
Level B2ClassicsContinuous VaudevilleStep behind the stage door and meet the watchful gatekeepers of vaudeville theaters, whose quiet observations reveal the colorful, often humorous world of actors and performances b…
Level C1RomanceContigo Pan y CebollaTwo lovers face the harsh realities of poverty and family expectations in this poignant Spanish comedy, where simple bread and onions become symbols of loyalty and sacrifice in eve…
Level C1HistoricalContemporary Russian NovelistsExplore the rise of modern Russian literature as a vibrant protest against tradition, shaped by history, autocracy, and the clash between old beliefs and European ideas.
Level C1HistoricalContemporary American Novelists (1900-1920)Explore the evolution of the American novel from 1900 to 1920 as it grapples with the rise of naturalism and the fading charm of local color, revealing how authors navigate shiftin…
Level C1ClassicsContemporary American Literature: Bibliographies and Study OutlinesExplore a carefully curated guide to American literature since 1914, emphasizing experimental works and diverse literary trends.
Level C1ClassicsContact, and Other StoriesIn post-war London, a weary woman unexpectedly reconnects with a vivid, charming stranger whose presence stirs memories and challenges her weary outlook, setting the stage for enco…
Level C1HistoricalConstance TrescotA young man seeks approval to marry into a wealthy family, navigating the sharp wit and complex expectations of his future uncle-in-law.
Level C1HistoricalConstance Sherwood: An Autobiography of the Sixteenth CenturyBorn into a tranquil English estate during turbulent times, a young woman reflects on faith, family, and the trials that shape her life amid the religious conflicts of the sixteent…
Level B2MysteryConstance DunlapA man haunted by guilt and fear reveals to his wife a desperate secret: he is an embezzler on the brink of fleeing with stolen money.
Level C1HistoricalConspiracy of Catiline and the Jurgurthine WarPolitical ambition and moral decay collide as Catiline plots to overthrow Rome's government, rallying conspirators amid social unrest and elite power struggles.
Level C1ClassicsConsequencesChildren learning a mischievous new game face the strict rules of their nurse, revealing sibling rivalries and charming innocence amid the constraints of their nursery life during…
Level C1ClassicsConscience — CompleteA man who escaped poverty through marriage hosts vibrant weekly gatherings where ideas on philosophy, politics, society, and religion ignite lively debates among old comrades and n…
Level B2Children'sConscienceTwo boys plot a clever prank to embarrass a schoolmate, but their mother challenges them to choose kindness over revenge, revealing the power of conscience through a heartfelt tale…
Level C1ClassicsConrad in Quest of His Youth: An Extravagance of TemperamentHaunted by memories of youth and lost ambitions, a man returns to Paris seeking to recapture the vibrant spirit and passion of his past, only to confront the changes in the city—an…
Level B2AdventureConnor Magan's Luck and Other StoriesA spirited twelve-year-old boy, Connor Magan, navigates the wild Ohio River during a spring flood, living a life full of adventure and hope amid the bustling, rough-and-tumble worl…
Level C1HistoricalConnecticut Wide-Awake SongsterStep into a pivotal moment in American history as political leaders lay out the Republican Party’s platform, defending the Union, states' rights, and freedom while condemning corru…
Level B2AdventureConnecticut Boys in the Western Reserve: A Tale of the Moravian MassacreTwo young emigrants seek shelter from a storm at a closed tavern in the Western Reserve, only to encounter uneasy strangers and the shadow of recent violence.
Level C2PoetryConnected PoemsExplore a series of interconnected poems that delve into idealized societies and celestial virtues, inspired by philosophical reflections on humanity, friendship, and divine love.
Level C1RomanceConjuror's House: A Romance of the Free ForestIn a remote northern trading post surrounded by an untamed wilderness, a young woman stands on the brink of a vast forest, caught between the harsh cycles of nature and the vibrant…
Level C1ClassicsConiston — CompleteIn a rugged mountain village shaped by nature and tradition, a stirring love story unfolds amid political intrigue and social strife during the turbulent Boss-Era.
Level C1ClassicsConingsby; Or, The New GenerationAmid the shifting tides of 19th-century England, a young aristocrat confronts the moral decay threatening his class and the nation's political future.
Level C1RomanceConfidenceA contemplative young artist lingers in the enchanting city of Siena, capturing its medieval charm while wrestling with solitude and unexpected encounters.
Level C1HistoricalConfessions of an EtonianA young boy faces the wrenching farewell to childhood as he embarks on his daunting journey at Eton, confronting harsh discipline, bullying, and the stark realities of an elite sch…
Level C1GothicConfessions of an English Opium-EaterA philosopher’s intimate account reveals the dark allure and torment of opium addiction, exploring the struggle between self-indulgence and self-conquest amid a society secretly bo…
Level C1ClassicsConfessions of a Young ManA young man rebels against Victorian ideals, seeking truth in art, love, and life amid the bohemian scenes of Paris and London.
Level C1ClassicsConfessions of a Young Lady: Her Doings and MisdoingsA spirited young girl, dubbed "The Witch" at her strict school, dreams of becoming a theatrical sensation like the famed Infant Roscius.
Level C1MysteryConfessions of a ThugIn the shadowy jungles of India, a hidden network of Thugs thrives, committing unspeakable crimes while eluding detection.
Level C1ClassicsConfessions of a Summer Colonist (from Literature and Life)A fragile summer colony teeters between rustic simplicity and emerging luxury, where informality reigns and cottages nestle among wildflowers by a pristine river.
PoetryConfessions of a CaricaturistStep into a witty world where iconic figures from Napoleon to Shakespeare are playfully sketched through verse, revealing unexpected insights and humor.
Level C1ClassicsConfessions and CriticismsA writer reflects on his journey from engineering to literature, sharing candid insights into his early works, the challenges of publishing, and the evolving art of storytelling sh…
Level C2ClassicsConfession; Or, The Blind Heart. A Domestic StoryA lonely orphan struggles against neglect and distrust in a harsh world, where youthful passions and folly lead to soul-deep penalties.
Level C2PoetryConfessio Amantis; Or, Tales of the Seven Deadly SinsExplore a medieval world where love battles the seven deadly sins amid shifting fortunes, justice, and discord.
Level C1ClassicsCondensed NovelsAn orphan boy with a sharp scientific mind clashes with aristocratic prejudices in a sprawling estate where skepticism meets tradition, and youthful rivalry ignites amid deadly dan…
Level B2AdventureCondemned as a Nihilist: A Story of Escape from SiberiaA young boy faces an unexpected departure to Russia, where he must navigate language barriers and a strange land under the shadow of Siberian prisons.
Level C1PhilosophyConcord DaysStep into the quiet reflections of a thinker who finds home and self intertwined in the rhythms of daily life, architecture, and nature.
Level C2HistoricalConcerning the bi-literal cypher of Francis Bacon discovered in his worksUncover secret histories hidden within Francis Bacon's works through a complex bi-literal cipher, revealing forbidden truths about Queen Elizabeth and coded dramas that challenge a…
Level B2Children'sConcerning SallyA serious young girl named Sally cares for her ailing mother while her father, a weary professor, faces pressing duties that may keep him late from home.
Level C1ClassicsConcerning Lafcadio Hearn; With a Bibliography by Laura StedmanExplore the complex life and literary mind of Lafcadio Hearn, a man shaped by his surroundings yet lacking firm character, whose unique vision and storytelling echo others' tales w…
Level C1ClassicsConcerning Isabel CarnabyIn a glittering London dinner party, politics, art, and society intertwine as sharp-witted guests reveal ambitions, alliances, and the subtle power plays shaping their lives.
Level B2ClassicsConcerning BelindaAmbitious Belinda leaves small-town teaching behind to enter the glittering yet guarded world of a prestigious New York finishing school, where social divides shape every lesson an…
Level C1AdventureConcerning "Bully" Hayes: From "The Strange Adventure of James Shervinton, and Other Stories" - 1902Step into the wild Pacific of the 1860s, where "Bully" Hayes, a daring and notorious captain, navigates treacherous waters, fierce rivalries, and a shadowy trade, all while battlin…
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.