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 C1HistoricalQueen Hortense: A Life Picture of the Napoleonic EraBorn into the turmoil of revolution and empire, Hortense Beauharnais endures exile, loss, and fading glory as queen and poetess.
Level B2Children'sQueen HildegardeA delicate, discontented fifteen-year-old girl named Hilda seems in need of a change as her parents debate where she might find health and happiness.
Level C1PoetryQueen Berngerd, The Bard and the Dreams, and Other BalladsEnter a realm where queens wield iron chains and kings face curses, where kindness blooms amid war and ruin, and a wandering bard’s melodies awaken flowers and dreams—each ballad w…
Level C1ClassicsQueed: A NovelIn a bustling city caught between duty and desire, Sharlee Weyland seizes a rare holiday with her enormous dog, Behemoth, crossing paths with the charismatic Charles Gardiner West.
Level B2Children'sQueechyA spirited young girl and her cheerful grandfather set off on a rustic autumn outing, finding joy in simple pleasures despite worn equipment and quiet worries.
Level C1ClassicsQuatre contes de Prosper MériméeDive into four captivating tales blending refined wit, historical anecdotes, and vivid characters shaped by passion and skepticism, all set against the rich backdrop of 19th-centur…
Level C2PoetryQuartz from the UplandsA powerful call to awaken the creative spirit within a world dulled by convention and industry’s roar, urging a deep communion with nature’s cycles and a fierce critique of society…
Level C1AdventureQuarterdeck and Fok'sle: Stories of the SeaA mischievous boy named Young Brydell turns a navy yard into his battlefield, constructing a dirt fort and leading a playful yet fierce skirmish that tests the admiral’s patience a…
Level C1RomanceQuality Street: A ComedyIn a quaint town during the Napoleonic wars, the refined ladies of Quality Street navigate love, society, and the sting of being labeled old maids, while a mysterious recruiting se…
Level C1ClassicsQuaker idylsIn a serene Quaker meeting in Philadelphia, Cassy Wilson grapples with her stirring emotions and the sacred expectations of her faith, as quiet reflections and heartfelt prayers re…
Level C1PoetryQuaint Gleanings from Ancient Poetry: A Collection of Curious Poetical Compositions of the XVIth, XVIIth, and XVIIIth CenturiesDiscover a rich tapestry of rare poems from the 16th to 18th centuries, blending heartfelt love, political satire, and historical reflections unearthed from dusty manuscripts and f…
Level C1ClassicsQuaint EpitaphsExplore the quirky, poignant, and sometimes humorous epitaphs collected from graveyards across New England, revealing unique glimpses into human lives, wit, and eccentricities etch…
Level C1RomanceQuaint CourtshipsIn a society where courtship follows simple, familiar patterns, a few lovers navigate the quirky twists and turns of romance, revealing the charm and eccentricity beneath their pur…
Level C1Children'sQuadrupeds, What They Are and Where Found: A Book of Zoology for BoysExplore the fascinating world of quadrupeds through vivid sketches and stories, from mysterious great apes hidden in distant forests to the diverse monkeys of Asia and Africa, reve…
Level C2ClassicsPélléas and Mélisande; Alladine and Palomides; HomeIn a haunting exploration of theater’s power and limitations, poetic dramas reveal the elusive beauty that fades when life replaces imagination, challenging how we experience timel…
Level C1ClassicsPère Antoine's Date-PalmIn New Orleans, a devoted priest’s past collides with a haunting secret when a mysterious date-palm tree stands as a living legacy of forbidden love, loss, and devotion intertwined…
Level C1ClassicsPâkia: 1901Under a silver moon on a tropical beach, a white man shares grog and stories with Pâkia, a wise old native whose tales and wisdom reveal the rhythms of island life and the clash of…
Level C1ClassicsPyramids of snowIn the glittering casino of Monte Carlo, Melville Ashley faces the ruthless grip of gambling, teetering on ruin as he prepares to leave with nothing but a fading smile and a myster…
Level C1Science FictionPygmalion's SpectaclesStep into a groundbreaking invention that transforms dreams into vivid reality, where a mysterious professor offers a device that immerses you fully in a story—sight, sound, taste,…
Level C1PoetryPygmalion and the ImageAn artist’s obsession with his own creation blurs the line between craftsmanship and passion in a tale where beauty, longing, and divine intervention intertwine to breathe life int…
Level C1ClassicsPygmalionA phonetics enthusiast sets out to transform a Cockney flower girl into a refined lady by teaching her to speak "proper" English, challenging social class and language barriers in…![Cover of Puzzles and oddities by Mary A. [Compiler] Dawson](https://dsx1pat3ljtul.cloudfront.net/books/dafesj5a8p2c739iu1cg.webp)
Level C1ClassicsPuzzles and odditiesDive into a collection of riddles, charades, conundrums, and paradoxes that challenge your wit and memory, drawing from whimsical puzzles and curious oddities scattered through lit…
Level C1PhilosophyPutois: 1907Childhood memories swirl around the enigmatic figure of Putois, a gardener whose peculiar existence blurs reality and myth.
Level C1ClassicsPut Yourself in His PlaceIn a grim industrial town overshadowed by dark smoke and decay, an ancient deserted church stands as a relic amidst relentless progress.
Level B2Children'sPussy MeowFollow the heartfelt tale of Pussy Meow, a cat who shares her joys and sorrows, revealing the misunderstood life of felines and inspiring kindness toward our silent companions.
Level B2RomancePurple SpringsOn a cold day before a long-anticipated March 1st, Pearl Watson faces a momentous decision that has shaped her hopes and dreams for three years.
Level C1PoetryPurcell Ode, and Other PoemsExplore the intricate relationship between poetry and music through reflections on the challenges of setting verse to choral compositions, revealing the delicate balance between li…
Level C1ClassicsPuppets at Large: Scenes and Subjects from Mr Punch's ShowStep into the quirky world of a provincial cathedral tour where a group of sightseers navigate eccentric guides, humorous misunderstandings, and the peculiar customs of religious r…
Level B1PoetryPunky Dunk and the Spotted PupA curious cat named Punky Dunk meets a lively spotted pup who arrives to join the family, sparking playful rivalry and unexpected friendship in this charming, rhymed tale of pets a…
PoetryPunky Dunk and the MouseDelight in whimsical verses and charming illustrations crafted to captivate and inspire the imagination of young children in a playful journey through rhyme and art.
PoetryPunky Dunk and the Gold FishDive into whimsical poems and charming illustrations crafted to delight young readers, where playful tales and lively verses bring a world of imagination to life.
Level C1ClassicsPunch and Judy, with Instructions How to Manage the Little Wooden Actors: Containing New and Easy Dialogues Arranged for the Use of Beginners, Desirous to Learn How to Work the Puppets. For Sunday Schools, Private Parties, Festivals and Parlor Entertainments.Enter the whimsical world of Punch and Judy, where lively wooden puppets bring humor and mischief to life on a miniature stage, guided by precise instructions for crafting and perf…
Level B1AdventurePud Pringle, pirateFifteen-year-old Pud Pringle navigates small-town life with mischief and charm, from tricky grocery errands to sparring with local sourpuss Egbert.
Level C2PoetryPuck on PegasusStep aboard the Night Mail North as it races through mist and sleet, carrying passengers bound for hope, escape, and desperate reprieves.
Level B2FantasyPuck of Pook's HillTwo children’s midsummer play awakens the mischievous Puck, who invites them on a magical journey through England’s ancient past, where history and legend come alive beneath the hi…
FantasyPuck in pastureStep into a whimsical world where fairies, leprechauns, and enchanted creatures roam the pastoral landscapes, inviting you to explore their magical tales through verse and vivid im…![Cover of Publisher's Advertising (1872) by Harper & Brothers [Editor]](https://dsx1pat3ljtul.cloudfront.net/books/da7aifqcitjc73afmd60.webp)
Level C1ClassicsPublisher's Advertising (1872)Discover a curated collection of captivating novels offering faithful depictions of nature and authentic characters, designed to refresh the mind and stir the imagination during li…
Level C1ClassicsPublic Speaking: Principles and PracticeMaster the art of public speaking with practical principles, detailed vocal training, and diverse speech exercises designed to build confidence, versatility, and effective expressi…
Level C1ClassicsPublic SpeakingExplore the vital role of speech throughout history and modern life, uncovering how powerful oratory shapes nations, businesses, and personal success in an age where spoken communi…
Level C1ClassicsPtomaine Street: The Tale of Warble PetticoatIn a lively Pittsburgh neighborhood, spirited Warble Petticoat, recently expelled from school for a mischievous prank, embraces her newfound freedom with laughter and ambition—her…
Level B2Science FictionPsychotennis, Anyone?In a future where telekinesis revolutionizes sports, a high-stakes psychotennis match turns deadly as players wield their minds against each other in a dangerous battle for control…
Level C1PoetryPsychologiesAmidst the turmoil of ancient Rome, a weary leader grapples with the cost of war and the meaning of power, as soldiers demand battle and he seeks a nobler peace.
Level C1ClassicsPsycho Vox; or, The Emerson System of Voice CultureExplore the human voice as a mirror of character and mind, revealing physical and emotional states through tone and expression.
Level C1ClassicsPsycheIn a realm where gods and mortals collide, the goddess Venus faces a stunning challenge as the mortal Psyche captivates the world’s admiration, igniting divine jealousy and a battl…
Level B2HistoricalPsycheIn ancient Rome, young Gannon rises from humble beginnings to become a trusted secretary to powerful figures, navigating intrigue and ambition in a world where loyalty and danger i…
Level B2Children'sPsycheHigh atop a mountain, a lonely princess with delicate, jewel-streaked wings longs to escape her vast castle and soar beyond the endless horizons.
Level C1RomancePrue and IAn old book-keeper finds his greatest joy not in distant travels but in the simple, everyday romance of life with Prue and their children.
Level B2Children'sPrudy Keeping HouseFour young siblings face a snowy day with curiosity and kindness, while their aunt must leave to care for a sick relative—leaving Prudy eager to take charge and keep the grand hous…
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.