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 B2RomanceLoved you better than you knewSeventeen-year-old Cinthia Dawn, trapped in a dull, sheltered life under her strict aunt’s watch, longs for beauty, excitement, and love beyond her gray existence—until a stormy da…
Level B2ClassicsLoved and lostLady Gwendolyn’s poised demeanor masks a tangled web of love, jealousy, and secrets as she navigates high society’s intrigues and a mysterious adventure beneath the elm tree.
Level C1RomanceLove-at-armsIn a tense mountain hideout, six nobles await a secret visitor whose arrival is shadowed by danger and betrayal.
Level C1PoetryLove-Songs of ChildhoodDelight in charming poems that capture the magic of childhood—from dreamy lullabies and playful games to nature’s gentle songs and the joyful mischief of youth—each verse a tender…
Level C1RomanceLove-Letters Between a Nobleman and His SisterAmidst the turmoil of rebellion in Paris, a young nobleman defies honor and law, entangled in a forbidden passion for his wife’s sister.
Level C1ClassicsLove,—and the Philosopher: A Study in SentimentIn a tranquil English garden, a skeptical Philosopher challenges a gentle woman's sentimental view of love and life, sparking a quiet tension between reason and feeling that explor…
Level C1RomanceLove, the FiddlerIn a fading seaport town, a devoted chief engineer longs to win the heart of the beautiful Florence, who suddenly inherits a vast fortune—threatening to change everything in their…
Level C1ClassicsLove, and Other StoriesIn the soft April night, a young man wrestles with the intoxicating, elusive feeling of first love as he pens letters to Sasha, weaving a tender tale of secret meetings and heartfe…
Level C1PoetryLove, Worship and Death: Some Renderings from the Greek AnthologyExplore the tender and intimate world of ancient Greece through lyrical poems that reveal timeless themes of love, friendship, nature, and devotion, capturing the personal spirit a…
Level C1RomanceLove's labor wonAt a grand reception in the new American Republic, the captivating Marguerite De Lancie commands attention with her striking beauty and fierce independence, navigating a world of p…
Level C1PoetryLove's crucifixDive into a tender exploration of unspoken love and enduring devotion, where dreams blur with reality and a silent muse holds the secret to a poet’s longing.
Level B2RomanceLove's bitterest cupA newlywed doctor and teacher find their quiet plans upended by a whirlwind of lively winter celebrations, as neighbors compete to host unforgettable parties in their honor.
Level C1ClassicsLove's UsuriesA once-bohemian artist transformed by fame and fortune reflects on the sacrifices and madness entwined with love and success, revealing the hidden stories of those who suffered for…
Level C1RomanceLove's ShadowIn a small Knightsbridge flat, Edith navigates the delicate balance of marriage, motherhood, and the alluring influence of her captivating friend Hyacinth, whose charm stirs romanc…
Level C1ClassicsLove's Meinie: Three Lectures on Greek and English BirdsExplore the delicate world of English and Greek birds through vivid lectures that blend natural history with language, art, and philosophy.
Level C2ClassicsLove's Labour's LostFour noblemen swear to forsake love and live in scholarly seclusion for three years, but their resolve is tested by the very passions they vow to deny in a court set to become a ha…
Level B2RomanceLove's Golden ThreadAs Bernard comes of age and inherits his fortune, he proposes to his beloved Doris, setting their future together amidst hopes, challenges, and the expectations of family.
Level C1ClassicsLove's ComedyA biting satire exposes the trivialities and hypocrisies of love and marriage in society, arguing paradoxically that true happiness lies in loveless unions and enduring love exists…
Level C1RomanceLove under FireCaught behind enemy lines with crucial intelligence to deliver, a lone soldier risks everything amid whispers of danger and duty.
Level C2PoetryLove or Fame; and Other PoemsA young girl stands on the brink of womanhood, caught between the innocent joys of girlhood and the restless longing for a deeper life.
Level C1ClassicsLove of the WildIn a wilderness threatened by encroaching civilization, a young woodsman struggles to protect the wild creatures and preserve the untamed spirit of nature that defines his world.
Level B2AdventureLove of Life, and Other StoriesTwo men trek through a harsh, frozen wilderness, burdened and exhausted, when one is left behind with a sprained ankle.
Level B2ClassicsLove of BrothersUnder a haunting moonlit sky, young Patsy braves eerie legends and ghostly terrors to find his runaway goat, navigating a world where superstition and reality entwine on the shadow…
Level C2PoetryLove in the Suds: a Town Eclogue.: Being the Lamentation of Roscius for the Loss of His Nyky.In a biting poetic lament, a playwright named Roscius mourns the loss of his beloved Nyky amidst the intrigues and rivalries of London's theatrical world, exposing the power strugg…
Level B2RomanceLove in a MuddleCaught in a tense midnight encounter beneath watchful searchlights, a young woman struggles against the confines of her oppressive home life and a strict military world.
Level B2RomanceLove in a Mask; Or, Imprudence and HappinessOn a lively Mardi Gras night in Paris, a young cavalry officer is drawn into the mysterious allure of a masked woman determined to remain free from love's chains—sparking a flirtat…
Level B2RomanceLove in a Cloud: A Comedy in FiligreeIn a society buzzing with gossip about a mysterious novel, a spirited young woman defies convention by secretly writing to its elusive author, sparking intrigue, secrets, and playf…
Level C1RomanceLove in Idleness: A Bar Harbour TaleAn earnest young artist arrives at a summer retreat managed by the peculiar Miss Miners sisters, whose lives and personalities promise a mix of charm, wit, and unexpected intrigue…
Level C1RomanceLove in Excess; or, the Fatal Enquiry: A Novel in Three PartsAmidst the glittering court of Paris, a famed and charming Count returns from war to find himself the object of secret, intense admiration—yet he remains oblivious to the passionat…
Level C1ClassicsLove for Love: A ComedyWitty and sharp, this comedy unveils the follies and ambitions of lovers and poets alike, set against the backdrop of a newly opened theatre promising humor, satire, and a lively p…
Level B2RomanceLove conquers pride; or, Where peace dweltA young factory girl torn between her humble reality and dreams of love finds herself caught in a world of jealousy, ambition, and secret longings during a fleeting visit to the co…
Level C1ClassicsLove at Second SightAmidst sharp quarrels and unexpected crashes in a quiet home, Edith navigates the complexities of her son's mischievous nature and the enigmatic guest, Madame Frabelle, whose prese…
Level C1RomanceLove at PaddingtonIn lively Praed Street near Paddington Station, Gertie navigates family ties, unexpected visitors, and whispered scandals that threaten to upend her quiet Sunday afternoon.
Level B2RomanceLove and tea: A comedy-drama of colonial times in two actsIn a colonial village torn by revolution, a tea-loving spinster’s secret habit sparks conflict and romance as her niece’s engagement to a fiery Minuteman challenges loyalties.
Level C1MysteryLove and hatredIn a tangled web of friendship and unspoken desires, a sudden confession of love shatters the delicate balance between Laura, her husband Godfrey, and his enigmatic friend Oliver,…
Level C1RomanceLove and Mr. LewishamAn ambitious young schoolmaster meticulously plans his rise to greatness through relentless study and self-discipline, only to find that the unpredictable force of love soon challe…
Level C1RomanceLove and LucyIn the midst of a lively London dinner party, the Macartneys navigate the delicate balance between middle-class propriety and the hidden depths of their souls, unveiling the romant…
Level C1RomanceLove and Life: An Old Story in Eighteenth Century CostumeIn eighteenth-century England, a maiden named Psyche is whisked away to a mysterious palace by a secretive husband whose love and identity remain hidden—until curiosity and jealous…
Level B2ClassicsLove and Intrigue: A TragedyIn a tense household, a music teacher fears his daughter’s romance with a noble major will ruin her reputation and their family’s honor, igniting a clash between love, social class…![Cover of Love and Freindship [sic] by Jane Austen](https://dsx1pat3ljtul.cloudfront.net/books/da4g61ae2hvc73bmvsu0.webp)
Level C1RomanceLove and Freindship [sic]A young woman recounts her tumultuous life through letters, revealing beauty, talent, and misfortune in a quiet Welsh valley.
Level C1RomanceLove Works Wonders: A NovelAn aristocratic gentleman hires a refined governess to tame his wild, uncultured niece—a girl raised in scandal and neglect.
Level A2PoetryLove Sonnets of an Office BoyDive into the heartfelt and whimsical world of an office boy's love, captured in a series of sonnets that reveal the charm, longing, and everyday poetry found amidst the humdrum of…
Level C2PoetryLove SongsDive into a world where beauty and longing intertwine through delicate, evocative verses that explore love’s joys and sorrows—from whispered kisses to silent yearnings beneath star…
Level C1RomanceLove Me Little, Love Me LongTorn between two guardians' contrasting worlds before her marriage, Lucy Fountain navigates family tensions and unexpected childhood chaos, discovering love's complexities amid soc…
Level C1RomanceLove Letters of a Violinist, and Other PoemsDiscover the mysterious love letters of a violinist, whose poetic confessions blend classical beauty with heartfelt passion, drawing readers into an ethereal world of music, dreams…
Level B1ClassicsLove Letters of a Rookie to JulieIn the midst of army camp life, a rookie soldier pens heartfelt, humorous letters to his beloved Julie, capturing the trials of training, quirky comrades, and the bittersweet momen…
Level C1ClassicsLove Letters of Nathaniel Hawthorne, Volume 2 (of 2)Journey to a remote homestead where a husband braves harsh winters, learns farm life, and pours his heart into tender letters filled with love, hope, and the promise of spring’s ar…
Level C1ClassicsLove Letters of Nathaniel Hawthorne, Volume 1 (of 2)Discover the intimate courtship of a renowned writer through a collection of heartfelt and humorous love letters, revealing the tender, witty, and private side of a literary figure…
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.