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 C1ClassicsAn American Politician: A NovelIn the refined world of Boston society, Mrs.
Level C1ClassicsAn American Girl in LondonAn American girl navigates the curious and often misunderstood world of English society, offering candid reflections on cultural contrasts and the peculiar fascination with her ide…
Level C1HistoricalAn AmericanAmid rising tensions with Spain, a wave of American volunteers rallies to defend liberty and justice, driven by fierce patriotism and the hope of freeing oppressed peoples.
Level C1ClassicsAn Ambitious Woman: A NovelIn a bleak suburb overshadowed by death and despair, a determined woman navigates the harsh realities of life, work, and hope on the fringes of a bustling metropolis.
Level C1ClassicsAn Ambitious ManA driven young editor from humble beginnings proposes to the heiress of a powerful political family, not for love but for ambition.
Level B1MysteryAn Amateur FiremanA determined boy dreams of joining the fire department, learning the ropes by tending fires and proving his worth despite skepticism and hardship.
Level A2PoetryAn Alphabet of Old FriendsDelight in a whimsical journey through familiar nursery rhymes and playful verses, where crows, black sheep, and merry old souls come to life in charming, rhythmic tales that capti…
Level C2PoetryAn Alphabet of HistoryExplore history’s most iconic figures from Alexander the Great to Zenobia through a vibrant alphabet of poetry and illustrations, blending timeless stories with playful verse that…
Level C1PoetryAn Alphabet of CelebritiesDiscover a whimsical journey through an alphabet of notable figures, each letter bringing to life a playful portrait and verse that celebrate the charm and quirks of celebrities in…
PoetryAn Almanac of Twelve SportsExplore the vibrant world of twelve sports through evocative poetry that captures the spirit and rhythm of hunting, racing, fishing, cricket, boxing, and more, celebrating the pass…
Level C1RomanceAn Algonquin Maiden: A Romance of the Early Days of Upper CanadaIn the rugged wilderness of early Upper Canada, a devoted servant anxiously awaits the arrival of a distant ship, setting the stage for a tale of love and survival amid the clash o…
Level C1MysteryAn African Millionaire: Episodes in the Life of the Illustrious Colonel ClayA sharp South African financier and his skeptical secretary arrive on the Riviera, where a mysterious Mexican Seer claims supernatural powers.
Level C1ClassicsAn Adventure with a Genius: Recollections of Joseph PulitzerA weary traveler contemplates a quiet life in Barbados but is unexpectedly drawn into a new path when he responds to a mysterious advertisement seeking a companion-secretary for a…
Level B2ClassicsAn Adulteration Act: The Lady of the Barge and Others, Part 10.Dr.
Level C1HistoricalAn Address, Delivered Before the Was-ah Ho-de-no-son-ne or New Confederacy of the Iroquois: Also, Genundewah, a PoemIn a gathering inspired by the ancient Iroquois confederacy, a new brotherhood of letters unites to cultivate history, science, and literature rooted in American soil, aiming to fo…
Level C1PoetryAn Address to a Wealthy Libertine: or, the Melancholy Effects of Seduction; with a Letter from an Unfortunate Farmer's Daughter, to her Parents in NorfolkA wealthy libertine’s reckless seduction leaves a once-happy woman shattered, her family torn by disgrace and sorrow.
Level C1ClassicsAn Act in a BackwaterA retired colonel with a flair for grandiosity navigates the quaint social rituals of a country club, revealing his blustery opinions and charming absurdities.
Level C1HistoricalAn Accursed RaceIn isolated Pyrenean villages, a mysterious group known as the Cagots endure harsh laws and social scorn, forced to live apart and marked by visible badges.
Level B2AdventureAmy in Acadia: A Story for GirlsA determined young woman embarks on a summer journey to Acadia with her mother and friends, seeking rest, study, and healing, while fending off persistent suitors who threaten to d…
Level C1ClassicsAmy HerbertIn a quaint village beside an ancient forest, Amy Herbert’s peaceful childhood unfolds in a charming cottage filled with love, learning, and simple joys, where nature and nurturing…
Level B2Children'sAmy Harrison; or, Heavenly Seed and Heavenly DewTwo sisters, Amy and Kitty Harrison, embark on a Sunday school walk that reveals their contrasting characters and choices in life.
Level C1ClassicsAmy FosterIn a quiet coastal village, a country doctor encounters Amy Foster, a simple woman marked by tragedy and misunderstood by those around her.![Cover of Amusing prose chap-books by Robert Hays [Editor] Cunningham](https://dsx1pat3ljtul.cloudfront.net/books/daeugr8e1ofc73dh9e2g.webp)
Level C1ClassicsAmusing prose chap-booksExplore the lively world of chap-books—cheap, popular literature crafted by and for the common people from the eighteenth century onward—offering vivid insights into the superstiti…
Level C1PoetryAmusing Trial in which a Yankee Lawyer Renders a Just VerdictIn a gripping poetic trial, a clever Yankee lawyer confronts the harsh realities of slavery, weaving justice and mercy into a powerful verdict that challenges cruelty and champions…
Level B2MysteryAmusement OnlyWhen the Duchess mysteriously vanishes from her locked carriage, a chilling ransom note arrives, threatening her mutilation unless a hefty gold payment is made.
Level C1ClassicsAmphitryonWhen Jupiter, king of the gods, disguises himself as Amphitryon to win his wife Alcmene’s love, divine deception intertwines with mortal passion, setting the stage for a night wher…
Level C2PoetryAmours De VoyageJourney through ancient Rome and beyond as a traveler wrestles with history’s ruins, cultural clashes, and spiritual disillusionment, capturing the restless search for meaning amid…
Level C1FantasyAmos Kilbright; His Adscititious Experiences: With Other StoriesAn earnest stranger with awkward charm arrives selling tickets to mysterious séances, sparking a lawyer's curiosity about the strange world of spiritualists and unexplained phenome…
Level B2ClassicsAmos JuddThree mysterious travelers, marked by dignified foreignness and strange silver trunks, arrive in the quiet village of Daleford to seek out the elusive Mr.
Level B2Children'sAmos HuntingdonA sudden attack by a wild dog sends a family carriage teetering on the edge of a dangerous chalk-pit, sparking a tense rescue under the dark October night.
Level C2PoetryAmores: PoemsDive into a vivid exploration of passion, nature, and the human soul through evocative poems that unravel intimate desires, childhood struggles, and the wild rhythms of youth, all…
Level C1FantasyAmong the gnomesVenture into the mysterious Untersberg mountain, where gnomes, fairies, and elemental spirits dwell in hidden caves and marble halls.
Level B2HistoricalAmong the campsIn a Southern home during the Civil War, Christmas loses its magic as war takes its toll on a family longing for their absent father and the joy of old traditions.
Level B2Children'sAmong the Trees at ElmridgeThree curious children explore the colorful world of springtime trees with their governess, discovering the secrets of catkins, willows, and other wonders hidden among the branches…
PoetryAmong the Trees AgainStep into a serene world where whispers of the forest and the gentle sway of trees invite reflection and a deep connection with nature’s quiet beauty.
Level B2AdventureAmong the Red-skins; Or, Over the Rocky MountainsWhen young Hugh goes missing in the wilderness near the Rocky Mountains, his family sets out on a tense search, facing wild beasts and the threats of the untamed frontier.
Level B2Children'sAmong the Pond PeopleDive into a lively pond world where frogs awaken from winter slumber and tiny minnows and turtles reveal the secrets of their watery homes.
Level C1HistoricalAmong the Pines; or, South in Secession TimeJourney into the heart of the South on the eve of secession, as a Northern visitor travels with a Southern planter and his trusted servant, uncovering intimate glimpses of plantati…
Level B2Children'sAmong the Night PeopleDiscover the secret world of night-time creatures through charming tales that reveal how plants, animals, and even farmyard hens live and grow while the world sleeps, inviting youn…
PoetryAmong the Millet and Other PoemsImmerse yourself in vivid scenes of nature and human emotion through a rich tapestry of poems and sonnets that explore seasons, solitude, love, and the quiet moments that shape lif…
Level B1HistoricalAmong the Meadow PeopleA newly emerged butterfly explores the meadow, discovering the unique lives and homes of flowers and creatures, learning that every being thrives best in its own special place.
Level B2Children'sAmong the LindensIn bustling 19th-century New York, a spirited schoolgirl named Bonny rescues a bewildered old gentleman amid the city’s chaos, sparking an unexpected adventure filled with kindness…
Level C1ClassicsAmong the Humorists and After Dinner Speakers, Vol. 1: A New Collection of Humorous Stories and AnecdotesDive into a lively collection of witty anecdotes and humorous stories that capture the sharp wit of famous humorists and after-dinner speakers, blending clever jokes with social in…
Level C1PoetryAmong the Hills, and other poems: Part 5 From Volume I of The Works of John Greenleaf WhittierBask in the serene beauty of rural life and the quiet dignity of honest toil, as vivid scenes of nature and homestead struggles unfold in poetic reflections on love, labor, and the…
Level B2HistoricalAmong the Forest PeopleA young red squirrel, raised in captivity, longs for freedom and forest life but must learn the secret ways and delicate manners of the woodland to truly belong.
Level B2HistoricalAmong the Farmyard PeopleDiscover the lively world of farmyard animals as they share their joys, friendships, and simple adventures, revealing how much they think, feel, and help each other in their daily…
Level C1AdventureAmong the Esquimaux; or, Adventures under the Arctic CircleTwo young men embark on a daring voyage aboard the "Nautilus" to York Factory, a remote Hudson Bay trading post surrounded by icy wilderness and fur-bearing animals.
Level C1AdventureAmong the BrigandsTrapped in a land of mystery and danger, young David and his companions face ruthless brigands, treacherous guides, and haunting legends as they journey through sunlit Italy's anci…
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.