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 C1PoetryThe Modern Scottish Minstrel, Volume 4.: The Songs of Scotland of the Past Half CenturyExplore the rich legacy of Scottish song and poetry shaped by the inspiring landscapes and customs of Scotland, as it delves into the profound influence of Burns and his connection…
Level C1PoetryThe Modern Scottish Minstrel, Volume 3.: The Songs of Scotland of the Past Half CenturyExplore the rich heritage of Scottish song and poetry from the past half-century, interwoven with thoughtful comparisons to ancient Greek lyric traditions.
Level C1PoetryThe Modern Scottish Minstrel, Volume 2.: The Songs of Scotland of the Past Half CenturyExplore the rich heritage of Scottish Gaelic poetry, from ancient Ossianic legends to stirring battle hymns and heartfelt clan laments, revealing the timeless spirit and history of…
Level C1PoetryThe Modern Scottish Minstrel, Volume 1.: The Songs of Scotland of the Past Half CenturyExplore a rich collection of Scottish songs and poetry from the past fifty years, blending Gaelic tradition with Lowland melodies.
Level C1RomanceThe Mistress of the ManseA newlywed pastor welcomes his bride to their quaint manse, where love and faith intertwine in a home filled with warmth, hope, and the promise of a shared future.
Level C1PoetryThe Minstrel; or the Progress of Genius: with some other poemsFollow the journey of a young poet as he rises from humble beginnings to become a revered minstrel, capturing the sacred art of poetry and music in a harmonious blend of verse insp…
Level C1PoetryThe Miller and His Golden DreamA miller’s simple tale unfolds without magical embellishments, revealing a moral truth through pure poetry.
Level C1PoetryThe Millennium, and Other Poems: To Which is Annexed, a Treatise on the Regeneration and Eternal Duration of MatterProphetic verses envision a glorious millennium where ancient Israel is restored, deserts bloom, and divine power reshapes the earth.
Level C1AdventureThe Military Adventures of Johnny Newcome: With an Account of his Campaign on the Peninsula and in Pall MallA young British officer navigates the trials of military life during the Peninsula Campaign, confronting harsh conditions, cultural clashes, and the chaos of war while striving to…
Level C1PoetryThe Metamorphoses of Publius Ovidus Naso in English blank verse Vols. I & IIJourney through a world emerging from chaotic elements as gods shape earth, sea, and sky, culminating in the dawn of mankind and the golden age of innocence and harmony.
Level C1PoetryThe Metamorphoses of Ovid, Books I-VIIDive into a vivid tapestry of ancient Greek and Roman myths, where gods and mortals intertwine through tales of transformation and timeless legend.
Level C1PoetryThe Mentor: Famous English Poets, Vol. 1, Num. 44, Serial No. 44Explore the passionate lives and revolutionary spirits of six towering 19th-century English poets, from Byron’s tempestuous genius to Shelley’s soaring visions, revealing how their…
Level C1PoetryThe Melody of Earth: An Anthology of Garden and Nature Poems From Present-Day PoetsDiscover the subtle melodies of earth through a curated collection of garden and nature poems, where each verse captures the timeless harmony and inspiration found in the natural w…
Level C1PoetryThe Man of TasteExplore the satirical world where the pursuit of "taste" reveals the clash between true aesthetic appreciation and superficial ostentation, as society wrestles with the meaning, cu…
Level C1AdventureThe Man from Snowy RiverIn the rugged Australian bush, a young rider faces the challenge of taming wild horses and proving his courage among seasoned stockmen.
Level C1PoetryThe Mahogany TreeGather around the mahogany table for a spirited Bacchanalian song that celebrates friendship, mirth, and the bittersweet passage of time during a festive Christmas gathering.
Level C1PoetryThe Lyric: An EssayExplore the essence of poetry as the quest for "the best words in the best order," revealing how poets capture profound experience through language and verse.
Level C1AdventureThe Lusiad; Or, The Discovery of India, an Epic PoemEmbark on a heroic voyage tracing Portugal’s daring quest to discover India, filled with love, courage, and the fierce spirit of adventure that shapes empires and hearts alike.
Level C1PoetryThe Loving Ballad of Lord BatemanA haunting ballad unfolds through the plaintive voice of a young street singer, weaving a romantic and melancholy tale preserved in its original air and heartfelt expression.
Level C1RomanceThe Lover's Baedeker and Guide to ArcadyJourney to Arcady, a mystical land where love reigns supreme and time bends to the heart's desire, offering an enchanting exploration of romance, passion, and the alluring paths lo…
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 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 C1PoetryThe Little Book of Modern Verse: A Selection from the Work of Contemporaneous American PoetsExplore a curated selection of early 20th-century American poetry that captures the evolving spirit and new artistic visions of contemporary poets, offering fresh insights into lif…
Level C1HistoricalThe Literary Remains of Samuel Taylor Coleridge, Volume 1Explore a rich collection of fragmented notes, manuscripts, and reflections revealing the depth of a solitary scholar’s genius.
Level C1PoetryThe Lion's Masquerade: A Sequel to The Peacock at HomeStep into a whimsical world where animals host grand masquerade balls, blending charm and satire in elegant verse and vivid engravings.
Level C1PoetryThe Life of John ClareBorn into poverty in a tiny village cottage, a gifted farm laborer rises as a celebrated poet hailed as the "Northamptonshire Peasant.
Level C1PoetryThe Life and Death of Tom Careless: to which is added, The History of Will Worthy & Nancy WilmotA lively carpenter’s reckless joy spirals into a haunting reckoning with mortality and conscience, while a newlywed’s sudden death sparks a poignant journey of grief, faith, and ho…
Level C1PoetryThe Legends of Saint PatrickCaptured by Irish pirates and sold into slavery, a young man named Succath finds faith and purpose while tending sheep in a foreign land, guided by visions and prayers that promise…
Level C1PoetryThe Legendary and Poetical Remains of John Roby: author of 'Traditions of Lancashire', with a sketch of his literary life and characterA solitary boy in Lancashire, craving companionship, finds solace in nature’s mysteries and imaginary friends, while growing up shaped by strict family ideals and a fierce thirst f…
Level C1PoetryThe Legend of the Lincoln ImpWhen a mischievous imp wreaks havoc in Lincoln Cathedral, chaos ensues until a tiny angel intervenes with a powerful curse.
Level C1PoetryThe Legend of Kupirri, or, The Red Kangaroo: An Aboriginal Tradition of the Port Lincoln TribeIn a land where ancient legends shape the wild, two hunters confront the towering and fearsome Kupirri, the great Red Kangaroo, unraveling a tale of survival, transformation, and t…
Level C1PoetryThe Lazy MinstrelA whimsical collection of poetry unfolds through charming sketches, playful songs, and lively scenes, capturing moments from leisurely days to spirited gatherings with wit and warm…
Level C1PoetryThe Lay of the Nibelung MenDive into an epic saga where gods mingle with mortals, and heroic deeds unfold amid love, betrayal, and vengeance.
Level C1RomanceThe Last West; and, Paolo's VirginiaAmid the rugged peaks and wild landscapes of the Last West, daring alpinists challenge nature’s might while a stirring romance unfolds against the backdrop of untamed beauty and th…
Level C1RomanceThe Last TournamentIn a kingdom shadowed by rivalry and loss, a precious prize ignites a tournament where loyalty, honor, and hidden truths clash among Arthur's knights, as looming threats challenge…
Level C1PoetryThe Kingdom of LoveJourney through realms where dreams, sense, wealth, and home vie for the title of the true Kingdom of Love.
Level C1PoetryThe King's Wake, and Other BalladsAt a lively wake, young Signelil defies her mother's warnings to join the dance, only to encounter the king and a deadly twist of fate.
Level C1PoetryThe Jumblies, and Other Nonsense VersesDive into a whimsical world where curious creatures embark on fanciful adventures, from sailing seas to dancing with animals, all brought to life by playful verses and charming ill…
Level C1PoetryThe Jumble Book of Rhymes: Recited by the JumblerDive into a whimsical jumble of rhymes that blend humor, candid reflection, and playful musings, capturing the highs and lows of life with a refreshingly honest voice that refuses…
Level C1PoetryThe Isle of Palms, and Other PoemsImmerse yourself in vivid landscapes and heartfelt reflections through a poetic journey across wild mountains, tranquil lakes, and rustic life.
Level C1PoetryThe Iris: An Illuminated Souvenir for MDCCCLIIExplore vivid American history and Native traditions through richly colored illustrations and original poetry that bring to life the landing of William Penn and the cultural tapest…
Level C1HistoricalThe Influence of India and Persia on the Poetry of GermanyExplore how 19th-century German poets drew inspiration from the rich literary traditions of India and Persia, revealing a profound cultural exchange that shaped their poetic imagin…
Level C1HistoricalThe Independent Statesmen, and Liberal Landlord: or a respectful tribute to T. W. Coke, M.P. for the County of NorfolkIn a candid tribute to T.
Level C1PoetryThe Iliad of HomerStep into the epic world of gods and warriors as the siege of Troy unfolds with raw passion and unyielding honor, where every clash and counsel shapes the fate of heroes and empire…
Level C1PoetryThe Hunting of the Snark: An Agony in Eight FitsEmbark on a whimsical voyage with a curious crew led by the meticulous Bellman, as they hunt the elusive and mysterious Snark in a world where nonsense and logic entwine in poetic…![Cover of The Hundred Best English Poems by Adam L. [Editor] Gowans](https://dsx1pat3ljtul.cloudfront.net/books/da70a51bccoc73elortg.webp)
Level C1PoetryThe Hundred Best English PoemsDive into a carefully curated collection showcasing a century of timeless English poetry, each piece selected for its enduring beauty and impact, from celebrated names like Shakesp…
Level C1PoetryThe Humorous Poetry of the English Language; from Chaucer to SaxeDive into a curated collection of the finest short humorous poems from England and the United States, blending wit, satire, and charm without obscenity or outdated allusions.
Level C1PoetryThe Horse Shoe: The True Legend of St. Dunstan and the Devil, Showing How the Horse-Shoe Came to Be a Charm against WitchcraftDiscover the enchanting tale behind the horse-shoe’s power as a charm against witchcraft, revealing how St.
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.