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 C1PoetryLyrical Ballads, with Other Poems, 1800, Volume 1Explore vivid emotions and rustic life through poems that challenge traditional verse, blending heartfelt nature and human passions with innovative style to reveal the profound in…
Level C1PoetryLyrical Ballads, With a Few Other Poems (1798)A weathered mariner halts a wedding guest to recount a haunting voyage from tropical seas to icy polar realms, where storms and strange occurrences challenge the boundaries of natu…
Level C1PoetryLyrical Ballads with Other Poems, 1800, Volume 2Explore haunting pastoral poems where nature and human passion intertwine, from thrilling hunts to quiet reflections by mountain springs, capturing moments of joy, love, and loss i…
Level C1PoetryLyra Heroica: A Book of Verse for BoysDive into stirring verses that celebrate heroism, adventure, and patriotism, as youthful spirits are called to witness the valor and nobility of historic battles like Agincourt, in…
Level C1PoetryLyra FrivolaWry and witty verses reveal the poet’s humble desires and keen observations, from the trials of writers abroad to the woes of seasonal ailments and holiday hardships, all delivered…
Level C1RomanceLucileIn a lively London May, aristocratic Lord Alfred faces unexpected challenges when a mysterious letter from the enigmatic Comtesse de Nevers disrupts his planned marriage, stirring…
Level C1PoetryLow Tide on Grand Pré: A Book of LyricsImmerse yourself in a lyrical journey through quiet moments and wandering souls, where each poem echoes the tranquil yet restless spirit of Grand Pré at low tide.
Level C1PoetryLove-Songs of ChildhoodDelight in charming poems that capture the magic of childhood—from dreamy lullabies and playful games to nature’s gentle songs and the joyful mischief of youth—each verse a tender…
Level C1PoetryLove, Worship and Death: Some Renderings from the Greek AnthologyExplore the tender and intimate world of ancient Greece through lyrical poems that reveal timeless themes of love, friendship, nature, and devotion, capturing the personal spirit a…
Level C1PoetryLove's crucifixDive into a tender exploration of unspoken love and enduring devotion, where dreams blur with reality and a silent muse holds the secret to a poet’s longing.
Level C1RomanceLove Letters of a Violinist, and Other PoemsDiscover the mysterious love letters of a violinist, whose poetic confessions blend classical beauty with heartfelt passion, drawing readers into an ethereal world of music, dreams…
Level C1PoetryLouise Chandler Moulton, Poet and FriendExplore the life of a gifted poet whose lyrical spirit shapes not only her art but her wide circle of compassionate friendships.
Level C1PoetryLondon LyricsExplore gentle, reflective verses capturing London life with subtle humor and tender melancholy, as a thoughtful poet observes everyday moments with grace and understated wit.
Level C1HistoricalLives of the Poets, Volume 1Explore the lives and works of England’s greatest poets through candid biographies that reveal their characters, controversies, and the moral lessons behind their art, all delivere…
Level C1HistoricalLives of the English Poets: Gay, Thomson, Young, Gray, &c.Explore the lives and works of English poets from the late 17th and early 18th centuries, revealing their literary contributions, personal struggles, and the cultural backdrop of t…
Level C1PoetryLittle Engel: a ballad; with a series of epigrams from the PersianA bold young knight, Little Engel, seizes a maiden and seeks refuge in a church besieged by a hundred armed men.
Level C1PoetryLiterary Fables of YriarteExplore sharp, witty fables crafted to expose the follies of scholars through clever animal allegories, blending moral lessons with graceful verse in a unique collection translated…
Level C1PoetryLincoln & other poemsExplore stirring poems that celebrate historic moments and figures, from Lincoln’s legacy to the dawn of a new century, blending powerful imagery with reflections on justice, faith…
Level C1PoetryLilithDiscover the myth of Lilith, Adam’s mysterious first wife, reimagined beyond legend as a figure of intellect and maternal love whose story echoes through the haunting lullabies of…
Level C1PoetryLife of Robert BrowningExplore the early life and poetic evolution of a visionary writer, from youthful inspirations to literary society encounters, as he crafts groundbreaking monodramatic works and nav…
Level C1PoetryLife of John Keats: His Life and Poetry, His Friends, Critics and After-FameExplore the intimate life and enduring poetry of John Keats, tracing his friendships, inspirations, and the critical world that shaped him.
Level C1PoetryLife of John KeatsExplore the vibrant life and poetic journey of a young Londoner whose passion for verse blooms amid personal loss, literary friendships, and a battle with illness, capturing the st…
Level C1PoetryLife and Remains of John Clare, The "Northamptonshire Peasant Poet"Discover the intimate life and heartfelt poetry of John Clare, the Northamptonshire peasant poet, through his letters, diary entries, and poignant verses written even during his ti…
Level C1HistoricalLife Without and Life Within; or, Reviews, Narratives, Essays, and Poems.Explore the parallel streams of outward experience and inner spiritual life as one soul reflects on culture, literature, and the divine, revealing a rich interplay between external…
Level C1PoetryLibrary of the World's Best Literature, Ancient and Modern — Volume 15Explore the origins and essence of folk-song as a communal expression rooted in dance and tradition, revealing how collective emotion shapes simple, sincere lyrics passed down thro…
Level C1PoetryLibrary of the World's Best Literature, Ancient and Modern — Volume 08Explore the life of John Calvin, a brilliant scholar whose sharp intellect and unwavering faith shaped Protestant theology and reformed Geneva’s church and state, revealing the pro…
Level C1PoetryLibrary of the World's Best Literature, Ancient and Modern — Volume 07Explore the vivid landscapes of 19th-century American life through the poetic and prose works of Henry Cuyler Bunner, whose warm realism and gentle humor illuminate the spirit of N…
Level C1PoetryLewesdon Hill, with other poemsAscend Lewesdon Hill on a May morning and explore vivid landscapes imbued with local lore and natural beauty.
Level C1PoetryLetters Concerning Poetical Translations: And Virgil's and Milton's Arts of Verse, &c.Explore the art of poetical translation by comparing the swift, fiery style of Homer with the majestic, deliberate verse of Virgil, revealing how capturing an author's unique voice…
Level C1PoetryLegends, Tales and PoemsStep into the enchanting world of old Spain, where poetic dreams and haunting legends weave together along the banks of the Guadalquivir.
Level C1HistoricalLegends of the Saxon SaintsDive into the stirring era when Anglo-Saxon kingdoms embraced Christianity, witnessing saintly rulers, grand cathedrals rising from ancient temples, and the birth of missions that…
Level C1PoetryLegends of the North: The Guidman O' Inglismill and The Fairy BrideImmerse yourself in the enchanting world of Scottish folklore where the mischievous yet benevolent fairies dwell, weaving tales of magic, temperance, and nostalgia in the rich Dori…
Level C1PoetryLegends and Lyrics. Part 2In a quiet convent by the Mediterranean, Sister Angela tends her daily prayers and floral offerings, embodying innocence amid an ancient legend.
Level C1PoetryLegends and Lyrics. Part 1A collection of heartfelt poems weaving legends, personal reflections, and lyrical beauty, accompanied by an intimate introduction revealing the secret identity of the poet behind…
Level C1HistoricalLectures on the English Poets; Delivered at the Surrey InstitutionExplore the vivid world of English poetry as it unfolds from Chaucer to the living poets, revealing how imagination and passion shape our deepest human experiences through verse.
Level C1HistoricalLectures on English poetsExplore a series of insightful lectures revealing the essence and impact of English poets through vivid imagery, thoughtful criticism, and poetic prose, delivered by a scholar-poet…
Level C1PoetryLeaves for a Christmas Bough: Love, Truth, and HopeCelebrate the joys and lessons of childhood through heartfelt letters, sketches, and reminiscences that capture the spirit of Christmas and the warmth of friendship, kindness, and…
Level C1HistoricalLays of the Scottish Cavaliers and Other PoemsAmid the devastating defeat at the Battle of Flodden in 1513, Scottish nobles and commoners alike face harrowing loss and unyielding valor.
Level C1PoetryLays of ancient Virginia, and other poemsExplore a poetic journey through Virginia’s rich history and nature, where myth and devotion intertwine in vivid scenes—from Jamestown’s legacy to enchanted woods and prophetic vis…
Level C1HistoricalLays of Ancient RomeDive into the legendary tales and myths surrounding the founding and early history of Rome, where gods mingle with mortals, heroes defend the city, and ancient battles shape the de…
Level C1PoetryLays and Legends of the English Lake Country: With Copious NotesDiscover the turbulent history and enduring legends of England’s Lake District, where ancient clans, border feuds, and rugged landscapes shape a land rich in stories and heritage,…
Level C1PoetryLays and Legends (Second Series)Discover a rich tapestry of poems weaving love, loss, faith, and life’s struggles, from haunting ballads to tender lullabies, all echoing voices from everyday souls and timeless le…
Level C1HistoricalLaura Secord, the heroine of 1812: A Drama; and Other PoemsAmid the turmoil of the War of 1812, a brave woman undertakes a perilous journey to warn of an impending attack, risking everything to protect her homeland and secure the future of…
Level C1PoetryLaughable LyricsWhimsical creatures and curious adventures abound in a world where a forlorn Dong wanders with a glowing nose, searching for his lost love, while two old bachelors embark on a hila…
Level C1PoetryLauds and libelsA sharp and witty collection of poems offers reflections on society, culture, and wartime life, blending humor and critique in verses that capture the complexities of men, women, a…
Level C1PoetryLater PoemsExplore the enchanting beauty and profound mysteries of the world through evocative poems that celebrate nature’s wonders and the soul’s eternal journey, inviting readers into a ti…
Level C1PoetryLate Lyrics and Earlier, With Many Other VersesExplore a rich collection of reflective verses spanning years of thought, blending stark realities with lighter traditions.
Level C1PoetryLast PoemsExplore a world where nature’s quiet beauty and haunting memories intertwine, as a solitary voice reflects on fleeting moments, lost love, and the mysterious whispers of the wild.
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.