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 B1Children'sAway to school: 'Ólta'góóA Navajo boy describes his experiences attending a distant boarding school, navigating new routines, language, and culture while learning English and adapting to a different world…
Level B2AdventureAway in the WildernessA skilled hunter ventures deep into the vast, untamed wilderness of Rupert’s Land, driven by love and the promise of marriage.
Level C1RomanceAwakeningAn English artist encounters a mysterious and captivating Eastern woman at a Riviera hotel, inspiring him to capture her elusive beauty in his art.
Level C1HistoricalAvril: Being Essays on the Poetry of the French RenaissanceExplore the vivid poetry of the French Renaissance through essays that reveal the cultural and historical ties shaping Europe’s literary heritage, as England and France begin to re…
Level B2ClassicsAveryA woman battles a relentless illness that threatens her breath and spirit, while those around her struggle to care and understand.
Level C1ClassicsAverilOn a gloomy, rain-soaked day in Lincoln's Inn, the timid yet determined Averil braves the weather to seek counsel from the ever-optimistic Mr.
Level C1ClassicsAvarice--Anger: Two of the Seven Cardinal SinsIn the bustling streets of Paris, young Mariette, burdened by poverty and illiteracy, entrusts a kind old scrivener to give voice to her secret plea, setting in motion a tale of ha…
Level C1PoetryAutumnal leaves: tales and sketches in prose and rhymeIn a world divided by class and beauty, a young man’s admiration for a humble, radiant nursery maid challenges societal norms and sparks quiet rebellion against convention and prej…
Level C1PoetryAutumn Leaves: Original Pieces in Prose and VerseIn a quiet New England town, a mysterious old man and a lively group in vintage attire gather to revive Christmas traditions in a warmly decorated church, sparking wonder in a loca…
Level C1PoetryAutumn LeavesExplore the cycles of life and hope through heartfelt poems that reflect on love, loss, and renewal amid nature’s changing seasons.
Level C1ClassicsAutumn Glory; Or, The Toilers of the FieldIn a fading rural world, a steadfast farmer faces harsh demands and deep distrust from his absent Marquis and a threatening steward, while struggling to protect his land, family, a…
Level C1ClassicsAutres Temps...: 1916A woman returns from exile to New York, haunted by her troubled past and her daughter's scandalous choices, as she confronts the judgment and mysteries of a society that never lets…
Level C1ClassicsAutobiography: Truth and Fiction Relating to My LifeDive into the complex life of a towering European intellect whose profound influence and artistic spirit shaped a generation.
Level C1HistoricalAutobiography, Letters and Literary Remains of Mrs. Piozzi (Thrale) (2nd ed.) (2 vols.)Dive into the intimate letters and diaries of a prominent literary figure, revealing her vibrant life, friendships, and the intricate relationship with the towering lexicographer D…
Level C1ClassicsAutobiography of a Pocket-HandkerchiefAn embroidered pocket-handkerchief narrates its unique journey through French and American societies, unveiling sharp critiques of economic exploitation and social pretensions whil…
Level C1HistoricalAutobiography of a Female SlaveBorn to a slave mother and raised in a Kentucky farmhouse, a bright, fair-skinned girl navigates the complexities of slavery and education, cherished yet confined.
Level C1ClassicsAutobiography of a ChildA neglected child finds solace and love with her devoted nurse and stepfather amid a harsh, unloving home.
Level C1ClassicsAutobiographic SketchesExplore a deeply personal collection of writings that reveal the trials of publication, the struggle for authenticity, and the evolving nature of an author's voice as he revises an…
Level C1HistoricalAuthors of GreeceExplore a world where ancient Greek literature mirrors our own society's struggles with democracy, war, and ideology, revealing timeless lessons through the voices of iconic poets,…
Level C1ClassicsAuthors at home: Personal and biographical sketches of well-known American writersExplore the intimate lives of renowned American writers as they invite you into their homes, revealing personal tastes, surroundings, and the unique atmospheres that shape their cr…
Level C1HistoricalAuthors and Writers Associated with Morristown: With a Chapter on Historic MorristownExplore the rich literary heritage of Morristown, New Jersey, where historic Revolutionary War sites and notable authors intertwine.
Level C1ClassicsAuthors and FriendsExplore the intimate friendships and scholarly pursuits of celebrated literary figures, revealing the personal stories and letters behind their public fame.
Level C1Children'sAustralian fairy talesA strong miner named Samson awakens in a mysterious gold mine to meet Grapple, a giant stranger who leads him through secret tunnels to the enchanting land of Golden Cloud.
Level C1HistoricalAustralian WritersExplore the emergence of a unique Australian literary identity amid challenges of colonial ties, rapid development, and cultural isolation, as the nation grapples with its place in…
Level C1ClassicsAustralian EssaysAn Englishman's keen observations reveal Melbourne's rapid rise from frontier settlement to bustling metropolis, blending influences from London, Paris, and New York while forging…
Level C1ClassicsAustralia RevengedIn a London club for the jilted, two scorned gentlemen share tales of heartbreak involving Australian heiresses and aristocratic rivals, unmasking the social intrigues and moral ba…
Level C1HistoricalAustralia FelixIn the harsh goldfields of Ballarat, a weary digger faces relentless misfortune and loss, haunted by dreams of fortune and the crushing reality of survival.
Level B2ClassicsAustin and His FriendsIn a charming old house surrounded by vibrant gardens, Austin faces the life-altering challenge of losing his leg after a sudden illness.
Level C1ClassicsAus meinem Königreich: Tales from the Carpathian MountainsStep into the enigmatic world of the Carpathian Mountains, where ancient mysteries blend with the rich culture and language of the Romanian people, revealing tales shaped by histor…
Level C1PoetryAurora LeighA passionate poet reflects on life, art, and society through intimate letters and verse, unveiling the struggles and aspirations of a woman navigating Victorian England’s literary…
Level C1MysteryAurora Floyd, Vol. 3A mysterious murder rocks a quiet village, as a seafaring fugitive vanishes and suspicion falls on many.
Level C1MysteryAurora Floyd, Vol. 2In a grand Yorkshire estate, tangled emotions and past rivalries surface as Aurora's happiness challenges the hearts of those around her, revealing secrets and testing loyalties in…
Level C1ClassicsAurora Floyd, Vol. 1In the serene English countryside, a wealthy banker defies societal expectations by marrying a beautiful but penniless actress, setting the stage for secrets and scandal within a p…
Level C1MysteryAuriol; or, The Elixir of LifeOn the cusp of a new century, a mysterious figure steals grisly trophies from London’s battlements, drawing the attention of Doctor Lamb, an enigmatic alchemist whose dark secrets…
Level C1HistoricalAurelian; or, Rome in the Third CenturyIn a turbulent third-century Rome, a devoted servant recounts the rise of Christianity amid imperial power struggles and persecution under Emperor Aurelian.
Level C1RomanceAunt Rachel: A Rustic Sentimental ComedyIn a quaint garden alive with music and rustic charm, a gifted young violinist captivates his companions and a mysterious girl, setting the stage for a heartfelt tale of village wi…
Level C1HistoricalAunt Phillis's Cabin; Or, Southern Life As It IsExplore the origins and divine justifications of slavery through a detailed examination of biblical law and moral duties, revealing how obedience and reverence shape society and in…
Level B2RomanceAunt Patty's paying guestsA young governess, driven by ambition and exhaustion, faces a stern doctor's order to abandon her studies and embrace rest.
Level B2Children'sAunt Milly's diamondsOn Christmas Eve, grandchildren gather around Grandmamma to hear the intertwined tale of Aunt Milly’s dazzling diamonds and a family’s joys, sorrows, and enduring love, set against…
Level B2Children'sAunt MaryIn a charming suburban villa, Aunt Mary, the devoted eldest daughter who never married, embraces her role as guardian and educator to her nieces and neighbors' children, weaving a…
Level C1Children'sAunt Kitty's TalesJoin Aunt Kitty and her young friends as they navigate childhood’s joys and challenges, learning kindness, forgiveness, and gratitude through heartfelt stories and gentle lessons i…
PoetryAunt Kitty's StoriesDive into a whimsical collection of nursery rhymes and playful verses that bring to life charming animals, mischievous children, and timeless tales, perfect for sparking imaginatio…
Level C1Children'sAunt Judy's TalesGather around the fire as Aunt Judy weaves charming tales filled with humor, wisdom, and gentle lessons, captivating a lively group of children on a cold, rainy day when boredom an…
Level B2Children'sAunt Judith: The Story of a Loving LifeAt a strict boarding school, a spirited girl named Winnifred stirs up a clash of pride and friendship when a mysterious new pupil arrives, challenging social ranks and rivalries in…
Level B2Children'sAunt Jo's scrap-bag, Volume 6In the heart of New Hampshire hills, the Bassett family prepares a bustling, old-fashioned Thanksgiving feast, rich with warmth and tradition.
Level B2Children'sAunt Jo's scrap-bag, Volume 5A determined boy struggles to raise money for his sick sister’s recovery, dreaming of sailing away as a cabin boy to earn their salvation.
Level B2Children'sAunt Jo's scrap-bag, Volume 4Discover inspiring stories of young women breaking barriers and pursuing their passions—from studying medicine to creating art—each carving a path of independence, courage, and pur…
Level B2Children'sAunt Jo's scrap-bag, Volume 3A lively young boy named Cupid eagerly welcomes his spirited cousin Chow-chow, whose fiery temper and playful defiance promise charming family adventures filled with love, mischief…
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.