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 B2Children'sLittle Folks AstrayMischievous children defy bedtime to hear stories and lessons from their elders, while a secret invitation promises a Christmas adventure to visit their Aunt Madge in the city.
Level B2Children'sLittle Fishers: and Their NetsIn a worn-down home where hope seems scarce, a mother's silent struggle unfolds amid hardship and despair.
Level B2Children'sLittle Ferns For Fanny's Little FriendsA gentle collection of heartfelt stories and reflections for children, where little Nelly’s love of nature and family reveals tender moments of childhood wonder and loss.
Level C1ClassicsLittle EyolfA father's infatuation and weakness mirror in his son, Little Eyolf, whose mysterious disappearance shakes the family and exposes hidden tensions.
Level B2Children'sLittle Eyebright and her pund o' careA young woman faces the challenges of family illness, household struggles, and strained relationships, all while preparing for a pivotal visit that could change her life forever.
Level C1PoetryLittle Engel: a ballad; with a series of epigrams from the PersianA bold young knight, Little Engel, seizes a maiden and seeks refuge in a church besieged by a hundred armed men.
Level B2Children'sLittle Downy: The History of a Field-MouseA clever little field mouse named Downy faces a looming threat when the farmer plans to thresh the wheat stack she calls home.
Level C1RomanceLittle DorritImprisoned by debt and bound by family duty, Little Dorrit navigates the harsh realities of life inside the Marshalsea prison while dreams of love and freedom flicker beyond its wa…
Level C1ClassicsLittle Dinners With the Sphinx, and Other Prose FanciesA man reunites with the enigmatic Sphinx over a delicate dinner, exploring the bittersweet passage of time, memory, and the mysticism found in shared moments.
Level B2HistoricalLittle Daffydowndilly: (From: "The Snow Image and Other Twice-Told Tales")A carefree boy who loves beauty and play is forced to face the harsh discipline of a strict schoolmaster named Mr.
Level A2Children'sLittle Crumbs, and Other Stories: Fully IllustratedDiscover a world of charming tales where children learn kindness, embark on small adventures, and imagine magical encounters—from mending a robin’s nest to visiting a lonely grandm…
Level B2Children'sLittle Citizens: The Humours of School LifeIn a bustling Lower East Side school, a dedicated teacher navigates the lively conflicts and heartfelt dramas of her diverse students, revealing the humor and challenges of childho…
Level B2Children'sLittle CinderellaA kind-hearted girl suffers under her cruel stepmother and stepsisters yet dreams of attending the royal ball.
Level B2AdventureLittle By Little; or, The Cruise of the FlyawayA determined young sailor faces the challenges of a stormy sea and friendship tested by daring choices and defiance.
Level B2Children'sLittle Button RoseA young girl named Rosamond arrives at her cousins' gloomy old house for a summer stay, navigating the chilly welcome and unfamiliar surroundings with courage and charm.
Level C1ClassicsLittle Brown JugIn a humble shoemaker’s shop, young Will Nutter dreams of escaping the slow, steady life of his trade to conquer the bustling city and its fierce bargains, while old friends debate…
Level C1ClassicsLittle BritainIn the heart of old London, a faded neighborhood called Little Britain preserves its ancient charm, quirky customs, and ghostly legends amidst crumbling mansions and timeworn stree…
Level B2AdventureLittle Bobtail; or, The Wreck of the Penobscot.A young man defies his wealthy father's fierce prohibition to associate with the family of his rival, risking disinheritance and scandal.
PoetryLittle Bo-Peep: A Nursery Rhyme Picture BookCharming nursery rhymes come to life with whimsical illustrations, weaving familiar tales of Little Bo-Peep's lost sheep, playful hens, and bedtime adventures that delight young re…
Level A2Children'sLittle Black SamboA clever boy outwits four greedy tigers by trading his colorful clothes, only to watch them quarrel and spin themselves into a pool of melted butter.
Level B2Children'sLittle Bessie, the Careless Girl, or, Squirrels, Nuts, and Water-CressesIn a colorful autumn forest, spirited Bessie and her friend Nellie set out on a nut-gathering adventure, discovering curious creatures and learning about friendship, mischief, and…
Level C1HistoricalLittle Annie's Ramble (From "Twice Told Tales")A curious little girl named Annie embarks on a lively ramble through a bustling town filled with exotic creatures, colorful shops, and enchanting sights.
PoetryLittle Ann, and Other PoemsStep into a charming collection of poems that explore childhood adventures, gentle lessons, and the simple joys of nature through vivid, heartfelt verses that capture the innocence…
Level B1Children'sLittle Almond Blossoms: A Book of Chinese Stories for ChildrenA young boy named Chung Goy embarks on a magical journey atop a fire-breathing dragon during a vibrant Chinese dragon procession, discovering a wondrous land filled with friendly d…
Level C1Children'sLittle AliensIn a bustling school where teachers and mothers often clash, one dedicated educator strives to understand each child's unique needs, uncovering hidden challenges like poor eyesight…
Level B2Children'sLittle Alice's Palace; or, The Sunny HeartIn a humble cottage by the roadside, Little Alice finds joy and friendship in nature and faith, turning to imagined companions and a hopeful heart despite her lonely, poor life.
Level B2Children'sLittle AlfredA young boy’s joyful summer days by the river are filled with flowers, laughter, and family love, while at home he learns about the harsh realities faced by less fortunate children…
Level B1Children'sLittle "Why-because"A restless young girl named Hecla struggles to sit still and focus on her sewing, all while asking endless questions about the world around her.
Level C1HistoricalLiterature in the Making, by Some of Its MakersExplore candid conversations with renowned authors revealing their personal insights on writing, creativity, and the impact of war on literature, bridging the gap between literary…
Level C1Children'sLiterature for ChildrenNavigate the world of children’s literature and discover how great books can cultivate a lifelong love for reading, enriching a child's spare hours with poetry, myths, and timeless…
Level C1ClassicsLiterature and Life (Complete)Explore the intimate connections between literature and everyday existence through a series of essays and sketches that reveal the poetry hidden in common life, inviting readers to…
Level C1HistoricalLiterary values, and other papersExplore the enduring essence of literature as this collection examines the timeless qualities that allow certain works and authors to transcend their era, highlighting the virtues…
Level C1HistoricalLiterary studies, volume 2 (of 2)Explore the rise and fall of the South-Sea Company through the lens of Edward Gibbon’s family history, revealing the wild speculation, financial mania, and political intrigue that…
Level C1HistoricalLiterary studies, volume 1 (of 2)Dive into a collection of essays revealing the imaginative mind behind sharp political and economic insights, blending humor, speculation, and vivid judgment to illuminate the comp…
Level C1HistoricalLiterary and Social EssaysExplore the tranquil life of Concord, Massachusetts—a quiet New England town untouched by industrial bustle, where the slow river winds through meadows and poets find inspiration a…
Level C1PhilosophyLiterary and Philosophical Essays: French, German and ItalianDive into intimate reflections and candid self-portraits that explore human nature, friendship, and the unpredictability of fortune, as one man wrestles with life's uncertainties a…
Level C1HistoricalLiterary and General Lectures and EssaysStep back to ancient Athens, where the theater is a sacred stage for gods and mortals alike, filled with citizens, philosophers, and artists.
Level C1ClassicsLiterary Taste: How to Form It: With Detailed Instructions for Collecting a Complete Library of English LiteratureDiscover how literary taste shapes a deeper, more vivid experience of life, transforming mere distraction into a vital awakening to the world’s hidden beauty and meaning.
Level C1ClassicsLiterary Shrines: The Haunts of Some Famous American AuthorsExplore Concord, a tranquil village that served as the home and inspiration for some of America's greatest literary minds, including Thoreau, whose presence lingers in its landscap…
Level B2HistoricalLiterary New York: Its Landmarks and AssociationsExplore the origins of New York through its earliest literary figure, Jacob Steendam, a poet who brought creativity to the struggling Dutch colony of New Amsterdam as it transforme…
Level C1ClassicsLiterary Love-Letters and Other StoriesAmidst social gatherings and whispered intrigues, a man rekindles memories of a past love through tender literary letters, capturing the complexities of affection, ambition, and th…
Level B2ClassicsLiterary LapsesA nervous man’s attempt to open a bank account spirals into chaos, revealing his comic ineptitude in navigating the intimidating world of finance.
Level C1HistoricalLiterary Hearthstones of DixieExplore the rich legacy of Southern writers whose heartfelt poetry and prose illuminate the hopes, loves, and struggles of the South’s past.
Level C1HistoricalLiterary Friends and Acquaintance; a Personal Retrospect of American AuthorshipImmerse yourself in vivid recollections of New England’s literary giants, as a devoted poet and journalist reflects on friendships, ambitions, and the vibrant world of American let…
Level C1PoetryLiterary Fables of YriarteExplore sharp, witty fables crafted to expose the follies of scholars through clever animal allegories, blending moral lessons with graceful verse in a unique collection translated…
Level C1ClassicsLiterary CopyrightAt the dawn of a new literary society, writers and artists unite to elevate art and literature through shared standards, honest critique, and mutual support.
Level C1ClassicsLiterary Character of Men of Genius: Drawn from Their Own Feelings and ConfessionsExplore the inner lives and diverse characters of literary geniuses, revealing how their passions, fortunes, and unique minds shape their art and influence human nature.
Level C1HistoricalLiterary Celebrities of the English Lake-DistrictExplore the enchanting Lake District through vivid portraits of its literary giants, from Wordsworth’s cherished cottage to the elusive Thomas De Quincey’s solitary wanderings and…
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.