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.
PoetryThe Christmas childCelebrate the magic of the season with charming verses that capture the wonder, joy, and traditions of Christmas through the eyes of children, weaving heartfelt stories and timeles…
Level C1ClassicsThe Christmas Story from David HarumIn this heartwarming tale set on Christmas Eve, the unconventional David Harum uses his wit and kindness to lift the Widow Cullom from despair, weaving humor, pathos, and uniquely…
Level C1ClassicsThe Christmas Peace: 1908Two neighboring families, the fiery Hampdens and the composed Draytons, have carried an age-old feud as fiercely as the unpredictable creek dividing their lands.
Level C1ClassicsThe Christmas Miracle: 1911In the serene Smoky Mountains, a skeptical hunter seeks a divine sign to affirm his faith, only to be drawn into the haunting melodies and humble lives of a mountain family whose s…
Level B1Children'sThe Christmas Fairy, and Other StoriesIn a Christmas shadowed by illness and separation, two boys forge an unexpected friendship, discovering hope and kindness amid holiday disappointments.
Level B2Children'sThe Christmas Dream of Little CharlesOn Christmas Eve, young Charles dreams of a whimsical St.
Level B2Children'sThe Christmas DinnerIn a cozy farmhouse kitchen on Christmas Eve, a family prepares for their festive dinner, capturing the warmth, traditions, and joyful spirit of the holiday through simple, heartfe…
Level B2ClassicsThe Christmas ChildIn a rugged Welsh valley, a determined woman’s plans for her niece’s future are upended when a frail, orphaned child arrives unexpectedly, bringing warmth and challenge to their is…
Level C1ClassicsThe Christmas Books of Mr. M.A. TitmarshAn eccentric Irish chieftain named the Mulligan crashes a London hostess's glittering ball, weaving chaos and charm into high society with his wild tales and unruly antics, challen…
Level C1ClassicsThe Christmas BishopAwake on a silent Christmas morning, a Bishop’s memories and visions intertwine as a mysterious, barefoot child wanders a sleeping city seeking kin, awakening hope and sorrow in th…
Level C1ClassicsThe Christmas Banquet (From "Mosses from an Old Manse")A wealthy eccentric’s final wish funds a haunting Christmas banquet for the world’s most miserable souls, gathering them in a somber feast that mocks joy and confronts the cold mys…
Level B2Children'sThe Christmas AngelOn a cold Christmas Eve, Miss Terry confronts the forgotten joy and memories hidden in an old box of children's toys, challenging her bitter view of the holiday as her servant Nora…
Level C1RomanceThe Christian: A StoryA spirited young woman named Glory departs the Isle of Man, accompanied by two clergymen who watch over her uncertain journey to London.
Level C1PoetryThe Christian YearImmerse in a heartfelt collection of poems that trace the Christian calendar, illuminating faith’s rituals with devotion and spiritual reflection.
Level C1HistoricalThe ChouansAmidst the turmoil of post-revolutionary France, a diverse band of peasants and citizens trek through rugged terrain, their contrasting attire and grim expressions hinting at deep-…
Level B2ClassicsThe Chorus Girl and Other StoriesIn a sweltering summer villa, a mysterious woman confronts a chorus girl with a desperate plea to save her embezzler husband from ruin, revealing tangled secrets, betrayal, and the…
Level B2Children'sThe Choir School of St. Bede'sAt St.
Level C1HistoricalThe Choir InvisibleIn the lush wilderness of 1795 Kentucky, young Amy Falconer rides through ancient forests, carrying a bundle that slips unnoticed from her saddle—an event that will ripple through…
Level C1ClassicsThe Choice: 1916In a grand summer colony, Cobham Stilling dazzles guests with his wealth and motor-boat, while his wife Isabel and visitor Austin Wrayford exchange knowing glances amid the glitter…
Level C1ClassicsThe Choice of LifeIn a sunlit garden, a woman wrestles with her restless heart and the mysterious bonds between women, seeking to inspire strength and love amid doubt and isolation.
Level C1ClassicsThe Choice Humorous Works, Ludicrous Adventures, Bons Mots, Puns, and Hoaxes of Theodore HookDive into a lively collection of witty anecdotes, sharp puns, and outrageous hoaxes, chronicling the mischievous exploits and colorful life of a brilliant 19th-century humorist who…
Level B2MysteryThe Chink in the ArmourIn sunlit Paris, Sylvia Bailey and her new friend Anna Wolsky are drawn to a mysterious fortune-teller whose card promises secrets kept from no one.
Level C1PoetryThe Chinese Nightingale, and Other PoemsIn a quiet San Francisco night, a humble laundryman named Chang is visited by the enchanting spirit of a Chinese princess and her mythical nightingale, weaving ancient dreams and m…
Level B2Children'sThe Chinese KittenTwo sisters eagerly anticipate a surprise beach trip with their family, complete with sleeping in a tent and caring for their beloved cat.
Level B2Children'sThe Chinese Fairy BookVenture into a world where magical birds soar and mystical islands shimmer with gold and silver.
Level B2ClassicsThe Chinese CoatA chance encounter with a dazzling Chinese coat sparks a young woman’s dreams of beauty and freedom, revealing the deep yearnings beneath her modest life.
Level C1HistoricalThe Chinese Classics: with a translation, critical and exegetical notes, prolegomena and copious indexes: (Shih ching. English) — Volume 1Explore the foundational texts of ancient China, including the Five Ching and Four Shu, with detailed translations and critical notes that reveal the authority, history, and philos…
Level C1HistoricalThe Chinese Classics — Volume 1: Confucian AnalectsExplore timeless wisdom on virtue, filial piety, and governance through the dialogues of the Master and his disciples, revealing the roots of benevolence, sincerity, and self-culti…
Level C1HistoricalThe Chinese Classics — ProlegomenaExplore the foundational texts of Chinese wisdom, from the Five Ching to the Four Books, revealing their origins, significance, and the historical struggles that shaped their prese…
Level C1ClassicsThe Chimes: A Goblin Story of Some Bells That Rang an Old Year out and a New Year InOn a bitter winter night, ancient church bells known as the Chimes stand watch over the town, their haunting voices echoing through the storm.
Level B2AdventureThe Children's PortionIn a humble kingdom where belief in a mystical Golden Age shapes every heart, the wise king’s children—Yestergold, Goldenday, Goldmorrow, and Faith—grow up guided by hope and lesso…
Level B2Children'sThe Children's PilgrimageIn a quiet London courtyard, two devoted siblings and their loyal dog wait anxiously for their stepmother’s recovery, unaware that her illness may change their lives forever.
Level B2PoetryThe Children's Own LongfellowJourney through stirring tales and vivid scenes where heroic sailors brave fierce storms, steadfast blacksmiths forge their destinies, and timeless legends unfold, all brought to l…
Level B2Children'sThe Children's Hour, v 5. Stories From Seven Old FavoritesStep into the enchanting Children's Hour with stories from seven timeless tales, where brave pilgrims, castaway sailors, and quirky knights embark on unforgettable adventures that…
Level B2AdventureThe Children's Hour, Volume 3 (of 10): Stories from the ClassicsDive into epic tales of gods, heroes, and adventure where giants roam, battles rage, and legendary voyages unfold across strange lands.
Level C1PoetryThe Children's Garland from the Best PoetsDiscover a carefully curated collection of poems chosen to delight and inspire children while offering layers of meaning for all ages, featuring timeless verses that have truly ple…
Level B2Children'sThe Children on the Top FloorIn a bustling apartment house, young Betty Randall faces challenges caring for her crippled brother, Jack, while forging a new friendship with Winifred, who hopes to bring kindness…
Level C1ClassicsThe Children of the WorldIn a quiet Berlin neighborhood, a humble shoemaker clings to his modest home filled with memories, while life stirs quietly around his family and aging artistic neighbors, setting…
Level B2Children'sThe Children of the ValleyWhen little Ally mysteriously disappears from the valley, her family embarks on a frantic search filled with whispers of fairies and secret hill children.
Level B2HistoricalThe Children of the New ForestAmidst the turmoil of the English Civil War, four young orphans find refuge and guidance in the wild New Forest, guarded by a loyal forester who teaches them survival and courage a…
Level C1AdventureThe Children of the King: A Tale of Southern ItalyEmbark on a vivid journey along the dazzling coast of Southern Italy, where sailors navigate treacherous reefs and shifting winds, sharing tales of ancient lands and secret traditi…
Level B2FantasyThe Children of the CastleTwin sisters Ruby and Mavis live in a grand, ancient castle by the sea, where the fierce cliffs contrast with sunny lawns.
Level C1GothicThe Children of the Abbey: A TaleSeeking refuge in a tranquil Welsh cottage, Amanda returns to the tender care of her nurse and childhood companions, finding solace amidst picturesque valleys and rural charm as sh…
Level B2Children'sThe Children of Wilton ChaseAt Wilton Chase, spirited Ermengarde defies her governess’s rules while her sensible sister Marjorie navigates family tensions and sibling loyalty.
Level B2HistoricalThe Children of CupaA family plans a healing summer camping trip to Warner's Hot Springs, nestled in an Indian village soon to be taken from its native inhabitants.
Level B2HistoricalThe Childhood of RomeIn a village beneath the Mountain of Fire, young Marcia weaves baskets amid a community rooted in ancient customs and the legacy of their ancestor Mars.
Level C1HistoricalThe Childhood of King Erik Menved: An Historical RomanceAs the reign of Erik Glipping ends, Denmark stands on the brink of change, with seamen and hunters gathered by the quay, ancient laws, customs, and legends weaving together the fat…
Level C1MysteryThe Childerbridge MysteryA self-made Australian millionaire prepares to return to his English roots with his grown children, but as they say farewell to their beloved station, an unexpected encounter by th…
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.