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 C1AdventureCastle NowhereA solitary wanderer embraces the wild northern shores of Lake Michigan, seeking freedom in unexplored wilderness where no map leads.
Level C1RomanceCastle Hohenwald: A RomanceAt a grand spring ball, a delicate Assessor navigates the lively company of young officers while a mysterious young woman, radiant yet sorrowful, captures the gaze of Count Styrum,…
Level B2RomanceCastle CraneycrowA sharp-witted gentleman catches a burglar in the act but surprises him with unexpected hospitality, sparking a curious alliance.
Level B2Children'sCastle Blair: A Story of Youthful DaysAt Castle Blair in rainy Ireland, three spirited children anxiously await the arrival of their French cousin Adrienne, a graceful stranger destined to bring new warmth and friendsh…
Level C1HistoricalCasteIn colonial India, a cunning Brahmin prince, Nana Sahib, hides a fierce ambition beneath his English veneer, while British officials navigate treacherous alliances and secret plots…
Level C2PoetryCastaraExperience the refined courtship of a cultured English gentleman as he woos a noble beauty, weaving tender poems of love, friendship, and life's trials beneath the gentle shade of…
Level B2HistoricalCast Upon the BreakersA wealthy young ward discovers his guardian has squandered his inheritance, leaving him penniless and forced to face a harsh reality.
Level B2AdventureCast Away in the Cold: An Old Man's Story of a Young Man's Adventures, as Related by Captain John Hardy, MarinerAn ancient mariner known as Captain Hardy returns to a small village, sparking curiosity and adventure among three eager children.
Level C1ClassicsCast AdriftIn the harsh underbelly of a sprawling city, a mother's desperate search for her lost child exposes the brutal realities of poverty, crime, and vice.
Level C1ClassicsCashel Byron's ProfessionA restless youth struggles at a strict English school, caught between academic failure and a reputation for athletic prowess—and the high hopes of the determined woman who cares fo…
Level B2AdventureCasey RyanCasey Ryan races across rugged Western terrain, defying holdups, wild animals, and rival drivers with fearless skill and a fiery temper.
Level C1HistoricalCasa Braccio, Volumes 1 and 2In 1844 Subiaco, a medieval stronghold steeped in passion and tradition, a noble family's custom forces one daughter into the Carmelite convent, igniting a struggle between duty, d…
Level B2RomanceCartoucheIn sunlit Florence, a spirited black poodle named Cartouche stirs up lively mischief in a quaint English-style garden, where a young Englishman returns to find warmth, chaos, and u…
Level C1ClassicsCarter, and Other PeopleTorn between two worlds, Carter is a man of mixed race trapped by society’s harsh lines and his own conflicted identity.
Level C1ClassicsCarson of Red RiverIn an industrial riverside flat, Kit Carson balances the harsh realities of shipbuilding with the warmth of friendship and the hopeful spirit of Mabel Blake’s bright presence.
Level B2Children'sCarry's Rose; or, the Magic of Kindness. A Tale for the YoungA warm-hearted girl eagerly welcomes her wayward brother home, hoping kindness can soften his temper during rainy days filled with simple pleasures like soap bubbles and shared sto…
Level B2AdventureCarry On! A Story of the Fight for BagdadIn the ancient, desolate plains of Mesopotamia, two men land an aeroplane on a forgotten tell, awakening echoes of a long-lost civilization as they navigate a modern battle for Bag…
Level C1HistoricalCarry On!Amid the shadows of war, brave souls answer the call to defend freedom, their courage and sacrifice woven into a stirring tapestry of hope and remembrance.
Level B2AdventureCarried Off: A Story of Pirate TimesA young farm boy’s restless spirit yearns for adventure beyond his quiet village, set against the backdrop of pirate-infested waters and historic coastal strongholds.
Level C1PoetryCarols of CockayneExplore witty, lyrical reflections on ambition, identity, and everyday life through a lively collection of songs and poems that capture the humor and heart of London’s vibrant cult…
Level C1PoetryCarols of Canada, Etc., Etc.Explore a heartfelt collection of poems reflecting on Canada’s past, its hopeful future, and the spirit of freedom that defines this vast land.
Level C1PoetryCaroling duskAn anthology capturing the vibrant voices of emerging Negro poets, reflecting the creative spirit and evolving artistry within a pivotal cultural renaissance.
Level C1PoetryCarolina chansonsImmerse yourself in the vivid legends and landscapes of coastal Carolina, where colonial history, haunting folklore, and the unique Low Country environment blend into poetic portra…
Level B2ClassicsCarolina LeeBorn in Paris but proud of her American heritage, Carolina Lee navigates a world of high society and family legacy, inspired by her father's stirring tales of honor and identity.
Level C1MysteryCarnacki, the Ghost FinderA seasoned investigator accepts a chilling case involving a haunted room where eerie door slams and torn bedclothes defy explanation.
Level C1ClassicsCarnac's Folly, Volume 3.Amid political turmoil in Quebec, Carnac is drawn into a world of power, ambition, and personal history as he prepares to hear a captivating but controversial leader speak—uncoveri…
Level B2ClassicsCarnac's Folly, Volume 2.After eight months away, Carnac returns to a tangled web of love, betrayal, and power struggles within his family and business.
Level C1ClassicsCarnac's Folly, Volume 1.In a vibrant Canadian wilderness, young Carnac, son of a powerful lumber-king, navigates childhood dreams and complex family ties alongside spirited Junia, whose lively nature cont…
Level C1ClassicsCarnac's Folly, CompleteIn the wild Canadian woods, fourteen-year-old Carnac, son of a powerful lumber-king, shares playful moments and secret dreams with lively eight-year-old Junia, as their lives inter…
Level C1FantasyCarmillaIn a remote Styrian castle surrounded by ancient forests and eerie ruins, a young woman recalls the strange and unsettling events that have haunted her solitary life—events that hi…
Level B2MysteryCarmen's MessengerIn a rugged northern town shaken by tragedy, Jake Foster and his partner Featherstone face mysterious threats that could unravel their lumber business and lives.
Level C1ClassicsCarmen ArizaIn the vibrant heart of colonial Cartagena, a young priest wrestles with destiny amid the city's awakening streets and colorful characters.
Level C1HistoricalCarlyle's laugh, and other surprisesDelve into intimate sketches revealing the surprising warmth behind the stern facade of Carlyle and other historical figures, where laughter and candid moments unlock the true natu…
Level B2Children'sCarlo: or Kindness RewardedWhen kind-hearted Ida saves a little dog from cruel boys, she never imagines that her compassion will be repaid in a life-saving moment years later.
Level B2AdventureCarl the TrailerIn the tense frontier near Sitting Bull’s agency, Lieutenant Parker is tasked with leading a small cavalry group into dangerous mountains to hunt fresh meat amid rising Native Amer…
Level C1ClassicsCaritàA middle-aged couple balances intellectual pursuits and carefree travels while carefully managing the upbringing of their only child, Cara.
Level C1HistoricalCargoes for CrusoesStranded alone on a desert island, a castaway discovers a miraculous cargo of books washed ashore, transforming isolation into a rich world of knowledge and companionship.
Level C1ClassicsCarette of SarkOn the secluded island of Sercq, where ancient laws and family legacies endure, a man reflects on his lost father and the deep-rooted beauty of his homeland, uncovering secrets tha…
Level B1Children'sCareless Kate: A Story for Little FolksA spirited young girl known as Careless Kate struggles to overcome her thoughtless habits after accidentally destroying her mother’s prized flower.
Level C1HistoricalCardinal Pole; Or, The Days of Philip and Mary: An Historical RomanceAmidst political intrigue and religious strife, Queen Mary faces pressure to marry Philip of Spain while secretly considering a union with the exiled Cardinal Pole, a man of noble…
Level C1AdventureCardiganAmidst the turbulent spring of 1774, a young boy defies the shadow of war and loss in the frontier lands where colonial redcoats and native warriors once clashed.
Level C1RomanceCaravans By Night: A Romance of IndiaIn the bustling bazaars of India, a proud silk merchant’s life is shaken by a lost talisman and deep-seated rivalries, while a mysterious encounter with two strangers stirs a web o…
Level C1ClassicsCapturesA bitter feud ignites between two neighboring farmers when one shoots the other's dog, sparking simmering resentments and clashing traditions in a rural community.
Level B2AdventureCaptured by the NavajosTwo young brothers, sons of a commanding officer, face cultural clashes and unexpected friendships in a New Mexico frontier town during the Civil War.
Level B2AdventureCaptured by the ArabsA daring expedition ventures into the vast Sahara Desert, where two young explorers face mysterious followers and whispers of hidden treasure guarded by fierce Tuareg tribes.
Level C1AdventureCaptured by Apes; or, How Philip Garland Became King of ApelandA young animal dealer inherits a monkey emporium and devotes himself to training apes with astonishing skills, from somersaults to military drills.
Level C1ClassicsCaptivating Mary CarstairsIn an exclusive club where wit and wealth collide, a commanding pianist and his companions navigate society’s intricate games, revealing the delicate balance between privilege, tal…
Level B2MysteryCaptains of soulsA mysterious stranger with a commanding presence disrupts the quiet life of Beryl Merville, hinting at hidden connections and shadowy business dealings that unsettle her family and…
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.