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 C2PoetryHawthorn and Lavender, with Other VersesExplore a vivid tapestry of nature’s cycles and human emotions, where rich imagery and poignant harmonies reveal the clash between life's fleeting joys and the shadow of despair, a…
Level C2MysteryHarryA chance smile at a passion-flower sparks an unexpected love between a strong, handsome soldier and a carefree young woman, setting their lives on an enchanting path of romance and…
Level C2PoetryHappy Ending: The Collected Lyrics of Louise Imogen GuineyA man battles inner doubts and ancient foes, urged by his angel to fight on beyond visible defeat.
Level C2ClassicsHamletOn a cold, restless night, sentinels encounter a ghostly apparition resembling the deceased king, stirring fear and curiosity.
Level C2PoetryHamewithJourney to the distant Transvaal where the spirit of Scotland endures in heartfelt verses that echo the landscapes, language, and lost traditions of a homeland left behind but neve…
Level C2ClassicsGurre Kamilaroi,: or, Kamilaroi Sayings (1856)Explore the rich Kamilaroi language and wisdom through sacred sayings and teachings, revealing the spiritual and cultural heritage of an ancient people as conveyed by a devoted mis…
Level C2PoetryGreybeards at Play: Literature and Art for Old GentlemenOld age becomes a playground for wit and wonder as two lifelong friends embrace childlike joy and curiosity, exploring nature, philosophy, and the quirks of life with humor and hea…
Level C2PoetryGreen Bays. Verses and ParodiesDive into a world of wit and whimsy where Oxford verses meet lively parodies, weaving tales of love, loss, and legend through vivid imagery and playful rhythm.
Level C2HistoricalGreek tragedyExplore the origins and evolution of Greek tragedy, tracing its roots in Dionysian rituals and the innovations that shaped dramatic structure and lyrical form, revealing the soul o…
Level C2PoetryGrass of ParnassusExplore timeless verses weaving friendship, change, and memory with delicate translations and original poems inspired by ancient muses and landscapes.
Level C2HistoricalGrandmother's Story of Bunker Hill Battle, as She Saw it from the BelfryAn eighty-year-old grandmother recalls the harrowing sights and sounds of the Battle of Bunker Hill, as cannon fire roars and soldiers clash just beyond the river.
Level C2PoetryGolden Numbers: A Book of Verse for YouthImmerse yourself in a curated collection of inspiring poems that celebrate nature, seasons, and youthful wonder, drawn from timeless voices and crafted to ignite the imagination of…
Level C2PoetryGoblin Market, The Prince's Progress, and Other PoemsTwo sisters encounter mysterious goblin merchants tempting them with exotic fruits, but their curiosity and desire lead to unforeseen consequences in this hauntingly lyrical tale o…
Level C2PoetryGloucester Moors and Other PoemsExplore a rich tapestry of reflections and emotions inspired by historical moments, haunting landscapes, and profound dialogues, each poem inviting you to pause and ponder the dept…
Level C2PhilosophyGiordano BrunoOn Pentecost in a Paris dominated by Italian influence, a young Dominican monk challenges orthodox beliefs with radical ideas about the Spirit’s freedom and the unity of the visibl…
Level C2PoetryGeorgian Poetry 1918-19In a dimly lit tavern, a fierce woman wields an uncanny power to summon a distant man back to her, sparking tension and awe among onlookers as a desperate runner pounds the streets…
Level C2PoetryGeorgian Poetry 1916-1917Immerse yourself in a vivid collection of poems that evoke distant lands, magical nature scenes, and haunting memories, capturing moments of wonder, loss, and the mysterious beauty…
Level C2PoetryGeorgian Poetry 1913-15In a realm shadowed by illness and watchful eyes, a queen's mysterious suffering unfolds amid whispers of loyalty and betrayal, where sleep and wakefulness blur the lines between l…
Level C2PoetryGeorgian Poetry 1911-1912A man wrestles with fear and faith as he prepares to journey to India by sea, confronting visions of danger and the relentless power of nature.
Level C2PoetryGeorge Crabbe: Poems, Volume 1 (of 3)Explore the early poetic works and unpublished verses of a keen observer of life’s subtleties, tracing the evolution of his voice from youthful reflections to mature insights in th…
Level C2FantasyGeneral William Booth Enters into Heaven, and Other PoemsA bold and visionary march through heaven’s gates follows General William Booth as he leads society’s outcasts—lepers, convicts, and lost souls—into a transformed, radiant afterlif…
Level C2PoetryGay gods and merry mortals: some excursions in verseExplore vivid verses that bring ancient myths to life, weaving tales of gods and mortals with charm, passion, and timeless emotion through a series of poetic excursions steeped in…
Level C2FantasyGargantua and Pantagruel, Illustrated, Book 5Embark on a fantastical voyage to mysterious islands inhabited by bizarre creatures and curious societies, where riddles, enchanted temples, and whimsical adventures challenge the…
Level C2FantasyGargantua and Pantagruel, Illustrated, Book 3Embark on a fantastical journey as Pantagruel transports a colony of Utopians to the strange land of Dipsody, while his companion Panurge wrestles with the complexities of marriage…
Level C2PoetryFruit-GatheringA poetic journey through life's seasons, exploring themes of growth, loss, and spiritual yearning, as a soul gathers the fruits of experience and seeks freedom, wisdom, and union b…
Level C2PoetryFrom the Lips of the SeaImmerse yourself in evocative verses that summon the sea’s timeless mysteries, from ancient mariners’ legends to haunting mists and the eternal dance of wind and tide.
Level C2PoetryFrom a London gardenExplore vivid reflections on life, time, and the human spirit through a collection of evocative poems set against the backdrop of London’s streets and gardens.
Level C2PoetryFringilla: Some Tales In VerseJourney into ancient Egypt where the river’s rise signals a sacred festival entwined with beauty, mystery, and a bridal prize tied to the flood’s terrifying power.
Level C2ClassicsFour Plays of Gil VicenteStep into the vibrant world of 16th-century Portugal, where Gil Vicente's plays blend lyrical beauty, sharp satire, and rich cultural insight to explore themes of religion, patriot…
Level C2PoetryForty-Two PoemsExplore a haunting journey through memory, loss, and longing in a collection of 42 poems that evoke timeless emotions—from the silent voices of the dead to tender moments in Camden…
Level C2PoetryForest Pictures in the AdirondacksImmerse yourself in vivid scenes and original poems capturing the serene beauty and wild spirit of the Adirondack wilderness, from rushing rapids to tranquil forests and towering m…
Level C2PoetryFlame and ShadowImmerse yourself in vivid, lyrical reflections on nature, love, and the fleeting beauty of life, where each poem ignites the soul with the fierce glow of flame and the gentle myste…
Level C2PoetryFires of DriftwoodDelve into a sea of vivid imagery and poignant reflection as drifting remnants of past glories ignite a delicate fire of memory and longing.
Level C2ClassicsFilm Truth; November, 1920A scathing critique emerges from the shadows of early cinema, exposing the tension between art and exploitation through the lens of seduction, censorship, and the battle over a rev…![Cover of Fifty Christmas poems for children by Florence B. [Compiler] Hyett](https://dsx1pat3ljtul.cloudfront.net/books/dabnpso9638s73a33fbg.webp)
Level C2PoetryFifty Christmas poems for childrenCelebrate the magic of Christmas through fifty enchanting poems that capture the wonder, joy, and timeless traditions of the holiday season, perfect for children and families to ch…
Level C2ClassicsFaust: A TragedyA scholar, disillusioned with life’s limits, makes a daring pact to transcend human experience and knowledge.
Level C2PoetryEyes of Youth: A Book of Verse by Padraic Colum, Shane Leslie, Viola Meynell, Ruth Lindsay, Hugh Austin, Judith Lytton, Olivia Meynell, Maurice Healy, Monica Saleeby & Francis Meynell. With four early poems by Francis Thompson & a foreword by Gilbert K. ChestertonDiscover a rich tapestry of brief yet profound poems that explore timeless themes from love and loss to cosmic revelation, brought to life by a diverse chorus of voices united by v…
Level C2PhilosophyEureka: A Prose PoemEmbark on a profound exploration of the universe's essence, origin, and destiny, blending physical, metaphysical, and mathematical insights into a sweeping vision that challenges c…
Level C2HistoricalEuphorion - Vol. I: Being Studies of the Antique and the Mediaeval in the RenaissanceDelve into a profound exploration of the Renaissance as the mystical child of ancient Antiquity and medieval longing, embodied by Faust and Helena.
Level C2PhilosophyEssays — First SeriesExplore the boundless human spirit as it connects individual experience with the vast tapestry of history, revealing how every thought, law, and revolution reflects the universal m…
Level C2HistoricalEssaysExplore subtle portraits of literary and historical figures marked by elusive charm and unfulfilled promise, as critical essays delve into the delicate interplay of personality, cr…
Level C2ClassicsErechtheusIn a world where gods and mortals intertwine, Erechtheus faces divine challenges that test fate, loyalty, and sacrifice.
Level C2PoetryEnoch Arden, &c.In a coastal village, childhood friends Enoch, Philip, and Annie grow into love and rivalry amid the sea’s ever-changing tides.
Level C2HistoricalEnglish fragments from Latin medieval service-booksDiscover fragments of medieval English woven into Latin service-books, revealing prayers and ceremonies from baptisms, marriages, and visitations of the sick, exposing the intimate…
Level C2PoetryEnglish and Scottish Ballads, Volume IDive into a rich collection of English and Scottish ballads, weaving tales of fairies, tragic love, heroes, outlaws, and historic events, each preserved in authentic versions that…
Level C2PoetryEnglish Songs and BalladsDiscover a rich collection of beloved English songs and ballads that capture the spirit and tastes of the people, from tender love poems to stirring tales of history and nature’s b…
Level C2PoetryEnglish Poems, Volume 02 (of 2)Explore a collection of evocative poems capturing moments of love, life, and introspection, set against the backdrop of early 20th-century Lisbon.
Level C2PoetryEnglish Poems, Volume 01 (of 2)Dive into a lyrical journey through two distinct poetic sequences, exploring themes of memory, identity, and the passage of time with evocative language and introspective depth.
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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.