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 B2MysteryThe Yellow FaceA young couple's secret engagement is shadowed by the eerie appearance of a sinister yellow face poster that seems to mirror the mysterious guardian overseeing them.
Level C1MysteryThe Yellow DoveAmid the fog and trenches of war, a mysterious, elusive aircraft known as the "Yellow Dove" darts through the skies, leaving soldiers both awed and terrified by its ghostly presenc…
Level C1MysteryThe Yellow CrayonAn aging man, cloaked in mystery, abandons his grand estate and assumes a new identity to escape a sinister past, sending a cryptic message that promises intrigue and danger in New…
Level C1ClassicsThe Yellow ChiefOn a Mississippi cotton plantation, a young mulatto named Blue Dick faces brutal punishment ordered by the master's son, igniting a fierce conflict fueled by jealousy and power in…
Level C1PoetryThe Years BetweenA stirring collection of poems captures the turmoil, valor, and reflections of war and peace from the early 20th century, weaving history, patriotism, and human sacrifice into powe…
Level C1PoetryThe Year's at the Spring: An Anthology of Recent PoetryExplore a vibrant collection of recent poetry that celebrates the beauty of everyday life and nature, using simple language to evoke deep emotions and vivid imagery without pretens…
Level C1HistoricalThe Year Nine: A Tale of the TyrolAmid a stormy Tyrolean valley, a humble inn becomes a crossroads for villagers bound by tradition, faith, and the tension of changing times.
Level B2AdventureThe Yazoo Mystery: A NovelA desperate crew hastily assembles on the steamer Domus, where firemen endure brutal conditions and uncertain destinations.
Level C1RomanceThe Yates Pride: A RomanceIn a small town buzzing with gossip, the enigmatic Miss Eudora Yates stirs curiosity with her mysterious choices and quiet strength.
Level C1HistoricalThe Yarn of Old Harbour TownAmidst the serene beauty of Old Harbour Town in 1805, retired naval Captain Charles Acton navigates news of French privateers and naval skirmishes that stir the coastal community,…
Level B2Children'sThe Yale CupAt a bustling college dorm, the Peck twins face the challenges of exams, moving out, and uncertain futures, while friendships and rivalries simmer beneath the surface.
Level C1AdventureThe Yacht Club; or, The Young Boat-BuilderIn the warm days by Penobscot Bay, young boat-builder Don John navigates friendship, admiration, and the thrill of yacht races, while grappling with the challenges of youth and hig…
Level B1AdventureThe Y. M. C. A. boys of Cliffwood;A group of adventurous boys in Cliffwood plan a daring Halloween prank on the town’s grumpy storekeeper, sparking a lively tale of friendship, mischief, and the spirited challenges…
Level B2AdventureThe X Bar X boys on the ranchTwo adventurous boys race against time to bring their prized horse, General, to meet their father’s train at the X Bar X ranch, facing dusty trails and old rivalries along the way.
Level B2AdventureThe X Bar X boys on Whirlpool RiverTwo brothers from the X Bar X Ranch stumble upon fresh bear tracks in the wild forest and decide to follow them, facing the thrilling dangers of the hunt with only their wits and s…
Level B2AdventureThe X Bar X boys in Thunder CanyonTwo brothers navigating treacherous mountain trails on horseback stumble upon mysterious thunderous noises, testing their courage and wits as they race home before darkness—and dan…
Level B2AdventureThe X Bar X boys at the round-upTwo brothers brace for a challenging roundup as mysterious newcomers pry into their cattle business, raising suspicions just when every fence break and every move counts on their r…
Level B2AdventureThe X Bar X boys at Nugget CampTeenagers Roy and Teddy Manley face wild adventures on the Western plains, chasing runaway ponies and proving their mettle at Nugget Camp.
Level B2MysteryThe Wyvern mysteryA young woman journeys to Wyvern under the watchful eye of the old Squire Fairfield, carrying secrets and tangled thoughts she struggles to share.
Level B2Children'sThe Wyndham GirlsThree young girls—each with distinct charm and temperament—navigate the luxuries and expectations of their privileged lives, selecting gowns for a grand summer event while revealin…
Level C1Children'sThe Wrong TwinTwin boys in a small town navigate childhood adventures and growing pains against the backdrop of changing times and old traditions.
Level C1MysteryThe Wrong BoxWhen only three members remain in a tontine formed decades ago, eccentric Joseph Finsbury and his reclusive brother Masterman find themselves entangled in a peculiar inheritance sc…
Level C1HistoricalThe Writings of John Burroughs — Volume 05: PepactonJourney down the wild, rugged Pepacton stream, where nature's secrets await in hidden coves and swift mountain brooks.
Level C1ClassicsThe Writing of the Short StoryExplore the art of crafting compelling short stories through a detailed guide on narrative elements like incident, character, plot, and description, enriched with practical teachin…
Level B2AdventureThe Wrecking MasterCaught in a treacherous harbor on a dark night, Captain Jim Wetherly and his nephew Dan navigate their oceangoing tug through danger, confronting mysterious small boats and perilou…
Level B2AdventureThe Wreckers of Sable IslandA spirited fifteen-year-old boy defies his grandfather’s fears to journey from peaceful Warwickshire to wild Nova Scotia in 1799, eager to join his father and embrace adventure acr…
Level C1AdventureThe WreckerIn the remote Marquesas Islands, a mysterious schooner arrives, stirring the sleepy port and awakening tales of sea voyages, tattoos, and island princesses.
Level C1AdventureThe Wreck of the Titan: or, FutilityA marvel of modern engineering, the unsinkable steamship Titan embarks on a daring Atlantic voyage at full speed through fog and storms, embodying human confidence and technology's…
Level B2AdventureThe Wreck of the Red Bird: A Story of the Carolina CoastThree boys arrive at a quiet South Carolina coastal town, drawn by a family summons amid fears of yellow fever.
Level C1AdventureThe Wreck of the Nancy Bell; Or, Cast Away on Kerguelen LandA determined captain battles unfavorable winds aboard the sturdy clipper Nancy Bell, setting course for adventure across the vast ocean.
Level C1PoetryThe Wreck of the HesperusA daring skipper braves a fierce winter storm with his young daughter aboard the schooner Hesperus, but as the gale intensifies, nature’s wrath tests their courage and fate on the…
Level C1AdventureThe Wreck of the Grosvenor, Volume 3 of 3: An account of the mutiny of the crew and the loss of the ship when trying to make the BermudasAs a deadly storm looms on the horizon, a ship’s crew battles both nature and mutiny while striving to reach the treacherous Bermudas.
Level C1AdventureThe Wreck of the Grosvenor, Volume 2 of 3: An account of the mutiny of the crew and the loss of the ship when trying to make the BermudasA tense voyage unfolds as a mutinous crew battles for control of the Grosvenor, with secret plots and deadly stakes aboard.
Level C1AdventureThe Wreck of the Grosvenor, Volume 1 of 3: An account of the mutiny of the crew and the loss of the ship when trying to make the BermudasA ship sets sail from England toward the Bermudas, but calm waters and shifting winds foreshadow trouble aboard.
Level B2AdventureThe Wreck of the Golden MaryA seasoned sea captain embarks on a perilous voyage to California during the gold rush, navigating treacherous waters and lawless crews determined to seize the precious cargo.
Level C1AdventureThe Wreck of the CorsaireA passenger aboard the Indiaman Ruby embarks on a voyage to India, where the crew celebrates the captain’s birthday with a magical ball on deck under the stars.
Level B2AdventureThe WreckA sunny day’s errand to fetch sugar leads Ollie and her friends on a charming walk through fields, geese, and a seaside tea party, where childhood adventures and unexpected discove…
Level B2AdventureThe Wounded NameAs the Allies near Paris and the Bourbon king is poised to return, Laurent de Courtomer, raised in England but heir to a French title, wrestles with his divided loyalties and the u…
Level C1HistoricalThe Wound Dresser: A Series of Letters Written from the Hospitals in Washington during the War of the RebellionAmid the chaos of Civil War hospitals in Washington, an impassioned caretaker offers a firsthand glimpse into the suffering and resilience of thousands of wounded soldiers.
Level B2AdventureThe Wouldbegoods: Being the Further Adventures of the Treasure SeekersThe Bastable children navigate the challenges of growing up in a grand new home, craving adventure and meaning beyond their comfortable lives.
Level B2Children'sThe Worst Boy in TownA mischievous boy known as the "worst in town" plans a secret fishing trip to prove his good heart, despite school and strict fathers standing in his way.
Level C1ClassicsThe Worshipper of the ImageIn a twilight wood where silence sings and shadows hold secrets, a man named Antony worships a mysterious smiling image named Silencieux, while his wife Beatrice, who mirrors the s…
Level B2HistoricalThe Worn DoorstepAmid the looming shadow of war, a determined scholar searches the tranquil English countryside for the perfect village home, where history, memory, and love intertwine beneath anci…
Level B2Science FictionThe Worlds of IfA habitual latecomer and engineer crosses paths with a brilliant physicist obsessed with time, sparking a daring exploration into the realities of time travel far beyond popular fa…
Level C1ClassicsThe World's Illusion, Volume 2 (of 2): RuthAmidst family tensions and whispered scandals, Wolfgang confronts rumors threatening his brother Christian’s reputation, while political and industrial powers maneuver behind close…
Level C1ClassicsThe World's Illusion, Volume 1 (of 2): EvaA worldly traveler from Moravia navigates a life of luxury, memory, and unexpected encounters, from high society to rural markets.
Level C1ClassicsThe World's Greatest Books — Volume 20 — Miscellaneous Literature and IndexStep into the vibrant social world of early 18th-century England, where witty essays and sharp observations illuminate daily life, manners, and culture in a groundbreaking periodic…
Level C1PoetryThe World's Greatest Books — Volume 17 — Poetry and DramaAmidst forest ambushes and noble rivalries, a true-hearted knight faces betrayal, loyalty, and love in a turbulent world where honor and reconciliation hang in the balance.
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.