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 C1PoetryThe Book of Joyous ChildrenStep into a world where children’s laughter leads a whimsical march through enchanted orchards, fairy kingdoms, and sunlit adventures, capturing the wild joy and innocent dreams of…
Level C1PoetryThe Book of Humorous VerseDive into a witty collection of humorous poems that celebrate laughter’s unique place in human nature, offering a carefully curated blend of popular and classical verses sure to am…
Level A2Children'sThe Book of Fables and Folk StoriesEnter a world of timeless tales where clever animals and brave children teach lessons of kindness, wit, and courage—from Little Red-Riding-Hood’s perilous journey to the enchanting…
Level C1AdventureThe Book of Enterprise and AdventureVenture into thrilling tales of courage and survival amid exotic lands, where loyalty and honor govern even the fiercest desert tribes.
Level B2FantasyThe Book of DragonsA young boy suddenly learns he must become king, stepping from his nursery to a palace filled with ceremony and ancient books.
Level C1HistoricalThe Book of Delight, and other papersExplore a vivid tapestry of medieval life through spoken addresses and poetic narratives that blend folklore, humor, and personal insight.
Level C1FantasyThe Book of Clever Beasts: Studies in Unnatural HistoryA weary telegraph operator retreats to a secluded cabin, seeking rest and the quiet of nature, only to find himself immersed in strange animal tracks and mysterious visitors that c…
Level C1ClassicsThe Book of ChristmasCelebrate the enduring spirit of Christmas through heartfelt carols, timeless traditions, and stories that revive joy and warmth even in a world grown cynical and busy.![Cover of The Book of Ballads, edited by Bon Gaultier [pseud.] by Theodore Martin](https://dsx1pat3ljtul.cloudfront.net/books/da75t51bccoc73elq4dg.webp)
Level C1PoetryThe Book of Ballads, edited by Bon Gaultier [pseud.]Dive into a sharp, witty collection of ballads that challenge the romanticized glorification of criminals in popular literature.
Level C1ClassicsThe Book of Anecdotes and Budget of Fun;: containing a collection of over one thousand of the most: laughable sayings and jokes of celebrated wits and: humorists.Dive into a treasury of over a thousand witty anecdotes and jokes, carefully chosen to spark genuine laughter while respecting good taste and manners.
Level B2PoetryThe Book of American Negro PoetryExplore the rich voices and vibrant rhythms of American Negro poets, whose words challenge perceptions and celebrate a unique cultural heritage.
Level C1HistoricalThe BondwomanAmid the glittering salons of Paris and the deep-rooted traditions of the American South, a young lieutenant navigates family honor, social intrigues, and the legacy of land and sl…
Level C1HistoricalThe Bondman: A Story of the Times of Wat TylerIn 1374, Sudley Castle hosts a tense ceremony where vassals pledge loyalty to their new lord amid the rigid feudal system.
Level C1HistoricalThe Bondman: A New SagaSet against the turbulent loss of Iceland’s independence in 1800, a saga unfolds where fierce passions and ancient legends collide amid the rugged Northern landscape.
Level C1MysteryThe Bond of BlackIn the heart of London’s glittering nightlife, a man recounts a hidden, sinister world of love, sacrifice, and secret malice that defies belief—revealing a mysterious society lurki…
Level C1MysteryThe Bomb-Makers: Being Some Curious Records Concerning the Craft and Cunning of Theodore Drost, an Enemy Alien in London, Together with Certain Revelations Regarding His Daughter EllaIn wartime London, the daughter of a cunning German agent moves through the vibrant world of theatre and espionage, her friendships threatening to unravel dangerous secrets.
Level B1Children'sThe Bobbsey twins keeping houseFour lively Bobbsey twins spend a chilly day playing catch and discovering surprises at home, including a mysterious horse in the garage.
Level B1AdventureThe Bobbsey twins at CloverbankWhen mysterious packages arrive at the Bobbsey household, the twins Bert and Nan sneak them upstairs, hinting at a secret game or adventure.
Level B1Children'sThe Bobbsey Twins: Or, Merry Days Indoors and OutFour young twins in a bustling lakeside town turn everyday objects into imaginative playhouses, sparking creativity, sibling antics, and cozy family moments.
Level B1AdventureThe Bobbsey Twins on the Deep Blue SeaTwo adventurous twins turn a rain-soaked meadow into a vast ocean with a homemade raft, embarking on a playful steamboat voyage filled with imagination and discovery.
Level A2AdventureThe Bobbsey Twins on a HouseboatTwo curious twins set out for a summer adventure on their houseboat, but first they must track down missing harness straps to hitch their faithful dog Snap—ready for a day of surpr…
Level B1AdventureThe Bobbsey Twins on Blueberry IslandFour young siblings enjoy a sunny day on Lake Metoka, dreaming of picnics and adventures, when the arrival of a colorful circus stirs their curiosity and promises excitement on Blu…
Level A2AdventureThe Bobbsey Twins in the Great WestFour lively Bobbsey twins and their playful dog dive into snowy adventures, from building snowmen to exploring the wild West after a train wreck.
Level B1AdventureThe Bobbsey Twins in the CountryFour-year-old twins Freddie and Flossie eagerly receive an invitation to spend summer at Aunt Sarah’s country home, promising joyful adventures, new friends, and sweet discoveries…
Level A2Children'sThe Bobbsey Twins in a Great CityFour young twins navigate winter adventures and sibling camaraderie on a frozen lake, where skating mishaps lead to inventive fixes and a shared quest for hot chocolate in the bust…
Level B1AdventureThe Bobbsey Twins in WashingtonFour lively Bobbsey twins, fresh from island adventures, face the bittersweet end of summer with imaginative games and a new journey to Washington.
Level B1AdventureThe Bobbsey Twins at the SeashoreTwo pairs of adventurous twins set off with their family for a sun-soaked summer at the seashore, bringing along pets and plenty of surprises.
Level A2AdventureThe Bobbsey Twins at the County FairFour young Bobbsey siblings eagerly prepare for a joyful county fair picnic, crafting toys and dodging mishaps on a perfect sunny day full of excitement and sibling camaraderie.
Level B1AdventureThe Bobbsey Twins at Snow LodgeTwo young twins embark on a snowy adventure with their lively dog Snap, whose circus tricks and sled-pulling skills promise fun, challenges, and unexpected surprises at Snow Lodge.
Level B1AdventureThe Bobbsey Twins at SchoolTwo sets of Bobbsey twins journey home by train, eagerly anticipating the start of school and the adventures it will bring.
Level B1Children'sThe Bobbsey Twins at Meadow BrookThe Bobbsey family returns home from a summer vacation to lively chaos, including a mischievous dog stuck between a helper’s legs and little ones eager to enjoy cookies and their b…
Level B1AdventureThe Bobbsey Twins at HomeTwo curious twins, Flossie and Freddie, embark on a lively train journey home, filled with playful antics, unexpected passengers, and the promise of adventures waiting just beyond…
Level B1AdventureThe Bobbsey Twins at Cedar CampFour Bobbsey twins tiptoe through their quiet home, whispering and hiding a secret surprise, but can they keep their excitement—and sneezes—under control?
Level B1AdventureThe Bobbsey Twins and Baby MayFour spirited Bobbsey twins face a wild spring storm, turning a rainy walk home into a playful adventure of puddle-wading, umbrellas, and sibling camaraderie.
Level C1Science FictionThe Boats of the "Glen Carrig": Being an account of their Adventures in the Strange places of the Earth, after the foundering of the good ship Glen Carrig through striking upon a hidden rock in the unknown seas to the Southward; as told by John Winterstraw, Gent., to his son James Winterstraw, in the year 1757, and by him committed very properly and legibly to manuscriptStranded in lifeboats after their shipwreck, survivors navigate a desolate, silent land filled with strange, unsettling vegetation and eerie sounds that hint at mysterious dangers…
Level C1AdventureThe Boat Club; or, The Bunkers of RippletonJoin a spirited group of boys as they form a boat club, embarking on thrilling adventures filled with camaraderie, challenges, and valuable life lessons along the waterways of Ripp…
Level C1Children'sThe Boarding School: Familiar conversations between a governess and her pupils.: Written for the amusement and instruction of young ladies.Enter the everyday challenges and lessons of a governess navigating the joys and trials of teaching young ladies in a boarding school, where early education shapes character and wi…
Level B2MysteryThe Boarded-Up HouseTwo lifelong friends living on either side of a mysterious, abandoned house find their summer plans spoiled by rain, but the boarded-up mansion's eerie presence and untold secrets…
Level C1RomanceThe Blunders of a Bashful ManA painfully shy young man faces his greatest challenge yet: escorting the charming Belle Marigold to a village picnic.
Level C1ClassicsThe BlundererA clever servant, Mascarille, navigates a series of comedic mishaps with wit and inventiveness, exposing the follies of his master and the quirks of human nature in a lively, spiri…
Level C1Science FictionThe Bluff of the HawkStranded in space after destroying a hidden asteroid stronghold, Hawk Carse and his comrades face a harrowing 30,000-mile journey in fragile space suits to reach safety, battling i…
Level C1HistoricalThe Blue and the Gray; Or, The Civil War as Seen by a Boy: A Story of Patriotism and Adventure in Our War for the UnionA young boy’s firsthand journey through the Civil War reveals the deep conflicts of loyalty and duty as he fights to preserve the Union, facing battles, harsh realities, and the pa…
Level B1Children'sThe Blue Rose Fairy BookA princess is forbidden to see spring, but when she secretly glimpses its beauty and hears a haunting melody, a mysterious illness takes hold, unraveling a magical curse that binds…
Level B2AdventureThe Blue Raider: A Tale of Adventure in the Southern SeasStranded on a remote New Guinea beach, a group of men confront harsh wilderness and lurking dangers as they struggle to survive.
Level A2PoetryThe Blue Poetry Book: 7th. Ed.Dive into a vibrant collection of stirring Northern ballads and poems crafted for youthful spirits, filled with tales of adventure, heroism, and timeless verse that have captivated…
Level B2ClassicsThe Blue Peter: Sea comediesA weary captain and his crew face bitter cutbacks and faded ambitions aboard the steamship Nemesis as they prepare for a foggy voyage to distant ports, caught between loyalty, loss…
Level C1HistoricalThe Blue PavilionsIn a bustling 1673 Harwich, Captain John Barker, a hunchbacked naval officer, navigates the lively port’s politics and intrigues amidst the aftermath of war.
Level C1FantasyThe Blue Man: From "Mackinac And Lake Stories", 1899A mysterious man with unnaturally blue skin quietly inhabits a remote island, blending into its verdant summer landscape while harboring secrets from thirty-five years past.
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.