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 Perambulations of a Bee and a Butterfly,: In which are delineated those smaller traits of character which escape the observation of larger spectators.A young Bee, eager to explore beyond the hive, befriends a Butterfly as they navigate the challenges and vanities of springtime adventures.
Level C1FantasyThe People of the MistA young man stands before his ancestral English estate, grappling with loss and uncertain futures, when an extraordinary adventure unfolds involving a mysterious people who worship…
Level C1Science FictionThe People of the Black CircleIn a kingdom gripped by dark sorcery, the young king lies dying under a mysterious curse linked to a stolen lock of hair.
Level C1HistoricalThe People for Whom Shakespeare WroteStep into the turbulent reigns of Elizabeth and James, where knights flourish, portents and plagues darken London, and the vibrant world of Shakespeare’s contemporaries unfolds ami…
Level C1Science FictionThe People That Time ForgotStranded in a mysterious, prehistoric land untouched by time, survivors of a torpedoed ship confront strange tribes, ancient beasts, and deadly dangers while trying to reunite and…
Level C1ClassicsThe Pension BeaurepasA struggling writer moves into a modest Geneva boarding house, seeking to observe the quirks and secrets of its diverse inhabitants.
Level C1ClassicsThe Pennycomequicks, Volume 3 (of 3)A restless Philip grapples with loneliness and worry after his wife Salome departs on her first foreign journey, his mind caught between work, domestic unease, and tender concern f…
Level C1RomanceThe Pennycomequicks, Volume 2 (of 3)A young woman faces unexpected financial hardship and mysterious nightly intrusions as she strives to protect her ailing mother and navigate shattered plans for a new home, uncover…
Level C1ClassicsThe Pennycomequicks, Volume 1 (of 3)In a world where family ties are tangled with ambition and self-interest, a resolute woman named Mrs.
Level C1AdventureThe Penang Pirate: and, The Lost PinnaceA tense voyage begins on the Hankow Lin, where seasoned sailors face delays and whispered fears of ruthless pirates prowling the Indian seas, threatening their valuable cargo and s…
Level C1HistoricalThe Penance of Magdalena and Other Tales of the California MissionsIn the shadow of California's grand missions, a young native boy named Te-filo discovers a hidden talent for art that could transform the sacred walls—if he can navigate the strict…
Level C1AdventureThe Peddler Spy; or, Dutchmen and Yankees. A Tale of the Capture of Good HopeIn a tense colonial frontier, sharp-witted Yankees clash with steadfast Dutch settlers at the House of Good Hope, where cunning deals and fierce rivalry set the stage for a daring…
Level C1HistoricalThe Peasant and the PrinceIn 18th-century France, a young peasant named Charles strives to build a humble hut in the woods to marry his beloved Marie, battling harsh taxes and crushing poverty that threaten…
Level C1PoetryThe Pearl: A Middle English Poem, A Modern Version in the Metre of the OriginalA grieving father mourns his lost daughter through a symbolic, lyrical journey steeped in medieval imagery and spiritual longing, blending profound emotion with intricate rhyme and…
Level C1ClassicsThe Pearl of Orr's Island: A Story of the Coast of MaineOn the rugged coast of Maine, a stoic old fisherman and a delicate young woman journey through wild landscapes shaped by nature’s harsh beauty.
Level C1HistoricalThe Pearl of Lima: A Story of True LoveIn the vibrant Plaza-Mayor of Lima, social tensions simmer as mestizo André Certa, heir to a vast fortune, challenges the rigid aristocracy and plots to upend the established order…
Level C1RomanceThe Pearl Box: Containing One Hundred Beautiful Stories for Young PeopleDiscover heartfelt tales filled with moral lessons that guide young readers through kindness, faith, and the beauty of selflessness, as children navigate life's challenges with hop…
Level C1PoetryThe Peacock and Parrot, on their Tour to Discover the Author of "The Peacock At Home"Join the Peacock and Parrot on a whimsical journey to uncover the mysterious author behind the enchanting poem "The Peacock at Home," blending charming verse with delightful illust…
Level C1PoetryThe Peacock 'At Home:': A Sequel to the Butterfly's BallA vibrant gathering of birds unfolds with feather-ruffling and elegant dances, set against a backdrop of detailed natural history and charming illustrations.
Level C1PoetryThe Peacock 'At Home' AND The Butterfly's Ball AND The Fancy FairStep into a vibrant world where exquisite birds reveal their unique habits and dazzling colors, from the skillful tailor-bird to the majestic flamingo.
Level C1ClassicsThe Paying GuestA well-to-do couple considers taking in a paying guest to ease loneliness and boost income, but the mysterious applicant’s unconventional letter and unknown background spark doubt…
Level C1MysteryThe Pawns CountIn wartime London, loyalties clash as a diverse group of expatriates and soldiers navigate intrigue, suspicion, and shifting alliances.
Level C1MysteryThe Pauper of Park LaneIn a bustling London drapery house, Marion Rolfe, a refined yet mysterious shop assistant, navigates secretive meetings and hidden connections, while her brother abruptly departs f…
Level C1AdventureThe Patrol of the Sun Dance TrailIn the rugged Canadian wilderness, a weary half-breed runner brings urgent news to the North West Mounted Police amid rising tensions and rumors of unrest among the Indigenous trib…
Level C1HistoricalThe Patriot (Piccolo Mondo Antico)In a turbulent Italy overshadowed by Austrian rule, a passionate patriot navigates secret conspiracies, harsh oppressions, and the stirring hope of freedom.
Level C1ClassicsThe PatricianIn a grand English dining hall steeped in centuries of family history and fading aristocratic glory, the Caradocs confront the passage of time and the shifting tides of their legac…
Level C1ClassicsThe Patient Observer and His FriendsFive men gather to debate the true nature of fear, revealing quirky personal terrors—from revolving doors and waiters to past embarrassments and even elephants—challenging the noti…
Level C1RomanceThe Pathfinder; Or, The Inland SeaFour intrepid travelers ascend a wind-row in the vast American wilderness, seeking a glimpse of the untamed Great Lakes region where sailors and Native Americans intertwine in a ru…
Level C1RomanceThe Path to HonourIn the volatile city of Ranjitgarh, two lifelong friends turned rivals vie for the attention of General Cinnamond’s daughter amidst the tense British effort to reform a rebellious…
Level C1AdventureThe Path of the KingIn a winter camp, weary men debate the hidden legacy of royal blood carried through forgotten generations, sparking a tale of destiny and daring.
Level C1ClassicsThe Path of a StarIn colonial India, a poised actress encounters Laura Filbert, a devoted missionary whose humble faith and austere life challenge worldly conventions and invite a profound explorati…
Level C1ClassicsThe Path of Duty, and Other StoriesA young girl faces the sudden loss of her father and the overwhelming grief that follows, as she and her mother navigate the emptiness left in their once joyful home.
Level C1ClassicsThe Path Of DutyA tale unfolds in the foggy London winter, revealing the intertwined lives of Sir Ambrose Tester and Lady Vandeleur as they navigate society’s expectations and personal struggles w…
Level C1MysteryThe Paternoster RubyA tense mystery unfolds as the sudden death of grain trader Felix Page draws a detective into a shadowy world of high-stakes deals and hidden secrets.
Level C1ClassicsThe Patchwork PapersA collection of reflective, illustrated essays unveils the beauty and truth hidden in everyday life, from the lives of humble characters to profound meditations on immortality and…
Level C1ClassicsThe PatagoniaAmid a stifling Boston night, a chance visit to Mrs.
Level C1HistoricalThe Pastor's Fire-side Vol. 4 (of 4)In a world of court intrigue and secret alliances, a young Marquis navigates royal favor and hidden dangers as he seeks justice and honor, aided by mysterious allies and a queen dr…
Level C1HistoricalThe Pastor's Fire-side Vol. 3 (of 4)Amid political intrigue and personal duty, a young negotiator navigates delicate alliances and moral challenges in a world where gratitude and honor bind destinies.
Level C1HistoricalThe Pastor's Fire-side Vol. 2 (of 4)Confined to a dim chamber, Louis is forced to transcribe mysterious manuscripts in unknown languages, his health fading under relentless toil.
Level C1HistoricalThe Pastor's Fire-side Vol. 1 (of 4)Two cloaked strangers arrive on the eerie island of Lindisfarne, guided by moonlight and shadowed ruins, seeking refuge and a mysterious pastor.
Level C1PoetryThe Pastime of Pleasure: An Allegorical PoemEmbark on an allegorical journey through life’s course, blending medieval poetry with lessons on virtue and knowledge of the seven sciences.
Level C1ClassicsThe PassportIn the quiet heat of a midsummer day, Don Agostino, a refined yet enigmatic priest, tends to his remote Italian village, Montefiano, where whispers of his past mingle with the time…
Level C1RomanceThe Passionate FriendsA man reflects on his father’s life and their complex relationship, uncovering hidden memories and untold stories as he prepares to share his own journey with his son.
Level C1PoetryThe Passing of the Storm, and Other PoemsExplore the rugged spirit and refined intellect of pioneer prospectors whose bravery and industry carved the trails of the Western wilderness, revealing a tale of courage, culture,…
Level C1ClassicsThe Passing of Mars: A Modern Morality PlayIn a world where labor and capital clash over the fruits of the harvest, old wounds and hopes intertwine at the twilight of a hard day.
Level C1MysteryThe Passenger from CalaisA nearly empty luxury train awaits a lone passenger bound for Lucerne, but the arrival of a mysterious woman and her maid, carrying a secret treasure, turns the journey into a tens…
Level C1ClassicsThe Party and Other StoriesAmid a lavish name-day party, Olga Mihalovna escapes to a quiet garden to reflect on her unborn child and the stifling social pretenses inside.
Level C1ClassicsThe Parthenon By Way Of PapendrechtOn the winding Thames, a painter hires William, a gruff yet captivating boatman and ex-soldier, to navigate the river's twists and tales.
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.