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 C1RomanceArthurian Chronicles: Roman de BrutDive into a vivid retelling of Arthurian legend where history and chivalric romance intertwine, revealing noble knights and courtly valor through poetic chronicles that shaped medi…
Level C1RomanceArthur: A Short Sketch of His Life and History in English Verse of the First Half of the Fifteenth CenturyWitness the rise of a noble king who forges the legendary Round Table, conquers distant lands, and faces betrayal in a tale woven from early English verse that unveils Arthur’s val…
Level B1Children'sArthur's inheritanceFifteen-year-old Arthur Murray faces a family transformed by loss and financial strain, determined to support them by leaving school to work as a cashier in a bustling London empor…
Level C1ClassicsArthur O'Leary: His Wanderings And Ponderings In Many LandsFollow Arthur O’Leary, a witty and elusive traveler whose mysterious wanderings spark curious tales from whale feasts in the Arctic to royal sponsorships in Africa, as his adventur…
Level C1HorrorArthur Mervyn; Or, Memoirs of the Year 1793Amidst the terror of a devastating 1793 pestilence, a compassionate man wrestles with the perilous choice to shelter a fevered stranger, confronting the harrowing realities of sick…
Level C1ClassicsArthur Machen: Weaver of FantasyExplore the life and legacy of a neglected literary genius whose uncanny tales and essays blend fantasy with a haunting reflection on war and society, inviting a long-overdue reviv…
Level B2Children'sArthur Hamilton, and His DogA boy’s joyful play with his clever dog contrasts with his mother’s heavy heart as she faces poverty and the painful decision to send him away for a better future.
Level B2Children'sArthur GlynAs a gloomy Christmas dampens the village spirit, young curate Arthur Glyn quietly shoulders the weight of his family's troubled past and uncertain future, seeking hope amid hardsh…
Level C1AdventureArthur Brown, The Young CaptainA young man, rescued from death by the sea captain who once owed a debt to his late father, embarks on a journey of adventure and self-discovery amid the turbulent rise of American…
Level C1RomanceArthur Blane; or, The Hundred CuirassiersIn 17th-century Paris, a young Scottish swordsman navigates dark alleys and deadly intrigues with only his wits, a keen blade, and a fierce determination to survive amidst duels, p…
Level C1RomanceArthurIn a kingdom stirred by rebellion and loyalty, a mysterious wounded knight arrives, his identity hidden but his valor undeniable.
Level C1ClassicsArthurA mysterious country house for sale in a remote Mediterranean village sparks curiosity and adventure, as a traveler sets off on horseback through wild landscapes to uncover its sec…
PoetryArtful AnticksWhimsical poems and playful fables bring to life a cast of cunning animals and fanciful creatures, weaving humor and charm through their artful antics and woodland adventures.
Level C2PoetryArtemis to Actaeon, and Other VersesDive into a world where gods and mortals intertwine, exploring the fragile boundary between divine immortality and human experience through evocative verses that awaken ancient myt…
Level C1MysteryArsène Lupin, super-sleuthIn the bustling streets of Paris, a mysterious Englishwoman with striking blue eyes captivates a watchful observer, while a spirited local girl with mesmerizing green eyes weaves t…
Level B2MysteryArsène Lupin versus Herlock SholmesA mysterious writing desk vanishes from a quiet home, sparking a puzzle that entwines a charming young woman, a clever thief, and a shadowy stranger—setting the stage for a battle…
Level C1MysteryArsène Lupin intervenesA cunning private detective known only as Jim Barnett navigates pre-war Paris with wit and daring, solving mysteries that baffle the police while skirting the line between law and…
Level C1MysteryArsène LupinIn a sunlit château filled with history and secrets, a delicate beauty prepares wedding invitations amidst whispers of melancholy and intrigue.
Level C1ClassicsArs Recte Vivendi; Being Essays Contributed to "The Easy Chair"Explore essays that delve into the challenges of college life, from extravagance and hazing to manners and morality, revealing how social influences shape young men’s character and…
Level C2PoetryArs Amatoria; or, The Art Of Love: Literally Translated into English Prose, with Copious NotesMaster the art of love with guidance from a seasoned poet who reveals how to find, win, and keep the affection of Rome’s most captivating women, navigating desire with wit and wisd…
Level B2ClassicsArrowsmithA young medical prodigy in a small town navigates the gritty realities of early science and healing, driven by curiosity and ambition.
Level C1HistoricalArrows of the Chace, vol. 2/2: being a collection of scattered letters published chiefly in the daily newspapers 1840-1880Amidst 19th-century political turmoil, these letters reveal candid reflections on war, nationality, and faith, challenging Protestant stereotypes and portraying nuanced views of Au…
Level C1ClassicsArrows of the Chace, vol. 1/2: being a collection of scattered letters published chiefly in the daily newspapers 1840-1880A collection of candid letters spanning forty years reveals passionate reflections on art, science, and society, penned with deliberate precision and heartfelt zeal.
Level C1RomanceArrah Neil; or, Times of OldAmid the turmoil of the English Civil War, loyalties are tested as Sir John Hotham’s uncertain stance threatens the fate of Hull, while the brash Royalist soldier Barecolt stirs ad…
Level B2Science FictionArqtiq: A Study of the Marvels at the North PoleEmbark on a daring expedition to the North Pole aboard a marvelous hybrid coach that glides, sails, and flies over snow and water.
Level C1ClassicsAround the Yule LogAs Christmas draws near, a successful but calculating lawyer contemplates the true spirit of the season, inviting readers to gather by the fire and reflect on hope, joy, and the wa…
Level C1ClassicsAround the World with Josiah Allen's WifeWhen young Tommy’s fragile health demands a healing sea voyage, his devoted grandmother faces the heart-wrenching choice to leave home and care for him alone.
Level B2AdventureAround the World in Ten DaysFour young inventors embark on a daring air race around the equator, piloting their revolutionary plane, the Sky-Bird II, as they face thrilling challenges and push the limits of e…
Level B2AdventureAround the World in Eighty Days. Junior Deluxe EditionA mysterious and wealthy Englishman, Phileas Fogg embarks on a daring wager to circle the globe in eighty days, accompanied by his loyal servant Passepartout—an adventure filled wi…
Level C1ClassicsAround the Tea-TableEvening tea invites lively conversation, laughter, and heartfelt stories, gathering family and friends around a fragrant brew.
Level B2Children'sAround the EndA ragtag group of eager football players assembles for their first scrimmage under Coach Payson's watchful eye, as new talent and old hopes collide on the Yardley gridiron.
Level C1AdventureAround the Camp-fireSix expert canoeists escape the stifling city heat for a daring 140-mile wilderness journey through rapids, forests, and lakes, where every bend promises thrilling encounters with…
Level C2PoetryAround the Boree Log, and Other VersesStep into the warmth of an Australian bushfire’s glow, where memories, stories, and timeless hospitality gather around the boree log, rekindling the spirit of home, friendship, and…
Level C1HistoricalAround Old Bethany: A Story of the Adventures of Robert and Mary DavisIn a newly settled Missouri town torn by denominational rivalry, Robert and Mary Davis embark on a heartfelt quest to uncover the true path of faith, comparing beliefs and seeking…
Level C1HistoricalArnold's TempterAs revolution brews in Philadelphia, influential aristocrats navigate a delicate balance between loyalty to the Crown and the fight for independence.
Level C1ClassicsArne: A Sketch of Norwegian Country LifeAmidst the quiet Norwegian countryside, a spirited young boy with wild energy and hidden dreams grows up, determined to become a great author and capture the true spirit of his nat…
Level B2AdventureArmy Boys on the Firing Line; or, Holding Back the German DriveYoung American soldiers face a relentless German assault, testing their courage and skill in fierce close-quarters combat along the front lines.
Level B1AdventureArmy Boys on German Soil: Our Doughboys Quelling the MobsAmerican soldiers patrol a tense German city where hostility simmers beneath the surface, and threats escalate from uneasy glances to deadly gunfire.
Level B1AdventureArmy Boys marching into GermanyAmidst relentless German assaults, a small band of American soldiers fiercely holds their ground, preparing for a desperate bayonet charge that will decide their fate in a brutal,…
Level B1FantasyArmy Boys in the French Trenches; Or, Hand to Hand Fighting with the EnemyAmerican soldiers brace for a daring dawn assault on German trenches, facing deadly explosions and fierce resistance in a brutal test of courage and brotherhood amid the chaos of W…
Level B2AdventureArmy Boys in France; or, From Training Camp to TrenchesAs war looms over America, a group of friends grapple with the reality of unpreparedness and the call to arms, facing the daunting challenge of transforming raw recruits into soldi…
Level C1RomanceArms and the WomanA young reporter encounters a mysterious, captivating woman in a secluded garden, sparking a delicate romance that unfolds amid social divides and personal ambitions.
Level C1ClassicsArms and the ManIn a sharp critique of militarism and romanticized heroism, a pragmatic soldier challenges the myths of war and love, exposing the absurdities beneath society’s polished veneer.
Level C1RomanceArmorel of Lyonesse: A Romance of To-dayA young girl lives surrounded by the ever-changing sea and rugged coastlines, her days filled with dreams and silent yearnings beneath the warm sunlight.
Level C1RomanceArminell: A Social Romance, Vol. 3A young lord returns home to confront hidden family secrets and a bitter struggle for justice, as whispers of murder and lost promises threaten to unravel lives in a close-knit vil…
Level C1RomanceArminell: A Social Romance, Vol. 2In a grand but isolating household, two lonely souls—Giles Saltren and Arminell—forge a secret bond that breaks social barriers and awakens hidden desires for friendship and unders…
Level C1RomanceArminell: A Social Romance, Vol. 1In a humble, rat-infested basement beneath a churchyard keeper’s lodge, a Sunday-school strives to teach sacred lessons amid grime and gossip, driven by Lady Lamerton’s fervent bel…
Level C1PoetryArmenian Literature: Comprising Poetry, Drama, Folk-lore and Classic Traditions;Explore the rich tapestry of ancient Armenian life through its surviving poetry, drama, and folklore, revealing a culture shaped by early Christianity, heroic legends, and the ming…
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.