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 B2AdventureAlila, Our Little Philippine CousinJourney to the Philippine Islands through the eyes of Alila, a curious and lively boy whose family protects him from spirits with ancient customs.
Level B2Science FictionAlien OfferAn alien commander offers humanity a stark choice: evacuate 100,000 children from Earth within a week to escape an imminent cosmic threat.
Level C1RomanceAlide: an episode of Goethe's life.A young theological student with a restless spirit arrives at a country parsonage, where the beauty of autumn and the promise of new connections stir his heart.
Level C1HistoricalAlida; or, Miscellaneous Sketches of Incidents During the Late American War.: Founded on FactAmid the turmoil of the late American War, personal tragedies and enduring friendships unfold as Alida navigates loss, education, and unexpected encounters that intertwine with the…
Level C1RomanceAlice, or the Mysteries — CompleteIn a tranquil Devonshire cottage, a young woman faces the weight of a late husband's wishes and the looming decision of marriage to a man of questionable character, while those aro…
Level B2ClassicsAlice's blighted professionIn a bustling modern office, Alice Berning fights to establish her fledgling business despite a flood of unqualified applicants and mounting challenges.
Level B2FantasyAlice's Adventures Under Ground: Being a facsimile of the original Ms. book afterwards developed into "Alice's Adventures in Wonderland"A curious girl named Alice follows a talking white rabbit down a mysterious rabbit hole, tumbling into a surreal underground world filled with strange passages, locked doors, and m…
Level C1RomanceAlice of Old VincennesIn the fading frontier town of Vincennes, a mysterious cherry tree and a lost estate ignite a tale woven from faded letters and historic whispers, blending romance with the turbule…
Level A2FantasyAlice in Wonderland, Retold in Words of One SyllableA curious girl follows a talking white rabbit down a deep hole, tumbling into a strange world where doors are locked and magic potions change her size.
Level C1FantasyAlice in Blunderland: An Iridescent DreamTrapped indoors on a rainy day, Alice reunites with her whimsical friends who invite her to visit Blunderland, a model city where absurdity reigns and strange creatures like the Co…
Level A2Children'sAlice and BeatriceTwo young sisters spend joyful days with their loving grandmamma by the sea, exploring gardens, collecting shells, and learning gentle lessons about nature and kindness amidst seas…
Level B2RomanceAlice Wilde: The Raftsman's Daughter. A Forest RomanceIn the heart of the forest, the raftsman’s spirited daughter, Alice, navigates river adventures and unexpected encounters that stir both nature and romance.
Level C1ClassicsAlice Sit-By-The-FireIn a charmingly detailed room filled with handcrafted treasures, a clever seventeen-year-old girl named Amy navigates family tensions and hidden emotions, while her brother wrestle…
Level B2ClassicsAlice AdamsAn ailing man battles restless nights and persistent city noises while reflecting on old beliefs about the dangers of night air.
Level C1MysteryAlias the Lone WolfA gentleman burdened by the past navigates a web of intrigue and lost connections in post-war England, where friendship, loyalty, and hidden dangers collide.
Level B2Children'sAlias Santa ClausOn Christmas Day, two masked boys sneak into a lavishly decorated home filled with expensive toys meant for one lonely millionaire child.
Level B2AdventureAli Baba, or the Forty ThievesIn ancient Persia, humble woodcutter Ali Baba discovers a secret cave filled with treasure guarded by forty thieves and protected by the magical phrase "Open, Sesame.
Level C1HistoricalAlhalla, or the Lord of Talladega: A Tale of the Creek War.: With Some Selected Miscellanies, Chiefly of Early Date.Amid the turbulent aftermath of the Creek War, a fierce Native American leader grapples with loyalty, power, and survival as his people face relentless conflict and cultural upheav…
Level C1ClassicsAlfred TennysonExplore the life and work of a poet who embodies wisdom and self-control, navigating sorrow and success with enduring strength and renown.
Level C1HistoricalAlfgar the Dane or the Second Chronicle of Aescendune: A Tale of the Days of Edmund IronsideAmid the brutal clash between English and Danish invaders, a dark age unfolds where loyalty is tested, treachery lurks, and the seeds of a united Christian nation are sown.
Level C1AdventureAlf the Freebooter, Little Danneved and Swayne Trost, and Other BalladsA daring pirate known as Sir Alf commands the seas, capturing ships and challenging kings, while facing capture and royal wrath in a tale of adventure, honor, and redemption.
Level C1ClassicsAlexander's BridgeA philosophy professor visiting Boston encounters the enigmatic Mrs.
Level C1ClassicsAlexander PopeExplore the intricate life and legacy of a towering English poet through a detailed survey of biographers, critics, and unpublished letters that reveal the complexities behind his…
Level C1HistoricalAleph, the Chaldean; or, the Messiah as Seen from AlexandriaTravel down the Nile to Alexandria with two striking travelers—one a seasoned Greek returning after decades, the other a mysterious young man whose features defy easy origin.
Level B2RomanceAlec Lloyd, CowpuncherIn a dusty Oklahoma town, Alec Lloyd plays matchmaker, stirring up love and trouble as he tries to unite two hearts kept apart by family and fate.
Level C1ClassicsAlec Forbes of HowglenIn a quiet Scottish farmyard, a somber gathering confronts death and the struggles of a worn man who strove for goodness amidst harsh realities.
Level B2Children'sAldyth's inheritanceIn the quiet town of Woodham, the Bland sisters lead contrasting lives—dreamy Hilda prefers books and daydreams, while lively Kitty thrives on adventure.
Level C2PoetryAlcyoneJourney through cosmic wonder and earthly renewal in evocative poems that explore the timeless dance of stars, the fleeting beauty of spring, and the haunting echoes of ancient cit…
Level C1PhilosophyAlcibiades IISocrates engages Alcibiades in a probing dialogue about prayer, wisdom, and madness, challenging assumptions about human discretion and the divine.
Level C1PhilosophyAlcibiades IDelve into a rigorous examination of the authenticity and authorship of ancient philosophical texts, exploring the challenges of attributing works to Plato amidst a backdrop of for…
Level B2AdventureAlcatrazIn a rugged Western landscape, Marianne Jordan seeks to acquire champion brood mares but faces fierce competition from the unbeatable Coles horses—until she hears of Manuel Cordova…
Level C1FantasyAlbrechtIn the shadowy depths of the Schwarzwald, mysterious and invisible forest beings weave enchanting melodies that lure mortals into their realm.
Level C1ClassicsAlbert SavarusIn Restoration Besancon, the devout Baronne de Watteville hosts a circle where politics, law, and religion collide, centering on the brilliant young lawyer Albert Savarus, whose le…
Level C1ClassicsAlas! A NovelOn a stormy night in Oxford, an uneasy reunion unfolds as a reluctant man is drawn into a peculiar social gathering where readings and strained conversations hint at deeper divides…
Level C1ClassicsAlarms and DiscursionsA priest builds a radiant temple to honor the sun, but after a brutal pirate invasion, the islanders embrace a new, wild vision—crafting a cathedral adorned with grotesque creature…
Level C1ClassicsAlamo Ranch: A Story of New MexicoIn the sunlit expanse of New Mexico's Alamo Ranch, a group of consumptive boarders seek healing in the dry air and rugged landscape, forging bonds of hope, humor, and courage amid…
Level C2ClassicsAlaeddin and the Enchanted LampJourney into a world of magic and mystery as a humble youth discovers an enchanted lamp with the power to change his destiny forever in this timeless Arabian tale of adventure and…
Level C1PoetryAladdin or The Wonderful LampStep into a world of colorful wonder and magic where a mysterious lamp holds secrets beyond imagination, enchanting children with tales as vivid as the finest illustrated alphabets…
Level C1ClassicsAladdin of London; Or, LodestarIn the shadowed halls of Whitechapel, a desperate orator recounts his brutal past and ignites a revolutionary fervor among London's oppressed masses, challenging the city's authori…
Level B2AdventureAladdin and the Magic LampA careless young boy is lured by a mysterious magician to a hidden cave, where a magical lamp and unimaginable treasures await.
Level C1AdventureAladdin O'BrienA daring boy with a knack for mischief takes a cautious girl on a forbidden river adventure, where innocence and rebellion collide amid looming consequences and a world both enchan…
Level C1RomanceAladdin & Co.: A Romance of Yankee MagicA young political delegate, newly swept up in the glow of fresh love, finds himself torn between the fervor of public life and the tender enchantment of romance.
Level C1HistoricalAkbar: An Eastern RomanceAmid exile and hardship, a young prince is born destined to become Akbar, the greatest ruler of Hindustan.
Level C1RomanceAiry Fairy LilianIn the shadow of her father's death and the loss of her childhood home, young Lilian clings to the fading joys of summer and memories of a lonely past.
Level B2MysteryAirship Andy; Or, The Luck of a Brave BoyA homeless boy with a knack for mechanics takes a job in a struggling garage, where he battles unfair bosses and shady dealings.
Level B2AdventureAir Service boys flying for FranceTwo friends fueled by passion and patriotism train as aviators during World War I, aiming to become heroes in the skies.
Level B2MysteryAir Service Boys over the Atlantic; Or, The Longest Flight on RecordTwo young American aviators, skilled and daring, take to the skies during the final year of World War I, facing deadly missions, enemy pilots, and harrowing battles as they strive…
Level B2AdventureAir Service Boys in the Big Battle; Or, Silencing the Big GunsTwo young aviators, freshly honored for daring feats over enemy lines, await new orders near Paris, eager to return to the skies.
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.