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 C1PoetrySongs of Three Counties, and Other PoemsExplore a vivid collection of poems rooted in the English countryside, blending timeless themes of nature, faith, and human experience.
AdventureSongs of Sea and SailImmerse yourself in the captivating songs and tales that celebrate the spirit of the sea, from legendary battles to the quiet moments aboard ships.
Level C1PoetrySongs of Labor, and Other PoemsAmid the relentless roar of factory machines, a worker’s soul wrestles with dehumanizing labor and fleeting moments of hope.
Level C2PoetrySongs of Labor and Reform: Part 5 From Volume III of The Works of John Greenleaf WhittierExplore powerful poems that confront slavery, labor struggles, and social reform through the steady voice of conscience and faith, revealing the timeless fight for justice and huma…
Level C1PoetrySongs of KabirExplore the passionate, syncretic mysticism of a 15th-century Indian poet who bridges Hindu and Muslim traditions, revealing a divine unity beyond creed through heartfelt, timeless…
Level C2PoetrySongs of Innocence and of ExperienceJourney through a world where innocence meets experience, as playful songs and tender reflections reveal the joys, sorrows, and mysteries of childhood and nature in vivid, heartfel…
Level B2HistoricalSongs of Heroic DaysAmid the turmoil of war, powerful poems honor heroes like King Albert of Belgium and reflect on the devastation of battle, blending patriotism with poignant reflections on courage,…
Level C1PoetrySongs of Angus and More Songs of AngusDiscover the stirring voices of Angus through heartfelt Scots vernacular poetry, where longing, humor, and nature intertwine in vivid songs of exile and memory, capturing the essen…
Level C1PoetrySongs of ActionVivid ballads evoke the valor of English bowmen and Irish soldiers defending Cremona against overwhelming odds, weaving history with stirring calls to courage and loyalty.
PoetrySongs from the SouthlandImmerse yourself in evocative Southern landscapes and heartfelt reflections through a collection of poems capturing the region’s history, nature, and spirit in vivid, lyrical verse…
Level C2PoetrySongs from VagabondiaUnleash your spirit with a vibrant celebration of freedom, friendship, and the joy of wandering.
Level C1PoetrySongs from BooksDiscover a rich collection of verses and chapter-headings drawn from diverse stories, weaving together themes of nature, time, and human endeavor in stirring songs that echo throug…![Cover of Songs for the Little Ones at Home by Mary O. [Compiler] Ward](https://dsx1pat3ljtul.cloudfront.net/books/dabmo909638s73a307v0.webp)
PoetrySongs for the Little Ones at HomeA heartfelt collection of gentle songs and poems invites children to explore love, family, faith, and the beauty of nature through simple, soothing verses perfect for home and bedt…
Level B2PoetrySongs for All Seasons, and Other PoemsExplore a collection of heartfelt poems reflecting on faith, life's challenges, and the enduring hope found in spiritual devotion.
Level C2PoetrySongs at the StartExplore a rich collection of evocative poems capturing moments of history, nature, and human emotion—from battlefields to serene harbors—woven with vivid imagery and timeless refle…
Level B2PoetrySongs and rhymes of a lead minerExperience the gritty life of a lead miner through heartfelt songs and rhymes that capture the struggles, joys, and resilience of a working-class Scottish community during the earl…
Level C1PoetrySongs and SatiresExplore the profound silences that shape human experience—from love and loss to war and spiritual crises—in a collection of evocative poems that reveal what words often fail to exp…
Level C1PoetrySongs and Other VerseWitty and heartfelt, these verses explore the clash between lively spirit and solemn tradition, blending humor, warmth, and a longing for genuine connection in a world bound by rig…
Level C1HistoricalSongs and Ballads of the Southern People: 1861-1865Explore the passionate songs and ballads that capture the spirit, struggles, and sentiments of the Southern people during the Civil War years of 1861-1865, preserving their voices…
PoetrySongs YsameExplore a rich tapestry of emotions and memories through evocative poems that journey from cherished childhood moments to the quiet reflections of twilight, capturing the essence o…
Level C2PoetrySongs UnsungDive into vivid poetic scenes where myth, history, and human passion intertwine—from ancient legends and wild landscapes to haunting visions of love and fate—each poem a luminous g…
Level C2PoetrySongs Of The RoadJourney through stirring hymns, bold songs, and vivid tales of honor and adventure, capturing the spirit of empire and the enduring bond between man and steed on the open road.
Level C2PoetrySongs Before SunriseA soul embraces freedom and the passage of time, seeking strength not in dreams but in the earth’s enduring truths.
PoetrySong-SurfImmerse yourself in a rich collection of evocative poems that traverse themes of nature, love, and spiritual reflection, drawing inspiration from diverse landscapes and cultures, f…
Level C1HistoricalSong and Legend from the Middle AgesExplore the rich tapestry of European medieval literature from the eleventh to thirteenth centuries, revealing the shared spirit and themes of chivalry, faith, and political life a…
Level B2AdventureSon of PowerAn orphaned boy, drawn irresistibly to the wild creatures of the zoo, grows into a man who understands the secret needs of powerful animals.
Level B2Children'sSon PhilipA young man returns home determined to choose a path of saving lives rather than risking them in war or adventure.
Level B2AdventureSomewhere south in SonoraIn the sweltering heat of a fading gold rush town, a white miner raises a son of Mexican heritage amid simmering racial tensions and secrets.
Level C1RomanceSomewhere in Red GapIn a lively ranch house filled with quirky treasures, a determined woman navigates the challenges of ranch life and the mysterious connection between a boisterous Alaskan gentleman…
Level C1MysterySomewhere in FranceA cunning German spy with a tangled past infiltrates French society, trading secrets and manipulating loyalties as war looms.
Level C1ClassicsSomehow GoodA returned traveler navigates London's bustling streets and grim slums, his uncertain fortune tied to a delayed telegram from New York.
Level C1ClassicsSomebody's LuggageBorn into a family of waiters, a man reflects on the harsh realities and secretive lives behind the noble art of waitering, revealing the struggles, traditions, and ironies that de…
Level B2Children'sSomebody's Little GirlA little girl named Bessie Bell recalls strange memories that grown-ups insist cannot be true, from magical windows to enchanted objects, as she navigates a world that doubts the w…
Level B2Children'sSome of Æsop's Fables with Modern InstancesCunning animals and clever humans come to life in timeless fables where wit, folly, and wisdom unfold through enchanting tales like a fox outsmarting a crow or a frog's wish for a…
Level B2RomanceSome honeymoon!A steadfast businessman meets a captivating woman on a transatlantic voyage, sparking an unexpected romance that challenges his lifelong singlehood and business-first mindset.
Level B2HistoricalSome great American booksDiscover a thoughtful guide to America's literary heritage, offering a curated course through essential American books paired with insightful advice on how to read deeply and appre…
Level C1ClassicsSome do not...: A novelTwo English gentlemen from the public official class embark on a railway journey, revealing the subtle tensions between ambition and indifference as they navigate society, friendsh…
Level B2RomanceSome buildersA man reeling from a devastating betrayal escapes the city’s strain for solitude in the countryside, where chance encounters and unexpected guests promise to challenge his pain and…
Level C2PoetrySome VersesExplore a rich tapestry of emotions and reflections through sonnets and poems that ponder love, nature, ambition, and the passage of time, each verse inviting you into moments of b…![Cover of Some Short Stories [by Henry James] by Henry James](https://dsx1pat3ljtul.cloudfront.net/books/da4kunae2hvc73bn0pig.webp)
Level C1ClassicsSome Short Stories [by Henry James]In a London drawing-room, a retired diplomat hosts an exclusive salon where friends gather in perfect harmony, revealing the subtle art of social grace and the secret behind a capt…
Level C1ClassicsSome Roundabout PapersAn aged woman reflects on a life marked by hardship and history, from workhouse nights to encounters with literary giants and royal events, revealing the intimate struggles behind…
Level C1ClassicsSome ReminiscencesA writer reflects on the power of words and the challenge of capturing truth with sincerity, revealing the intimate connection between his life and his art.
Level C1ClassicsSome Remarks on the Tragedy of Hamlet, Prince of Denmark, Written by Mr. William Shakespeare (1736)Dive into an insightful exploration of Hamlet’s tragedy that challenges traditional interpretations and anticipates modern criticism, offering discerning analysis and fresh perspec…
Level B2ClassicsSome Rambling Notes of an Idle ExcursionEscape the daily grind with a leisurely trip where two brothers debate the best cemetery plots, blending humor and reflection on life’s fleeting nature amid the backdrop of a restf…
Level C1ClassicsSome Private ViewsA keen observer with no illusions reflects society's truths with unflinching clarity, revealing the common thoughts and hidden motives of those who pass through his metaphorical Mi…
Level C1PoetrySome Poems of Roger CasementA tender-hearted soul haunted by Ireland’s fate, this collection reveals the poignant reflections and quiet compassion of a man whose life was shaped by deep love for his homeland…
Level C1PoetrySome PoemsAmid the clash of Napoleonic wars, a haunting vision unfolds within an ancient Spanish tower, revealing ominous prophecies and stirring heroic hopes amid the shadows of battle and…
Level C1AdventureSome Persons UnknownAn adventurous and spirited boy, Kenyon, teeters on the edge of danger and mischief as he eagerly awaits a visit from his cricket hero, stirring excitement and tension in a househo…
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.