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 C1Children'sSuzanna stirs the fireAn imaginative young girl transforms her ordinary morning into a magical kingdom where she reigns as a princess, inviting her little sister to join in a world where everyday life g…
Level C1Children'sSupplemental Nights to the Book of the Thousand and One Nights — Volume 6 (of 6)Dive into a rich collection of enchanting tales from the supplemental Arabian Nights, featuring cunning sages, mysterious warlocks, and royal intrigues set in ancient Baghdad and b…
Level C1AdventureSupplemental Nights to the Book of the Thousand and One Nights — Volume 5 (of 6)Dive into a tapestry of enchanting tales featuring kings, lovers, cunning thieves, and brave adventurers spanning hundreds of nights, where mystery, romance, and intrigue unfold in…
Level C1Children'sSupplemental Nights to the Book of the Thousand and One Nights — Volume 4 (of 6)Dive into a rich tapestry of enchanting tales filled with sultans, sharpers, lunatics, and scholars, where each night unveils new adventures, mysteries, and wisdom from ancient lan…
Level C1Children'sSupplemental Nights to the Book of the Thousand and One Nights — Volume 3 (of 6) Part 2A restless Caliph disguises himself to explore his city incognito, encountering mysterious figures and strange rituals that hint at deeper tales and hidden truths within Baghdad’s…
Level C1AdventureSupplemental Nights to the Book of the Thousand and One Nights — Volume 3 (of 6) Part 1Delve into a rich collection of retranslated tales from the Gallandian Nights, blending French, Arabic, and Hindustani influences to reveal the true origins and vibrant storytellin…
Level C1FantasySupplemental Nights to the Book of the Thousand and One Nights — Volume 3 (of 6)Dive into a rich tapestry of fantastical tales unfolding over hundreds of nights, where legendary adventures and mysterious characters weave an enchanting world beyond the original…
Level C1Children'sSupplemental Nights to the Book of the Thousand and One Nights — Volume 2 (of 6)Dive into a rich tapestry of enchanting tales featuring clever thieves, noble kings, and whimsical jesters, where mysteries unfold through the stories of sixteen captains of police…
Level C1AdventureSupplemental Nights to the Book of the Thousand and One Nights — Volume 1 (of 6)Dive into a rich tapestry of enchanting tales filled with kings, merchants, poets, and wise men, exploring themes of fate, patience, and justice in a world where destiny unfolds th…
Level C1PhilosophySunshine JaneA radiant young woman returns to a sleepy village, unknowingly poised to ignite profound change and uncover life's deepest lessons.
Level C1AdventureSunk at SeaBorn with an unquenchable thirst for adventure, young William Osten defies all limits, crawling into danger and mischief from infancy.
Level C1HistoricalSunday at Home (From "Twice Told Tales")Each Sabbath morning, a quiet observer watches the church steeple as it awakens with the sunrise, embodying the town’s spirit and marking the sacred stillness of Sunday.
Level C1Children'sStuyvesant: A Franconia StoryIn a peaceful mountain village, young cousins Phonny and Malleville discover the power of kindness and example through simple, everyday adventures—like storytelling to a kitten and…
Level C1AdventureStrange Stories from History for Young PeopleUncover daring tales of forgotten history where British plots, Seminole alliances, and a rogue bandit’s fortress challenge the early American frontier.
Level C1RomanceStories of the Days of King ArthurStep into a world where Merlin’s magic weaves through tales of King Arthur’s rise, the legendary Round Table, and knightly quests filled with chivalry, enchantment, and timeless ro…
Level C1RomanceStories of King Arthur and His Knights: Retold from Malory's "Morte dArthur"Step into a world of noble knights and chivalrous deeds as King Arthur and his legendary Round Table embark on quests filled with honor, valor, and the sacred pursuit of the Holy G…
Level C1HistoricalStories of Invention, Told by Inventors and their FriendsDive into inspiring tales of creativity and discovery, guided by inventors and their friends, encouraging young readers to explore public libraries and unlock the power of original…
Level C1HistoricalStories of American Life and AdventureJourney into early America where a troubled English boy lives among Native tribes, navigates colonial strife, and witnesses the harsh realities of frontier life, revealing the spir…
Level C1HistoricalStories from LivyTwin sons of a deposed king grow up as shepherds, unaware of their royal heritage, until fate and fierce loyalty lead them to reclaim their rightful throne in ancient Alba.
Level C1Children'sStories from Everybody's MagazineAn imaginative eleven-year-old girl, enchanted by romantic novels, secretly falls for her college-aged neighbor and weaves vivid fantasies of love while navigating her lively seasi…
Level C1Children'sStories for the Young; Or, Cheap Repository Tracts: Entertaining, Moral, and Religious. Vol. VI.A cunning poacher and his family survive on the moor through beggary, trickery, and theft, struggling between sloth and survival.
Level C1Children'sStories for HelenA mischievous girl’s careless words spark unintended consequences at home, teaching valuable lessons about discretion and kindness.
Level C1PoetryStories and ballads for young folksAmidst cold winter winds and quiet rooms, a playful child surprises a wounded lieutenant with laughter and warmth, weaving moments of innocence and care.
Level C1AdventureStories and Legends of Travel and History, for ChildrenExplore enchanting parks, grand palaces, and heroic tales across England and Ireland, where royal history and local legends come alive through the eyes of children discovering the…
Level C1Children'sStopping the leakA sharp-eyed aunt visits her nephew’s household, uncovering hidden troubles beneath the surface of a young couple’s new life.
Level C1AdventureStar: The Story of an Indian PonyAmid the vast Southwest plains, a spirited Indian pony named Star awakens to a world of Comanche braves, buffalo hunts, and fierce battles for survival—where honor and courage defi…
Level C1HistoricalSt. Winifred's; or, The World of SchoolA bright young boy leaves the warmth of his idyllic lakeside home to enter the bustling world of a large public school, embarking on a journey of growth, friendship, and discovery…
Level C1AdventureSome Persons UnknownAn adventurous and spirited boy, Kenyon, teeters on the edge of danger and mischief as he eagerly awaits a visit from his cricket hero, stirring excitement and tension in a househo…
Level C1HistoricalSnow Flakes (From "Twice Told Tales")As a winter storm blankets a New England town in snow, the quiet transformation awakens reflections on nature’s power and the fleeting joys of childhood battles fought with snowbal…
Level C1Children'sSnap: A legend of the Lone MountainIn a spirited school cricket match, the captain must decide whether to play short-handed or convince the rebellious Snap Hales to join the team—despite Snap’s defiance and trouble…
Level C1FantasySnap-Dragons; Old Father ChristmasIn a lively English household, Mr.
Level C1Children'sSkippy Bedelle: His Sentimental Progress From the Urchin to the Complete Man of the WorldA spirited boy wrestles with his aversion to girls and the confusion of growing up, navigating the awkward path from boyhood to manhood with humor and heart.
Level C1AdventureSkewbald, the New Forest PonyOn the sunlit plains of the New Forest, a diverse herd of ponies, from elegant racers to rugged ancient breeds, navigate the challenges of wild heath and changing seasons.
Level C1Children'sSix to Sixteen: A Story for GirlsTwo girls on the Yorkshire moors embark on a heartfelt project to chronicle their lives from childhood, exploring the joys and challenges of growing up through intimate diaries and…
Level C1Children'sSix Girls: A Home StoryBeneath a grand old beech tree in a sunlit garden, six sisters navigate the joys and restlessness of youth, dreaming of adventure beyond their quiet home.
Level C1AdventureSir Ludar: A Story of the Days of the Great Queen BessIn 1585 London, a spirited young apprentice finds his life forever changed the day he witnesses Queen Elizabeth's royal procession, igniting a fierce loyalty and setting the stage…
Level C1FantasySintram and His CompanionsA knight battles the relentless forces of Death and Sin, aided by faith and the example of noble companions, as he struggles to conquer temptation and achieve salvation in a realm…
Level C1Children'sSilas MarnerIn a quiet village where superstition shadows every stranger, an isolated linen-weaver named Silas Marner lives a solitary, mysterious life, his strange craft and demeanor stirring…
Level C1HistoricalSights from a Steeple (From "Twice Told Tales")From a lofty steeple, a watchful observer surveys a vibrant town, its tranquil streets and bustling wharves, pondering the hidden lives and secrets behind every window and face ben…
Level C1Children'sShort Stories of the New America: Interpreting the America of this age to high school boys and girlsExplore vivid tales that bring to life the hopes, struggles, and ideals shaping modern America, inspiring young readers to understand and engage with their nation's spirit through…![Cover of Short Stories of Various Types by Laura F. [Editor] Freck](https://dsx1pat3ljtul.cloudfront.net/books/dagmhr6icedc739b69c0.webp)
Level C1Children'sShort Stories of Various TypesDive into a diverse collection of tales that spark adventure, humor, and human emotion—each crafted to captivate young readers with vivid settings from bustling cities to open coun…
Level C1Children'sShort Stories for High SchoolsExplore a curated collection of short stories tailored for high school readers, blending timeless classics with vibrant modern tales that capture the swift pace and diverse experie…
Level C1AdventureShifting Winds: A Tough YarnAmid a fierce coastal storm, a fisher family's tense vigil reveals deep worries and wild emotions, while a retired naval captain reflects on his modest life and the urgent need to…
Level C1HistoricalShanty the Blacksmith; a Tale of Other TimesIn a fading borderland castle, a restless young heir struggles between lofty dreams and harsh realities, turning to invention and the local blacksmith to revive his family's fortun…
Level C1Children'sSeven daughtersIn a lively household filled with seven daughters, the joys and challenges of girlhood unfold through humor, family dynamics, and dreams of love, all set against the backdrop of a…
Level C1Children'sSecond Book of TalesJourney back to post-war Kansas aboard the rickety Han'bul 'nd St.
Level C1HistoricalSchool-days in 1800Step back to 1800 through the vivid memories of a 90-year-old grandmother, who recounts lessons in both practical skills and traditional schooling, revealing education and daily li…
Level C1Children'sScenes in SwitzerlandJourney through the autumnal Swiss Alps, where misty mountains, ancient legends, and charming villages come alive alongside warm friendships and timeless traditions.
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.