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 C1ClassicsPreface to ShakespeareExplore the enduring genius behind Shakespeare’s timeless appeal as this preface unravels how his faithful portrayal of universal human nature has captivated audiences through cent…
Level C1PhilosophyPreface to Major Barbara: First Aid to CriticsExplore the clash between romantic idealism and harsh reality through a critical lens on society’s "Pottses"—those deluded yet all-too-human dreamers whose struggles reveal deeper…
Level C1ClassicsPrecious baneIn a remote Shropshire countryside, Prudence, marked by a harelip and scorned by neighbors, finds unexpected love and acceptance through the gentle weaver Kester, while her brother…
Level C1ClassicsPrecious balmsDive into a witty exploration of criticism and authorship, where the clash between creators and reviewers reveals the vibrant tension behind literary fame and silence.
Level B2Children'sPrecepts in Practice; or, Stories Illustrating the ProverbsOn a frozen lake, two brothers reveal contrasting paths: one carefree and defiant, the other patient and devoted, as they navigate the challenges of family duty and the wisdom of h…
Level C1ClassicsPrecaution: A NovelIn a world shaped by wilderness and society’s strictures, a young man navigates the perils of love, honor, and deception.
Level C1HistoricalPre-Raphaelite and other PoetsExplore insightful lectures delivered to Japanese students that dissect the works of Rossetti, Swinburne, Browning, and other poets, revealing profound truths about modern poetry t…
Level C1PoetryPrayers Written At Vailima, and A Lowden Sabbath MornIn a remote Samoan home, evening prayers weave together the sacred customs of island life and intimate family devotion, revealing the deep spiritual bonds and quiet struggles of th…
Level C1ClassicsPray You, Sir, Whose Daughter?Three young women from different social classes confront the harsh realities of poverty, dependence, and societal injustice, revealing the deep struggles for self-reliance and eman…
Level B2ClassicsPrairie FolksOn the vast, untamed prairie, settlers battle relentless bugs, harsh weather, and dubious traveling salesmen peddling patent medicines—capturing the grit and pioneer spirit behind…
Level C1ClassicsPractice Book, Leland Powers SchoolExplore the art of vocal expression through vivid exercises that awaken vitality and sharpen mental clarity, blending powerful imagery, classic speeches, and poetic rhythms to enha…
Level B2ClassicsPractical recitationsSharpen reading and speaking skills with carefully selected recitations and exercises designed for classroom use, holidays, and special occasions.
Level C1HistoricalPowhatan; A Metrical Romance, in Seven CantosAn epic metrical romance unfolds the story of Powhatan, a formidable Native American chieftain who unites tribes into a powerful confederacy amid the arrival of English settlers.
Level C1RomancePotts's Painless Cure: 1898A college senior caught between duty and desire struggles with his growing love for Annie, whose affection runs deeper than his own.
Level B2ClassicsPotash and Perlmutter Settle ThingsTwo garment manufacturers navigate post-war challenges, strikes, and fashion trends as they debate who should brave Paris to secure the latest styles, humorously capturing their st…
Level B2ClassicsPotash & Perlmutter: Their Copartnership Ventures and AdventuresAbe Potash, weary of failed partnerships, navigates the tough cloak and suit business with sharp wit and skepticism.
Level C1PoetryPostscriptsDiscover the early, unsigned writings of a master storyteller as they unfold through witty columns, vivid characters, and keen humor from his time at the Houston Post, revealing th…
Level C1ClassicsPosthumous Works of the Author of A Vindication of the Rights of WomanIn a world where society’s laws and customs oppress women, a sensitive and intelligent woman faces the anguish of a loveless marriage that stifles her mind and spirit, revealing th…
Level C1PhilosophyPost-Prandial PhilosophyExplore the fierce competition among global languages as English, Spanish, Russian, and others vie for dominance, shaped not by sentiment but by practical necessity and migration p…
Level B2ClassicsPost-Impressions: An Irresponsible ChronicleStep into a world where the stage boldly exposes the truths of steam engines, tariffs, and society’s hidden corners, challenging conventions with unflinching realism and sharp wit…
Level C1ClassicsPost-Biblical Hebrew Literature: An AnthologyExplore the rich legacy of Hebrew literature beyond the biblical era, tracing how poets, philosophers, and scholars kept the language alive through centuries of cultural shifts and…
Level C1HistoricalPost-Augustan Poetry From Seneca to JuvenalExplore the overlooked world of post-Augustan Roman poetry, revealing the merits and flaws of poets navigating the decline of classical ideals under imperial rule, from dramatic wo…
Level B2AdventurePost HasteIn a rugged Irish coastal village, young Philip Maylands idolizes the daring yet troubled George Aspel, whose Viking heritage fuels dreams of adventure and freedom amidst harsh sea…
Level C1Science FictionPossessedIn a New York gathering charged with eerie prophecies and occult séances, a fiercely beautiful woman wrestles with forbidden desires and a tragic marriage, while unseen forces and…
Level C1FantasyPoseidon's paradise: the romance of AtlantisIn a dazzling island kingdom where ancient customs clash with looming change, mighty captains gather to prove their valor and face the fate of Atlantis.
Level C1HistoricalPorziaIn Renaissance Naples, a wedding day sparks fierce clashes between faith, heresy, and passion as Rizzio, a free-thinking leader, defies religious dogma and family ties, igniting a…
Level C1HistoricalPortuguese literatureExplore the rich history and revival of Portuguese literature, from forgotten medieval lyrics to influential 19th-century works, revealing a vibrant tradition rediscovered and cele…
Level C1HorrorPortrait of a Man with Red Hair: A Romantic MacabreA restless soul drifts between reality and haunting visions on a summer journey, where ancient books and eerie encounters hint at secrets lurking just beyond the ordinary.
Level B2AdventurePorto Bello goldA young man navigates secretive plots and pirate threats in colonial New York, where adventure calls from both sea and wilderness.
Level C1FantasyPortland, Oregon, A.D. 1999, and other sketchesA mysterious woman from 1828 recounts her journey westward and reveals astonishing visions of Portland's future in the year 1999, blending history with prophetic glimpses of techno…
Level B2RomancePortia; Or, By Passions RockedIn a grand old estate, lively Dulcinea welcomes her weary cousin Portia into a world of charmingly eccentric relatives, tangled passions, and whispered secrets—where love and misch…
Level C1ClassicsPort Argent: A NovelIn a city shaped by unpredictable forces and shifting fortunes, an aging man reflects on the rise of Port Argent, where political intrigue and social change collide along bustling…
Level A2PoetryPorridge poetryDelight in a whimsical collection of playful poems where kitchen creatures, curious characters, and imaginative tales come to life with humor and charm, turning everyday moments in…
Level C1Children'sPopular Tales from the NorseStep into a world where ancient Norse legends come alive through faithful translations of timeless nursery tales, blending the charm of folklore with the raw spirit of tradition—if…
Level C1Children'sPopular TalesAt a lively village fair, a clever parrot and a reluctant performing donkey vie for the crowd’s attention, weaving a charming tale of humor and unexpected talents amid colorful cha…
Level C1Children'sPopular TalesStep into a world where timeless fairy tales spring to life, revealing the origins and transformations of beloved stories like Puss in Boots and Bluebeard.
Level C1ClassicsPopular Sayings from Old IberiaDiscover the wisdom and wit of Spanish sentiment through timeless popular sayings that reveal the heart's history, exploring love, faithfulness, ambition, and kindness in vivid, po…
Level C1PoetryPopular British Ballads, Ancient and Modern, Vol. 4 (of 4)As a fierce tide floods the coast of Lincolnshire, a haunting melody from the town bells warns of impending disaster, intertwining nature’s fury with the lives and legends of its p…
Level C1PoetryPopular British Ballads, Ancient and Modern, Vol. 3 (of 4)In a remote hermit's humble refuge, a sorrowful stranger seeks solace from heartbreak and loss, revealing a tale of love, pride, and despair amidst the quiet wilderness where stori…
Level C1PoetryPopular British Ballads, Ancient and Modern, Vol. 2 (of 4)Step into a realm where ancient ballads weave tales of love, mystery, and enchantment—from True Thomas’s fateful journey to Elfland to the haunting lament of the Bonny Hind.
Level C1AdventurePopular Adventure TalesEmbark on a daring journey through the vast, untamed fur countries of North America, where wild landscapes stretch beyond civilization and survival depends on courage and resilienc…
Level B2ClassicsPoppy: The Story of a South African GirlA young girl named Poppy endures harsh chores and hunger under her aunt’s strict rule in South Africa, escaping into vivid daydreams of love and happiness.
Level B1Children'sPoppy's PresentsIn a crowded, shadowed city, young Poppy discovers an unexpected gift that promises to change her life—two tiny babies arriving on her doorstep.
Level B1MysteryPoppy Ott's pedigreed picklesA clever boy convinces his skeptical friend to start a unique Pickle Parlor, betting that offering better pickles will win customers despite the odds.
Level B1MysteryPoppy Ott and the stuttering parrotWhen Jerry Todd and his friend Red encounter Poppy Ott, a scruffy boy living in a rickety wagon with a gruff old man claiming to be a detective, their summer adventure in the small…
Level B1MysteryPoppy Ott and the galloping snailTwo adventurous boys set out on a carefree hitchhiking trip through sun-baked highways and quiet countryside, only to find themselves mysteriously stranded on a deserted road with…
Level C1RomancePoppea of the Post-OfficeIn a small New England village gripped by the Civil War’s uncertainty, the postmaster anxiously awaits delayed mail that carries news from the front, weaving together community hop…
Level C1HistoricalPope, His Descent and Family Connections: Facts and ConjecturesDelve into the contested origins of a celebrated poet, as noble critics challenge his birth and he fiercely defends his heritage, revealing the complexities of social status and fa…
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.