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 C2PoetryAtalanta in CalydonIn a land cursed by a vengeful goddess, a fierce hunt unfolds as heroes and a remarkable maiden unite to face a devastating wild boar ravaging Calydon.
Level B2Science FictionAtalantaA group of Cambridge friends unite to develop a revolutionary airship powered by newly discovered elements that can defy gravity, unlocking the thrilling possibility of interplanet…
Level C1RomanceAtalaIn the untamed wilderness of America, a tender and heroic romance unfolds, weaving vivid descriptions of nature’s wild beauty with the poignant lives of its aboriginal characters.
Level C1MysteryAt the mountains of madnessA scientific expedition to Antarctica uncovers eerie fossils and ancient secrets beneath the ice, challenging conventional knowledge and warning of dangers best left undisturbed.
Level C1ClassicsAt the library tableExplore the quiet world of book lovers and literary musings as an observer reflects on the true passion behind libraries, the hidden value of books, and the rare joy found in leisu…
Level B2AdventureAt the fall of Montreal; or, A soldier boy's final victoryTwo young soldiers, cousins David and Henry Morris, navigate the tense frontier as the English push to reclaim French-held forts and territory in North America.
Level B2AdventureAt the back of the worldDrawn by an irresistible passion for the sea, a determined fourteen-year-old boy leaves school and home to pursue a life on the ocean, facing harsh lessons and the tough realities…
Level C1MysteryAt the Villa RoseIn the elegant resort town of Aix-les-Bains, a wealthy financier’s leisurely summer is disrupted by a mysterious young woman’s sudden distress and a high-stakes baccarat game hoste…
Level C1MysteryAt the Time AppointedIn a harsh mountain mining town scorched by drought, a young expert mineralogist races against a rival to secure a legendary mine rumored to hold untold wealth, facing deception, c…
Level C1RomanceAt the Sign of the Sword: A Story of Love and War in BelgiumIn the serene Belgian Ardennes of July 1914, a secret romance unfolds between a refined Parisian beauty and a worldly, English-trained Belgian man, set against a timeless landscape…
Level A2PoetryAt the Sign of the Sphinx. Second seriesStep into a world of enigmatic verses where each poem unfolds like a riddle, inviting you to unlock hidden meanings beneath the mysterious sign of the Sphinx.
Level C1AdventureAt the Sign of the Silver FlagonIn the scorching Australian outback, Silver Creek transforms from wilderness to a bustling gold rush township where fortune seekers of all nations converge.
Level B2ClassicsAt the Sign of the Jack O'LanternA newlywed couple arrives at a strange, gloomy mansion on a stormy night, confronting eerie portraits and unsettling shadows as they seek warmth and comfort.
Level C1RomanceAt the Sign of the Fox: A RomanceAmidst the tranquil beauty of the Moosatuk River kingdom, two old friends retreat into the woods for a quiet hunting day, where the peaceful landscape and unspoken bond hint at dee…
Level C1ClassicsAt the Sign of the EagleIn a world where social status clashes with raw ambition, a wounded explorer's chance encounter with two enigmatic men sets the stage for a tale of adventure, business, and unexpec…
Level C1RomanceAt the Sign of the Cat and RacketIn the heart of old Paris, a young man becomes captivated by a mysterious, crumbling house marked by a whimsical sign of a cat playing rackets—uncovering secrets woven into the cit…
PoetryAt the SeasideDiscover the charms of coastal life through vivid, rhythmic poetry that captures the beauty and wonder of the seaside, inviting readers to explore its sights, sounds, and moods in…
Level C1ClassicsAt the Relton ArmsIn a West End musician’s studio, a gathering of society’s elite reveals tangled ambitions, hidden talents, and impassioned debates on art and socialism.
Level B2AdventureAt the Point of the SwordAmidst the turmoil of colonial Peru, young Juan Crawford faces danger and mystery when Rosa Montilla, daughter of a Spanish officer, arrives at his home in distress—uncovering secr…
Level C1AdventureAt the Point of the Bayonet: A Tale of the Mahratta WarAmidst the turbulent Mahratta War, Major Lindsay struggles to maintain order in a wild Indian district while British forces face mismanagement and fierce resistance.
Level C1HistoricalAt the Mercy of TiberiusIn a world shadowed by pride and desperation, a young woman faces a painful mission to seek aid from a distant, estranged family patriarch.
Level C1ClassicsAt the Ghost Hour. The House of the Unbelieving ThomasIn a shadowed street of ancient German houses, a decaying mansion known as "The Unbelieving Thomas" harbors dark secrets and eerie legends.
Level C1ClassicsAt the Gate of SamariaIn a stern, Puritan-rooted household, a young woman’s rebellious artistic ambitions clash with her family’s rigid expectations, revealing tensions between social class, morality, a…
Level B2ClassicsAt the Foot of the RainbowDiscover the intimate story of a remarkable woman whose deep love for nature and family life in the post-Civil War Midwest shaped her extraordinary contributions to natural science…
Level C1HistoricalAt the Emperor's Wish: A Tale of the New JapanAn aging samurai struggles to reconcile his fading status and traditional values with the sweeping changes of Meiji Japan, where loyalty to the Emperor remains his guiding light am…
Level C1Science FictionAt the Earth's CoreA daring inventor and his companion test a revolutionary drilling machine that burrows deep into the Earth, uncovering a hidden, prehistoric world teeming with strange creatures an…
Level B2RomanceAt the CrossroadsA recovering writer, weighed down by illness and doubt, is urged by his friend to escape the shadows of his past and rediscover life beyond the page.
Level B2ClassicsAt the Councillor's; or, A Nameless HistoryA skilled surgeon performs a risky operation on a taciturn miller whose recovery depends on careful nursing.
Level B2MysteryAt the Black RocksA timid boy battles rising currents after his small boat capsizes near the ominous Black Rocks, prompting a daring rescue mission led by a bold leader and his crew aboard the Great…
Level B2FantasyAt the Back of the North WindA young boy named Diamond lives in a chilly hay-loft, where the restless north wind whispers secrets just beyond the walls.
Level B1Children'sAt the Back of the North WindA young boy named Diamond discovers a mysterious window into the North Wind behind his bed, leading to a magical friendship where the wind promises to bring unexpected adventures b…
Level C1RomanceAt love's costA cynical man reluctantly joins a charming, wealthy companion on a rainy, misty journey to a mysterious lakeside estate, drawn into unexpected adventure and intrigue despite his be…
Level C1FantasyAt a Winter's FireLost in a haunting Alpine gorge under a full moon, a traveler encounters eerie spirits and a mysterious figure plagued by a strange affliction tied to the lunar light—where nature’…
Level B2AdventureAt Whispering Pine LodgeFour adventurous boys venture deep into the wild Adirondacks, building a shelter and fishing in untamed streams, facing challenges and mysteries in a remote wilderness where few da…
Level C1MysteryAt War with Society; or, Tales of the OutcastsDive into the shadowy world of Edinburgh’s streets, where a cunning female thief, Jean Brash, outwits the law with charm and guile, revealing the gritty battle between crime and ju…
Level B2AdventureAt War with Pontiac; Or, The Totem of the Bear: A Tale of Redcoat and RedskinAmid the wild forests of 18th-century New York, a young settler’s family fortifies their home against encroaching dangers as tribal rivalries and colonial tensions ignite around th…
Level C1PoetryAt Sundown, and other poems: Part 5 from Volume IV of The Works of John Greenleaf WhittierExplore a collection of evocative poems blending nature’s quiet moments with stirring reflections on history, faith, and human resilience, capturing the spirit of winter’s hush, th…
Level B2ClassicsAt Start and FinishAn Englishman returns to London after decades abroad, rekindling an old friendship while reflecting on identity, loyalty, and the challenges of bridging two worlds.
Level B2HistoricalAt PlattsburgA young recruit embarks on his first military training at Plattsburg, grappling with the tension between his pacifist roots and the looming threat of war.
Level B2RomanceAt Pinney's Ranch: 1898When John Lansing is falsely accused of murder after a violent quarrel with the victim, he must flee to protect himself and his family, thrust into a desperate fight to prove his i…
Level C1PoetryAt Minas Basin, and Other PoemsImmerse yourself in vivid landscapes and timeless legends from the Basin of Minas, where nature’s beauty and myth intertwine through evocative poetry that captures the spirit of se…
Level C1RomanceAt Last: A NovelA devoted matchmaker with a tender heart and firm convictions, Mrs.
Level C1PhilosophyAt LargeA solitary bachelor escapes the constraints of society by retreating to a quiet country home in the mysterious fenlands, seeking freedom, friendship, and the elusive solace of soli…
Level B2RomanceAt LargeTwo hawkers traverse the vast, unforgiving Australian desert, chasing dreams of fortune and survival against all odds.
Level B2ClassicsAt Hotel On-de-BlinkStep into the chaotic charm of Hotel On-de-Blink, where a quirky proprietor, Hans Seitz, navigates a parade of eccentric guests, each bringing their own comedic twists to this live…
Level B2ClassicsAt Home with the JardinesWhen newlyweds Aubrey and his wife set up house, they enlist Mary—the formidable, no-nonsense cook who becomes more than staff: a fierce protector, trusted friend, and keeper of th…
Level C1MysteryAt His Gates: A Novel. Vol. 3 (of 3)In a country house where social niceties mask simmering tensions, a mysterious guest stirs unease among the family, especially young Ned, who senses threats lurking behind polite c…
Level C1MysteryAt His Gates: A Novel. Vol. 2 (of 3)Haunted by betrayal and loss, Helen confronts a man who has stolen her husband's good name and shattered their lives, igniting a fierce battle of truth and justice within the shado…
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.