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 C1PoetryA Vers de Société AnthologyDelve into a refined collection of light, graceful poetry that captures the wit and elegance of polished society.
Level B2MysteryA Vendetta of the HillsIn a sunlit California valley, a determined architect turned Westerner returns to a rugged frontier town, where legends of hidden gold, old rivalries, and mysterious figures like t…
Level C1ClassicsA Vendetta of the DesertIn the shadow of a chilling family curse, Tyardt van der Walt faces a haunting howl that signals death and threatens his inheritance, as eerie events unfold under the Cape’s dark s…
Level C1AdventureA Veldt VendettaA restless secretary, starved for escape from city life and solitude, finds unexpected companionship and adventure in a quaint coastal town, where the promise of fresh air and open…
Level C1AdventureA Veldt Official: A Novel of CircumstanceAn unlikely clerk receives a puzzling appointment to the remote town of Doppersdorp and embarks on a journey through a bustling colonial port, navigating sharp wit, unexpected comp…
Level B2ClassicsA Vanished HandElsie Kilner, cast out from her ancestral home by her brother’s scheming and his wife’s cruelty, fights a silent battle of sorrow and resilience in a humble London room, haunted by…
Level C1ClassicsA Valiant Ignorance; vol. 3 of 3: A Novel in Three VolumesMarston Loring returns from Africa with a secretive new ally, Alfred Ramsay, to orchestrate a risky financial scheme involving the dubious Welcome Diamond Mining Company.
Level C1ClassicsA Valiant Ignorance; vol. 2 of 3: A Novel in Three VolumesAmidst the shifting moods of autumn society, Julian returns home changed—more independent, yet distant—stirring subtle tensions with his mother, Mrs.
Level C1ClassicsA Valiant Ignorance; vol. 1 of 3: A Novel in Three VolumesIn the vibrant, sunlit atmosphere of a Nice hotel on the eve of carnival, a poised and enigmatic woman named Mrs.
Level B2AdventureA United States Midshipman in the South SeasAmidst fierce rivalries on a remote South Sea island, American midshipmen navigate political intrigue and native customs as they witness a high chief’s dramatic return from exile,…
Level B2AdventureA United States Midshipman in the PhilippinesTwo young U.
Level B2AdventureA United States Midshipman in JapanTwo young U.
Level B2AdventureA United States Midshipman in ChinaTwo young U.
Level B2AdventureA United States Midshipman AfloatTwo newly minted naval officers step aboard a mighty battleship, eager to prove themselves amid the intense drills and unrelenting discipline of life at sea.
Level C1ClassicsA Twofold LifeTorn between passion and conscience, a young man and a captivating Parisienne grapple with a love that threatens to destroy their lives and reputations.
Level C1HistoricalA Twentieth Century IdealistIn a world where ideals shape reality, a reflective doctor and a young athlete explore the depths beneath ordinary life, unveiling the compelling tension between practical ambition…
Level C1HistoricalA True Hero: A Story of the Days of William PennIn a turbulent England where religious worship is tightly controlled and dissent punished, a group of Quakers defiantly gather under armed guard, challenging the oppressive Convent…
Level C1ClassicsA True Friend: A NovelTwo girls from starkly different worlds—a lowly music governess and a wealthy heiress—form a deep, unlikely friendship that challenges social expectations and school hierarchies, r…
Level B1Children'sA Troublesome Flock: A Mother Goose Play for ChildrenStep into a lively Mother Goose play where familiar nursery rhyme characters come to life in a playful, costume-filled adventure perfect for children and school performances.
Level C1HistoricalA Trooper GalahadIn the rugged life of a Texas army post, a once-respected officer faces disgrace and hardship, struggling to protect his family amid harsh military politics and fading honor.
Level C1Science FictionA Trip to Venus: A NovelWhen a mysterious light is spotted on Mars, an astronomer and a curious observer debate whether it signals alien life or natural phenomena, igniting a daring quest to uncover the s…
Level C1ClassicsA Trip to Scarborough; and, The CriticAmidst the changing fashions and follies of 18th-century England, a penniless Tom Fashion arrives in Scarborough, scheming to secure his future through wit, charm, and an uneasy al…
Level C1Science FictionA Trip to MarsWhen a mysterious meteorite crashes to Earth, a curious young man embarks on an extraordinary journey to Mars, encountering strange visitors and uncovering secrets that blend imagi…
Level C2HistoricalA Treatise of Daunses, Wherin It is Shewed, That They Are as It Were Accessories and Dependants (Or Thynges Annexed) to Whoredome: Where Also by the Way is Touched and Proued, That Playes Are Ioyned and Knit Togeather in a Rancke or Rowe with Them (1581)Explore a fiery argument against dances and plays, portrayed as gateways to moral corruption, as the author challenges their place in Christian society and calls for a thorough ref…
Level C1PoetryA Treasury of Canadian Verse, with Brief Biographical NotesDiscover the rich tapestry of English-Canadian poetry that captures the vivid landscapes, seasons, and spirit of Canada, reflecting universal emotions and aspirations through natur…
Level C1HistoricalA Traveller in Little ThingsAn insightful wanderer explores the small, often overlooked details of rural life, uncovering the truths and stories of farmers, laborers, and village folk.
Level C1ClassicsA Traveler from Altruria: RomanceAn enigmatic traveler from Altruria arrives in America, his calm demeanor and curious perspective challenging the hectic, anxious world around him.
Level C1HistoricalA Translation of Octavia, a Latin Tragedy, with Notes and IntroductionIn the shadow of Nero’s tyrannical reign, Octavia, once a royal bride, faces exile and execution amidst political intrigue and betrayal.
Level C1ClassicsA Transient Guest, and Other EpisodesA young Wall Street heir finds himself a guest of the Dutch consul in exotic Sumatra, where the sultry landscape and enigmatic locals hint at hidden motives beneath the colonial ve…
Level C1ClassicsA Tramp's Wallet: stored by an English goldsmith during his wanderings in Germany and FranceAn English goldsmith sets out on a wanderlust-fueled journey through Germany and France, earning his way and documenting the lives, customs, and struggles of the working class he e…
Level C1ClassicsA Tramp's NotebookA man battles starvation and isolation in the harsh streets of 1885 San Francisco, confronting the brutal realities of survival and society’s indifference.
Level C1ClassicsA Tramp AbroadEmbark on a vivid journey through Europe's landscapes, culture, and quirks, narrated with wit and illustrated by unforgettable scenes and characters.
Level B2MysteryA Traitor's WooingAt a glittering London ball, a mysterious Maharajah woos a charming Englishwoman under watchful eyes, setting the stage for a tangled web of intrigue and hidden motives where nothi…
Level C1MysteryA Traitor in LondonA young soldier’s dream of marriage is shattered by a controlling cousin who holds his inheritance hostage, demanding approval of his bride—while political tensions and mysterious…
Level C1ClassicsA Tragic IdylIn the dazzling chaos of Monte Carlo's casino during Carnival, a diverse crowd—royalty, artists, gamblers, and desperate souls—collide amid luxury and vice.
Level C1ClassicsA Touch of Sun, and Other StoriesIn the sweltering heat of a California mining town, a woman returns unexpectedly to confront the challenges of life and love amid the relentless demands of the Asgard Company's iso…
Level B2Science FictionA Touch of E FlatA former war scientist turned professor accidentally invents a powerful new weapon—the Cooling gun—that could change the nature of warfare forever, but its development draws danger…
Level B1Children'sA Topsy-Turvy ChristmasStep into a whimsical Christmas where everything is delightfully reversed—costumes worn backward, songs that charm and surprise, and a playful cast of characters turning tradition…
Level C1RomanceA Top-Floor IdylA wistful painter reflects on memories and missed chances over a modest birthday dinner, keeping hope alive through an old piano tuned for a mysterious woman yet to arrive.
Level C1ClassicsA Tiger's Skin: The Lady of the Barge and Others, Part 8.A quaint village buzzes with excitement and fear when a circus tiger escapes, sparking wild tales and frantic attempts to protect the townsfolk.
Level B2MysteryA Thousand Francs Reward; and, Military SketchesWhen a respected merchant vanishes without a trace in the bustling Quartier du Marais, a determined detective follows subtle clues—from a watch-check to a final café visit—to unrav…
Level C1ClassicsA Thoughtless YesExplore a series of provocative stories that challenge social, religious, and economic norms, urging readers to question the unquestioned and reject complacency toward injustice an…
Level C1HistoricalA Thorny Path — CompleteIn sunlit Alexandria, a master gem-cutter struggles between his fierce pride and the charms of his talented children, whose art and ambitions challenge his bitter view of the world…
Level C1MysteryA Thin Ghost and OthersIn 1730, Dr.
Level C1MysteryA Thief in the Night: Further adventures of A. J. Raffles, Cricketer and CracksmanWhen a friend’s fiancée becomes entangled in scandal, a cricketer with a shadowy past plans a daring heist to right wrongs and navigate the dangerous line between loyalty and crime…
Level C1MysteryA Thief in the Night: A Book of Raffles' AdventuresA gentleman thief and his loyal companion navigate the shadowy world of high society, where temptation and crime intertwine, threatening to shatter bonds and expose dark secrets be…
Level C1AdventureA Thane of Wessex: Being a Story of the Great Viking Raids into SomersetA young thane, wrongfully accused of treason and betrayed by a trusted friend, faces imprisonment and a public trial amid the looming threat of Viking raids in ancient Somerset.
Level C1MysteryA Texas RangerIn a fading Western frontier, a desperate young woman boldly commandeers a stranger's horses, setting off a tense encounter charged with danger, defiance, and unexpected vulnerabil…
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.