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 C1HistoricalPartial PortraitsExplore the refined intellectual world of a man whose life unfolds quietly in Concord, shaped by literature, nature, and a serene moral landscape.
Level C1AdventureParson KellyIn snowy 1719 Paris, two old friends—one a deposed parson, the other a one-armed colonel—reunite amidst political plots and secret dealings, setting the stage for a daring adventur…
Level C1RomanceParrot & Co.In the dusty frontier of colonial Burma, an unlikely pair—a loyal Eurasian guide and a resilient American traveler—navigate a desolate land where civilization teeters on the edge,…
Level C1ClassicsParodies of the works of English & American authors, vol. VExplore a rich collection of witty parodies that reimagine the celebrated poems of English and American authors, from Gray’s haunting elegies to the stirring songs of the Civil War…
Level C1PoetryParodies of the works of English & American authors, vol. IVDive into a witty collection of parodies that cleverly lampoon beloved English and American ballads, songs, and odes, revealing the humor and homage behind each playful imitation o…
Level C1ClassicsParodies of the works of English & American authors, vol. IIIExplore witty and insightful parodies that playfully critique renowned English and American poets, turning their grand themes and styles on their head to reveal the absurdities ben…
Level C2ClassicsParodies of the works of English & American authors, vol. IIExplore a witty collection that mocks the grandiose and absurd in the works of Shakespeare, Milton, Tennyson, Poe, and more, revealing the playful side of literary giants through s…
Level C1ClassicsParodies of the works of English & American authors, vol. IDive into a witty collection that playfully exposes the absurdities and quirks of renowned English and American poets through sharp, clever parodies.
Level C1PhilosophyParmenidesPhilosophical giants Parmenides and Zeno engage Socrates in a profound dialogue exploring the paradoxes of unity and multiplicity, challenging foundational ideas about reality and…
Level C1ClassicsParlous Times: A Novel of Modern DiplomacyIn a sultry South American setting, a disillusioned British officer newly wed to a powerful heiress faces a covert conspiracy involving bribery, secret papers, and shadowy figures…
Level B2Children'sParkhurst Boys, and Other Stories of School LifeA young boy’s dream comes true when he’s chosen to play in Parkhurst’s biggest football match against rival Craven, igniting a thrilling tale of school pride, fierce competition, a…
Level C1ClassicsParisians in the CountryA charmingly flawed traveling salesman encounters the quaint countryside and its quirky inhabitants, setting the stage for a mix of humor, social satire, and intricate character st…
Level C1ClassicsParisian Points of ViewStep into the lively world of Parisian society through sharp, witty portraits that blend delicate irony with vivid drama, revealing the charming and sometimes mischievous lives beh…
Level C1AdventurePardnersIn a rough frontier town where saloons outnumber everything else, a seasoned prospector recounts the wild, lawless days of gold rush partnerships, gambling, and hard-won survival a…
Level C2HistoricalParadise RegainedA divine battle unfolds as the Son of God faces the Tempter's cunning in the wilderness, testing obedience and faith to reclaim paradise lost by one man's disobedience.
Level C2HistoricalParadise LostIn a cosmic battle between Heaven and Hell, fallen angels plot eternal war after their fiery exile, while mankind’s first disobedience sets the stage for a profound struggle over f…
Level C1ClassicsParadise Garden: The Satirical Narrative of a Great ExperimentA struggling philosopher is unexpectedly offered a lucrative opportunity tied to the controversial legacy of a reclusive millionaire who sought to reshape society.
Level C1PhilosophyParadise (to be) RegainedExplore visionary ideas of transforming the Earth into a paradise of abundance, luxury, and happiness without labor, as the author challenges us to harness nature’s forces and elev…
Level C1ClassicsParables of a ProvinceIn a remote mountain valley, Hepnon, a resilient cripple, devotes himself to crafting an organ that captures the mystical music of the legendary Golden Pipes, promising a melody th…
Level C1ClassicsParables from flowersAmidst a quiet oak, a family of wrens builds a cozy nest, surrounded by caring woodland birds.
Level B2AdventurePappina, the Little Wanderer: A Story of Southern ItalyIn the bustling streets of Naples, young Pappina stands out with her love of cleanliness and beauty amid poverty.
Level C1PoetryPapers from Overlook-HouseAmidst the solemn beauty of an ancient church and the quiet of a snow-covered landscape, faded manuscripts reveal stories of enduring friendship, mystery, and timeless reflections,…
Level C1FantasyPapa's own girl: A novelIn a quiet Massachusetts village, a young girl’s world is upended by the sudden arrival of mysterious twin sisters, stirring childhood wonder and family tensions.
Level C1ClassicsPapa BouchardIn a quiet Parisian household, the sudden departure of every man—manservant, guardian, and even a parrot—unleashes hidden desires for freedom and rebellion, challenging a life of s…
Level B2PoetryPansy's Sunday BookTwo childhood friends, Robert and Claire, explore their differing views on circuses during a summer by the sea, revealing how upbringing and personal beliefs shape their experience…
Level C1ClassicsPandoraA young German diplomat embarks on a transatlantic voyage, observing the diverse passengers and grappling with his rigid conservative views as he prepares to navigate the complexit…
Level C1ClassicsPan's gardenAn artist captures the unique spirit of trees with uncanny accuracy, revealing their hidden personalities in vivid portraits.
Level C2PoetryPan and Æolus: PoemsExplore a vivid collection of poems that weave together elemental forces, mythic figures, and human experience, from the haunting hymn of tomb builders to the fierce voices of eart…
Level C1HistoricalPan Tadeusz; or, The last foray in Lithuania: a story of life among Polish gentlefolk in the years 1811 and 1812Amidst the fading world of Polish nobility in 1811-1812 Lithuania, rival families and old customs clash in a richly detailed saga of honor, love, and national identity.
Level C1AdventurePan Michael: An Historical Novel of Poland, the Ukraine, and TurkeyAmidst the turbulent 17th-century conflicts involving Poland, the Ukraine, and Turkey, a fierce war unfolds as the Turks invade, challenging the fragile alliances and stirring epic…
Level C1ClassicsPanA solitary wanderer retreats from the suffocating city to the raw, untamed countryside, confronting nature, love, and the inescapable forces that shape human existence with biting…
Level C1PoetryPamphlets and Parodies on Political SubjectsSatirical verses expose the corruption and unrest plaguing a nation, revealing the tangled web of power, greed, and oppression beneath the surface of a crumbling state.
Level C1ClassicsPamela, or Virtue RewardedA young servant girl faces uncertainty after her mistress’s death but finds unexpected kindness from her new master, who promises protection if she remains faithful and diligent.
Level C1ClassicsPamela, Volume IIA virtuous young wife navigates the joys and trials of married life, balancing duty, affection, and social grace while cherishing the simple pleasures of home and family.
Level C1RomancePamela Pounce: A tale of tempestuous petticoatsIn 1788, amid the rustling petticoats and powdered curls of a society ruled by charm and wit, a young woman navigates the delicate dance of romance, fashion, and feminine allure in…
Level C1ClassicsPamela Giraud: A Play in Five ActsIn post-Napoleonic Paris, a spirited flower-maker named Pamela navigates love, class tensions, and mysterious danger as suitors vie for her heart amid political intrigue and secret…
Level C1ClassicsPamela CensuredExplore the fierce literary battle sparked by a novel praised as a moral guide but swiftly challenged for its truthfulness and virtue.
Level B2MysteryPam and the CountessIn the enchanting Bell Bay, thirteen-year-old Pamela finds herself caught between family dynamics and mysterious happenings that stir her curiosity and courage.
Level B1AdventurePals: Young Australians in Sport and AdventureAdventure beckons as a group of young Australians plans a daring bushranger game, complete with horseback chases, mock gunfights, and gold-escort raids along a fertile northern riv…
Level B2Science FictionPalos of the Dog Star PackOn a stormy night, a doctor is summoned to investigate the mysterious condition of Jason Croft, a man rumored to be dead or in a deep sleep, whose eyes hint at hidden mystical know…
Level B2AdventurePalm Tree IslandStranded on a remote southern island, two castaways must survive wild animals, hostile natives, and treacherous seas while crafting shelter and weapons in a fight for survival and…
Level B2Children'sPalm Sunday; or, Little Mary's Saturday's walkJoin Little Mary on a charming springtime Saturday as she explores nature’s beauty and learns the healing secrets of wildflowers while visiting friends in the countryside.
Level C1HistoricalPalaces and prisonsIn the opulent Grand Trianon, a mysterious healer with uncanny gifts confronts a ruthless countess desperate to extend the king’s life, setting the stage for a tense clash between…
Level B2ClassicsPainted WindowsA father and child embark on a rugged, unpredictable journey through Michigan’s wild forests and uncertain roads, where adventure and the bond between them face the challenges of n…
Level C1ClassicsPainted VeilsA young woman arrives in snowy New York, seeking a fresh start but faces loneliness and uncertainty in a modest hotel filled with music and strangers.
Level C1HistoricalPages from an Old Volume of Life; A Collection of Essays, 1857-1881Amid the turmoil of war, society clings to bread and newspapers as lifelines, while emotions run high and restless minds struggle to focus.
Level C1ClassicsPages from a Journal with Other PapersStep into a vivid 1868 encounter with the formidable Thomas Carlyle, as intimate reflections and candid conversations reveal the struggles and triumphs behind his celebrated works…
Level B2PoetryPages for Laughing EyesDiscover a charming collection of poems and stories that capture the wonder of childhood, the beauty of nature, and the small joys of everyday life, from playful animals to heartfe…
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.