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.
![Cover of The man in grey: Being episodes of the Chovan [i.e. Chouan] conspiracies in Normandy during the First Empire. by Emmuska Orczy](https://dsx1pat3ljtul.cloudfront.net/books/dafd3mla8p2c739itev0.webp)
Level C1MysteryThe man in grey: Being episodes of the Chovan [i.e. Chouan] conspiracies in Normandy during the First Empire.Amid the shadowy intrigues of Napoleonic France, a mysterious figure known only as the Man in Grey hunts down the deadly Chouan rebels terrorizing Normandy.
Level C1AdventureThe man in blackAmid the bustling horse fair at Fécamp, a crafty man in black, his boy, and an ape captivate crowds with daring tightrope acts and cunning schemes, weaving intrigue and danger bene…![Cover of The man elephant by Hartwell [Editor] James](https://dsx1pat3ljtul.cloudfront.net/books/dafi545a8p2c739ium50.webp)
Level B2Children'sThe man elephantIn a dark African forest, Parle longs to join her brothers on a hunt but is forbidden—until the witch Ramil offers a magical solution: marry her towering elephant son who can carry…
Level C1AdventureThe man among the monkeys; or, Ninety days in apeland: To which are added: The philosopher and his monkeys, The professor and the crocodile, and other strange stories of men and animalsA skilled taxidermist and hunter inherits his father's vast menagerie of exotic animals, but dangerous adventures—including ruthless pirates and wild jungles—threaten his life as h…
Level C1RomanceThe malady of the centuryA group of young Heidelberg graduates embarks on a lively Black Forest hike, but one—melancholy Wilhelm Eynhardt—chooses solitude over companionship, setting the stage for a journe…
Level C1RomanceThe making of a womanA young woman struggles against her stern grandfather's forbidding control over her artistic dreams, yearning to follow her late mother's passion for painting despite a life constr…
Level C1AdventureThe making of a manTwo brothers from the rugged Orkney Islands face limited prospects and dream of a new life in Canada’s untamed West.
Level C1RomanceThe magnetA retired naval captain’s three spirited daughters grow up aboard an old schooner, where love, discipline, and adventure intertwine beneath the watchful eye of their devoted sea ca…
Level B1Children'sThe magic speech flower; or, Little Luke and his animal friendsOn a bright June morning, Little Luke embarks on a charming adventure through meadows and gardens, where talking birds and animals lead him to discover a magical flower and new fri…
Level C1FantasyThe magic ring, Vol. 3 (of 3)In a storm-lashed castle, Lady Bertha embarks on a perilous night journey to bless a dying Moorish soldier, guided by mysterious signals and her unwavering faith.
Level C1FantasyThe magic ring, Vol. 2 (of 3)In a realm where honor and magic collide, young Sir Otto faces mysterious champions, enchanted rings, and powerful foes as he navigates battles of strength, love, and supernatural…
Level C1FantasyThe magic ring, Vol. 1 (of 3)A mysterious magic ring weaves a tale of chivalry, ancient warriors, and northern legends, inviting readers into a richly imagined world where history and romance intertwine throug…
Level C1MysteryThe magic casketIn the shadowy streets of Chelsea, a mysterious handbag found in a locked church leads to a tangled web of secrets involving a rare museum artifact and unexpected visitors.
Level B2AdventureThe lure of Piper's GlenAmid the treacherous, roaring waters of Racket River, Mark Ducat reigns as the fearless "Cock of the River," mastering perilous log drives with unmatched skill and courage.
Level C1AdventureThe lucky little stiffAmid the mud and chaos of 1917 France, three mismatched American aviators navigate military discipline, mistaken identities, and daring escapades behind enemy lines.
Level B2AdventureThe luckless trapper; or, The haunted hunterA lone trapper narrowly escapes a deadly shot in the wilderness and finds himself caught in a tense standoff between rival factions on the lawless Back Load Trail.
Level B2Children'sThe luck of the bean-rows, a fairy taleAn old, childless couple discovers a mysterious, wise boy in their bean field who brings magical prosperity and wonder to their humble life, transforming their land and fortunes be…
Level C1HistoricalThe loyalistsAmidst a nation on the brink of turmoil, explore the steadfast loyalty and virtues that sustain England through trials and upheaval, revealing the moral strength and sacrifices beh…
Level C1ClassicsThe loves of Pelleas and EtarreOn a frosty Easter morning, Pelleas and Etarre face the icy streets and the firm orders of their caretaker, forcing them to confront their advancing years and the delicate balance…
Level C1ClassicsThe love-letters of Mr. H. & Miss R., 1775-1779A tragic romance unfolds through the passionate letters exchanged between Mr.
Level C1AdventureThe lost hunter: A tale of early timesIn a rugged land free from lords and slaves, bold thoughts and daring hands shape survival and friendship.
Level B2MysteryThe lost clueIn the bustling heart of Birmingham, a restless young soldier finds himself tangled in a web of secrets and unexpected encounters as he navigates city streets and crowded stations,…
Level C2PoetryThe lost chimes, and other poemsDive into a rich tapestry of emotions and reflections, where poignant memories, prophetic visions, and stirring nature scenes unfold through evocative poems that explore life, loss…
Level B2MysteryThe lost charmA sharp-witted man races against time to catch a stagecoach in a rugged wilderness where a daring robbery has just taken place.
Level C1ClassicsThe lost bride; vol. 3A mysterious visitor arrives with urgent news about an impostor cousin and a desperate fight to restore a family's honor.
Level C1ClassicsThe lost bride; vol. 2Amid the haunting ruins of an ancient castle, a young woman explores forgotten chambers and glimpses a mysterious pale face at a window—could it be a ghost or her imagination?
Level C1ClassicsThe lost bride; vol. 1A young Italian girl, orphaned and torn between her parents' differing faiths, reunites with her childhood love whose return brings both joy and unease.
Level B2AdventureThe loss of the SwanseaTwo young brothers set sail for America on a well-armed brig, but a restless crew and a troubled captain threaten their voyage.
Level B2MysteryThe looker-onIn the bustling heart of London, a tenacious reporter known as the "Murder-Monger" dives into a baffling mystery that even Scotland Yard cannot unravel, balancing intrigue, romance…
Level C1Children'sThe look of the thing and other storiesIn a quiet neighborhood, gossip and appearances clash as Rebecca’s sharp tongue meets Widow White’s quiet wisdom, revealing the true meaning behind kindness, faith, and the "look o…
Level C1ClassicsThe long wayAmid the opulence of a lavish Washington estate, Rachel Leven wrestles with a growing sense of unease and disconnection from her sister’s extravagant social world, revealing the qu…
Level B2AdventureThe long trail: A story of African adventureTwo determined men lead a weary caravan through harsh African terrain, driven by ambition to uncover hidden riches and study untamed wildlife.
Level B2MysteryThe long patrolIn the remote northern Rockies, Corporal David Dexter discovers the lifeless body of a fellow Mountie, sparking a relentless manhunt through treacherous wilderness to bring ruthles…
Level C1ClassicsThe lonely ploughA seasoned landowner grapples with the relentless demands of family, tenants, and tradition, feeling the heavy weight of time upon him.
Level B2MysteryThe lonely houseHaunted by strange recurring dreams, Lily Fairfield escapes post-war gloom for the sunlit French Riviera, where mysterious connections to a glamorous Countess and her enigmatic son…
Level B2Children'sThe load of chipsA young boy, Joseph Hickie, begs for bread but is challenged to earn it by moving a heavy load of shipyard chips.
Level C1AdventureThe lively adventures of Gavin HamiltonAmid the frozen desolation of war-torn Silesia, a dashing French captain and a lone resilient soldier face starvation and relentless enemies.
Level B1Children'sThe little merchantIn a humble riverside village, young David White dreams of helping his struggling family, learning the value of hard work and kindness as he sets out with his fishing pole to earn…
Level B2FantasyThe little elves seeking the beautiful worldFour curious elves set out from their queen’s enchanted pine palace to find the fabled beautiful world beyond their cold northern home.
Level C1HistoricalThe little capAmid the 1552 siege of Metz, a disciplined and honorable soldier wrestles with poverty and the harsh realities of war, striving to protect his family and uphold his integrity in a…
Level B2HistoricalThe little book of British quadrupedsExplore the fascinating traits and stories of British quadrupeds, from the hardy Kyloe Ox of Scotland to the noble Arabian racehorse, revealing their unique roles, behaviors, and e…
Level B2RomanceThe little Cuban rebelA young war correspondent aboard a steamer bound for Santiago de Cuba becomes captivated by a mysterious, beautiful stranger whose presence stirs unexpected feelings amid the loomi…
Level B2Children'sThe little BarefootTwo young siblings, one barefoot and brave, wander from their village to a silent, locked house where their parents should be.
Level C1HistoricalThe literature of kissingExplore the rich history and cultural significance of kissing, from ancient biblical tales to heartfelt traditions across generations.
Level C1MysteryThe lion's shareA young Southern man’s reckless investments lead to tragedy amid a crashing stock market, drawing a colonel into a web of grief, anger, and Wall Street intrigue.
Level A2PoetryThe limerick up to date bookDiscover a year-long journey of wit and wisdom through limericks that capture everyday virtues and vices, from good resolutions to generosity, each crafted with humor and insight t…
Level A2RomanceThe lily of MordauntAmidst the echoes of high society and secret pasts, a delicate flower blooms in the world of love and intrigue.
Level C1ClassicsThe lighting of the Christmas treeAs Christmas approaches, Olga strives to protect her home’s warmth and ideals from the unwelcome presence of a troubled vagrant, Ruster, grappling with kindness, fear, and the true…
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.