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 C2PoetryAccolon of Gaul, with Other PoemsIn a mystical forest where ancient magic stirs, a knight wanders through dreams of legendary love and enchantment, drawn into the haunting allure of Morgane and the spellbound real…
Level C1PhilosophyAcademicaDive into a rigorous exploration of Ancient Philosophy through carefully annotated Latin texts, designed to deepen understanding of Cicero's ideas and linguistic nuances while guid…
Level B2ClassicsAbsolutionIn a gloomy, neglected cellar, Mrs.
Level B2ClassicsAbsalom's HairAt sixty, Harald Kaas lives a rugged, solitary life surrounded by trophies of his wild exploits, drawing uneasy relatives into his untamed world.
Level B2ClassicsAbroad with the JimmiesAn adventurous group of friends reunites for a carefree journey through Europe, embracing spontaneity and unexpected discoveries.
Level C1ClassicsAbroad with Mark Twain and Eugene FieldJoin an American correspondent as he shares vivid tales and witty encounters with Mark Twain and Eugene Field during their European adventures, revealing the humor and humanity beh…
PoetryAbroadSet sail on a poetic journey through foreign lands, capturing the thrill of departure, the crossing of the Channel, and the wonder of arriving in France for the first time.
Level C2PoetryAbraham Lincoln: An Horatian OdeWitness the profound mourning and tribute to a humble man who rose from rustic roots to lead a nation through its greatest trial, only to fall by a tragic act of betrayal that shak…
Level C1HistoricalAbraham Lincoln: A PlayStep into the political turmoil of a nation on the brink of division as a visionary leader grapples with war, loyalty, and the fight to preserve unity.
Level C1ClassicsAbracadabra & other satiresExplore the haunting journey of Minna, a fragile yet fierce spirit whose childhood shyness gives way to a life marked by passion, struggle, and mysterious transformation within the…
Level C1Children'sAbout Peggy SavilleA devoted vicar and his lively wife welcome a spirited boy, Arthur Saville, into their home to prepare him for a military future.
Level C1HistoricalAboriginal American AuthorsExplore the rich literary traditions of Native American cultures through vivid storytelling, ancient manuscripts, and poetic expressions that challenge misconceptions and reveal a…
Level B2ClassicsAbner Daniel: A NovelIn a rural valley where timberland speculations stir family tensions, a young man grapples with his father's risky land deals and the growing worry that these investments might lea…
Level B2ClassicsAbington Abbey: A NovelA wealthy banker envisions a grand new chapter for his family with the acquisition of Abington Abbey, a sprawling estate steeped in history and promise.
Level B2ClassicsAbijah's BubbleIn a struggling village transformed by a determined mill-owner, Abijah “Abbie” Todd faces the hardships of life, from a stormy christening to teaching setbacks, as she navigates po…
Level C1ClassicsAbbé Aubain and MosaicsDelve into a world where scholarly precision meets intense human drama, as cold intellect uncovers fierce emotions beneath the surface.
Level C1ClassicsAbbotsford and Newstead AbbeyJourney to the rustic charm of Abbotsford, where a warm welcome from the “mighty minstrel of the north” leads to discoveries of ancient ruins and local lore, revealing a world rich…
Level C1HistoricalAbbotsfordJourney to the heart of the Scottish Borders where the legendary Sir Walter Scott’s life, legacy, and love for the land intertwine with the wild beauty of the Tweed valley and the…
Level C1ClassicsAbbeychurch; Or, Self-Control and Self-ConceitAs the consecration of their church approaches, Helen and her sisters navigate the tensions between duty, social expectations, and personal values, revealing the challenges of self…
Level B2Children'sAbbeyA hardworking family hires Abbey, a spirited fourteen-year-old with a troubled past, to help around the house, but her well-meaning efforts lead to unexpected mishaps and lessons i…
Level C1ClassicsAbbe Mouret's TransgressionA young priest, recovering from fever, awakens in an enchanted garden where nature's laws and divine vows collide, igniting a profound inner struggle between spiritual duty and nat…
Level C1Science FictionAbandonedStranded on a seemingly uninhabited island, a group of balloon voyagers discover a bullet lodged in a wild animal, sparking a thrilling mystery about recent human presence and surv…
Level C1AdventureAbaft the FunnelA battle-hardened tom-cat named Erastasius prowls the decks of the Whanghoa, a ship laden with tea, silk, and opium, guarding its secrets and keeping a watchful eye on the crew.
Level B2ClassicsAaron's RodOn Christmas Eve after the war, miner and union secretary Aaron Sisson returns home to his family amid tensions both underground and in his household, as he contends with the linge…
Level C1HistoricalAaron the Jew: A NovelIn 1871 Portsmouth, a dedicated but impoverished doctor struggles to care for his patients amid harsh conditions and personal sacrifice.
Level B2AdventureAaron in the WildwoodsA determined boy confined to crutches defies expectations by mastering a spirited Gray Pony that obeys no one but him, inspiring awe and mystery across the wild Georgia landscape.
Level C1MysteryAaron TrowIn the isolated convict colony of Bermuda, a notorious prisoner named Aaron Trow escapes solitary confinement and vanishes into the islands, sparking a tense manhunt where survival…
Level B2MysteryAaron Rodd, DivinerIn foggy London, a reclusive lawyer with a shadowed past encounters a mysterious young woman whose family has suffered great hardships, drawing him into a web of secrets and confid…
ClassicsABC of Fox HuntingDive into the timeless world of fox hunting with detailed guidance and insights into this traditional sport, revealing the skills and etiquette that define the chase.
Level C1ClassicsA. W. Kinglake: A Biographical and Literary StudyExplore the life and legacy of A.
Level B2Children'sA. L. O. E.'s picture story book.A hungry orphan boy, torn between the harsh realities of life and his mother's teachings, faces temptation and tough choices on the streets of a bustling town.
Level C1FantasyA. D. 2000In a fog-laden military post in 1887 San Francisco, three army officers—each with distinct ambitions—gather amidst scientific experiments and secret inventions, setting the stage f…
Level C2PoetryA-Naughty-Biography and other poemsA mischievous child recounts a lively and challenging infancy filled with family love, illness, and childhood antics on a small farm, navigating early hardships and the sudden loss…
Level C1Children'sA young man's storyA young man reflects on his quiet romance with May Newton in a peaceful seaside village, where love blossoms amid ruined castles and gentle waves.
Level C1Science FictionA world to die forA daring crew aboard the Markab embarks on a perilous mission to confront a mysterious, colossal alien ship nicknamed the "crystal woman," seeking answers about a lost explorer and…
Level B2RomanceA woman's trust; or, Lady Elaine's martyrdomIn a world of high society and hidden passions, Lady Elaine Seabright grapples with love, loyalty, and the expectations that bind her as she encounters the intense devotion of Sir…
Level C1RomanceA woman's soulA young woman with captivating beauty rehearses alone, caught between wistful dreams and the harsh reality of her modest surroundings.
Level C1MysteryA woman's debtIn the glittering world of London high society, a trusted secretary navigates ambition, loyalty, and hidden tensions within the powerful Morrice household, where fortune and favor…
Level C1HistoricalA winter in retirementTwo sisters face a long, lonely winter at their stern aunt’s seaside home, where memories of childhood and the relentless sea challenge their spirits.
PoetryA winter holidayImmerse yourself in vivid scenes of winter and island life, where poetry captures the quiet beauty of December in Scituate and the vibrant spirit of the Bahamas.
Level C1ClassicsA waif's progressIn a childless home shadowed by past regrets, a troubled young woman named Bonnybell arrives, stirring quiet tensions and hidden desires.
Level C1ClassicsA voyage of discoveryA young Englishwoman embarks on a voyage to the United States, eager to unravel the complexities of American society through encounters with intriguing characters, including a shar…
Level C1Children'sA visit to the elephantOn a tranquil autumn morning, a devoted family prepares for a special outing to see the magnificent elephant at a traveling menagerie, blending tender domestic bonds with the wonde…
Level C1Children'sA visit to the BazaarChildren explore the vibrant Soho-square Bazaar, where enterprising women sell their crafts in charming little shops.
Level B2Children'sA visit to a farm house; or, An introduction to various subjects connected with rural economy.Two city boys explore a countryside farm, discovering the gentle nature of cows, the art of milking, and the practical reasons behind farming life.
Level C1PoetryA vision of lifeDive into a collection of richly woven poems that revive the intricate beauty and spirit of the Elizabethan era, blending complexity with heartfelt dedication and a fresh poetic re…
Level C1RomanceA vagrant wifeIn a quiet country town, young women face the solemn rite of confirmation, each wrestling with faith, duty, and personal doubt.
Level C1AdventureA true relation of the travels and perilous adventures of Mathew Dudgeon, gentlemanA gentleman with a seafaring spirit embarks on a perilous voyage from London to Smyrna, confronting shipwrecks, piracy, and the heartache of leaving his family behind.
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.