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 C2PoetryA Dome of Many-Coloured GlassExplore vivid emotions and delicate moments through a kaleidoscope of lyrical poems that paint life as a dome of many-colored glass, blending nature, dreams, and heartfelt reflecti…
Level C1FantasyA Diversity of CreaturesIn a futuristic world governed by the Aërial Board of Control, Northern Illinois secedes from all communication systems, sparking a tense investigation into privacy and control ami…
Level C2PoetryA Defence of Poetry and Other EssaysExploring the profound nature of love and life, these essays delve into the human soul’s yearning for connection and the awe-inspiring miracle of existence, revealing the invisible…
Level C1PoetryA Defence of Poesie and PoemsExplore the rich world of Renaissance poetry and politics as a young nobleman navigates court intrigues, travels across Europe, and champions the art of poesie amid the rise of Eng…
Level B1PoetryA Defective Santa ClausWhen Pa must leave on Christmas Eve, Uncle Sidney steps in with stories, popcorn, and warm hearthside magic, promising a visit from Santa Claus himself—sparking hope and wonder in…
Level C1PoetryA Day with the Poet TennysonStep into the tranquil retreat of a great poet, where daily life unfolds amid nature's beauty and creative devotion.
Level C1PoetryA Day with Walt WhitmanExperience a tranquil summer morning with Walt Whitman as he reflects on nature’s vast beauty and the simple joys of rural life, revealing the deep wellspring of inspiration behind…
Level C1PoetryA Day with Samuel Taylor ColeridgeIn the picturesque Quantock Hills, a young Samuel Taylor Coleridge balances the humble demands of rural life with his soaring poetic dreams, striving to cultivate both his garden a…
Level C1PoetryA Day with Lord ByronStep into an afternoon with Lord Byron as he wrestles with melancholy and genius in his haunting Italian palazzo, surrounded by ghosts, friends, and the restless musings that fuel…
Level C1PoetryA Day with LongfellowStep into a day in the life of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, where the serene scholar balances heartfelt sorrow, devoted work, and the lively interruptions of admirers and children i…
Level C1PoetryA Day with KeatsIn the serene gardens of Hampstead, a frail young poet finds inspiration in nature’s beauty and the promise of love, as he wrestles with his dreams of immortal verse and the restle…
Level C2PoetryA Dark Month: From Swinburne's Collected Poetical Works Vol. VDelve into a haunting sequence of poems that explore sorrow, solitude, and the passage of time through vivid imagery and rhythmic precision, capturing the depths of a dark month’s…
Level C1PoetryA Cyclopædia of Sacred Poetical Quotations: Consisting of Choice Passages from the Sacred Poetry of All Ages and Countries, Classified and Arranged, for Facility of Reference, Under Subject Headings; Illustrated by Striking Passages from Scripture, and Forming Altogether a Complete Book of Devotional Poetry.Explore a vast collection of sacred poetry from diverse ages and nations, arranged under thoughtful headings and enriched with scripture passages, offering timeless devotional refl…
Level B2PoetryA Complete Edition of the Works of Nancy LuceA heartfelt collection of poems reveals a tender soul’s plea for kindness to all creatures, human and animal alike, while sharing intimate moments of love and loss with a cherished…
Level C2PoetryA Collection of Emblemes, Ancient and Moderne: Quickened With Metrical Illustrations, Both Morall and Divine, Etc.Explore a rich tapestry of ancient and modern emblems brought to life with metrical illustrations that blend moral and divine lessons, inviting readers to a thoughtful and pleasant…
Level C1PoetryA Collection of BalladsUnearth timeless tales of love, battle, and magic woven through traditional ballads, revealing the raw voices of history and legend captured in song.
Level C1PoetryA Cluster of Grapes: A Book of Twentieth Century PoetryStep into a poetic journey through time and emotion, where contemporary voices craft vivid verses that beckon readers to savor the sweetness of beauty, truth, and the human spirit.
PoetryA Christmas snowflake: a rhyme for childrenDelight in a whimsical rhyme that captures the magic of a Christmas snowflake’s journey to find Santa and meet the reindeer, sparking the wonder of the holiday season for children.
Level B2PoetryA Christmas prayerA heartfelt Christmas prayer unfolds, seeking blessings, comfort, and love for friends near and far during the season of warmth and reflection.
Level B2PoetryA Christmas Hamper: A Volume of Pictures and Stories for Little FolksChildren’s holiday adventures unfold with mysteries and heartwarming surprises—from a lost uncle’s return after ten years on an island to daring seaside escapades and lively tales…
Level C1PoetryA Christmas FaggotCelebrate the joy and sacred mystery of Christmas through a collection of heartfelt poems inspired by the Nativity, blending art, faith, and festive reflection to kindle the spirit…
Level C2PoetryA Child-WorldStep into a magical world of childhood wonder where a simple Indiana home and its blooming orchard reveal timeless joys, secret adventures, and the enchanting beauty of nature seen…
Level B2PoetryA Child's Dream of the ZooA feverish child slips into a dream where the animals of the zoo come alive, unlocking their enclosures to host a magical midnight picnic filled with laughter, dances, races, and e…
Level C1PoetryA Chesterton Calendar: Compiled from the writings of 'G.K.C.' both in verse and in prose. With a section apart for the moveable feasts.Start each day with provocative reflections and witty paradoxes drawn from verse and prose, exploring courage, renewal, and the mysteries of life through a unique blend of philosop…
Level C2PoetryA Channel Passage and Other Poems: Taken from The Collected Poetical Works of Algernon Charles: Swinburne—Vol VIExplore a vivid collection of poems capturing moments from midsummer holidays to historic odes, blending nature, memory, and tribute in lyrical form.
Level C2PoetryA Century of RoundelsDive into a tapestry of delicate roundels where light laughter meets deep heartbeats, tracing fleeting joys, lingering regrets, and the relentless passage of time through evocative…
Level C1PoetryA Century of Parody and ImitationExplore a rich collection of poetic parodies tracing the art from its 1812 revival in Rejected Addresses to the finest imitations of the 19th century, revealing both playful homage…
Level C1PoetryA Century of EmblemsExplore a rich collection of emblematic poems blending moral and philosophical reflections with evocative illustrations, tracing a tradition that dates back to 16th-century Europe.
Level C2PoetryA Canadian Calendar: XII LyricsExperience the vivid rhythms of Canadian seasons through lyrical poems that celebrate nature’s cycles, the call of the sea, and haunting memories woven into the landscape’s timeles…
Level C2PoetryA Burlesque Translation of HomerDive into a riotous retelling of the Iliad where gods bicker like quarrelsome neighbors and heroes clash over a captive wench, blending classical epic with sharp wit and bawdy humo…
Level C1PoetryA Bundle of BalladsTravel back to an age when wandering minstrels and storytellers brought heroic legends and heartfelt ballads to life, weaving tales of battles, love, and social appeal that echo th…
Level C2PoetryA Book of Strife in the Form of The Diary of an Old SoulA soul's journey unfolds through heartfelt prayers and reflections, seeking faith, hope, and divine connection amid life's doubts and struggles.
Level B2PoetryA Book of NonsenseWhimsical verses introduce a parade of eccentric characters, each with peculiar habits and amusing adventures, blending playful language and charming illustrations for a delightful…
Level C1PoetryA Book of Irish Verse: Selected from modern writers, with an introduction and notes by W. B. YeatsExplore the rich tapestry of modern Irish poetry as voices emerge from peasants to leisured classes, blending patriotism, literature, and soul-stirring emotions to awaken a deeper…
Level C2PoetryA Book of EpigramsDive into a collection of sharp, witty epigrams and reflective poems that explore themes of life, nature, love, and human folly with elegance and insight, each verse a vivid spark…
Level C1PoetryA Book of Christian SonnetsReflect on divine and eternal truths through a series of meditative sonnets, crafted with devotion and deep scriptural insight.
Level C1PoetryA Book for the YoungAn earnest collection of poetry and reflections invites young readers to embrace gratitude, self-improvement, and the true meaning of life's blessings, especially during the hopefu…
Level B2PoetryA Book for KidsWhimsical poems invite young readers on lively adventures—from dancing birds at dawn to wandering explorers and the musings of a charming old gentleman urging the love of books.
Level B2PoetryA Apple Pie and Other Nursery TalesWhiskered friends gather for a charming tea party filled with lively songs, mischievous antics, and unexpected quarrels in a whimsical world where cats and their companions bring n…
Level C1PoetryA Apple PieDelight in the charming, ancient rhyme of A Apple Pie, brought to life with intricate woodblock illustrations and a whimsical alphabet journey through letters and playful verse.![Cover of 88 Favourite Carols and Hymns for Christmas by Anonymous [Compiler]](https://dsx1pat3ljtul.cloudfront.net/books/daf8nbge1ofc73dhcgqg.webp)
Level C2Poetry88 Favourite Carols and Hymns for ChristmasCelebrate the joyous birth of Christ with a collection of 88 beloved carols and hymns, inviting readers to join angels and shepherds in timeless praise and reflection on the Savior…
Level C2Poetry35 SonnetsExplore the elusive nature of self and soul through profound reflections on identity, memory, and the struggle to express inner truth.
Fantasy1970: A Vision of the Coming AgeStep into a prophetic glimpse of the year 1970, where visions of the future unfold in a world transformed by imagination and mystery.
Level A2Poetry1914, and Other PoemsExplore a collection of evocative poems that capture the spirit and turmoil of the early 20th century, blending personal reflection with the profound impact of a world on the brink…
Level C2Poetry'Twixt Earth and Stars: PoemsExplore a rich tapestry of emotions and nature through a collection of poems that journey from gardens and distant hills to dreams and memories, capturing love, loss, and the soul’…
Level C2Historical'Hello, soldier!'Amidst the stirring calls of war, ordinary Australian men—bushies, miners, boys—march with pride and courage to defend their land and prove their worth on the battlefield.
Level C2Poetry'He Giveth His Beloved Sleep'Explore the serene grace of divine rest as the poem reflects on the sacred gift of sleep bestowed upon the beloved, offering solace beyond earthly struggles and sorrows in a world…
Level C1Poetry'All's Well!'Amid the horrors of war, powerful verses offer hope and faith, portraying the struggle between might and right and envisioning a future where love and justice prevail over darkness…
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.