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 B2Children'sThe old Stanfield houseCalista Stanfield returns to the neglected family estate, where decaying grandeur and a forgotten graveyard mirror the troubles shadowing her past and present.
Level C2PoetryThe old Hanging Fork, and other poemsImmerse yourself in vivid tales and heartfelt reflections that capture the spirit of a bygone era, weaving together stories of struggle, nature, and community through powerful poet…
Level C1HistoricalThe old English dramatistsExplore the rich world of early English drama through insightful lectures that reveal the artistry and cultural significance of the old English dramatists, blending literary critic…
Level B2MysteryThe official chaperonA mysterious traveler arrives in Washington, navigating the city's early morning stillness and hidden intrigues.
Level C1AdventureThe odyssey of a torpedoed trampA French cargo ship carrying cotton faces mechanical failure and the sudden outbreak of war as it navigates dangerous waters, forced to decide between uncertainty and loyalty.
Level B2MysteryThe ocean wireless boys of the iceberg patrolA young wireless operator aboard a new freighter races against danger on the icy Atlantic, using his inventive portable radio and keen skills to navigate treacherous waters and unr…
Level B2RomanceThe oak staircaseIn a lively schoolroom debate, three children dream of adventure, history, and time travel, setting the stage for a tale woven from real historical episodes and romantic intrigue a…![Cover of The oak shade by Maurice [Editor] Eugene](https://dsx1pat3ljtul.cloudfront.net/books/dafcorta8p2c739itbkg.webp)
Level C1ClassicsThe oak shadeStep into the curious world of a village literary association whose existence defies time, reviving repeatedly against all odds.
Level C1Children'sThe oak and the brionyA proud ancient oak rules the forest, its power challenged by a humble briony vine sprouting at its roots.
Level B2AdventureThe nugget findersTwo resourceful boys, an orphan and a young sailor, embark on a daring adventure in Australia’s gold fields, armed with courage, friendship, and a modest sum of money, determined t…
Level C1ClassicsThe noise of the worldIn a tense battle between conscience and corporate power, a young idealistic lawyer challenges his firm's choice to defend a ruthless company displacing immigrant laborers.
Level C1ClassicsThe noble lordIn the sweltering Maine woods, a mysterious drowning woman is rescued by a peculiar Englishman whose calm, methodical aid sparks confusion and curiosity—what strange encounter has…
Level C1FantasyThe ninth vibration and other storiesA daring journey through the ancient Himalayan paths leads to a mysterious House in the Woods, where legends of lost palaces, royal tragedy, and hidden secrets await amidst the sha…
Level B2Children'sThe nightingaleIn an exquisite porcelain palace in ancient China, the Emperor discovers tales of a mysterious Nightingale whose enchanting song captivates all who hear it.
Level C1ClassicsThe nigger of the "Narcissus"Aboard the merchant ship Narcissus, the arrival of James Wait, a solitary black sailor, stirs complex emotions among the crew as they confront isolation, fear, and human connection…
Level C1MysteryThe new northlandA sharp-witted office boy uncovers a thrilling Arctic exploration mystery hidden beneath the city’s surface, revealing secrets that challenge justice and ambition.
Level B2AdventureThe naval cadet: A story of adventures on land and seaA spirited young Highlander with a mysterious past, Creggan M'Vayne navigates wild seas and rugged lands, earning respect and uncovering adventure from the rocky shores of Skye to…
Level C1ClassicsThe nature of a crimeIn a collaboration steeped in irony and literary debate, two authors reveal the blurred boundaries between confession and fiction, memory and creation, as they dissect the material…
Level C1MysteryThe mystery roadIn a quiet French village, Myrtile’s peaceful life is shadowed by an unsettling visit from neighbors whose intentions stir fear beneath the surface.
Level B2MysteryThe mystery of the missing eyebrowsA determined newspaper boy stumbles upon strange lights in an abandoned house, sparking a puzzling mystery that threatens to unravel the quiet town’s secrets.
Level B2MysteryThe mystery of the Sea-LarkIn a quaint Massachusetts fishing town, a fierce storm has claimed a missing boat, stirring old secrets and suspicions.
Level C1MysteryThe mystery of CloomberA law student compiles firsthand accounts and manuscripts to unravel the mysterious past of Major-General Heatherstone, weaving together tales from war-torn Afghanistan and eerie e…
Level B2MysteryThe mystery of Central ParkA determined heiress refuses to marry her charming but idle suitor until he proves his worth through meaningful achievement, setting the stage for a tale of love, ambition, and sel…
Level B2MysteryThe mystery of Cabin IslandWhen the Hardy boys plan a winter camping trip on a cozy cabin island, their adventure turns icy and thrilling as homemade ice-boats race across frozen Barmet Bay—where a mysteriou…
Level C1MysteryThe mystery of Angelina FroodA young doctor is drawn into a mysterious late-night call to tend a shocked woman named Mrs.
Level C1Children'sThe mysterious locketIn a rugged coastal village where storms rage and the sea holds secrets, a mysterious locket sets the stage for a tale of danger, hope, and discovery amidst the wild beauty of Port…
Level C1Science FictionThe mummy and Miss Nitocris : a phantasy of the fourth dimensionA brilliant mathematician’s daughter encounters a mysterious mummy that resembles her, igniting a journey beyond three-dimensional space into the enigmatic realm of the fourth dime…
Level B2AdventureThe moving picture boys on the war frontAmid the chaos of filming a Civil War battle scene, two young cameramen navigate tense rehearsals and unruly extras while a determined producer demands authentic action for his mov…
Level B2MysteryThe moving picture boys on the coastTwo young filmmakers brave desert dangers and hostile tribes to capture rare images of Moqui Indians, but their adventure turns urgent when they must rescue rivals and uncover clue…
Level B2AdventureThe moving picture boys at PanamaTwo adventurous boys on a powerful motorcycle enjoy a peaceful vacation until a runaway horse-drawn carriage races toward a broken bridge, forcing them to act quickly to prevent di…
Level B2AdventureThe moving picture boys and the floodTwo adventurous youths trade lazy country days for the thrill of the Mississippi flood, determined to capture the drama on their moving picture cameras and witness heroism amid nat…
Level C1MysteryThe moving fingerA nurse tends to two patients in a household shadowed by illness and secrets: a paralyzed man and Bruce Brainard, a civil engineer recently returned from South America with a myste…
Level B2Children'sThe movie boys under Uncle SamAmidst fierce artillery fire, three brave young cameramen risk their lives capturing real battle footage on the front lines of World War I, determined to bring the true story of Am…
Level B1AdventureThe movie boys in the jungleTwo adventurous boys filming daring rescue scenes on the California coast suddenly face a real challenge when they embark on a journey to China to find a missing sister believed to…
Level B1AdventureThe movie boys in perilTwo adventurous boys with a powerful motorcycle stumble upon a runaway horse and buggy rushing toward a broken bridge, sparking a daring rescue attempt that will test their courage…
Level B2AdventureThe movie boys at Seaside ParkThree enterprising boys arrive at a bustling seaside resort with a bold plan to open a motion picture showhouse on the lively boardwalk, discovering the perfect vacant building for…
Level B2AdventureThe motion picture comrades aboard a submarineThree adventurous boys prepare to embark on a daring submarine expedition beneath the tropical seas, seeking sunken treasure and capturing extraordinary underwater motion pictures—…
Level B1AdventureThe motion picture chums' new ideaInnovative young entrepreneurs plan to launch a photo playhouse dedicated solely to educational films, aiming to captivate Boston’s cultured audience.
Level B1AdventureThe motion picture chums at the fairAmid booming business at their motion picture theatre, three young entrepreneurs navigate success, hidden worries, and the bustling energy of early 20th-century New York, where eve…
Level B1AdventureThe motion picture chums at Seaside ParkThree enterprising boys arrive at Seaside Park, eager to establish a motion picture theater on the bustling boardwalk.
Level C1Children'sThe motherless bairns, and who sheltered themOn a bitter winter night, two motherless children find warmth and hope in the glow of a kind family’s hearth, setting the stage for a heartfelt tale of compassion and shelter amid…
Level C1ClassicsThe mother's recompenseIn a sunlit Riviera hotel room, Kate Clephane reflects on a life marked by lost joys, resilience, and the bittersweet pursuit of happiness after separation.
Level C1ClassicsThe motherIn a remote Sardinian village steeped in superstition and tradition, a young priest grapples with the clash between his vows and human love, while his mother faces a heart-wrenchin…
Level B2AdventureThe moral piratesA boy fascinated by pirate tales is offered a thrilling alternative: a summer cruise in a specially outfitted rowboat with friends, promising adventure on the open water without th…
Level C1ClassicsThe moors and the fens, volume 2 (of 3)In a world where friendship can be a trap or a treasure, Mina Frazer navigates the complex affections of those around her, including the enigmatic Miss Warmond, whose intense attac…
Level C1ClassicsThe moors and the fens, volume 1 (of 3)In the bleak Lincolnshire fens, Sir Ernest Ivraine’s dreary ancestral home stands surrounded by stagnant waters and despair.
Level C1ClassicsThe moonshiners at Hoho-hebee Falls: 1895In the rugged landscape of Holly Cove, a spirited boy defies the dangers of mountains and rivers while mastering school lessons with a fearless charm.
Level C1Science FictionThe moon hoaxA breathtaking revelation unfolds as vivid images of the Moon’s lush landscapes and its human inhabitants emerge through a powerful telescope, inviting readers to explore a mesmeri…
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.