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 C1ClassicsThe Long Hillside: A Christmas Hare-Hunt In Old Virginia: 1908Boys claim the winter hares of old Virginia as their own, hunting with a lively pack of dogs and the help of spirited companions during a joyous Christmas hunt filled with traditio…
Level B2AdventureThe Long Dim TrailAmid Arizona's rugged landscape, a seasoned cowboy and a newcomer doctor join forces on a tense cattle drive, uncovering the raw challenges and wild spirit of the frontier.
Level C1ClassicsThe Long AgoAmid the bustling city, memories of a grandmother's garden unfold—a sanctuary of childhood wonder, fragrant blooms, and tender moments that echo through the years, inviting you to…
Level B2AdventureThe Lonesome Trail and Other StoriesA rugged man haunted by past heartbreak shies away from women until a determined schoolma’am challenges his fears, sparking a tale of courage, friendship, and the wild spirit of th…
Level C1ClassicsThe Lonely Way—Intermezzo—Countess Mizzie: Three PlaysStep into the vibrant, conflicted world of Vienna where tradition clashes with modernity, and passions simmer beneath the surface.
Level B2HistoricalThe Lonely WarriorIn 1914, a young architect wrestles with his duty to join a distant war that threatens the world’s fragile peace, confronting his father’s pragmatic caution and his own restless id…
Level B2RomanceThe Lonely StrongholdIn a dreary bank office on a bitter December night, young women grapple with monotony and dreams of escape.
Level C1AdventureThe Lonely Island: The Refuge of the MutineersBeneath a tranquil Pacific sunset, simmering tensions aboard a British ship threaten to ignite mutiny as sailors chafe under Captain Bligh’s harsh rule, setting the stage for a des…
Level C2PoetryThe Lonely Dancer and Other PoemsStep into a world where music and dance weave through memory and nature, evoking delicate desires and mystic pain.
Level C1MysteryThe Lone Wolf: A MelodramaIn the shadowy maze of a discreet Parisian restaurant, a young boy arrives on a rainy night, embarking on a mysterious journey that will shape his destiny as the elusive Michael La…
Level C1MysteryThe Lone Wolf ReturnsA man haunted by a shadowy past confesses his love to a woman who must choose between her heart and the perilous life he leads.
Level B2AdventureThe Lone Star Ranger: A Romance of the BorderA fierce gunman haunted by his violent heritage faces deadly challenges on the wild Texas frontier, where law and outlaw blur and survival demands both grit and restraint.
Level C1AdventureThe Lone RancheAmid the harsh, war-scarred plains near Chihuahua, a mysterious Kentuckian observes a vivid religious procession, hinting at untold adventures in a land haunted by conflict between…
Level C1MysteryThe Lone Inn: A MysteryA weary traveler seeks refuge at a remote, eerie inn shrouded in secrets and inhabited by enigmatic figures, including an old friend whose unexpected presence deepens the mystery.
Level C1HistoricalThe Lone AdventureAmid the windswept moors of Lancaster, a fragile heir struggles against family scorn and his own limitations, yearning for acceptance and courage in a world that prizes strength.
Level C1ClassicsThe LondonersIn the sweltering heat of a London May, Mrs.
Level C2ClassicsThe London-Bawd: With Her Character and Life: Discovering the Various and Subtle Intrigues of Lewd WomenDelve into the shadowy world of a cunning bawd who, once a fiery temptress, now orchestrates the desires of others with ruthless expertise, turning innocence into temptation and we…
Level C1ClassicsThe London VisitorA reluctant visitor trapped by social expectations finds her quiet life disrupted by the arrival of a mysterious London gentleman, drawing her into a bewildering tale of society, c…
Level C1ClassicsThe London ProdigalA wayward son squanders his inheritance and tests his family's patience with reckless debts and wild behavior, while his disguised father returns to secretly observe his prodigal l…
Level C1ClassicsThe Log of the Water Wagon; or, The Cruise of the Good Ship "Lithia"Embark on a whimsical voyage aboard the Water Wagon, a lively ship filled with spirited passengers navigating the perils of thirst and temptation on a dry, spirited cruise packed w…
Level C1FantasyThe Log of the Flying Fish: A Story of Aerial and Submarine Peril and AdventureIn a cozy London club for intrepid explorers, a daring professor challenges the notion that balloon navigation is impossible, setting the stage for a thrilling adventure through ai…
Level B2ClassicsThe Log of the "Jolly Polly"A struggling novelist clings to fading fame when unexpected relatives from Massachusetts arrive, hinting at a mysterious connection that could change everything.
Level C1AdventureThe Log of a Sea-Waif: Being Recollections of the First Four Years of My Sea LifeA young boy embarks on his first sea voyage, recounting vivid adventures and the harsh realities of life aboard British merchant ships.
Level C1AdventureThe Log of a PrivateersmanAmidst the perilous seas of wartime, a daring crew sets sail on a newly outfitted privateer, chasing fortune and adventure after their merchant ship’s audacious capture and recaptu…
Level B2AdventureThe Log of a Cowboy: A Narrative of the Old Trail DaysAmid the aftermath of the Civil War, a young boy embarks on a rugged journey from Georgia to Texas, learning the true meaning of courage and survival while guarding his family’s pr…
Level B2HistoricalThe Log School-House on the ColumbiaAmid the towering peaks and vast wilderness of the Oregon Territory, a young German girl with dreams of poetry and music navigates the rugged life of pioneer settlers, caught betwe…
Level C1AdventureThe Log House by the Lake: A Tale of CanadaAfter losing their fortune, the Ashton family resolves to start anew in Canada, embracing hard work and adventure as they build a life together in the wilderness.
Level C1MysteryThe LodgerStruggling servants Robert and Ellen Bunting face desperate poverty in foggy London, their lives shadowed by fading respectability and dwindling hope.
Level C1MysteryThe Lock and Key Library: The Most Interesting Stories of All Nations: North Europe — Russian — Swedish — Danish — HungarianA high-stakes card party in a Russian winter night unravels tales of luck, mystery, and a legendary countess haunted by debts and a mysterious ally.
Level B2FantasyThe Living MummyIn the scorching Libyan desert, a renowned Egyptologist and his intriguing daughter uncover the tomb of Ptahmes, a powerful priest who foretold his own resurrection after millennia…
Level B2ClassicsThe Living Link: A NovelIn a quiet boarding school, Edith arrives to a tense silence and a mysterious summons from Miss Plympton, hinting at a terrible secret that will upend the lives of the young ladies…
Level C1ClassicsThe Lives of the Poets of Great Britain and Ireland (1753) Volume V.Dive into the fascinating biographies of Britain's and Ireland's most renowned poets, tracing their lives, literary achievements, and social circles from classical roots to 18th-ce…
Level C1PoetryThe Lives of the Poets of Great Britain and Ireland (1753) Volume IV.Explore the vivid lives and works of Great Britain and Ireland’s poets, from witty dramatists to celebrated authoresses, unveiling their artistic legacies alongside the social virt…
Level C1ClassicsThe Lives of the Poets of Great Britain and Ireland (1753) Volume III.Explore the turbulent life of Sir John Denham, a 17th-century poet entangled in gambling, royal service, and political intrigue, whose celebrated works like "Cooper's Hill" earned…
Level C2HistoricalThe Lives of the Poets of Great Britain and Ireland (1753) Volume II.Dive into the vivid lives and dramatic works of Britain and Ireland’s poets, from Anthony Brewer’s turbulent tragedies to the stirring historical and literary insights that shaped…
Level C1PoetryThe Lives of the Poets of Great Britain and Ireland (1753) Volume I.Explore the fascinating origins and early life of Geoffrey Chaucer, tracing his journey from uncertain birthplaces to scholarly pursuits and courtly acclaim, revealing the foundati…
Level C1AdventureThe Lively Poll: A Tale of the North SeaAmid the bustling North Sea fishing fleet, Admiral Manx Bradley commands nearly two hundred vessels in a daring, coordinated night haul, where strength, skill, and unity face the u…
Level C1ClassicsThe Live CorpseA woman torn between duty and desire leaves her husband, igniting family tensions and secrets in Moscow's high society.
Level B2HistoricalThe Littlest RebelIn the shadow of the Civil War, a spirited seven-year-old girl named Virgie brings innocence and imagination to a world scarred by conflict, weaving childhood play with the harsh r…
Level C1AdventureThe Little White Bird; Or, Adventures in Kensington GardensStep into a whimsical journey where a boy named David wanders the enchanting Kensington Gardens, weaving innocence, dreams, and the delicate ties between childhood and adulthood in…
Level B2AdventureThe Little Washingtons' TravelsJoin the lively Washington family and their cousins as they embark on a bustling train journey to New York City, filled with childhood mischief, historical curiosity, and the excit…
Level B2HistoricalThe Little Washington's RelativesWhen city cousins arrive, George and Martha eagerly plan adventures to share their hometown’s history, including battles, homesteads, and playful reenactments, promising a lively a…
Level C1Children'sThe Little ViolinistTwo young twins arrive unexpectedly, seeking care, school, and love, while their guardian balances nurturing with playful adventure.
Level B2ClassicsThe Little Vanities of Mrs. Whittaker: A NovelIn an era when women’s roles are limited, Regina Brown, a determined and educated young woman, wrestles with the confines of middle-class life and her desire for a meaningful purpo…
Level B2Children'sThe Little Spanish DancerIn sunlit Seville, young Pilar dances with magical castanets, carrying a legacy of dancers and a heavy burden—the need to save her ailing grandfather.
Level B2AdventureThe Little Skipper: A Son of a SailorYoung Bob, known as the Skipper, and his sister Dot embark on a spring adventure by their lakeside home, navigating the challenges of launching Bob’s intricate model ship, the "Fla…
Level C1AdventureThe Little Shepherd of Kingdom ComeAfter losing his family to a deadly plague, young Chad and his loyal dog Jack face a harsh fate when a stern neighbor claims custody.
Level C1RomanceThe Little Schoolmaster Mark: A Spiritual RomanceIn a quiet forest village, a young schoolmaster captivates children with enchanting tales and unconventional lessons rooted in faith.
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.