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 B2ClassicsComrades: A Story of Social Adventure in CaliforniaIn turn-of-the-century California, a patriotic colonel confronts rising socialist unrest amid the Spanish-American War, wrestling with loyalty, free speech, and fierce debates over…
Level C1ClassicsComrades: A Drama in Three ActsIn a cozy home where a veteran warrior embraces married life, the clash between past battles and new beginnings unfolds with warmth and wit.
Level B2MysteryComrades on River and LakeAs graduation nears, a group of eager boys at Winton Hall discover unexpected gifts—four new canoes waiting to launch them into thrilling adventures on river and lake, testing thei…
Level B1AdventureComrades of the Saddle; Or, The Young Rough Riders of the PlainsTwo brothers, skilled riders and quick thinkers, face thrilling dangers on the Plains as they race against time, wild animals, and shadowy threats.
Level B2ClassicsComrade YettaIn a humble East Broadway bookstore, young Yetta grows up surrounded by her father's gentle wisdom and eclectic books, learning lessons that shape her unique path amid the vibrant…
Level C1ClassicsCompromisesExplore the art of conversation as a vital link between minds, revealing how dialogue enriches social life beyond mere information exchange.
Level C2PhilosophyComplete Works of Plutarch — Volume 3: Essays and MiscellaniesExplore profound reflections on nature, the universe, and the soul through philosophical essays that investigate the essence of existence, the cosmos, and human perception, invitin…
Level C2HistoricalComplete Prose Works: Specimen Days and Collect, November Boughs and Goodbye My FancyExperience vivid reflections on war, nature, and American life through personal anecdotes, battlefield scenes, and tranquil landscapes that capture the spirit of a nation in transf…
Level C1PoetryComplete Poetical WorksImmerse yourself in vivid poems that capture the rugged spirit and diverse tales of California’s early days—from battlefields and legends to lively characters and frontier life, al…
Level C1ClassicsComplete Plays of John GalsworthyIn a London household divided by class and politics, a drunken encounter between a wealthy young man and a destitute lodger sparks a tense drama of social justice and hidden secret…
Level C1ClassicsComplete Original Short Stories of Guy De MaupassantDive into a vast collection of gripping tales exploring human nature, society, and unexpected twists.
Level C1PhilosophyCompensationIn a world where justice seems delayed and the wicked prosper, explore a philosophy that reveals an unseen law balancing all actions through the soul’s presence and will, offering…
Level C1HistoricalCompanionable BooksExplore the enduring power of books that nourish the soul and inspire the imagination, as this reflective journey uncovers timeless works whose beauty and wisdom become cherished c…
Level C1ClassicsCommonplace, and other short storiesThree sisters navigate love, society, and family ties in a quiet seaside town, where appearances mask deeper desires and secrets.
Level B2HistoricalCommodore JunkIn a tense coastal drama, a fiery woman confronts Captain Armstrong over a broken promise and a looming marriage, igniting fierce passions and dangerous secrets in a smuggling port…
Level C1ClassicsCommercialism and JournalismExplore the hidden forces shaping American journalism as this incisive study reveals the clash between editorial integrity and commercial pressures, questioning who truly molds pub…
Level C1HistoricalComing Home: 1916Amid the chaos of war-torn France, a wounded cavalry lieutenant clings to hope for news of his family trapped behind enemy lines.
Level B2Children'sComical PeopleStep into a whimsical world where animals take on society’s roles, from literary lions to charming songbirds, as a young girl explores London's grand sights and the curious charact…
Level C1ClassicsComic Tragedies: Written by 'Jo' and 'Meg' and Acted by The 'Little Women'In a humble garret, four sisters transform everyday objects into costumes and sets, creating enchanting plays filled with witches, knights, and ghosts.
Level C1ClassicsComic ArithmeticDive into a witty exploration of numbers where arithmetic meets satire, revealing how addition, subtraction, and multiplication shape not just sums, but society itself.
Level B2ClassicsComfortable Mrs. Crook, and other sketchesA sharp-witted widow prides herself on her self-sufficiency and well-tended garden, yet her cold distance leaves neighbors longing for her warmth.
Level B2Children'sComfort Pease and her Gold RingA young girl treasures a gold ring and dollar given by her aunt, symbols of family and hope as she navigates schoolyard rivalries and the challenges of growing up.
Level C1ClassicsComedy of Marriage and Other TalesIn a world where love is constrained by society’s watchful eyes and endless obligations, a passionate affair unfolds through stolen moments and whispered desires, revealing the bit…
Level C1ClassicsComediettas and FarcesStep into a world of sharp wit and lively humor with a collection of farces crafted for private performance, blending original plots and clever adaptations that capture the vibrant…
Level C1RomanceComedies of CourtshipTwo young lovers, separated by distance yet bound by secret letters, wrestle with jealousy and temptation amid the comforts of wealth and society.
Level C1RomanceComedies and ErrorsStep into the lively world of Rome’s English expatriates, where the elegant Miss Belmont hosts vibrant Thursday gatherings filled with art, intrigue, and unexpected encounters—like…
Level C1HistoricalCome Rack! Come Rope!Amid the frostbitten hills of 16th-century Derbyshire, a young nobleman struggles with the heavy burdens of loyalty, faith, and forbidden love during a time of relentless persecuti…
Level C1RomanceColville of the Guards, Volume 3 (of 3)Rescued from peril and trapped aboard a fog-shrouded yacht, Ellinor confronts the sinister Sir Redmond Sleath and his dubious companions, igniting a tense struggle for survival ami…
Level C1HistoricalColville of the Guards, Volume 2 (of 3)Haunted by betrayal and shattered hopes, Robert abandons his medical studies to join the Guards, seeking a new life far from home and the painful memories that bind him.
Level C1RomanceColville of the Guards, Volume 1 (of 3)In a secluded Scottish home, two orphaned sisters navigate loss, love, and duty while managing their modest estate and caring for those around them.
Level C2PoetryColorExplore a profound collection of poems that delve into identity, love, struggle, and heritage, capturing the vibrant spectrum of human experience through powerful, evocative verse.
Level C1ClassicsColonial Born: A Tale of the Queensland bushIn the rugged Queensland bush, a solitary selector named Taylor carves out a humble life on his land, facing isolation, skepticism, and the harsh realities of frontier existence am…
Level B2MysteryColonel Thorndyke's SecretA valuable diamond bracelet stolen from a Hindu temple brings danger and mystery to the Thorndyke family in 18th century England, where highwaymen roam and dark forces pursue a dea…
Level C1ClassicsColonel Starbottle's ClientIn the blazing heat of Rough and Ready, a fiery lawyer known as Colonel Starbottle prepares for a peculiar client’s case rooted in a deadly quarrel.
Level C1ClassicsColonel Quaritch, V.C.: A Tale of Country LifeA battle-worn soldier leaves his career behind to settle in the quiet countryside, haunted by the memory of a mysterious woman’s face that has lingered through years of war and har…
Level B2AdventureColonel Crockett, the Texan trailerIn the wilds of Texas, Colonel Crockett embarks on a thrilling bear hunt amid vast landscapes teeming with fierce animals and dangers, from majestic buffalo to hostile tribes.
Level C1HistoricalColonel ChabertA mysterious man in tattered uniform reappears in a bustling Paris law office, stirring gossip among unruly clerks and challenging the order restored by Louis XVIII.
Level C1ClassicsColonel Carter's Christmas and The Romance of an Old-Fashioned GentlemanIn the shadowed days of Colonel Carter's New York struggles, a tense rivalry erupts between the steadfast Virginian and a scathing financier, leading to an unexpected celebration f…
Level B2ClassicsColonel Carter of CartersvilleA charming Southern colonel, living modestly in an old Bedford Place home, enthusiastically pursues a bold new railroad scheme with the help of his loyal servant Chad.
Level C1HistoricalColombaAn English officer and his skeptical daughter arrive in Marseilles, where tales of Corsican vendettas and wild hunting adventures spark a daring plan to explore the island’s fierce…
Level B2Science FictionCollectivumIn a world overrun by the parasitic Orenians, a fierce she-cat named Shera escapes a deadly fate and joins forces with Morgan, a rugged survivor navigating the perilous swamps and…
Level C1PoetryCollected Poems in Two Volumes, Vol. IIImmerse yourself in a rich collection of evocative poems, from whimsical ballads and dramatic vignettes to reflective dialogues and literary fables, capturing diverse scenes and ti…
Level C2PoetryCollected Poems 1897 - 1907, by Henry NewboltVividly evoking naval valor and historic battles, these stirring poems celebrate England’s seafaring heroes—from Drake’s drum to Nelson’s daring—immersing readers in tales of coura…
Level C1ClassicsCollectanea de Diversis Rebus: Addresses and PapersA passionate call for public recreation grounds highlights Norwich’s urgent need for open spaces to promote health and wellbeing amid rapid urban growth.
Level C1FantasyColin II: A NovelA centuries-old pact with Satan grants the Stanier family unmatched wealth and power, but each generation must choose whether to embrace the dark legacy or face mysterious conseque…
Level C1ClassicsColin Clink, Volume 3 (of 3)In a misty London morning, Colin unexpectedly encounters the fierce Jerry Clink, leading him to shadow the man through shadowy streets and secret meetings.
Level C1HistoricalColin Clink, Volume 2 (of 3)In a tense household drama, young Fanny faces suspicion and harsh judgment as she guards a secret that threatens her place and dignity.
Level C1ClassicsColin Clink, Volume 1 (of 3)Born into poverty and scorned by his own family, Colin Clink faces a harsh world with only the hope of rising above his humble beginnings.
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.