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 C1ClassicsA mirror of ShalottIn a Roman presbytery, seven priests and a layman gather to debate agnosticism, miracles, and supernatural phenomena, embarking on a series of captivating tales that challenge fait…
Level B2AdventureA millionaire at sixteenAt sixteen, Louis Belgrave inherits a vast fortune and a magnificent steam-yacht, embarking on a daring ocean cruise to rescue his beloved mother lost at sea.
Level C1HistoricalA military interludeIn the bitter cold of Valley Forge, Sergeant Alva Jukes confronts the harsh realities of war, from suffering comrades to bitter resentment toward a neglectful Congress.
Level C1FantasyA message from MarsIn London, Horace Parker's selfish neglect strains his engagement to Minnie as she yearns for joy beyond his cold obsession with astronomy.
Level C1ClassicsA memoir of Miss Hannah AdamsAn introspective journey through a life shaped by frailty, solitude, and an insatiable thirst for knowledge, revealing the quiet struggles and triumphs of a woman who defied early…
Level B2RomanceA master of craftA young woman waits alone on a quiet wharf, hoping to meet the elusive Captain Flower, while his loyal mate watches her with growing curiosity.
Level C1MysteryA master handIn 1883 New York, a seasoned legal observer recounts a baffling crime that eluded authorities for decades, weaving a tale of friendship, fortune, and mystery among a circle of indu…
Level C1AdventureA man's womanTrapped on the Arctic ice after their ship sinks, a determined expedition battles brutal conditions and treacherous terrain in a desperate march toward Wrangel Island, clinging to…
Level C1MysteryA man of markIn the struggling young Republic of Aureataland, a determined bank manager arrives amid political upheaval and economic stagnation.
Level C1ClassicsA man made of moneyA man trapped by debt struggles to maintain his dignity while his wife’s relentless demands for money reveal the sharp tensions beneath their domestic life.
Level B2HistoricalA loyal lassAs war looms near the Niagara frontier in 1814, young Marianne Reyburn navigates danger and loyalty amidst shifting allegiances and whispered conflicts.
Level C1RomanceA lovers' taleIn a rugged land where the Mell river meets the sea, two brothers live under the shadow of their Viking father’s legacy—one steady and silent, the other a fierce, poetic soul explo…
Level B2ClassicsA long way from homeA young Jamaican poet in 1918 America balances menial railroad jobs with his burning desire to be recognized on the literary stage, navigating the chaos of wartime railroads and th…
Level B2PhilosophyA little philosophy of lifeExplore timeless reflections on life’s fleeting nature, the wisdom found in love, and the lessons shaped by adversity, all woven through the tender bond between generations discove…
Level B2HistoricalA little maid of PicardyIn war-torn Picardy, a young French-American girl named Lucie balances her dual heritage while cherishing her homeland and its simple joys, like garden blooms and friendship, as sh…
Level B2Children'sA little maidIn the slums of London, young Peggy dreams beyond her harsh surroundings as she navigates life caring for her ailing aunt and the neighborhood children.
Level C1ClassicsA little girl in tearsA restless clubman seeks thrills beyond his quiet life by venturing into a gritty East Side tenement, where a tearful young girl mistakes him for an undertaker—igniting an unexpect…
Level B2AdventureA little gipsy lassAn English stranger ventures into the wild moorlands to find a gypsy encampment, guided by the spirited and fearless young Lotty Lee.
Level C1PoetryA little child's wreathA tender collection of sonnets unfolds the profound grief and abiding love of a mother mourning her beloved young nephew.
Level B2Children'sA little childAn artist sketches a fearless little boy named Gerald by the sea, sparking a heartfelt conversation about faith, hope, and the storms of life.
Level B2Children'sA little Swiss boyIn the tranquil Swiss village of Leuk, a proud family returns to restore an old farmhouse, stirring curiosity and whispers among neighbors.
Level B2Children'sA little Protestant in RomeA young Protestant boy explores Rome with his mother, encountering its ancient ruins and meeting a mysterious Catholic stranger, sparking innocent questions about faith, belief, an…
Level B2AdventureA little Irish girlIn a bustling London school for young ladies, Norah O'Brien, the youngest pupil, dreams beyond geography lessons and school walls, longing for adventure as the Easter holidays appr…
Level C1HistoricalA literary history of Rome in the Silver AgeExplore the rich literary landscape of Rome's Silver Age, tracing the national character and cultural achievements of Latin literature amid the empire's peak power, revealing the l…
Level C1PoetryA line-o'-verse or twoDive into whimsical verses where an anchorite’s fierce self-discipline clashes with a mystical book’s bold claim that pain is merely a state of mind, blending humor, faith, and iro…
Level C1ClassicsA laugh a day keeps the doctor awayDive into a collection of witty, short humorous stories that capture the spirit of American storytelling, from clever anecdotes to timeless jokes shared across the nation.
Level B2MysteryA lady in blackIn a quiet parish where appearances dictate the social order, suspicion falls on a stylish widow whose mysterious past unsettles her neighbors.
Level C1AdventureA knight of the airA young gentleman racing to test his scientific invention finds himself shadowed by mysterious strangers, sparking a high-stakes chase through London streets.
Level B2AdventureA knife in timeIn the rugged Colorado Hills, Tom Morgan, a skilled but mistrusted mule driver carrying a mysterious knife, navigates harsh freighting work and tense rivalries while preparing for…
Level C1FantasyA kiss for Cinderella: A comedyIn a wartime London studio, a solitary painter’s quiet evening is interrupted by a stern policeman and a striking Venus of Milo statue, setting the stage for a whimsical encounter…
Level C1FantasyA journey to the world under-groundAfter a modest academic career, a curious philosopher embarks on a daring descent into a mysterious, sound-emitting cave atop a Norwegian mountain, plunging into an unknown subterr…
Level C1PhilosophyA journey round my roomConfined to his room for forty-two days, a traveler embarks on a unique voyage of discovery within its walls, finding endless fascination and solace in the ordinary.
Level C1Children'sA journey of joyTwo women plan an adventurous journey across the sea to sunny Italy, promising independence, discovery, and the forging of unexpected friendships amid the excitement and challenges…
Level B2PoetryA horse bookDiscover the lively world of horses through playful foals, clever circus ponies, and hardworking ploughhorses, each revealing unique traits from schooling and intelligence to wilfu…
Level C1HistoricalA history of criticism and literary taste in Europe, from the earliest texts to the present day. Volume 3 (of 3), Modern criticismExplore the evolution of literary criticism through centuries, focusing on the dense and transformative nineteenth century, as the author examines critical works with a scholar’s p…
Level C1HistoricalA history of criticism and literary taste in Europe, from the earliest texts to the present day. Volume 1 (of 3), Classical and mediæval criticismExplore the evolution of literary criticism from ancient Greece to the medieval era, tracing the ideas and figures that shaped the art of judging authors and texts.
Level C1HistoricalA history of criticism and literary taste in Europe from the earliest texts to the present day. Volume 2 (of 3), From the Renaissance to the decline of eighteenth century orthodoxyExplore the rich evolution of European literary criticism from the Renaissance through the eighteenth century, spotlighting the vibrant debate between English, French, and German c…
Level C1HistoricalA history of Italian literatureExplore the rich tapestry of Italian literature, tracing its deep classical roots and profound influence on European culture, while uncovering the complexities of its development t…
Level C1HistoricalA history of English literatureExplore the rich origins and evolution of English literature from its mysterious beginnings through the Old English period, tracing historical events and literary milestones that s…
Level B2RomanceA heroine of 1812Amid the bustling streets of Baltimore in 1812, young Lettice Hopkins anxiously awaits news of her uncle’s ship, threatened by British capture during wartime.
Level C1ClassicsA haunted lifeIn the vibrant London season, two old friends reunite amid the grandeur of Hyde Park’s Coaching Club, as one returns from India on a secret mission tied to a widow named Ida.
Level C1MysteryA hat in the radio ringIn a tightly controlled political machine threatened by the rise of radio broadcasts, a tense dinner meeting unfolds where a favored speaker’s words could sway a pivotal state conv…
Level B2Children'sA harum-scarum schoolgirlWhen their beloved headmistress abruptly leaves for her war-torn husband's assignment abroad, the girls of Pendlemere Abbey face a new term under the strict and scheming Miss Todd.
Level C1ClassicsA happy half-century, and other essaysExplore intimate reflections on a half-century of cultural shifts, literary fame, and the bittersweet charm of bygone eras where moral platitudes once passed for art.
Level C2PoetryA happy New Year, and other versesExplore a rich tapestry of emotions and landscapes through evocative verses that capture moments from springtime gardens to historic elections and distant battles, blending persona…
Level B1Children'sA gypsy against her willA determined young girl struggles against harsh household service and family hardships, dreaming of a freer life while battling the challenges of temperamental mistresses and econo…
Level B2ClassicsA good old scoutIn the harsh Alaskan wilderness, three men—an aging scout, a seasoned prospector, and a mining engineer—pursue elusive gold, facing bitter cold, rugged terrain, and the desperate s…
Level B2Children'sA golden threadA determined young storyteller visits an editor to share her work and save her family’s cherished home from debt.
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.