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 C2ClassicsAmong My Books. Second SeriesExplore the rich history and timeless artistry of Florence, where Dante’s legacy and the city’s majestic monuments intertwine with the lives of poets, painters, and thinkers who sh…
Level C1ClassicsAmong My Books. First SeriesExplore the evolution of English poetry through vivid reflections on Dryden, Pope, and Wordsworth, revealing the tensions between tradition and innovation that shaped the literary…
Level B2AdventureAmong Malay Pirates : a Tale of Adventure and PerilA midshipman’s dull patrol along a perilous river turns into a desperate rescue when Malay pirates collide their canoes, plunging a child into the turbulent waters.
Level C1HistoricalAmong Famous BooksExplore the timeless conflict between earthly desires and spiritual ideals as it unfolds through classical, sixteenth-century, and modern literature, revealing humanity's unchangin…
Level C1PhilosophyAmiel's Journal: The Journal Intime of Henri-Frédéric AmielDive into the introspective world of a solitary thinker whose private journal reveals a deeply philosophical mind wrestling with language, life, and legacy over three decades.
Level C1ClassicsAmericans and OthersExploring the nature of American manners through thoughtful essays, this collection questions the roots of societal behavior, youth's self-absorption, and the evolving concept of p…
Level C1HistoricalAmericanisms and Briticisms; with other essays on other ismsExplore the evolving English language through lively essays tracing unique American, British, Australian, and colonial expressions, revealing how new worlds reshape words and ident…
Level C1ClassicsAmerican short storiesExplore the evolution of American storytelling through a vivid collection that traces the short story’s growth from early experimental tales to a unique, distinctly American art fo…
Level C1HistoricalAmerican nights entertainmentExplore the vibrant world of early 20th-century literature through intimate portraits and behind-the-scenes stories of celebrated authors, revealing the personalities and secrets t…
Level C1HistoricalAmerican literary mastersExplore the lives and works of nineteen influential American writers shaping national literature from 1809 onward.
Level C1ClassicsAmerican ideas for English readersExplore the fervent loyalty and noble ideals that define American identity through the eloquent speeches and letters of a distinguished diplomat bridging two great nations, advocat…
Level B2AdventureAmerican boys afloatFour American boys, united by friendship and adventure, take command of a steam-yacht and its tender to explore the Mediterranean’s exotic ports.
Level C1HistoricalAmerican War Ballads and Lyrics, Volume 2 (of 2): A Collection of the Songs and Ballads of the Colonial Wars, the Revolutions, the War of 1812-15, the War with Mexico and the Civil WarExplore the stirring songs and ballads that capture the spirit and strife of America’s wars, from colonial battles to the Civil War, revealing the voices of soldiers and citizens t…
Level C1HistoricalAmerican War Ballads and Lyrics, Volume 1 (of 2): A Collection of the Songs and Ballads of the Colonial Wars, the Revolutions, the War of 1812-15, the War with Mexico and the Civil WarDive into a stirring collection of American war ballads spanning from colonial conflicts to the Civil War, capturing the spirit, sentiments, and voices of soldiers and patriots thr…
Level C1HistoricalAmerican Thumb-prints: Mettle of Our Men and WomenDive into the spirited saga of Kansas pioneers whose fierce idealism and relentless experiments in liberty shape a new American frontier, blending Puritan zeal with bold social ref…
Level C1ClassicsAmerican Literary Centers (from Literature and Life)Explore the shifting landscape of American literature, where no single city holds sway but many sparks of creativity ignite across regions—from Boston's early prominence to the vib…
Level C1HistoricalAmerican Languages, and Why We Should Study ThemExplore the rich legacy of American aboriginal languages, tracing their echoes in countless place names and uncovering their vital role in understanding the continent’s original pe…
Level B2FantasyAmerican Fairy TalesWhen young Martha unlocks her mysterious uncle’s chest, three curious men in colorful velvet emerge, sparking an adventure filled with magic, mystery, and unexpected visitors from…
Level B2HistoricalAmerica FirstA young boy, torn between his sheltered upbringing and the call to serve his country, faces the harsh realities of patriotism during a time of war.
Level C1ClassicsAmelia — CompleteAmidst the English constitution and the harsh realities of prison life, Captain Booth’s tale unfolds through surprising adventures, tender moments, and complex characters, revealin…
Level B2MysteryAmbrotox and Limping DickAt a tranquil country estate, a mysterious secret looms as a brilliant chemist’s brother arrives unaware of the deadly stakes—and the young woman caught between them senses that li…
Level B2MysteryAmbrose Lavendale, DiplomatAmidst wartime intrigue and whispered secrets in a bustling London bar, a peculiar little man’s unsettling laughter sparks curiosity and suspicion, drawing a diplomat into a web of…
Level C1ClassicsAmbrose Gwinett; or, a sea-side story: a melo-drama, in three actsA weary traveler seeking refuge in a crowded seaside town stumbles upon a mysterious lodging and a strange companion, setting in motion a gripping tale of intrigue, survival, and u…
Level B2RomanceAmazing Grace, Who Proves That Virtue Has Its Silver LiningBorn into a family tangled in bitter grudges and high expectations, Grace must navigate the sharp judgments of relatives who doubt her worth and destiny.
Level C1ClassicsAmaryllis at the FairIn an English springtime setting, the story delicately reveals the intimate lives of the Iden family, capturing their struggles, passions, and the stirring rural landscape around t…
Level B2Children'sAmarilly of Clothes-line AlleyA young scrubber’s chance encounter with the theater ignites her dreams of a brighter future beyond Clothes-line Alley.
Level B2Children'sAmanda: A Daughter of the MennonitesOn a hot summer day in Lancaster County, a spirited red-haired girl and her mischievous brother splash in a cool creek, navigating childhood adventures, family quirks, and the chal…
Level C1RomanceAmadis of Gaul, Vol. 4In a world of chivalry and conflict, Amadis and his loyal knights embark on a daring rescue to protect Princess Oriana from powerful enemies, igniting a bold quest that tests their…
Level C1RomanceAmadis of Gaul, Vol. 3Knights betrayed by their own king must choose between loyalty and rebellion as they face exile and mounting conflict.
Level C1RomanceAmadis of Gaul, Vol. 2When Princess Oriana is kidnapped by the villainous Arcalaus, the valiant Amadis races against time, wielding the king’s sword, to rescue her from a cruel fate and confront treache…
Level C1Children'sAmabel ChanniceIn a somber, convent-like estate, Lady Channice navigates loneliness and memories while awaiting her son’s return, surrounded by faded portraits and pale roses that hint at a quiet…
Level C1HistoricalAlvira: The Heroine of VesuviusA young woman disguises herself as a man, commits a shocking crime, and rises through the ranks of the army amid the chaos of Vesuvius.
Level B2RomanceAlton of Somasco: A Romance of the Great NorthwestIn snowbound British Columbia, Henry Alton wrestles a wild Cayuse pony amid rugged settlers and ambitious rivals.
Level C1HistoricalAlton Locke, Tailor and Poet: An AutobiographyAmidst the turbulent rise of labor unions and social reform in 19th-century England, a passionate tailor and poet confronts the struggles of the working class, wielding his words a…
Level B2AdventureAltitudeAn expert balloonist prepares for a daring ascent in the Marie IV, a majestic free balloon with a personality all its own.
Level C1ClassicsAlter Ego: A TaleIn a diverse Canadian town, a progressive and fearless new minister challenges narrow minds and confronts local corruption, inspiring hope and stirring controversy as he preaches a…
Level C1HistoricalAlroy: The Prince of the CaptivityIn twelfth-century Persia, the Prince of the Captivity leads his Hebrew people amid the decline of the Caliphate and rising threats from rival powers.
Level C1ClassicsAlphabetical Vocabularies of the Clallum and LummiExplore the rich linguistic heritage of the Clallam and Lummi tribes through detailed vocabularies and local names, revealing unique sounds and cultural distinctions from the Pacif…
Level B2Science FictionAlpha Say, Beta DoIn a future where space travelers routinely duplicate themselves for complex missions, Doyle Tindar and Kay Kanton face an unprecedented dilemma when their duplicates unexpectedly…
Level C1GothicAlonzo and Melissa; Or, The Unfeeling Father: An American TaleTwo young Yale graduates forge an unbreakable friendship amid the turmoil of the American Revolution, but when Alonzo steps in to escort Edgar’s sister Melissa, their lives intertw…
Level C1ClassicsAlonzo Fitz, and Other StoriesTrapped indoors by a fierce Maine winter, Alonzo Fitz Clarence seeks solace from his isolation with witty banter and unexpected conversations, revealing the quirks of high society…
Level C1PoetryAlong the ShoreImmerse yourself in a world where the changing shore mirrors the shifting moods of life, blending nature’s beauty with profound reflections on love, time, and the human spirit thro…
Level C1AdventureAlong the Mohawk Trail; Or, Boy Scouts on Lake ChamplainA determined Boy Scout races against time to catch his troop’s train, embodying the spirit of adventure and the challenge of balancing duty and good deeds along the Mohawk Trail.
Level C1AdventureAlone on an IslandStranded aboard the troubled letter-of-marque Wolf, young midshipman Humphry Gurton confronts mutiny, harsh officers, and the perils of the sea as he embarks on a perilous adventur…
Level C1AdventureAlone on a Wide Wide Sea, Vol. 3 (of 3)Aboard a ship where life’s contrasts are as vast as the sea, passengers wrestle with hidden fears and quiet desperation.
Level C1ClassicsAlone on a Wide Wide Sea, Vol. 2 (of 3)A lone woman aboard a vast sailing ship grapples with isolation and mystery, her identity unknown as she navigates the silent, star-lit ocean.
Level C1AdventureAlone on a Wide Wide Sea, Vol. 1 (of 3)In a peaceful West England town, a family’s serene Sunday tea hints at deeper tales to come, set against a richly described landscape.
Level B2Children'sAlone in LondonIn the sweltering heat of London's narrow alleys, an old news agent’s quiet life is quietly observed, revealing the hidden struggles and small acts of kindness in the city's shadow…
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.