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 C1AdventureThe Book of the Thousand Nights and a Night — Volume 04 (of 10)In the ancient city of Cufa, a forbidden love unfolds between Ni'amah and Naomi, a slave girl of unparalleled beauty and talent, as political intrigue threatens to tear them apart.
Level C1AdventureThe Book of the Thousand Nights and a Night — Volume 03 (of 10)A man trapped between fierce lovers faces deadly threats and dark secrets as he navigates a year of captivity, betrayal, and unexpected mercy in a world where love and danger inter…
Level C1Children'sThe Book of the Thousand Nights and a Night — Volume 02 (of 10)In a realm ruled by King Mohammed bin Sulayman al-Zayni, the quest for a slave-girl of unparalleled beauty unveils stories of loyalty, wisdom, and rivalry between two contrasting W…
Level C1Children'sThe Book of the Thousand Nights and One Night, Volume IVDive into a night of enchanting tales as cunning ministers, daring lovers, and clever tricksters navigate the intrigues of ancient Baghdad, where every story reveals a new twist of…
Level C1Children'sThe Book of the Thousand Nights and One Night, Volume IIIAmidst a wild island where birds seek refuge from beasts and the fearful son of Adam, a peacock and a duck share haunting tales of survival, deception, and the cunning dangers that…
Level C1AdventureThe Book of the Thousand Nights and One Night, Volume IIIn a realm ruled by the mighty King Omar ben Ennuman, tales unfold of power struggles, royal intrigue, and legendary valor as his son Sherkan faces the threat of a newborn prince d…
Level C1Children'sThe Book of the Thousand Nights and One Night, Volume IDive into a vast collection of enchanting tales filled with genies, merchants, kings, and magical adventures woven through a rich tapestry of storytelling from ancient Arabic lore.
Level C1PoetryThe Book of the NativeJourney through the intimate bond between humanity and nature, where ancient mysteries and the cycles of life unfold in vivid verse.
Level C1PoetryThe Book of the Epic: The World's Great Epics Told in StoryJourney through the elemental origins of storytelling with epic tales that capture the timeless passions and ideals shaping nations and humanity.
Level C1RomanceThe Book of the Duke of True LoversAmidst the turmoil of medieval France, a noble duke and his beloved endure separation and longing, their secret romance unfolding through stolen moments and heartfelt poems.
Level C1HistoricalThe Book of the DeadExplore the mystical funerary texts of ancient Egypt, revealing spells and prayers crafted to protect the dead from dark forces on their journey to the afterlife.
Level C1ClassicsThe Book of This and ThatExplore the destructive nature of suspicion, a relentless beast twisting truth into paranoia and mistrust, from private lives to public affairs.
Level C1ClassicsThe Book of Susan: A NovelIn an early 20th-century town, a skilled mechanic with a turbulent past navigates a scandalous domestic life, while his young daughter Susan brings unexpected moments of innocence…
Level C1ClassicsThe Book of SnobsExplore the curious world of snobbery, where social pretensions and class obsessions reveal the quirks of human nature across every walk of life.
Level C1Children'sThe Book of RiddlesDive into a world where time is a winged figure with an hourglass and scythe, and challenge your mind with riddles that twist the past, present, and future in surprising ways.
Level C1PoetryThe Book of Old English BalladsDive into vivid, objective tales of historical events, local legends, and daring adventures told with the fresh, unembellished spirit of popular English ballads.
Level C1ClassicsThe Book of MonthsImmerse yourself in the vibrant, foggy streets of London where every corner reveals human stories filled with humor, reflection, and unexpected drama.
Level C1HistoricalThe Book of MasksExplore a profound journey through the art of literary criticism, where original expression and the soul’s reflection shape the timeless dialogue on creativity, individuality, and…
Level C1PhilosophyThe Book of KhalidA philosopher, poet, and outlaw charts a spiritual journey through ancient and modern worlds, challenging societal guides and inviting readers to discover their own path in a quest…
Level C1PoetryThe Book of Joyous ChildrenStep into a world where children’s laughter leads a whimsical march through enchanted orchards, fairy kingdoms, and sunlit adventures, capturing the wild joy and innocent dreams of…
Level C1PoetryThe Book of Humorous VerseDive into a witty collection of humorous poems that celebrate laughter’s unique place in human nature, offering a carefully curated blend of popular and classical verses sure to am…
Level C1AdventureThe Book of Enterprise and AdventureVenture into thrilling tales of courage and survival amid exotic lands, where loyalty and honor govern even the fiercest desert tribes.
Level C1HistoricalThe Book of Delight, and other papersExplore a vivid tapestry of medieval life through spoken addresses and poetic narratives that blend folklore, humor, and personal insight.
Level C1FantasyThe Book of Clever Beasts: Studies in Unnatural HistoryA weary telegraph operator retreats to a secluded cabin, seeking rest and the quiet of nature, only to find himself immersed in strange animal tracks and mysterious visitors that c…
Level C1ClassicsThe Book of ChristmasCelebrate the enduring spirit of Christmas through heartfelt carols, timeless traditions, and stories that revive joy and warmth even in a world grown cynical and busy.![Cover of The Book of Ballads, edited by Bon Gaultier [pseud.] by Theodore Martin](https://dsx1pat3ljtul.cloudfront.net/books/da75t51bccoc73elq4dg.webp)
Level C1PoetryThe Book of Ballads, edited by Bon Gaultier [pseud.]Dive into a sharp, witty collection of ballads that challenge the romanticized glorification of criminals in popular literature.
Level C1ClassicsThe Book of Anecdotes and Budget of Fun;: containing a collection of over one thousand of the most: laughable sayings and jokes of celebrated wits and: humorists.Dive into a treasury of over a thousand witty anecdotes and jokes, carefully chosen to spark genuine laughter while respecting good taste and manners.
Level C1HistoricalThe BondwomanAmid the glittering salons of Paris and the deep-rooted traditions of the American South, a young lieutenant navigates family honor, social intrigues, and the legacy of land and sl…
Level C1HistoricalThe Bondman: A Story of the Times of Wat TylerIn 1374, Sudley Castle hosts a tense ceremony where vassals pledge loyalty to their new lord amid the rigid feudal system.
Level C1HistoricalThe Bondman: A New SagaSet against the turbulent loss of Iceland’s independence in 1800, a saga unfolds where fierce passions and ancient legends collide amid the rugged Northern landscape.
Level C1MysteryThe Bond of BlackIn the heart of London’s glittering nightlife, a man recounts a hidden, sinister world of love, sacrifice, and secret malice that defies belief—revealing a mysterious society lurki…
Level C1MysteryThe Bomb-Makers: Being Some Curious Records Concerning the Craft and Cunning of Theodore Drost, an Enemy Alien in London, Together with Certain Revelations Regarding His Daughter EllaIn wartime London, the daughter of a cunning German agent moves through the vibrant world of theatre and espionage, her friendships threatening to unravel dangerous secrets.
Level C1Science FictionThe Boats of the "Glen Carrig": Being an account of their Adventures in the Strange places of the Earth, after the foundering of the good ship Glen Carrig through striking upon a hidden rock in the unknown seas to the Southward; as told by John Winterstraw, Gent., to his son James Winterstraw, in the year 1757, and by him committed very properly and legibly to manuscriptStranded in lifeboats after their shipwreck, survivors navigate a desolate, silent land filled with strange, unsettling vegetation and eerie sounds that hint at mysterious dangers…
Level C1AdventureThe Boat Club; or, The Bunkers of RippletonJoin a spirited group of boys as they form a boat club, embarking on thrilling adventures filled with camaraderie, challenges, and valuable life lessons along the waterways of Ripp…
Level C1Children'sThe Boarding School: Familiar conversations between a governess and her pupils.: Written for the amusement and instruction of young ladies.Enter the everyday challenges and lessons of a governess navigating the joys and trials of teaching young ladies in a boarding school, where early education shapes character and wi…
Level C1RomanceThe Blunders of a Bashful ManA painfully shy young man faces his greatest challenge yet: escorting the charming Belle Marigold to a village picnic.
Level C1ClassicsThe BlundererA clever servant, Mascarille, navigates a series of comedic mishaps with wit and inventiveness, exposing the follies of his master and the quirks of human nature in a lively, spiri…
Level C1Science FictionThe Bluff of the HawkStranded in space after destroying a hidden asteroid stronghold, Hawk Carse and his comrades face a harrowing 30,000-mile journey in fragile space suits to reach safety, battling i…
Level C1HistoricalThe Blue and the Gray; Or, The Civil War as Seen by a Boy: A Story of Patriotism and Adventure in Our War for the UnionA young boy’s firsthand journey through the Civil War reveals the deep conflicts of loyalty and duty as he fights to preserve the Union, facing battles, harsh realities, and the pa…
Level C1HistoricalThe Blue PavilionsIn a bustling 1673 Harwich, Captain John Barker, a hunchbacked naval officer, navigates the lively port’s politics and intrigues amidst the aftermath of war.
Level C1FantasyThe Blue Man: From "Mackinac And Lake Stories", 1899A mysterious man with unnaturally blue skin quietly inhabits a remote island, blending into its verdant summer landscape while harboring secrets from thirty-five years past.
Level C1RomanceThe Blue GooseIn a shadowy underground lab, Luna wrestles with fear, theft, and a ruthless man named Pierre, as they clandestinely process stolen gold; tension rises in this dark world where tru…
Level C1ClassicsThe Blue FlowerA boy’s restless heart is captured by the longing for a mysterious Blue Flower, symbolizing the elusive quest for true happiness.
Level C1ClassicsThe Blue DuchessAn indecisive artist reflects on his unfulfilled ambitions and complex love life while recounting a real-life adventure that skirts tragedy and irony, blending art, passion, and fa…
Level C1AdventureThe Blue Dragon: A Tale of Recent Adventure in ChinaA young Chinese immigrant faces harsh prejudice and hostility in small-town America, revealing tensions between cultures and the struggles of a proud people seeking respect and opp…
Level C1ClassicsThe Blue Bird: A Fairy Play in Six ActsTwo children awaken on the eve of Christmas to embark on a magical quest for the elusive Blue Bird of Happiness, guided by a fairy through enchanted realms where dreams, memories,…
Level C1MysteryThe Blotting BookIn a perfectly appointed Sussex Square home, Mrs.
Level C1Children'sThe Blossoms of Morality: Intended for the Amusement and Instruction of Young Ladies and GentlemenTwo boys, raised in contrasting ways—one nurtured with discipline, the other spoiled by indulgence—embark on a journey that reveals the delicate balance between fortune, character,…
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.