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 C1ClassicsNeither Here Nor ThereEve's boredom sparks a witty exploration of timeless human follies, fashion fads, and societal quirks, revealing how history’s old tales echo in today’s restless world.
Level C1ClassicsNeither Dorking nor the AbbeyAs a great man’s ashes rest in a humble English village, his spirit rises youthful and triumphant on Box Hill, greeted by a gathering of devoted followers and immortal peers.
Level C1RomanceNeighbours on the GreenIn a charming village adorned with pretty gardens and sweet hawthorn hedges, two sisters captivate their neighbors with contrasting charms—fiery Nelly and gentle Martha—while a you…
Level C1ClassicsNeighborhood StoriesIn a small Midwestern village, neighbors navigate the tensions between tradition and change, exploring evolving roles, social bonds, and fresh ideals that challenge their close-kni…
Level B2Children'sNeighbor Nelly Socks: Being the Sixth and Last Book of the SeriesAn old bachelor finds unexpected joy observing the lively lives of his colorful neighbors across the street, especially the charming children at No.
Level C1ClassicsNegro TalesIn a post-slavery world, a family grapples with the haunting legacy of their past as Caleb confronts the weight of curses, faith, and social survival.
Level C1HistoricalNegro Poets and Their PoemsDiscover the rich legacy and vibrant voices of Black poets who transform pain and hope into powerful verse, tracing a new era of African American poetry that speaks to both literar…
Level C1PoetryNegro Folk Rhymes: Wise and Otherwise: With a StudyImmerse yourself in the rich rhythms and heartfelt stories of a people forging beauty from hardship, as traditional Negro folk rhymes reveal their imaginative simplicity, humor, an…
Level C1PoetryNeghborly Poems and Dialect SketchesExperience the heartfelt simplicity of rural life through genuine dialect poems that capture the music of everyday moments, nature’s beauty, and the pure emotions of an uneducated…
Level B1Children'sNeesby CourtFour siblings in a charming old town watch with curiosity as mysterious new tenants move into the long-empty Neesby Court, stirring tales of its haunted past and sparking a summer…
Level C1PoetryNeedwood ForestImmerse yourself in the rich landscapes and history of Needwood Forest, where ancient groves, royal decrees, and local legends intertwine amidst the beauty of winter scenes and tim…
Level B2RomanceNedraIn the heart of Chicago’s high society, an engaged couple navigates the pressures of impending announcements and social expectations, balancing love, secrets, and the humorous tria…
Level B2Children'sNeddyA curious young donkey longs to explore beyond his quiet field, eager to discover the wider world despite his mother's warnings of hardship.
Level B2FantasyNed, the son of Webb: What he did.In a world where towering ironclads and modern marvels reshape battle and city life, young Ned dreams of commanding the unbeatable Kentucky and testing its might against the world’…
Level B2AdventureNed, Bob and Jerry on the Firing Line; Or, The Motor Boys Fighting for Uncle SamThree young soldiers train with fierce determination at Camp Dixton, preparing to face the brutal realities of war.
Level B1AdventureNed, Bob and Jerry at Boxwood Hall; Or, The Motor Boys as FreshmenThree adventurous young men face college life head-on when their parents send them to Boxwood Hall to grow up and settle down, only to find surprises, challenges, and unexpected fr…
Level B2AdventureNed in the Block-House: A Tale of Early Days in the WestTwo boys navigate the Kentucky wilderness in 1788, facing mysterious dangers as Ned’s rifle fails to fire yet a deer falls—wounded by an unseen force.
Level B1AdventureNed Wilding's Disappearance; or, The Darewell Chums in the CityWhen Bart accidentally wounds his hand with a new gun, his sister Alice steps in with first aid and determination, setting the stage for a gripping adventure as the Darewell chums…
Level B2AdventureNed Garth; Or, Made Prisoner in Africa: A Tale of the Slave TradeA young boy and his one-legged uncle spot a mysterious brig struggling against a fierce storm off the English coast, sparking a daring race to warn the coast guard and prepare for…
Level C1ClassicsNearly Lost but Dearly WonIn a decaying, dusty manor rumored to be haunted, the enigmatic Mr.
Level B2Children'sNearly Bedtime: Five Short Stories for the Little OnesA spirited six-year-old boy escapes early morning guardianship to secretly glean a farmer’s field, driven by a pure-hearted but mischievous plan.
Level C2PoetryNear Nature's Heart; A Volume of VerseImmerse yourself in vivid verses that celebrate the beauty and mystery of nature, capturing the songs of birds, the charm of wildlife, and the timeless rhythms of the natural world…
Level C1AdventureNeal, the Miller: A Son of LibertyIn pre-Revolutionary New Hampshire, young Neal Neal fights to build a grist-mill amid rising tensions and colonial unrest, joining the Sons of Liberty and racing to warn Boston of…
Level B2AdventureNavy boys to the rescueA group of young sailors on shore leave in England find themselves drawn into an unexpected adventure as they explore the countryside, encountering mysterious figures and reflectin…
Level C1HistoricalNaval songs and balladsExplore the vivid world of British naval history through ballads that capture sailors' exploits, popular opinion, and maritime life from the 16th to 19th centuries, blending histor…
Level B2AdventureNautilusA boy watching the river dreams of adventure beyond the shore, until a mysterious white-sailed schooner emerges from the fog, its eerie bronze figurehead seeming almost alive.
Level C1PoetryNaughty PuppiesDelight in a charming collection of playful poems and colorful illustrations that capture the mischievous adventures of naughty puppies, perfect for young children’s imaginations a…
Level B1Children'sNaughty Miss Bunny: A Story for Little ChildrenA spirited six-year-old girl, free from her usual lessons and supervision, embarks on a seaside holiday where her mischievous nature challenges a new governess determined to guide…
Level C1ClassicsNature's Serial StoryDiscover the healing power of the natural world through the eyes of Mr.
Level C1ClassicsNature and Human NatureAn old friend arrives with lively tales and sharp wit, promising a night of spirited conversation and humor.
Level C1ClassicsNature and ArtBorn into poverty and struggling on the London stage, Elizabeth Simpson battles hardship and societal expectations while pursuing her dreams.
Level C1HistoricalNature Myths and Stories for Little ChildrenDive into enchanting tales where nature’s wonders come alive through myths and stories for young minds, blending observation and imagination to reveal the beauty and secrets of the…
Level C1PhilosophyNatureStep into a world where nature is not just a backdrop but a profound teacher, inviting us to rediscover our original connection to the universe and find wisdom beyond tradition.
Level C2PhilosophyNatural history of intellect, and other papersExplore the laws and powers of the intellect as natural phenomena, revealing how the mind shapes and comprehends the universe itself.
Level C1PoetryNational Rhymes of the NurseryDelve into a charming collection of nursery rhymes that blend history, folklore, and playful jingles, revealing how simple verses transform over time into timeless melodies and tal…
Level C1PoetryNational EpicsExplore the origins and evolution of epic poetry, tracing heroic legends from ancient tribal hymns to grand national narratives.
Level C1ClassicsNathaniel Parker WillisExplore the vibrant life and literary career of a 19th-century American poet and journalist, tracing his rise to fame, family heritage, and the shifting tastes that led to his fadi…
Level C1ClassicsNathaniel HawthorneUncover the complex legacy of a New England family marked by both pioneering spirit and dark Puritan judgment, tracing the roots and early life of a boy born into this heritage on…
Level C1ClassicsNathaniel HawthorneAn enigmatic doctor invites four aged friends to partake in an experiment with an elixir promising youth, revealing the ironies of human nature and the shadows of past regrets.
Level C1ClassicsNathan the Wise; a dramatic poem in five actsIn a time of religious tension and cultural conflict, a wise and compassionate man seeks to bridge divides through reason and humanity.
Level C1ClassicsNatalie; Or, A Gem Among the Sea-WeedsAn infant, miraculously found adrift on the stormy shore, becomes the center of hope and mystery in a coastal town shadowed by shipwrecks.
Level B1Children'sNatalie: A Garden ScoutFifteen-year-old Natalie faces the harsh reality of leaving her city life and beloved school behind when her family’s fortune vanishes, forcing her to move to a remote farm.
Level B2RomanceNatalie PageA spirited sixteen-year-old girl defies expectations with her daring feats and free-spirited ways, yet faces a new chapter when her relatives decide she needs refinement—and a prop…
Level B2AdventureNat, The Trapper and Indian-FighterA rugged trapper navigates the perilous wilderness, hunted by hostile forces as he strives to survive against relentless foes and untamed dangers lurking at every turn.
Level B2AdventureNat the Naturalist: A Boy's Adventures in the Eastern SeasAn orphaned boy finds solace in his uncle’s garden, where curiosity for nature blooms amidst family tensions.
Level B2RomanceNat Wolfe; or, The gold hunters: A romance of Pike's Peak and New YorkNat Wolfe navigates the harsh frontier, encountering a struggling emigrant family bound for Pike’s Peak amidst perilous plains and scarce water.
Level C1ClassicsNat Goodwin's BookStep into the candid memoir of a seasoned actor who reflects on his checkered career, public scrutiny, and the complexities of marriage with unflinching honesty and wit.
Level C1HistoricalNarrative of Travels in Europe, Asia, and Africa, in the Seventeenth Century, Vol. IIEmbark on a vivid 17th-century journey from Constantinople to Brússa, exploring sacred sites, vibrant cultures, and the hardships of travel through Europe, Asia, and Africa, guided…
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.