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 C1HistoricalAncient rhetoric and poeticExplore the foundations of ancient rhetoric and poetic through the voices of Aristotle, Cicero, and Vergil, revealing timeless principles of composition that shaped Western literar…
Level C1PoetryAncient Poems, Ballads, and Songs of the Peasantry of EnglandDiscover the heartfelt poems, ballads, and songs passed down through generations of English peasants, capturing their joys, struggles, and traditions through oral tales and rare ma…
Level C1PoetryAncient Nahuatl Poetry, Containing the Nahuatl Text of XXVII Ancient Mexican Poems: Brinton's Library of Aboriginal American Literature Number VII.Delve into the rich world of ancient Nahuatl poetry, where sacred songs and vibrant dances reveal the passionate cultural heritage of the Nahuas, their artistic devotion, and the e…
Level C1PoetryAncient Ballads and Legends of HindustanImmerse yourself in the mystical world of ancient Indian songs and legends, reimagined in exquisite English verse by a gifted young poetess whose life bridged the rich cultures of…
Level C1RomanceAncestors: A NovelIn Edwardian England, a sharp-witted woman navigates the delicate social dance among aristocrats, rekindling a complex friendship with Lady Victoria Gwynne, whose mysterious change…
Level C1ClassicsAnatole FranceExplore the life and works of Anatole France, a pacifist thinker whose clear, ironic mind navigates beauty and ugliness alike amid the turmoil of war.
Level C1ClassicsAnatole FranceExplore the sharp wit and subtle irony that define a writer who masks profound truths beneath naïve tones, challenging society’s conventions and revealing the complexity of justice…
Level C1ClassicsAnathema: A Tragedy in Seven ScenesIn a mysterious realm guarded by silent sentinels, Anathema, a restless outcast, challenges fate and eternity itself.
Level C1ClassicsAnalytical StudiesExplore the sharp, satirical dissection of marriage and its complexities, where biting humor and philosophical insight challenge the romantic ideal, revealing the social foibles an…
Level C1AdventureAnabasisAmidst Persian royal intrigue and secret alliances, a Greek-led mercenary force embarks on a perilous march to aid Cyrus in his quest to claim the throne from his brother Artaxerxe…
Level C1HistoricalAn outline of humor: Being a true chronicle from prehistoric ages to the twentieth centuryTrace the evolution of humor from prehistoric times to the dawn of the twentieth century in a sweeping chronicle that highlights the enduring human spirit of wit, laughter, and mir…
Level B2AdventureAn outlaw's pledge; or, The raid on the old stockadeA daring outlaw breaks free from jail, fulfilling a deadly pledge while pursued by relentless troopers through the treacherous Bad Lands.
Level C1HistoricalAn open verdictIn a world where titles and pride clash with harsh realities, a young woman’s fate intertwines with society’s expectations and the hopes of well-meaning guardians.
Level C1HistoricalAn odeCelebrate the rich history and spirit of Boston through a stirring poem delivered at the city's centennial, capturing the pride and perseverance of its people on a landmark Septemb…
Level C1ClassicsAn odd coupleIn a quiet drawing-room, a steady yet shocking proposal of separation disrupts a long marriage marked by deep, unyielding differences.
Level B2ClassicsAn interrupted nightA young girl idolizes her enchanting Auntie Belle, whose radiant presence transforms their home and whose secret life as a beloved author captivates a growing circle of admirers.
Level C1HistoricalAn inland voyageTwo friends embark on a daring canoe voyage through the rivers and canals of Europe, facing unpredictable weather, challenging portages, and the thrill of uncharted adventure.
Level C1PhilosophyAn index fingerA philosophical journey explores the nature of existence, challenging conventional pursuits of happiness and offering a personal insight into the mysteries of life and death.
Level B2Children'sAn independent daughterAt college, Persis navigates lively friendships, clashing personalities, and the challenges of dorm life, all while embracing independence and discovering the true nature of those…
Level C1HistoricalAn imperial loverAmidst the intrigue of Peter the Great’s Russia, a French marshal embarks on a secret diplomatic mission, uncovering a transformed court where old customs clash with bold reforms,…
Level C1ClassicsAn idyl of the Wabash, and other storiesA young New England teacher ventures to a small Indiana town, confronting its unfamiliar customs, rugged landscape, and quaint inhabitants with a mix of humor and cultural clash.
Level C1ClassicsAn ideal husbandIn the glittering world of London high society, charming conversations mask underlying secrets and idle lives, as the Chiltern family navigates the delicate balance between appeara…
Level B2ClassicsAn eye for an eyeIn gritty Chicago, switchman Hank Clery faces a tense visit to the county jail, summoned by a dying friend's urgent message.
Level C1Science FictionAn experiment in gyro-hatsA hat dealer obsessed with maximizing the unused space in top hats becomes entangled in his daughter Anne’s troubled love for Walsingham Gribbs—a man who perpetually staggers witho…
Level C1ClassicsAn episode in the doings of the dualizedIn a family rich in culture but poor in money, Ethelbert Daksha navigates the clash between lofty ideals and the harsh realities of society's obsession with wealth.
Level C2HistoricalAn encyclopedist of the dark ages: Isidore of SevilleExplore the mind of Isidore of Seville, a seventh-century scholar who compiles the scattered remnants of ancient science and knowledge into a vast encyclopedia, revealing the intel…
Level C1PoetryAn elegy written among the ruins of an abbeyAmid the silent ruins of an ancient abbey, mourn the passage of time and the fading echoes of faith in a poignant, reflective elegy that captures loss and memory in haunting verse.
Level C1Children'sAn elder brotherIn a dusty Bloomsbury bookshop, a reserved bookseller’s solitary life is unexpectedly brightened by the arrival of a mysterious little girl, whose presence stirs memories and chall…
Level B2AdventureAn aviator's luckIn a bustling summer park, two boys—Eddie, the diligent court keeper, and his loyal friend Bill—dream of adventure beyond their daily routines.
Level C1ClassicsAn apology for idlers, and other essaysIn a society obsessed with relentless industry, a thoughtful voice champions the overlooked value of idleness—not as laziness, but as a vital form of learning and reflection beyond…
Level C1ClassicsAn anthology of German literatureJourney through the rich tapestry of German literature, exploring medieval poetry and key works in their original or modernized forms, accompanied by insightful notes that illumina…
Level C1ClassicsAn altruistIn the heart of London society, Wilfrid Bertram passionately champions altruism and duty, challenging the selfish norms of his peers.
Level C1ClassicsAn account of the giants lately discoveredA daring captain discovers a hidden tribe of towering giants along the Patagonian coast, sparking a mysterious encounter filled with silence, strange gestures, and an unspoken invi…
Level C1HistoricalAn account of some recent discoveries in hieroglyphical literature, and Egyptian antiquitiesUnravel the mysteries of ancient Egypt through groundbreaking discoveries in hieroglyphics and rare manuscripts, revealing the painstaking efforts behind decoding a language lost f…
Level B2RomanceAn Unwilling Maid: Being the History of Certain Episodes during the American Revolution in the Early Life of Mistress Betty Yorke, born WolcottAmid the Connecticut hills during the American Revolution, a young soldier lost behind enemy lines encounters two spirited sisters, stirring tension and unexpected connections in a…
Level C1ClassicsAn Unsocial SocialistIn an old English country-house, a strict teacher confronts a group of rebellious young women whose daring antics challenge the rules and reveal the tensions beneath their discipli…
Level C1AdventureAn Unprotected Female at the PyramidsA journey to Cairo unites a determined English family with intriguing international companions as they venture toward the mysterious pyramids.
Level C1ClassicsAn Unpardonable LiarIn a cozy gathering, a mysterious chant from outside disrupts a lively performance, stirring eerie memories and hidden tensions among the guests.
Level C1HistoricalAn Unofficial PatriotA Southern clergyman and former slave-owner struggles with his conscience and the law in a turbulent Virginia steeped in religious revival and shifting moral landscapes.
Level C1RomanceAn Unknown LoverIn a dim old house shadowed by loss, siblings Katrine and Martin navigate the lingering grief of a vanished bride whose memory haunts every room.
Level B2Children'sAn Uninvited Member: A Play for Girls in Two ScenesIn a lively schoolroom, a curious girl named Effie tries to crack the secret behind the mysterious Society of S.
Level C1AdventureAn Undivided UnionFollow Major Deck Lyon and the Riverlawn Cavalry through daring Civil War battles around Murfreesboro, Chickamauga, and Chattanooga, as they navigate perilous campaigns and fierce…
Level C1RomanceAn Uncrowned King: A Romance of High PoliticsIn the turbulent halls of power, Viscount Usk faces political betrayal and personal rebellion as he navigates the ruthless game of high-stakes government and society, caught betwee…
Level C1HistoricalAn Outline of Russian LiteratureExplore the rich origins of Russian literature, tracing its roots from ancient Slavic settlements and Norse influences to the profound impact of Eastern Christianity and Byzantine…
Level C1ClassicsAn Outcast; Or, Virtue and FaithIn a Charleston gripped by fear and disease, society retreats while the city’s darkest vices simmer beneath the surface.
Level C1ClassicsAn Outcast of the IslandsA worn-out European drifts through a shadowy tropical settlement, shunned and mysterious, carrying the heavy burden of a past betrayal that haunts both him and those around him.
Level C1AdventureAn Outback Marriage: A Story of Australian LifeOn a stifling summer evening in Sydney, three men prepare to meet a new arrival whose reputation promises adventure and clash in the rugged Australian outback, where old rivalries…
Level C1ClassicsAn Orkney MaidAmid the rugged Orkney Islands, a community shaped by Viking heritage and shifting sovereignties faces the challenges of progress and peril.
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.