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 B2ClassicsPillars of SocietyIn a Norwegian coastal town, a respected shipbuilder's family navigates the tensions between tradition, progress, and hidden discord as new ideas challenge their community’s fragil…
Level B2ClassicsPigs is PigsA man battles a stubborn express agent over shipping rates for two guinea pigs, sparking a comical clash of rules and reason.
Level B2ClassicsPierre and JeanTwo brothers, Pierre and Jean, return home for the holidays, each pursuing different careers and harboring a subtle rivalry beneath their affection.
Level B2PoetryPieces People Ask For: Serious, Humorous, Pathetic, Patriotic, and Dramatic Selections in Prose and Poetry for Reading and RecitationsA rugged wanderer, haunted by memories and yearning for home, finds solace in a fading light that brings visions of his past and a final, heartfelt prayer.
Level B2Children'sPictures and StoriesGentle tales and lessons unfold through charming stories of children learning kindness, honesty, and good manners—whether setting a bird free, playing games, or walking in the gard…
Level B2AdventurePicture stuffVeteran pilot Russ Healy, haunted by a near-fatal crash caused by reckless camera-ship pilots, faces new dangers when a daring woman joins their flying circus to perform wing-to-wi…
Level B2Children'sPickett's GapOn a sprawling family farm, Abner Pickett grapples with pride, loss, and unexpected devotion as he strives to protect his legacy and care for his loved ones amidst changing times a…
Level B2AdventurePicked up at Sea: The Gold Miners of Minturne CreekCaught in a fierce Atlantic gale, the crew of the Susan Jane spots a lone survivor clinging to wreckage in the tempestuous Bay of Biscay.
Level B2AdventurePicked up Adrift: IllustratedStranded on a mysterious, waterlogged ship with dwindling supplies, a group of castaways faces starvation, strange encounters, and desperate decisions as they navigate isolation an…
Level B2FantasyPiccolissimaA tiny girl no taller than an inch lives a delicate life in a world crafted from nature’s smallest wonders, from cocoanut cradles to poppy-leaf bonnets.
Level B2Children'sPiccino, and other child storiesIn a charming Italian village, tiny Piccino captivates the curious tourists with his extraordinary beauty, as playful children watch the festive excursions unfold.
Level B2Children'sPhœbeA young girl is abruptly sent from her bustling city life to live with distant, unfamiliar relatives, sparking mystery and curiosity about her family's hidden tensions and her own…
Level B2RomancePhyllisA spirited young woman navigates family dynamics and first impressions when a formidable new landlord arrives, shattering rumors and stirring unexpected intrigue in their quiet hou…
Level B2ClassicsPhyllisA wealthy girl moves from the city to the rural Byrdsville, struggling to find her place among wary peers and the shadow of the girl who once lived in her new home.
Level B2Children'sPhilip: The Story of a Boy ViolinistA boy raised in the dark, lonely depths of a coal mine finds magic and music in the shadows, imagining coal-fairies and friendly echoes as companions.
Level B2AdventurePhilip Steele of the Royal Northwest Mounted PoliceCaught between the fierce wilderness and haunting memories, Philip Steele faces a lonely stormy night with a mysterious skull and a letter scented with hyacinth that pulls him back…
Level B2AdventurePhil Bradley's Snow-shoe Trail; Or, The Mountain Boys in the Canada WildsFour adventurous boys, known as the Mountain Boys, embark on a daring winter expedition through the wild Canadian landscape, braving icy trails and untamed wilderness while testing…
Level B2AdventurePhil Bradley's Mountain BoysFour adventurous boys trek deep into the uncharted Adirondacks, braving rugged terrain and wild solitude as they head toward the mysterious Lake Surprise, each bringing unique skil…
Level B2PoetryPhebe, the Blackberry GirlA poor girl sells blackberries to buy clothes and dreams of going to church, but hardship and kindness intertwine when a stranger’s generosity offers hope.
Level B2MysteryPhantom of the ForestTrapped in a relentless snowstorm, a group stumbles upon a mysterious, brutally maimed body on a remote mountain road—one that defies explanation and hints at a deadly legend haunt…
Level B2FantasyPhantasmagoria and Other PoemsOn a cold winter night, a shy little ghost unexpectedly appears, ready to share the curious etiquette of haunting and the unseen world of spectres, phantoms, and goblins that dwell…
Level B2AdventurePhaeton Rogers: A Novel of Boy LifeThree adventurous boys set out on a thrilling morning ride through the countryside, facing wild dogs and learning the ropes of horseback riding.
Level B2PoetryPetunia blossoms: Ballads and poemsJourney back to April 1865 aboard a slow sailing vessel trapped among towering icebergs in the North Atlantic, where memories of hardship and hope unfold through vivid ballads and…
Level B2ClassicsPetunia againIn a close-knit country town, life revolves around heartfelt welcomes for returning soldiers, bustling community events, and the simple yet rich rhythms of rural living.
Level B2Children'sPeterkinWhen young Peterkin is sent home alone but fails to arrive, his family’s worry grows as they search for him, revealing the tender bonds and fears of childhood in a household full o…
Level B2HistoricalPeter of New Amsterdam: A Story of Old New YorkAn English boy orphaned and struggling in Dutch New Amsterdam navigates a harsh world shaped by religious exile and colonial ambition, offering a child’s eye view of early American…
Level B2Children'sPeter makes good, and stories of other dogsA fuzzy pup named Peter leaves his loving dog family to start a new life with two playful children, learning lessons about bravery, manners, and growing up in a wide new world full…
Level B2FantasyPeter and WendyWhen Wendy learns that growing up is inevitable, Peter Pan arrives to whisk her and her brothers away to the magical Neverland, where adventure, pirates, and never-ending childhood…
Level B2HistoricalPeter Plymley's Letters, and Selected EssaysA witty and wise clergyman tackles the fiery political and religious debates of his time through sharp, ironic letters addressing his brother’s narrow views.
Level B2AdventurePeter Parley's Visit to London, During the Coronation of Queen VictoriaAn eager traveler crosses the Atlantic to witness Queen Victoria’s coronation, exploring London’s bustling streets and marveling at the dazzling new crown and royal treasures amid…
Level B2AdventurePeter Parley's Tales About America and AustraliaEmbark on a thrilling voyage with Columbus as he overcomes skepticism and treachery to set sail for the unknown Western World, unveiling the mysteries of America’s discovery and it…
Level B2FantasyPeter Pan in Kensington GardensA baby who escaped the human world at just seven days old discovers he can fly and explores the magical Kensington Gardens, where fairies and wonders await—but he struggles to reme…
Level B2AdventurePeter Cotterell's TreasureIn the coastal town of Barmouth, sixteen-year-old Tom Hallett is offered an unexpected chance for adventure when a mysterious stranger seeks a skilled seaman for a secretive voyage…
Level B2ClassicsPeter Binney: A NovelA self-made poultry food magnate wrestles with a life-changing decision, contemplating a bold new direction beyond his business empire.
Level B2AdventurePeter Biddulph: The Story of an Australian SettlerAn orphaned boy rises from poverty on the banks of the Thames, navigating hardship and hope as he searches for a lost diamond ring that could change his fate.
Level B2PoetryPerverted Proverbs: A Manual of Immorals for the ManyWitty and irreverent verses twist familiar proverbs into sharp, humorous insights on human folly and vice.
Level B2HistoricalPersonal Recollections of Joan of Arc — Volume 2Amid the turmoil of war, a fearless young woman leads France with unshakable conviction, foretelling both victory and a tragic fate that haunts those around her.
Level B2Science FictionPeril OrbitTrapped in a tiny spaceship orbiting perilously close to the sun, pilot Jim MacDonald battles scorching heat and dwindling hope as he drifts helplessly on a deadly, inescapable pat…
Level B2ClassicsPerfection CityA newlywed bride arrives at Perfection City, a rugged prairie community where neighbors share labor and life under a dream of collective harmony.
Level B2AdventurePep: The Story of a Brave DogFollow the journey from fierce wolf ancestors to loyal companions in this thrilling tale of bravery and bond between man and dog, where courage and friendship shine through the wil…
Level B2RomancePenny of Top Hill TrailA rugged cattleman returns from the city with a new purpose after meeting a mysterious young woman trapped in a harsh Chicago dance hall.
Level B2AdventurePenelope's Progress: Being Such Extracts from the Commonplace Book of Penelope Hamilton As Relate to Her Experiences in ScotlandThree friends navigate the complexities of love, friendship, and society against the vibrant backdrop of Edinburgh and the Scottish countryside, revealing the charm and challenges…
Level B2Children'sPenelope and the Others: Story of Five Country ChildrenA thoughtful thirteen-year-old devises a heartfelt plan to replace her godmother’s cherished broken china figure, rallying her siblings to make the impossible possible.
Level B2Science FictionPemrose Lorry, Camp Fire GirlA spirited Camp Fire Girl stands at the brink of a groundbreaking space adventure, ready to launch the Thunder Bird rocket and send humanity’s first message beyond Earth’s atmosphe…
Level B2Children'sPeggy-AloneA lonely girl named Alene, nicknamed Peggy-Alone, longs for friendship while visiting a grand house, where she meets a lively group of local girls and discovers simple joys like sh…
Level B2AdventurePeggy in ToylandAn eight-year-old girl with a kind heart discovers a mysterious island across the sea and befriends two weathered wooden figures that once led ships on daring adventures, unlocking…
Level B2Children'sPeggy in Her Blue FrockAmid the bittersweet move from their childhood home, lively Peggy and her younger sister Alice face change with curiosity and hope, discovering new friendships, a garden to tend, a…
Level B2Children'sPeggy Stewart, Navy Girl, at HomeA spirited girl with eyes as mysterious as the sea finds solace in her wild colt and loyal wolfhound amid the awakening Maryland spring.
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.