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 C1ClassicsBasilWhen love blooms in the most unlikely places and ordinary street sounds heighten the drama of human passions, a story unfolds where reality and extraordinary events collide to reve…
Level C1ClassicsBashan and IIn serene morning strolls, a man shares a profound bond with Bashan, his spirited dog whose joyful, intricate greetings reveal the subtle depths of canine mind and affection.
Level C1ClassicsBartleby, the Scrivener: A Story of Wall-StreetIn a quiet Wall Street law office, an unambitious lawyer encounters Bartleby, a peculiar scrivener whose strange behavior challenges the routine of his orderly world.
Level C1ClassicsBartholomew Fair: A ComedyStep into the bustling chaos of Bartholomew Fair, where lively characters and sharp wit collide in a riotous celebration of London's vibrant street life.
Level C1ClassicsBart Ridgeley: A Story of Northern OhioA weary young man returns to Northern Ohio, burdened by failures and uncertain of his path, only to face the cold judgment of a respected local judge.
Level C1HistoricalBarry LyndonAn audacious adventurer navigates the treacherous social and political landscapes of eighteenth-century Europe, weaving a tale of ambition, scandal, and survival inspired by true s…
Level C1ClassicsBarrington. Volume 2 (of 2)Amid autumn’s changing light, Barrington returns to his ancestral home with his sister and granddaughter, only to find the past and present entwined in unexpected ways.
Level C1ClassicsBarrington. Volume 1 (of 2)In a secluded Irish inn favored by fishermen, a fallen gentleman clings to his passion for law amid the ruins of his fortune and family scandal.
Level C1HistoricalBarriers Burned AwayIn the harsh grip of a fierce winter storm, a dying man wrestles with shattered dreams and faith, while his devoted wife anxiously awaits the arrival of a determined figure who may…
Level C1HistoricalBarren Honour: A NovelIn the bustling industrial heart of Newmanham, a city forged by steel and steam, social tensions simmer beneath the clangor of progress.
Level C1ClassicsBarren GroundIn a desolate Virginia farming community struggling with barren soil and fading traditions, a young woman faces the harsh realities of life and fate amid the relentless spread of b…
Level C1HistoricalBarracks, Bivouacs and BattlesAmid the harsh realities of military life after the Crimean War, Mick Sullivan, a loyal yet unruly private, faces the challenge of winning permission to marry the woman he loves—de…
Level C1FantasyBaron Trump's Marvellous Underground JourneyA curious young baron and his loyal dog set off on a fantastical journey inspired by a mysterious ancient manuscript that claims a hidden world exists beneath the earth’s surface,…
Level C1MysteryBaron Trigault's VengeanceA man crushed by a vicious conspiracy wrestles with despair and the burning desire for vengeance, while new, suspicious faces enter his life, threatening to complicate his desperat…
Level C1MysteryBarnaby Rudge: A Tale of the Riots of 'EightyAmid the chaos of the 1780s Gordon Riots, a sharp-eyed raven and a cast of vivid characters reveal a gripping tale of religious intolerance, social unrest, and the human cost of fa…
Level C1HistoricalBarlasch of the GuardIn the shadow of Napoleon’s growing power, Desiree Sebastian, a radiant bride in the Free City of Dantzig, steps into a world of shifting loyalties and looming conflict, where iden…
Level C1ClassicsBarks and PurrsStep into a charming world where a dog and a cat reveal the simple truths of life through their natural, heartfelt adventures in a Parisian apartment garden.
Level C1GothicBarford Abbey, a Novel: In a Series of LettersA grieving ward is urged to leave her sorrow-filled home and join companions at Barford Abbey, where the shadows of loss and secrets linger in the gothic halls.
Level C1RomanceBardelys the Magnificent: Being an account of the strange wooing pursued by the Sieur Marcel de Saint-Pol, marquis of Bardelys...In the glittering court of Louis XIII, the charming Marquis de Bardelys navigates rivalry, royal favor, and a mysterious wager that sets the stage for a daring pursuit of love and…
Level C1ClassicsBardell v. PickwickIn 1828 London, a well-meaning bachelor faces a comic legal battle when his landlady misinterprets his intentions, leading to a breach of promise trial filled with sharp satire on…
Level C1PoetryBarclay of Ury, and other poems: Part 3 From Volume I of The Works of John Greenleaf WhittierFollow the dignified Barclay of Ury, a venerable soldier turned Quaker, as he faces relentless persecution with unwavering faith and patience, embodying the struggle between honor,…
Level C1ClassicsBarchester TowersPower struggles and political intrigue unfold in the cathedral city of Barchester as the death of the old bishop sparks a tense race to fill his seat amid shifting government tides…
Level C1HistoricalBarbarossa; An Historical Novel of the XII Century.In the turbulent 12th century, the fierce clash between Emperor Frederic Barbarossa and Pope Alexander III unfolds, revealing a profound struggle between spiritual liberty and worl…
Level C1ClassicsBarbarossa, and Other TalesAmidst the serene isolation of a mountain village, a poet seeks solitude and finds unexpected companionship in an eccentric apothecary whose endless verses reveal a heart shaped by…
Level C1HistoricalBarbariansDisillusioned by corruption and war, a diverse group of men from America and Europe embark on a perilous journey to the battlefronts of World War I, seeking purpose and redemption…
Level C1ClassicsBarbara RebellOn her tenth birthday in serene St.
Level C1HistoricalBarbara LaddAs dawn breaks over the misty hills, a spirited girl named Barbara slips away from her old home, carrying a mysterious bundle and a basket filled with warm, living creatures.
Level C1HistoricalBarbara Blomberg — CompleteAmid the tense atmosphere of Emperor Charles V’s court, nobles and courtiers navigate intrigue and uncertainty as the emperor’s health and decisions threaten to shape the fate of a…
Level C1Science FictionBanzai! by ParabellumTensions simmer as East and West collide, with a dramatic clash igniting fears of war in the Pacific.
Level C1AdventureBannertail: The Story of a GraysquirrelAn orphaned gray squirrel raised by a farm cat must navigate the challenges of the wild alone after his home burns down, relying on instinct and inherited wisdom to survive and thr…
Level C1HistoricalBanked FiresIn a remote Bengal encampment, a British official navigates the challenges of colonial life, from managing servants to maintaining authority amid the vibrant yet demanding rural la…
Level C1RomanceBandit LoveAmid the vibrant London season and the International Horse Show, fiery Myra Rostrevor commands her spirited thoroughbred with fearless grace, capturing the admiration of all—includ…
Level C1HistoricalBamboo TalesExperience the harrowing journey of Spanish soldiers navigating treacherous battles and harsh landscapes during the Philippine insurrection, chronicled through a firsthand diary th…
Level C1ClassicsBalzacA prodigious boy with a restless mind, Balzac absorbs vast knowledge and battles mysterious illnesses while dreaming of future fame.
Level C1ClassicsBalzacExplore the turbulent world of early 19th-century France, where society struggles to rebuild after revolution and empire, through the life and works of a novelist whose stories mir…
Level C1ClassicsBalloonsIn a world where youth and charm dictate worth, Miss Wilcox struggles to find love and meaning beyond appearances and empty flirtations.
Level C1PoetryBallads, Founded on Anecdotes Relating to AnimalsLoyal to a fault, Fido the dog embodies true friendship and bravery, risking all to protect his beloved master from hidden dangers.
Level C1PoetryBallads of Scottish Tradition and Romance: Popular Ballads of the Olden Times - Third SeriesDive into the rich tapestry of Scottish history and romance through spirited ballads that blend tradition, mystery, and legend.
Level C1PoetryBallads of Romance and Chivalry: Popular Ballads of the Olden Times - First SeriesImmerse yourself in ancient oral traditions where timeless tales of romance and chivalry come alive through stirring ballads passed down across generations in England and Scotland.
Level C1PoetryBallads of Mystery and Miracle and Fyttes of Mirth: Popular Ballads of the Olden Times - Second SeriesDelve into a captivating collection of ballads steeped in superstition, the supernatural, sacred origins, riddles, and mirth, revealing haunting tales and lyrical mysteries from th…
Level C1PoetryBallads of BooksCelebrate the magic and mystery of books through a rich collection of poems honoring their beauty, rarity, and the joy they bring to bibliophiles.
Level C1PoetryBallads of BeautyExplore the delicate beauty and tender emotions of love, nature, and life’s fleeting moments through a collection of vivid, heartfelt ballads and lyrical poems.
Level C1PoetryBallads of American braveryExplore stirring poems that celebrate verified acts of American valor, from Paul Revere’s legendary ride to heroic battles and unsung heroes, capturing the spirit of bravery that r…
Level C1PoetryBallads from the Danish and Original VersesDive into haunting tales and ancient legends brought to life through faithful translations of Danish ballads and original verses, weaving a tapestry of kings, trolls, and timeless…
Level C1HistoricalBallads and Other PoemsExperience the fiery spirit and pivotal moments that ignited the American Revolution through vivid ballads capturing the struggles, ideals, and voices of colonial resistance agains…
Level C1PoetryBallads and Lyrics of Old France, with Other PoemsDiscover a rich tapestry of French lyric poetry, from medieval ballads to Renaissance sonnets, capturing love, loss, and timeless beauty through the voices of masters like Villon,…
Level C1PoetryBalladsImmerse yourself in vivid legends of Tahiti and the West Highlands, where heroes, treachery, and ancient songs intertwine.
Level C1HistoricalBalladsStep into the vivid tales of old Pierre, a seasoned drummer recounting generations of military history, battles, and shifting fortunes across Europe and America, where honor clashe…
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.