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 C1ClassicsThe Boss of Little ArcadyIn the quirky town of Little Arcady, the enigmatic "Upright" Potts stumbles into unexpected trouble, sparking rumors and stirring the community.
Level C1MysteryThe Borough TreasurerIn a quiet town filled with ancient buildings and bustling businesses, a new invention and a mysterious visitor set the stage for a tense game of secrets and blackmail.
PoetryThe BoroughExplore vivid portraits of life and character in a bustling English town, where everyday struggles and hidden stories unfold through rich, poetic detail.
Level C1ClassicsThe Bores: A Comedy in Three ActsA rapid-fire series of characters embody the many forms of boredom, each delivering sharp monologues that reveal the tediousness lurking beneath courtly life.
Level B2AdventureThe Border Watch: A Story of the Great Chief's Last StandTwo boys and their friends navigate the perilous frontier of early Kentucky, caught between expanding settlements and fierce Native American resistance.
Level B2MysteryThe Border Spy; or, The Beautiful Captive of the Rebel Camp: A Story of the WarIn the midst of a fierce war, a distrustful spy navigates a rugged borderland where loyalty is uncertain and every decision could mean life or death.
Level C1AdventureThe Border Rifles: A Tale of the Texan WarAmid the vast, untamed forests of early 19th-century America, settlers and Native tribes collide as the frontier pushes westward.
Level B2RomanceThe Border Riflemen; or, The Forest Fiend. A Romance of the Black-Hawk UprisingIn a rugged frontier cabin framed by wild beauty, a young woman faces the dark obsession of a dangerous suitor, sparking a tense struggle for her freedom and safety amid the loomin…
Level B2RomanceThe Border LegionIn a rugged Idaho borderland teeming with lawlessness and gold fever, Joan Randle confronts a wild mountain and a reckless love—torn between bitter resentment and undeniable passio…
Level B2AdventureThe Border Boys with the Texas RangersThree daring boys arrive in the dusty border town of San Mercedes just as the Texas Rangers thunder into the streets to quell brewing conflicts along the Rio Grande.
Level B2AdventureThe Border Boys with the Mexican RangersIn a dark Sonoran canyon, a group of daring boys and their professor face wild dangers, from fiery bears to mysterious riders, as they navigate thrilling adventures on the Mexican…
Level B2AdventureThe Border Boys on the TrailTwo boys arrive at a dusty New Mexican border town, far from the comforts of the East, only to realize they’ve nearly left their absent-minded professor behind on the train.
Level B2AdventureThe Border Boys in the Canadian RockiesA tough young adventurer rescues a ragged boy from harsh treatment at a remote Canadian Rockies train station, sparking a journey into wild mountain terrain where courage and frien…
Level B2AdventureThe Border Boys Along the St. LawrenceA daring crew navigates the treacherous rapids of the St.
Level B2AdventureThe Border Boys Across the FrontierIn the blistering desert, a group of young adventurers and a quirky professor set out to uncover the mysteries of the Haunted Mesa, braving harsh landscapes, dwindling water, and u…
Level C1ClassicsThe Booming of Acre Hill, and Other Reminiscences of Urban and Suburban LifeAs Acre Hill transforms from untouched forest to bustling suburb, a determined land company battles the challenges of development, balancing nature's loss with progress and the que…![Cover of The Book-Lovers' Anthology by R. M. [Editor] Leonard](https://dsx1pat3ljtul.cloudfront.net/books/daf2u18e1ofc73dhav0g.webp)
Level C1ClassicsThe Book-Lovers' AnthologyDive into a rich collection of reflections and tributes celebrating books as treasured companions, exploring their timeless allure, diverse forms, and profound impact on readers ac…
Level C2ClassicsThe Book-Bills of Narcissus: An Account Rendered by Richard Le GallienneDive into the curious world of Narcissus through the lens of his old book bills, where forgotten ledgers unveil the story of youth, friendship, and the quiet reveries found in a hu…
Level C1AdventureThe Book of the Thousand Nights and a Night — Volume 10 (of 10)In the bustling streets of Cairo, a humble cobbler struggles to satisfy his demanding and spiteful wife, facing hardship and humiliation as he tries to bring home a simple vermicel…
Level C1RomanceThe Book of the Thousand Nights and a Night — Volume 09 (of 10)In a world of secret messages and midnight rendezvous, the passionate Princess Miriam weaves intrigue and desire, using wit and daring to outmaneuver those who seek to control her…
Level C1AdventureThe Book of the Thousand Nights and a Night — Volume 08 (of 10)A prince bound by a sacred vow ventures into a magical garden, only to be seized by mysterious Jinn and brought before a powerful king demanding justice for his slain son.
Level C1AdventureThe Book of the Thousand Nights and a Night — Volume 07 (of 10)Amidst fierce battles and shifting allegiances, kingdoms clash as warriors swear oaths and face brutal warfare, while Shahrazad’s tales weave a world of honor, faith, and survival…
Level C1AdventureThe Book of the Thousand Nights and a Night — Volume 06 (of 10)In the bustling city of Baghdad, a weary porter named Sindbad stumbles upon a mysterious mansion filled with music, sumptuous feasts, and noble company, setting the stage for adven…
Level C1AdventureThe Book of the Thousand Nights and a Night — Volume 05 (of 10)A powerful Persian king receives extraordinary gifts from three wise men: a golden guardian, a magical peacock basin, and an ebony horse that flies through the air.
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 C2Children'sThe Book of the Thousand Nights and a Night — Volume 01 (of 10)Journey into the enchanting world of Arabian nights, where campfire tales bring to life jinn, chivalrous knights, and the magic of desert skies.
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.
PoetryThe Book of the Little PastStep into a world of childhood wonder and gentle reflections through vivid poems that capture moments from sunset strolls to Christmas trees, weaving everyday magic into tender ver…
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 C2ClassicsThe Book of Three Hundred Anecdotes: Historical, Literary, and Humorous—A New SelectionDive into a vibrant collection of historical, literary, and humorous anecdotes featuring figures from kings and poets to soldiers and servants, revealing timeless tales of affectio…
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 B2PoetryThe Book of NonsenseDive into a whimsical world where quirky characters and absurd situations unfold in playful limericks, blending nonsense and humor in delightful poetic form.
Level B1Children'sThe Book of Nature MythsDiscover the vivid legends behind nature’s wonders as two hunters encounter a mysterious fiery mountain, revealing the ancient Spirit of Fire and its powerful role in the lives of…
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…
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.