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 C1PoetryFarm BalladsTensions rise between Betsey and her husband as years of small disagreements and stubborn pride push their marriage to the breaking point, forcing them to confront what it truly me…
Level C1PoetryFanny, with Other PoemsA shy young woman named Fanny navigates the hopes and hardships of youth amid New York’s social climb and family ambition, as a poet reflects on love, society, and the transformati…
Level C1HistoricalFamiliar Studies in HomerExplore the vibrant world of Homeric epics brought to life through archaeological discoveries that connect myth to history.
PoetryFamiliar FacesDive into a witty collection of poetic portraits that humorously capture the quirks and foibles of various familiar characters, from the actor-manager to the gourmand and the music…
PoetryFairy's Album: With Rhymes of FairylandStep into a whimsical world where fairies and their friends come to life through enchanting rhymes and delicate verses.
Level C1PoetryFairy Realm: A Collection of the Favourite Old Tales Told in VerseIn a kingdom where silence suddenly falls, a royal christening sparks a tense encounter with an uninvited, spiteful fairy whose unpredictable gift threatens the fate of a newborn p…
Level C1PoetryFables of Flowers for the Female Sex. With Zephyrus and Flora, a VisionDelight in a poetic vision where flowers speak through fables, offering moral lessons and gentle wisdom to young women.
PoetryFables for the FrivolousWitty and whimsical poems reimagine classic fables with playful twists and clever humor, inviting readers to delight in familiar tales told with a lighthearted, frivolous spirit.
PoetryFablesDive into a collection of poetic fables where whimsical creatures and mythical beings reveal timeless truths through witty, heartfelt tales dedicated to all walks of life.
Level C2PoetryEyes of Youth: A Book of Verse by Padraic Colum, Shane Leslie, Viola Meynell, Ruth Lindsay, Hugh Austin, Judith Lytton, Olivia Meynell, Maurice Healy, Monica Saleeby & Francis Meynell. With four early poems by Francis Thompson & a foreword by Gilbert K. ChestertonDiscover a rich tapestry of brief yet profound poems that explore timeless themes from love and loss to cosmic revelation, brought to life by a diverse chorus of voices united by v…
Level C1HistoricalExcursions, and Poems: The Writings of Henry David Thoreau, Volume 05 (of 20)Embark on reflective journeys through nature and society, tracing the vivid landscapes and thoughtful observations of a traveler who challenges conventions and finds profound meani…
Level C1HistoricalEvery Man His Own Poet; Or, The Inspired Singer's Recipe BookDive into a witty exploration of poetry as a craft, where inspiration meets science and trickery in the pursuit of verse.
Level C1PoetryEventide: A Series of Tales and PoemsUnder the starlit calm of Wimbledon, gentle whispers of romance and hidden struggles unfold amid blooming gardens and shadowed groves, where the lives of village folk intertwine in…
Level C1PoetryEvenings at Home; Or, The Juvenile Budget OpenedA collection of engaging tales and lessons crafted to delight and instruct children from ages four to fourteen, blending simplicity with wisdom to inspire young minds and nurture t…
Level C1PoetryEvening songsImmerse yourself in tender, lyrical verses that capture the heartfelt emotions and romantic spirit of a bygone Czech era, inviting youthful hearts into a world of fragrant evening…
Level C1RomanceEvangeline: A Tale of AcadieIn the peaceful Acadian village of Grand-Pré, young Evangeline embodies hope and devotion amid idyllic farms and faithful hearts, but the shadows of fate loom over this tranquil la…
Level C1HistoricalEuphorion - Vol. II: Being Studies of the Antique and the Mediaeval in the RenaissanceExplore the intricate balance between realism and idealism in Renaissance portrait art, revealing how artists blend decorative beauty with faithful likeness to capture both the rea…
Level C2HistoricalEuphorion - Vol. I: Being Studies of the Antique and the Mediaeval in the RenaissanceDelve into a profound exploration of the Renaissance as the mystical child of ancient Antiquity and medieval longing, embodied by Faust and Helena.
Level C1PoetryEugene Field, a Study in Heredity and Contradictions — Volume 1Step into the quirky life of a man who preferred whimsical fiction over boring facts, spinning outrageous tales about friends and himself.
Level C1HistoricalEssays in criticismDive into a thoughtful exploration of literary criticism and cultural reflection, where the author challenges prevailing opinions and seeks a balanced vision of truth amidst changi…
Level C1AdventureErmelineA daring knight encounters the mysterious Dwarf’s daughter, whose magical harp enchants the forest and ensnares him in a perilous spell.
Level A2PoetryEric's Book of BeastsWhimsical watercolors and playful jingles bring to life a charming menagerie of beasts, from elephants to crocodiles, blending humor and imagination to delight children and adults…
Level C1RomanceEpic and Romance: Essays on Medieval LiteratureExplore the rich tapestry of medieval narrative literature through insightful essays that illuminate epic poetry, romances, and ballads, revealing the intricate connections and cul…
Level C1PoetryEnthusiasm and Other PoemsExplore vivid reflections on nature, faith, and human emotion in a collection of poems that traverse themes from biblical visions and personal loss to the changing seasons and the…
Level C2PoetryEnoch Arden, &c.In a coastal village, childhood friends Enoch, Philip, and Annie grow into love and rivalry amid the sea’s ever-changing tides.
Level C1PoetryEnglish and Scottish Ballads, Volume VIIDive into the fierce clash between Scots and English at Otterbourne, where valor and strategy collide in a brutal border skirmish led by legendary warriors Hotspur and the Earl of…
Level C1PoetryEnglish and Scottish Ballads, Volume VIDive into the rugged tales of border outlaws, blind harpers, and ancient feuds as Scottish and English ballads unfold stories of daring thefts, legendary strength, and royal encoun…
Level C1PoetryEnglish and Scottish Ballads, Volume VExplore the legendary exploits of Robin Hood, the noble outlaw of Sherwood, as his daring adventures, loyalty, and love of justice unfold through ancient ballads that blur the line…
Level C1PoetryEnglish and Scottish Ballads, Volume IIIDive into haunting tales of love, betrayal, and ancient customs woven through English and Scottish ballads, where ghostly lights and age-old superstitions illuminate the dark myste…
Level C1PoetryEnglish and Scottish Ballads, Volume IIExplore haunting tales of love, betrayal, and legend through traditional English and Scottish ballads, where ancient melodies reveal timeless human dramas woven into the fabric of…
Level C2PoetryEnglish and Scottish Ballads, Volume IDive into a rich collection of English and Scottish ballads, weaving tales of fairies, tragic love, heroes, outlaws, and historic events, each preserved in authentic versions that…
Level C2PoetryEnglish Songs and BalladsDiscover a rich collection of beloved English songs and ballads that capture the spirit and tastes of the people, from tender love poems to stirring tales of history and nature’s b…
Level C2PoetryEnglish Poems, Volume 02 (of 2)Explore a collection of evocative poems capturing moments of love, life, and introspection, set against the backdrop of early 20th-century Lisbon.
Level C2PoetryEnglish Poems, Volume 01 (of 2)Dive into a lyrical journey through two distinct poetic sequences, exploring themes of memory, identity, and the passage of time with evocative language and introspective depth.
Level C2PoetryEnglish PoemsIn a world where love is bound by duty and desire ignites in secret, a young couple risks everything for a forbidden passion that defies age, honor, and fate.
Level C1PoetryEnglish Men of Letters: CrabbeExplore the life and work of an English poet whose vivid portrayals of rural poverty and human nature challenged poetic norms, offering a compelling glimpse into 18th-century coast…
Level C1HistoricalEnglish Critical Essays: Nineteenth CenturyExplore the evolution of English literary criticism during the nineteenth century, tracing the shift from Neo-classicism to Romanticism through seminal essays and poetic theories t…
Level C1HistoricalEngland's AntiphonExplore the evolution of England’s religious poetry as it intertwines with the nation's history, revealing how heartfelt song and worship unite generations in a timeless chorus of…
Level C2RomanceEndymion: A Poetic RomanceA young dreamer embarks on a poetic journey through lush forests and sacred altars, seeking beauty and meaning amid nature’s timeless splendor.
Level C2PoetryEnamels and Cameos and other PoemsImmerse yourself in a world where beauty and art merge in vivid, poetic visions—from marble goddesses to delicate roses and timeless love—each poem a shimmering jewel capturing pas…
Level C2PoetryEmblems of LoveAmid a starry night and looming wolf attacks, two warriors face a fierce struggle between man and beast, while love’s profound mysteries echo through poetic hymns and ancient disco…
Level C1PoetryEmbers, Volume 3.Explore the tender reflections of youth, love, and memory woven through evocative verses that trace the passage of time and the lingering presence of past joys and sorrows in every…
Level C2PoetryEmbers, Volume 2.Dive into a rich tapestry of love, loss, and longing woven through lyrical poems that journey from playful springtime hunts to haunting reflections on life, death, and the eternal…
Level C1PoetryEmbers, Volume 1.A collection of heartfelt verses captures youth, memory, and fleeting impressions, weaving tales of love, loss, and longing against a backdrop of pastoral and distant lands.
Level C1PoetryEmbers, CompleteA collection of heartfelt poems capturing youthful memories, love, and longing across landscapes both near and far.
Level C1PoetryElves and HeroesStep into a mysterious world where ancient Highland fairies, both friend and foe, mingle with heroic legends from the Ossianic cycle, revealing the rich spirit, customs, and enchan…
Level A2PoetryElson Grammar School Literature, book 4Dive into a curated collection of stirring poetry, legendary rides, and timeless American literature, designed to inspire rhythm, patriotism, and appreciation for classic voices fr…
Level C1PoetryEllen of Villenskov, and Other BalladsIn a remote forest, a yeoman builds his home despite warnings from mischievous Trolds who threaten to claim his wife.
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.