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 B2Children'sThe Big Nightcap Letters: Being the Fifth Book of the SeriesJoin a lively group of village children as they welcome a new schoolmaster whose kindness and wisdom promise to transform their lessons and friendships, weaving gentle tales that i…
Level B2ClassicsThe Big MogulIn the grand Townsend mansion, a grieving patriarch clings to a comfort in his stately library while mourning his late daughter.
Level B2AdventureThe Big Five Motorcycle Boys on the Battle Line; Or, With the Allies in FranceAmid the chaos of war-torn Belgium, five daring motorcycle boys navigate danger and adventure as they join the Allies on the battle line, racing through cities under siege and witn…
Level C1RomanceThe Big Drum: A Comedy in Four ActsIn Edwardian London, Philip Mackworth confronts the ironies of ambition and society’s expectations as he reunites with old friends for a gathering where love, reputation, and self-…
Level B2AdventureThe Big Brother: A Story of Indian WarAmid the brutal Creek Indian War of 1813, settlers fortify stockades as relentless attacks threaten their survival.
Level C1MysteryThe Big Bow MysteryA baffling murder occurs in a locked room with no apparent way in or out, challenging both detective and reader to unravel a puzzle filled with humor, vivid characters, and an inge…
Level B2PoetryThe Big Book of Nursery RhymesDiscover timeless nursery rhymes, from playful jingles to charming tales, lovingly collected and illustrated for young readers to enjoy and treasure across generations.
Level B2RomanceThe Big Blue SoldierAs World War I ends, Miss Marilla anxiously awaits the return of her nephew, Lieutenant Richard Chadwick, longing to see him in his soldier’s uniform and bask in the hero’s glow, w…
Level B2ClassicsThe Bicyclers and Three Other FarcesThaddeus Perkins embarks on his comedic journey into bicycling, navigating quirky friends, eccentric gadgets, and unexpected mishaps in a lively drawing-room farce.
Level C1ClassicsThe Bickerstaff-Partridge PapersA sharp critique of astrology exposes the folly of almanac-makers while promising a new, rational approach to predictions.
Level C1ClassicsThe Bibliotaph, and Other PeopleDive into the passionate world of bibliophiles where collecting rare books becomes an art of obsession, humor, and devotion.
Level C1HistoricalThe Bible in Spain: Or, the Journeys, Adventures, and Imprisonments of an Englishman, in an Attempt to Circulate the Scriptures in the PeninsulaAn English missionary embarks on a daring journey through Spain and Portugal to circulate the Scriptures, encountering diverse people, perilous adventures, and unexpected imprisonm…![Cover of The Bible in Spain, Vol. 2 [of 2]: Or, the Journeys, Adventures, and Imprisonments of an Englishman in an Attempt to Circulate the Scriptures in the Peninsula by George Borrow](https://dsx1pat3ljtul.cloudfront.net/books/daeu008e1ofc73dh98j0.webp)
Level C1HistoricalThe Bible in Spain, Vol. 2 [of 2]: Or, the Journeys, Adventures, and Imprisonments of an Englishman in an Attempt to Circulate the Scriptures in the PeninsulaAn Englishman ventures across Spain, facing rugged paths, hostile authorities, and prison, all in a daring mission to distribute the Scriptures.![Cover of The Bible in Spain, Vol. 1 [of 2]: Or, the Journeys, Adventures, and Imprisonments of an Englishman in an Attempt to Circulate the Scriptures in the Peninsula by George Borrow](https://dsx1pat3ljtul.cloudfront.net/books/daetunge1ofc73dh98bg.webp)
Level C1HistoricalThe Bible in Spain, Vol. 1 [of 2]: Or, the Journeys, Adventures, and Imprisonments of an Englishman in an Attempt to Circulate the Scriptures in the PeninsulaAn English agent embarks on a daring mission to print and distribute the Bible across 19th-century Spain, encountering vibrant cultures, unexpected adventures, and deep-rooted chal…
Level C1HistoricalThe Betrothed: From the Italian of Alessandro ManzoniIn a world where truth is veiled by pride and darkness, a tale unfolds exploring the clash between idealism and harsh reality.
Level C1HistoricalThe BetrothedIn a Scottish borderland marked by ancient legends and restless Crusaders, a returning knight discovers his home transformed by mysterious new blood and secrets tied to the enchant…
Level B2FantasyThe Betrothal: A Sequel to the Blue Bird; A Fairy Play in Five Acts and Eleven ScenesIn a rustic wood-cutter’s cottage, sixteen-year-old Tytyl awakens to a mysterious visit from the Fairy Bérylune, who challenges him to confront love and destiny in a world where ma…
Level B2MysteryThe Betrayal of John FordhamHaunted by a shadowy crime he can’t fully recall, John Fordham faces a grim fate as he wrestles with guilt, love, and a relentless enemy determined to destroy him and the family he…
Level C1MysteryThe BetrayalA fierce storm batters a remote coastal village as a reluctant lecturer battles loneliness, hunger, and unsettling hospitality.
Level C1ClassicsThe Beth Book: Being a Study of the Life of Elizabeth Caldwell Maclure, a Woman of GeniusIn a world where women accept their lot without question, one delicate mother’s quiet suffering and unfulfilled dreams set the stage for a remarkable life.
Level C1ClassicsThe Best of the World's Classics, Vol. V (of X) - Great Britain and Ireland IIIDive into the vibrant world of 18th-century Britain through the eyes of a young Scottish lawyer determined to befriend the formidable Dr.
Level C1ClassicsThe Best of the World's Classics, Restricted to prose. Volume III (of X) - Great Britain and Ireland IExplore the timeless wisdom and knowledge preserved in books, where truth shines brighter than gold and rulers and scholars alike find guidance.
Level C1HistoricalThe Best of the World's Classics, Restricted to prose. Volume II (of X) - RomeExplore the disciplined life of a Roman farm owner who oversees every detail—from crop yields to slave management—balancing efficiency, economy, and tradition in the pursuit of pro…
Level C1HistoricalThe Best of the World's Classics, Restricted to prose. Volume I (of X) - GreeceExplore the rich legacy of Greek prose from 484 B.
Level C1ClassicsThe Best of the World's Classics, Restricted to Prose, Vol. VIII (of X) - Continental Europe II.Explore the tension between majority rule and individual rights as power concentrates in democratic societies, questioning whether freedom can survive when the majority’s will beco…
Level C1HistoricalThe Best of the World's Classics, Restricted to Prose, Vol. VII (of X)—Continental Europe IExplore profound reflections on empire, virtue, and true happiness through the writings of influential thinkers like St.
Level C1ClassicsThe Best of the World's Classics, Restricted to Prose, Vol. VI (of X)—Great Britain and Ireland IVExplore the early years of a transformative religious movement through the reflections of a devoted scholar at Oxford, as he navigates friendships, faith, and the stirring beginnin…
Level C1ClassicsThe Best of the World's Classics, Restricted to Prose, Vol. IX (of X) - America - IEncounter the vivid and perilous early days of America’s first English settlements through the dramatic story of John Smith and Pocahontas, revealing alliances, betrayals, and the…
Level C1ClassicsThe Best of the World's Classics, Restricted to Prose, Vol. IV (of X)—Great Britain and Ireland IIDive into a rich collection of prose that captures the wit and social nuances of Britain and Ireland from 1672 to 1800, exploring themes of friendship, flattery, and human nature t…
Level C1FantasyThe Best Psychic StoriesExplore a realm where literature embraces the supernatural, delving into psychic phenomena and the enduring human quest to connect with life beyond death.
Level C1ClassicsThe Best Letters of Charles LambDive into the intimate world of a beloved literary circle, where wit, friendship, and lively debates unfold over hearty meals and late-night gatherings.
Level C1MysteryThe Best Ghost StoriesExplore the eerie allure of ghost stories that tap into our deepest superstitions and mysteries beyond science, where every creak in the dark hints at the unknown and the afterlife…
Level C1ClassicsThe Best American Humorous Short StoriesDive into a curated collection of American short stories that blend sharp wit with literary craft, capturing humor’s broad spectrum from frontier satire to playful exaggeration.
Level C1RomanceThe BertramsIn a world where success is the only measure of worth, ambition and competition shape every relationship.
Level C1ClassicsThe Berkeleys and their neighborsIn post-Civil War Virginia, the Campdown race-course becomes a stage for a community clinging to old traditions and fading grandeur, where hope and hardship intertwine in a world s…
Level C1MysteryThe Benson murder caseWhen a shocking murder rattles New York’s elite, the enigmatic Philo Vance steps in, using his unique analytic mind to unravel the baffling clues behind the Benson case, marking hi…
Level C1ClassicsThe Benefit of the Doubt; a Comedy in Three ActsIn a sunlit drawing-room near Regent’s Park, the suspense of a high-stakes divorce case grips a fashionable family, as they await a verdict that could clear a young woman’s name an…
Level C1ClassicsThe BenefactressAt twenty-five, Anna Estcourt wrestles with the emptiness of a life shaped by dependence on her wealthy sister-in-law and societal expectations of marriage.
Level C1RomanceThe Belton EstateIn the shadow of Belton Castle, the remnants of the Amedroz family grapple with loss, neglect, and mounting debts after the tragic death of Charles Amedroz.
Level C1AdventureThe Belted SeasIn a coastal Long Island Sound village, a retired captain and his seafaring companions gather at Pemberton's Hotel, sharing tales of storms, distant lands, and old ships.
Level B2AdventureThe Belt of Seven Totems: A Story of MassasoitIn a time when peace among Native tribes is fragile, Longfeather, a wise young sachem, journeys across New England forging alliances and uncovering mysteries—among them a fiery ome…
Level C1AdventureThe Belovéd VagabondA ragged London urchin is adopted by the enigmatic Paragot, a vagabond who defies scorn and teaches him the wonders of literature and mythology.
Level B2ClassicsThe Belovéd TraitorOn a stormy night in the quiet fishing village of Bernay-sur-Mer, tensions rise inside the aging tavern as locals grapple with memories of past tragedies and the harsh realities of…
Level C2FantasyThe Bells, and Other PoemsImmerse yourself in haunting melodies and vivid visions as bells toll through joy, terror, and despair, weaving a spellbinding tapestry of sound and emotion.
Level C1MysteryThe Bells of San JuanIn the dusty town of San Juan, ancient bells carry secrets of conquest, passion, and intrigue through the desert air.
Level C1ClassicsThe Bellman Book of Fiction, 1906-1919Amidst wartime turmoil, a mute and deaf peasant named Le Muet navigates danger and suspicion with silent resilience, accompanied only by his loyal dog.
Level B2ClassicsThe Belles of Canterbury: A Chaucer Tale Out of SchoolFour modern schoolgirls plan a Thanksgiving party while wrestling with Chaucer's characters and lines, blending medieval tales with their lively, contemporary banter and schoolroom…
Level C1ClassicsThe Belle's StratagemIn a lively London setting, a witty gentleman navigates high society’s intrigues and romantic entanglements, as new arrivals and family schemes stir the fashionable world.
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.