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 C1PoetryRiley Love-LyricsDelve into tender verses that weave memories of youthful love, dreams, and longing, where each poem unfolds the delicate beauty and bittersweet echoes of old sweethearts and heartf…
Level C2PoetryRiley Farm-RhymesImmerse yourself in the vibrant sounds and scenes of rural life, where buzzing bees, rustling leaves, and seasonal rhythms paint a heartfelt portrait of the countryside’s enduring…
Level B1PoetryRiley Child-RhymesWhimsical rhymes and charming tales bring to life children’s adventures, mischievous goblins, and the lovable Raggedy Man, inviting readers into a world of heartfelt humor and time…
Level B2PoetryRight off the Bat: Baseball BalladsCelebrate the spirit of baseball through vivid ballads capturing the thrill of the game, the hopes of minor leaguers, and the timeless clash between pitcher and batter.
Level C1HistoricalRig Veda Americanus: Sacred Songs of the Ancient Mexicans, With a Gloss in NahuatlExplore the ancient sacred hymns of the Mexicans, preserved in intricate manuscripts and shrouded in mystical language, offering a rare glimpse into their archaic religion, mytholo…
Level B2PoetryRide A Cock-Horse To Banbury Cross & A Farmer Went Trotting Upon His Grey Mare: R. Caldecott's Picture BooksDelight in a charming collection of illustrated nursery rhymes, where playful verses and vivid pictures bring timeless songs like "Ride A Cock-Horse To Banbury Cross" and "A Farmer…
Level C1RomanceRichardson's New London fashionable gentleman's valentine writer, or, the lover's own book for this yearDiscover a charming collection of original and popular valentines paired with heartfelt answers, capturing the hopes and hesitations of love across all ranks and walks of life in t…
PoetryRichard Coeur de Lion and BlondelJourney into medieval legend where valor and loyalty intertwine, exploring the bond between the heroic King Richard and his devoted minstrel Blondel in a tale steeped in chivalry a…
Level C1AdventureRhymes of the Survey and FrontierVenture into the solitary, perilous world of pioneers who carve civilization from the wilderness, facing relentless hardships and forging a nation's future through courage and sacr…
Level B2HistoricalRhymes of the Rookies: Sunny Side of Soldier ServiceExperience the gritty camaraderie and raw realities of soldier life through vivid poems that capture the humor, hardship, and heart behind the uniforms, from bunkmates’ loyalty to…
Level B2PoetryRhymes of the RockiesJourney through the rugged beauty and solitude of the Rocky Mountains in vivid poems that capture the spirit of trappers, hunters, and nature’s quiet wonders, celebrating the wild…
Level C1PoetryRhymes of the East and Re-collected VersesExplore vivid verses reflecting life, culture, and humor from British India, blending local color with universal themes in this evocative collection of reprinted and revised poems…
Level C2PoetryRhymes of a RoughneckIn a harsh northern wilderness forged by devilish design, men are drawn by gold and ambition to a land where nature itself seems hostile and fortune is a deadly gamble.
Level C2PoetryRhymes of Old PlimouthStep into the spirit of early Plymouth through evocative poems that celebrate its history, people, and landscapes—honoring the enduring legacy of the Old Colony and its storied pas…
Level C1PoetryRhymes of Northern Bards: Being a Curious Collection of Old and New Songs and Poems, Peculiar to the Counties of Newcastle upon Tyne, Northumberland, and DurhamDiscover a lively collection of songs and poems capturing the spirit, history, and local color of Newcastle upon Tyne, Northumberland, and Durham, preserving the voices and tales o…
Level C2PoetryRhymes from the RussianDiscover faithful English translations of Russia’s finest poets, capturing the spirit and soul of a society where poetry unites nobles, soldiers, and peasants alike, revealing the…
Level B2PoetryRhymes for the nurseryDelight in gentle, soothing verses that capture the tender moments of childhood—from morning wake-ups to bedtime lullabies—inviting little ones to explore the world through simple…
Level C1PoetryRhymes for Harry and His Nurse-MaidGentle rhymes guide young children and their caregivers through early lessons in care, discipline, and virtue, blending simple narratives with practical advice to nurture good habi…
Level A2PoetryRhymes and JinglesDiscover a delightful collection of playful rhymes and jingles that capture the charm of childhood, nature, and everyday adventures, inviting young readers into a world of imaginat…
Level C2PoetryRhymes a la ModeJourney to an enchanted island where time stands still and immortal souls roam beneath eternal silver dawns.![Cover of Rhymes Old and New : collected by M.E.S. Wright by M. E. S. [Compiler] Wright](https://dsx1pat3ljtul.cloudfront.net/books/dagoip25dk3s73eg9990.webp)
Level C1PoetryRhymes Old and New : collected by M.E.S. WrightDelight in a rich collection of rhymes gathered from diverse regions and traditions, blending timeless nursery verses with local variations and weather lore, perfect for children a…
Level C2FantasyRhyme? and reason?Dive into a whimsical collection of poems and riddles where nonsense and reason intertwine, guided by curious voices and playful rhythms that challenge the mind and delight the sen…
Level C1PoetryRevised Edition of PoemsA lifetime of heartfelt musings unfolds in verse, celebrating local heroes, humble lives, and the spirit of a Yorkshire town.
Level C2PoetryResponsibilities, and other poemsDive into a world where ancient myths and personal reflections entwine, as a poet wrestles with heritage, faith, and the haunting echoes of history through stirring verse and evoca…
Level B2PoetryRequired Poems for Reading and Memorizing: Third and Fourth Grades, Prescribed by State Courses of StudyDive into a rich collection of poems embraced by schoolchildren, where playful adventures, mysterious unseen friends, and the changing seasons come alive through captivating verses…
Level C1PoetryRenascence: A Book of VerseDive into a rich collection of evocative poems exploring themes of love, memory, time, and renewal, adorned with vivid imagery and lyrical beauty that awaken the spirit and stir th…
Level C2PoetryRenascence, and Other PoemsA profound meditation on existence unfolds as a soul confronts the vastness of the universe, bearing the weight of infinite knowledge, sorrow, and compassion.
Level C1HistoricalRenaissance in Italy, Volume 5 (of 7): Italian Literature, Part 2Dive into the vibrant world of Renaissance Italy through the lens of epic poetry, exploring the artistic evolution and cultural shifts that shaped masterpieces like Orlando Furioso…
Level C1PoetryReminiscent Poems: Part 3 From Volume II of The Works of John Greenleaf WhittierExplore vivid memories and heartfelt reflections through lyrical portraits of nature, youth, and enduring spirit, where past dreams and emotions weave a timeless tapestry of beauty…
Level C2PoetryRemedia Amoris; or, The Remedy of Love: Literally Translated into English Prose, with Copious NotesA witty guide to love’s trials offers remedies for those ensnared by passion, teaching how to heal the wounds Cupid’s arrows inflict before they grow too deep.
Level C1RomanceReliques of Ancient English Poetry, Volume 3 (of 3): Consisting of Old Heroic Ballads, Songs and Other Pieces of Our Earlier Poets Together With Some Few of Later DateDive into a rich collection of ancient English ballads and romantic tales, exploring legendary tests of fidelity like enchanted mantles and magical horns that reveal truth and hono…
Level C1RomanceReliques of Ancient English Poetry, Volume 2 (of 3): Consisting of Old Heroic Ballads, Songs and Other Pieces of Our Earlier Poets Together With Some Few of Later DateDive into a collection of ancient English ballads and songs that reveal the fiery spirit and satire of medieval times, capturing battles, betrayals, and the age-old struggle for po…
Level C1RomanceReliques of Ancient English Poetry, Volume 1 (of 3): Consisting of Old Heroic Ballads, Songs and Other Pieces of Our Earlier Poets Together With Some Few of Later DateDive into a rich collection of old heroic ballads, songs, and metrical romances that reveal the voices and stories of England’s earliest poets and minstrels.
Level C1PoetryReligious Studies, Sketches and PoemsExplore deep reflections on faith, suffering, and love through meditations and poems that center on Christ as the enduring source of strength in life's trials, offering solace amid…
Level C2PoetryReligious Poems, SelectedExplore a collection of deeply spiritual poems that evoke biblical stories, sacred hymns, and reflections on faith, capturing moments from Bethlehem to ancient sacrifices with reve…
Level C2PoetryReligious Poems, Part 2.: Part 6 From Volume II of The Works of John Greenleaf WhittierExplore profound reflections on faith, doubt, and divine love through evocative verses that grapple with human weakness, the mystery of God's goodness, and the soul’s quest for spi…
Level C2PoetryReligious Poems, Part 1.: Part 5 From Volume II of The Works of John Greenleaf WhittierJourney through vivid spiritual landscapes where faith, nature, and ancient rites intertwine—from the hopeful Star of Bethlehem blossoming in foreign soil to the haunting downfall…
Level C2PoetryReligious PoemsExplore profound faith and devotion through stirring verses that reflect on sacrifice, divine presence, and the soul’s journey beyond life, inspired by stories of saints, sacred mo…
Level C1PoetryRejected Addresses; Or, The New Theatrum PoetarumA witty collection of poetic imitations emerges from a theatrical contest to craft the perfect opening address for Drury Lane Theatre's grand reopening, blending satire and homage…
Level C2PoetryReincarnationsImmerse yourself in a lyrical journey through love, loss, and longing as vivid voices and haunting images evoke timeless human emotions and the enduring spirit of life’s many reinc…
Level C1HistoricalReginald Bateman, Teacher and Soldier: A Memorial Volume of Selections from His Lectures and Other WritingsExplore the life of a scholar turned soldier, whose inspiring lectures and writings reveal the courage and sacrifice behind a promising academic career cut short by war.
Level C1PoetryRecollections of Dante Gabriel RossettiExplore the intimate friendship and literary correspondence with a deeply troubled poet whose genius and personal struggles unfold through heartfelt letters and vivid recollections…
Level C1HistoricalRecollections of Bytown and Its Old InhabitantsStep back into the early days of Bytown, where memories of its original inhabitants and unfolding history come alive through heartfelt recollections, preserving names and stories t…
Level C1PoetryRecitations for the Social Circle. Selected and OriginalDiscover a curated collection of poetry, speeches, and recitations designed to stir the soul with quiet power and sincere expression.
Level C1PoetryRebel VersesExperience the raw, unvarnished lives of Lincolnshire's folk through verses that reveal their struggles, humor, and enduring spirit in a world shaped by war and tradition.
Level C2PoetryReadings from Latin Verse; With NotesExplore the rich world of classical Latin poetry through carefully selected verses, from Ennius' legendary laments to Lucretius' profound reflections on nature and superstition, ac…
Level C2PoetryRandom Rhymes and RamblesExplore heartfelt musings and rustic wisdom through rough-hewn verse and prose, as an untrained rhymer captures life's struggles, kindness, and resilience in candid Yorkshire diale…
Level C1PoetryRampolliExplore a world where night holds mysterious power and sacred beauty, unveiling hidden depths of the soul beyond the reach of daylight.
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.