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 C1Children'sPixie O'ShaughnessyAt a once-quiet seminary, wild and spirited Pixie O’Shaughnessy turns heads not for beauty but for her mischievous pranks and indomitable spirit.
Level B1Children'sPitcher PollockA determined boy named Tom Pollock seeks work in a small town hardware store to support himself while attending high school, facing skepticism but eager to prove his worth through…
Level B2ClassicsPirates: A comedy in one actIn a charming Victorian parlor, a circle of ladies navigates the delicate art of gossip, comparing it to piracy that steals reputations.
Level C1AdventurePirates' HopeA wealthy former athlete invites an old friend on a mysterious cruise aboard his private yacht, the Andromeda, hinting at a venture far from the social scene and filled with intrig…
Level B2Science FictionPirates of the GormIn a solar system rife with alien intrigue, a secret agent aboard a space-flier awakens to an assassination attempt by a mysterious Ganymedan pirate.
Level C1AdventurePirate Princes and Yankee Jacks: Setting forth David Forsyth's Adventures in America's Battles on Sea and Desert with the Buccaneer Princes of Barbary, with an Account of a Search under the Sands of the Sahara Desert for the Treasure-filled Tomb of Ancient KingsA young sailor navigates perilous battles against Barbary pirates and joins a daring desert expedition in search of ancient treasure, uncovering tales of bravery, loss, and the for…
Level C1RomancePirate GoldA mysterious bag of pirate gold lies hidden in a Boston bank vault, untouched for decades.
Level B2RomancePippin; A Wandering FlameA young man named Pippin faces the toughest goodbye as he leaves Shoreham State Prison, where he's found faith and fought inner demons.
Level C1HistoricalPiping hot! (Pot-bouille)In the heart of 19th-century Paris, a complex family saga unfolds, revealing the intricate ties of heredity and society’s influence on fate.
Level A2HistoricalPipestone National Monument: Junior Ranger Activity Booklet, Ages 8 and UpExplore the sacred pipestone quarries where only American Indians can carve ceremonial pipes, and discover the rich history, geology, and vibrant prairie ecosystem protected by the…
Level C2PoetryPipes O'Pan at ZekesburyIn the quiet town of Zekesbury, everyday life is stirred by curious characters, quirky events, and a mysterious phrenology lecture that reveals more than just skull shapes.
Level C1RomancePip : A Romance of YouthTwo curious children explore the mysterious Consulting Room, captivated by the enigmatic Oven Door and strange instruments, while trying to unravel family secrets and navigate the…
Level B2AdventurePioneer boys of the gold fieldsThree determined boys from different backgrounds join the 1849 California Gold Rush, facing wild beasts, treacherous terrain, and ruthless thieves in their quest for fortune and ad…
Level B2Science FictionPioneerA trained canine faces a bewildering and nerve-wracking journey as he is strapped into a mysterious, roaring machine and launched into an unknown adventure filled with strange smel…
Level B2Children'sPinocchio: The Tale of a PuppetA mysterious piece of wood laughs, cries, and even talks, puzzling the carpenter who tries to shape it.
Level C1ClassicsPink and White Tyranny: A Society NovelIn a heartfelt letter from a young fan, the joys and trials of childhood come alive through games, family bonds, and the everyday adventures of six siblings.
Level C1ClassicsPink Gods and Blue DemonsIn the fading glory of Kimberley’s diamond rush, Loree Temple, trapped in a mundane marriage, dreams of passion and power amid the echoes of conquest and wealth.
Level C1PoetryPine Tree Ballads: Rhymed Stories of Unplaned Human Natur' up in MaineExplore the rugged lives and heartfelt stories of Maine’s hardy folk, where blistered hands and sharp wit meet homespun humor and deep community bonds in vivid rhymed ballads drawn…
Level B2HistoricalPine NeedlesAs the Franklin family reunites at Mosswood, young Maggie and Meredith plan a joyous outdoor dinner in the woods, hoping to bring their beloved Uncle Eden along for an unforgettabl…
Level C1PoetryPinafore PalaceEnter a whimsical world where every child is a little prince or princess, and nursery rhymes become royal decrees filled with humor and delight.
Level B2RomancePimpernel and RosemaryIn war-torn Guillaumet, a weary woman secretly mends soldiers' uniforms, hiding tiny messages within, while enduring a harsh and cynical admirer.
Level B2ClassicsPillars of SocietyIn a Norwegian coastal town, a respected shipbuilder's family navigates the tensions between tradition, progress, and hidden discord as new ideas challenge their community’s fragil…
Level C1PoetryPike County Ballads and Other PoemsVivid ballads and poems capture the rugged spirit and stories of Pike County, blending frontier life with themes of freedom and loyalty.
Level B2ClassicsPigs is PigsA man battles a stubborn express agent over shipping rates for two guinea pigs, sparking a comical clash of rules and reason.
Level C1ClassicsPietro GhisleriIn a grand Roman household, two step-sisters—one a lively heiress, the other a reserved beauty—navigate the complexities of family, faith, and identity under the watchful eyes of t…
Level C1ClassicsPierretteIn a quiet provincial town, a young workman returns to his childhood love, Pierrette, whose hidden life in a modest attic stirs memories and longing beneath the peaceful façades an…
Level C1ClassicsPierre; or The AmbiguitiesOn a serene summer morning in the countryside, young Pierre awakens to a world steeped in silent beauty and secret passions, where love and family pride intertwine beneath the maje…
Level C1RomancePierre and LuceIn the shadow of war-torn Paris, a young soldier-to-be finds a fragile connection with a mysterious girl during a tense subway ride, where silence and shared fear ignite a quiet, p…
Level B2ClassicsPierre and JeanTwo brothers, Pierre and Jean, return home for the holidays, each pursuing different careers and harboring a subtle rivalry beneath their affection.
Level C1ClassicsPierre and His People: Tales of the Far North. Volume 5.In the harsh wilderness of Lake Superior, Antoine and Angelique remain to guard a mysterious mine through a brutal winter, their love and endurance tested by isolation and looming…
Level C1AdventurePierre and His People: Tales of the Far North. Volume 4.In the remote Far North, Pretty Pierre navigates a world of legends, fierce rivalries, and mysterious tribes, uncovering secrets behind the elusive Tall Master and facing the harsh…
Level C1AdventurePierre and His People: Tales of the Far North. Volume 3.In the vast, untamed North, a band of rugged adventurers share stories of peril and camaraderie by the fire, where legends of ghostly mountains, forbidden liquor, and daring tobogg…
Level C1AdventurePierre and His People: Tales of the Far North. Volume 2.An unyielding outcast known as Little Hammer battles scorn and survival on the harsh Northern prairies, where loyalty, danger, and relentless winter storms test the bonds between a…
Level C1AdventurePierre and His People: Tales of the Far North. Volume 1.Venture into the rugged wilderness of the Far North, where vivid tales of survival, character, and untamed nature weave a rich tapestry of adventure and human spirit, inspired by t…
Level C1AdventurePierre and His People: Tales of the Far North. CompleteVenture into the rugged Canadian wilderness where vivid tales of survival and human spirit unfold, inspired by real lives yet transformed by artful imagination.
Level C1ClassicsPierre GrassouIn the bustling art world of post-1830 Paris, Pierre Grassou navigates the crowded, chaotic Salon where true talent is lost among countless works.
Level C1ClassicsPieces of Hate; And Other EnthusiasmsDive into a sharp, witty collection of stories, essays, and critiques that challenge sentimentality and tackle ideas with bold honesty and humor.
Level C1AdventurePieces of Eight: Being the Authentic Narrative of a Treasure Discovered in the Bahama Islands in the Year 1903In 1903, a mysterious manuscript reveals thrilling adventures tied to Spanish doubloons and lost years in the Bahama Islands, where pirates once roared and secrets still lie buried…
Level B2PoetryPieces People Ask For: Serious, Humorous, Pathetic, Patriotic, and Dramatic Selections in Prose and Poetry for Reading and RecitationsA rugged wanderer, haunted by memories and yearning for home, finds solace in a fading light that brings visions of his past and a final, heartfelt prayer.
Level C1ClassicsPictures of the Socialistic Future: (freely adapted from Bebel)An ardent Socialist’s diary reveals the tumultuous rise and fall of a socialist revolution in Berlin, exposing the internal chaos and external threats that challenge its ideals.
Level C1Children'sPictures of SwedenEmbark on a magical journey across Sweden, guided by the songs of birds and the roar of mighty waterfalls, as nature and tradition paint a vivid portrait of this enchanting land’s…
Level C1HistoricalPictures of Hellas: Five Tales of Ancient GreeceStep into the radiant world of ancient Greece, where five tales illuminate the lives and customs beneath a mild sky, revealing vivid portraits of ordinary people woven into the ric…
Level C1HistoricalPictures from English History: A Fireside AmusementChildren and their families gather by the fireside to transform history into an engaging game, sharing vivid tales of ancient battles and kings.
Level B1HistoricalPictures and Stories from Uncle Tom's CabinA desperate mother flees with her young son to escape the cruel sale that tore them apart, braving icy rivers and relentless pursuers in a heart-wrenching tale of courage and hope.
Level B2Children'sPictures and StoriesGentle tales and lessons unfold through charming stories of children learning kindness, honesty, and good manners—whether setting a bird free, playing games, or walking in the gard…
Level B2AdventurePicture stuffVeteran pilot Russ Healy, haunted by a near-fatal crash caused by reckless camera-ship pilots, faces new dangers when a daring woman joins their flying circus to perform wing-to-wi…
Level C1ClassicsPicture playsStep into the intimate Florentine studio where Da Vinci captures Mona Lisa’s enigmatic smile, exploring the delicate dance between art, love, and freedom as the final sitting unfol…
Level C1ClassicsPicture and Text: 1893Explore the rich tradition of black-and-white illustration rooted in an idyllic English village, where artists find endless inspiration in timeless landscapes, rustic charm, and ev…
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.