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 C1RomanceA Bachelor's DreamA reserved bachelor doctor seeks solace and companionship in the lively household of the Leslie sisters, where unspoken feelings and quiet hopes stir beneath the surface of everyda…
Level B2RomanceA Bachelor's ComedyA young clergyman arrives in a quiet village to take up his new post, eager to shed his boyish image and embrace a fresh start.
Level C1RomanceA Bachelor HusbandMarie Chester’s childhood bond with Christopher, her adopted brother, turns complicated as they grow apart and he drifts into a distant, patronizing figure.
Level B2PoetryA Apple Pie and Other Nursery TalesWhiskered friends gather for a charming tea party filled with lively songs, mischievous antics, and unexpected quarrels in a whimsical world where cats and their companions bring n…
Level C1PoetryA Apple PieDelight in the charming, ancient rhyme of A Apple Pie, brought to life with intricate woodblock illustrations and a whimsical alphabet journey through letters and playful verse.![Cover of 88 Favourite Carols and Hymns for Christmas by Anonymous [Compiler]](https://dsx1pat3ljtul.cloudfront.net/books/daf8nbge1ofc73dhcgqg.webp)
Level C2Poetry88 Favourite Carols and Hymns for ChristmasCelebrate the joyous birth of Christ with a collection of 88 beloved carols and hymns, inviting readers to join angels and shepherds in timeless praise and reflection on the Savior…
Level B2Mystery813A wealthy man suspects someone is secretly entering his locked hotel suite despite all precautions, triggering a tense investigation filled with mysterious intrusions and hidden da…
Level B2Mystery7 to 12: A Detective StoryA discreet detective is called to investigate the theft of Mrs.
Level C1Adventure6,000 Tons of GoldTwo strangers, an American and a Scotchman, form an unlikely bond aboard a steamship bound for Buenos Aires, where opportunity and adventure await amid financial turmoil.
Level C1Historical54-40 or FightAs tensions rise over Texas and Oregon, a determined statesman faces political intrigue and looming war, driven by a vision of a larger America.
Level B2Mystery4-1/2B, ErosIn a corrupt Venusian colony, space-trader Hank Karns confronts a rigged trial that condemns his friend to brutal imprisonment and seizes his ship.
Level C2Poetry35 SonnetsExplore the elusive nature of self and soul through profound reflections on identity, memory, and the struggle to express inner truth.
Level B2Mystery32 CaliberA man’s perfect golf game is shattered when his brother-in-law’s wife vanishes with a notorious suitor, sparking a tangled web of love, betrayal, and suspicion that demands a keen…
Level C1Science Fiction30 Strange StoriesA solitary orchid enthusiast acquires mysterious plants from distant lands, hoping to discover a rare new species.
Fantasy1970: A Vision of the Coming AgeStep into a prophetic glimpse of the year 1970, where visions of the future unfold in a world transformed by imagination and mystery.
Level A2Poetry1914, and Other PoemsExplore a collection of evocative poems that capture the spirit and turmoil of the early 20th century, blending personal reflection with the profound impact of a world on the brink…
Level C1Classics1900; or, The last PresidentAs New York reels from a shocking presidential election outcome, mobs of outraged citizens rise in violent revolt against the wealthy elite.
Level C1Classics1851; Or, The adventures of Mr. and Mrs. Sandboys and family, who came up to London to enjoy themselves, and to see the Great Exhibition.As the Great Exhibition draws visitors from every corner of the globe, London transforms into a bustling spectacle of cultures, curiosities, and grand preparations, promising an un…
Level C1Historical1812: A tale of Cape CodAmid the embargo and British naval threats during the War of 1812, Cape Cod’s resilient seafarers struggle to protect their homes and livelihoods, facing danger with fierce patriot…
Level C1Historical1601: Conversation as it was by the Social Fireside in the Time of the TudorsStep into the raucous social fireside of Queen Elizabeth’s court, where witty banter and sharp irreverence expose the unvarnished manners of Tudor England, challenging the genteel…
Level C1Historical1492Amid Spain’s looming Inquisition, Jayme de Marchena wrestles with his heritage and forbidden knowledge, seeking refuge and hope by the restless sea.
Level C1Classics'way down in Lonesome Cove: 1895In the isolated Lonesome Cove, a county ranger faces a late-night crisis as a forest fire threatens the mountain wilderness.
Level B2Romance'Way Down East: A Romance of New England LifeAt a vibrant Harvard-Yale football game, Anna Moore steps into Boston’s high society under the watchful eye of her ambitious chaperone, captivating everyone with her mysterious bea…
Level C1Classics'Twixt Land & Sea: TalesA captain arrives at a tropical island known as the "Pearl of the Ocean," hopeful for a prosperous sugar cargo after a long sea voyage.
Level C2Poetry'Twixt Earth and Stars: PoemsExplore a rich tapestry of emotions and nature through a collection of poems that journey from gardens and distant hills to dreams and memories, capturing love, loss, and the soul’…
Level C1Adventure'Tween Snow and Fire: A Tale of the Last Kafir WarIn the wilds of Kaffraria, a fierce game of survival unfolds as a skilled Kafir hunter and his relentless dogs pursue a swift steinbok, while a rival observer watches, torn between…
Level B2Adventure'Tilda Jane: An Orphan in Search of a Home. A Story for Boys and GirlsAn elfish orphan girl named Tilda Jane escapes her harsh asylum with her dog Gippie, seeking a kinder home in "Orstralia.
Level C1Fantasy'That Very Mab'On a mystical island ruled by Queen Mab and inhabited by Polynesian fairies, ancient magic clashes with the arrival of foreign missionaries and sailors bearing strange customs and…
Level B2Children's'Round the yule-log: Christmas in NorwayOn a snowy Christmas Eve in Christiania, a young lieutenant, recently ill and far from home, finds unexpected warmth and companionship among eccentric landladies and lively childre…
Level B2Children's'Me and Nobbles'In a grand, silent house ruled by stern relatives, a delicate child quietly inhabits the shadowy halls, stirring whispers and laughter where none expect.
Level C1Classics'Lena RiversAmid a fierce New England storm, the quiet village of Oakland awakens to secrets hidden behind closed doors, where a pale young woman lies mysteriously ill—and married—sparking cur…
Level C1Historical'Jena' or 'Sedan'?As Franz Vogt prepares to leave his quiet village for compulsory military service, he faces the daunting reality of Germany’s army—its discipline, its challenges, and what it means…
Level C2Historical'Hello, soldier!'Amidst the stirring calls of war, ordinary Australian men—bushies, miners, boys—march with pride and courage to defend their land and prove their worth on the battlefield.
Level C2Poetry'He Giveth His Beloved Sleep'Explore the serene grace of divine rest as the poem reflects on the sacred gift of sleep bestowed upon the beloved, offering solace beyond earthly struggles and sorrows in a world…
Level C1Romance'Gloria Victis!' A RomanceIn the elegant Parisian spring, the Baroness Melkweyser wrestles with a delicate mission to unite two powerful families, while young Gabrielle Truyn navigates the complexities of l…
Level C1Mystery'Farewell, Nikola'In the haunting city of Venice, a small group of travelers seeks beauty and solace amid its silent waterways and ancient palaces, but beneath the enchanting facade lies a mystery t…
Level B2Mystery'Doc.' GordonA young, ambitious physician embarks on a 25-mile walk to begin his medical career in a small town, filled with hopeful energy and a sense of purpose.
Level B2Classics'Charge It': Keeping Up With HarryA whirlwind tale of Harry Swift, a man who races through life with reckless speed, charging everything on credit while chasing endless social engagements and daring adventures.
Level C1Poetry'All's Well!'Amid the horrors of war, powerful verses offer hope and faith, portraying the struggle between might and right and envisioning a future where love and justice prevail over darkness…
Level C1Historical'A Comedy of Errors' in Seven ActsIn a tense throne room, rulers plot to abandon an oppressed island people while masking their true intentions with diplomacy and deceit.
Level B2Science Fiction$1,000 a PlateOn Mars, a prestigious Observatory battles costly ruined photographic plates caused by nearby casino fireworks.
Level C1Adventure"Where Angels Fear to Tread" and Other Stories of the SeaA seasoned shipping-master assembles an unlikely crew of polished city men, disguised as sailors, for a perilous voyage that tests their mettle and reveals the harsh truths beneath…
Level C1Adventure"War to the Knife;" or, Tangata MaoriIn a grand Tudor estate steeped in tradition, a restless young squire defies expectations, drawn into visionary studies and distant adventures beyond England’s familiar shores.
Level B2Romance"Wanted, a Young Lady" : A Farce, in One ActIn an old country mansion, a young man arrives to find his absent relatives and a quirky servant who’s anything but helpful—soon, mistaken identities and family secrets set the sta…
Level C1Children's"Us," An Old Fashioned StoryIn a quaint, meticulously kept parlour, twin siblings, indistinguishable except by coral necklaces, embark on charming adventures that reveal the warmth and quirks of family life a…
Level B2Children's"Us, and our donkey"A lively family moves to a new village, where a spirited girl named Grisel navigates childhood, family changes, and intriguing neighbors—alongside their mischievous donkey—in a tal…
Level B1Adventure"Us, and our charge"After the sudden loss of their father, a determined family faces upheaval and uncertain futures, striving to hold fast to hope and responsibility while navigating new challenges, u…
Level C1Historical"Unto Caesar"In imperial Rome under Caligula’s reign, the disgrace and downfall of a corrupt censor unleashes a brutal auction of his vast estate—including thousands of slaves—exposing power, g…
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.