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 B2AdventureThree Boys; Or, The Chiefs of the Clan MackhaiAt the ancient Dunroe Castle, young Kenneth Mackhai navigates clan rivalries and family expectations amid the rugged Scottish landscape.
Level B2AdventureThree Boys in the Wild North LandThree boys from different lands embark on a thrilling adventure to the remote northern wilderness, guided by the experienced Mr.
Level C1PoetryThreads of Grey and GoldExperience the rich traditions and heartfelt rituals of New Year’s celebrations across Scotland and England, where ancient customs blend with community spirit, mystery, and hope as…
Level B2RomanceThreads gathered upYears after her father's disgrace and death, Virgie has built a peaceful life in San Francisco—until a mysterious, bedraggled stranger arrives on a stormy night claiming to be her…
Level C1PhilosophyThoughts: Selected from the writings of favorite authorsExplore a treasury of uplifting reflections and timeless wisdom that inspire peace, happiness, and moral growth through the power of thoughtful living and positive thinking.
Level C1PoetryThoughts, Moods and Ideals: Crimes of LeisureExplore a stirring poetic journey that captures the awakening spirit of a new nation, weaving visions of home, identity, and the timeless call of the native land amid vivid landsca…
Level C1ClassicsThoughts Suggested by Mr. Froude's "Progress"Explore a profound meditation on humanity’s belief in progress, questioning whether history unfolds with purpose or if civilization merely repeats its weary cycles without true adv…
Level C1FantasyThoth: A RomanceIn a world shaped by ancient intellect and ruthless ambition, a powerful lineage seeks to replace humanity with a superior race trained in supreme intelligence.
Level C1ClassicsThose about TrenchA young pediatrician haunted by loss and determined to remain detached finds his resolve tested during a solitary fishing trip where nature’s subtle beauty and harsh realities inte…
Level C1ClassicsThose Who Smiled, and Eleven Other StoriesIn a sun-drenched North Italian village under German occupation, two officers stage a tense arrest that blends farce and menace, revealing the iron grip of military power amid sile…
Level C1ClassicsThose Times and TheseIn a Southern town where every face is familiar, the revered Judge Priest carries the weight of his past as both a respected jurist and a once-fierce fighter.
Level C1ClassicsThose Other AnimalsExplore a fresh perspective on the animal kingdom, challenging common prejudices and revealing surprising truths about creatures like the elephant—whose strength and size mask a ti…
Level C1ClassicsThose Extraordinary TwinsA whimsical tale unfolds around a bizarre pair of twins sharing one body, sparking confusion, love, and identity struggles in a small community.
Level B2RomanceThose Dale GirlsTwo lively sisters navigate the challenges of college life, society expectations, and family worries as they settle into a new town and try to bring joy to their preoccupied father…
Level B2RomanceThose Brewster ChildrenAmid the cozy chaos of a winter afternoon, a mother’s gentle authority is tested by the spirited antics of her three lively children.
Level C1HistoricalThorstein of the mereAs Northmen flee their homeland under King Harald's conquest, Swein and his family settle in the wild, unclaimed lands of Lakeland.
Level C1ClassicsThorpe RegisIn a village clinging to its fading past, the arrival of the railway in a neighboring town sparks a quiet battle between old traditions and relentless progress.
Level C1HistoricalThoroughbredsIn the quiet village of Brookfield, horse racing divides families and neighbors, pitting honest passion against strict morality.
Level B2RomanceThorns of regretIn a tale of ambition and shattered love, a self-made man marries for wealth but neglects the wife who secures his fortune, setting the stage for a gripping drama of regret, betray…
Level C1MysteryThornley ColtonA blind man with a brilliant mind navigates New York’s elite, solving baffling mysteries for sport without fees.
Level C1ClassicsThorley WeirOn the hottest June day, Arthur Craddock, a meticulous art critic with a flair for both aesthetics and public taste, embarks on a journey that promises to stir his keen sensibiliti…
Level C1ClassicsThomas Wingfold, Curate V3A heartfelt sermon stirs deep doubts and hopes in a congregation wrestling with sin, redemption, and fractured family ties.
Level C1ClassicsThomas Wingfold, Curate V2In a quiet lodge, Rachel and her thoughtful uncle explore themes of imperfection, hope, and spiritual longing, while the arrival of Mr.
Level C1ClassicsThomas Wingfold, Curate V1Amid a roaring November wind, Helen Lingard wrestles with restless thoughts and quiet dissatisfaction in her sheltered world, challenged by the stirrings of deeper reflection and t…
ClassicsThomas Wingfold, CurateAmid the restless winds and autumnal gloom, Helen Lingard wrestles with her own quiet discontent, finding solace and reflection by the fireside as the world outside rages.
Level C2PoetryThomas Stanley: His Original Lyrics, Complete, In Their Collated Readings of 1647, 1651, 1657.: With an Introduction, Textual Notes, a List of Editions, an Appendix of Translations, and a Portrait.Explore a rich collection of evocative lyrics and translations that delve into love, despair, ambition, and art amidst the turbulence of 17th-century England.
Level C1ClassicsThomas Otway: The Best Plays of the Old DramatistsExplore the turbulent Restoration era, where art and morality clash amid political corruption and fading glory.
Level C1PoetryThomas MooreFrom a humble Dublin childhood to celebrated poet, this biography explores the rise, friendships, and enduring legacy of the man behind the Irish Melodies.
Level C1HistoricalThomas Lord CromwellA young scholar defies his humble blacksmith roots, dreaming of rising from modest beginnings to build a grand legacy amid the clamor of daily toil and the tides of fate in Tudor E…
Level B2AdventureThomas Jefferson BrownA carefree wanderer with a noble past, Thomas Jefferson Brown drifts through life spreading cheer and kindness, until a chance encounter with a captivating woman stirs something de…
Level C1ClassicsThomas DekkerStep into the turbulent life of a playwright whose early promise is shadowed by debt and hardship, yet whose resilient spirit and heartfelt creativity shine through adversity.
Level C1HistoricalThomas Davis, selections from his prose and poetryDive into the passionate writings of a visionary Irish patriot who reshaped history, literature, and politics through poetry and prose.
Level C1ClassicsThomas CarlyleExplore the life and influence of a towering 19th-century Scottish thinker whose complex genius shaped generations, navigating criticism, personal trials, and profound intellectual…
Level C1PhilosophyThomas CarlyleExplore the early life and intellectual roots of a fiercely original Scottish thinker whose writings once baffled critics and reshaped literary standards, tracing his journey from…
Level C1ClassicsThomas CampbellExplore the rich heritage and life of a renowned Scottish poet, tracing his noble ancestry, early influences, and the family’s ties to historic Scotland amid the shifting tides of…
Level C1ClassicsThistledown: A Book of Scotch Humour, Character, Folk-lore, Story & AnecdoteDive into the rich humor and character of Scotland, where wit blooms in every corner—from solemn councils to village inns.
Level B2Children'sThistle and Rose: A Story for GirlsA young girl leaves her quiet London life and strict governess behind to embrace the unknown countryside, new relatives, and the promise of friendship and freedom at Waverley.
Level C1ClassicsThis and That and the OtherA witty and wide-ranging collection of essays and reflections offers sharp insights on diplomacy, society, and history, blending humor, serious thought, and personal anecdotes in a…
Level C1HistoricalThis Then is Upland Pastures: Being some out-door essays dealing with the beautiful things that the spring and summer bringAwaken your senses to the tender charm of spring as woodsy meadows come alive with delicate blooms and whispered secrets of nature’s renewal.
Level B2PhilosophyThis Simian WorldExplore a world where humanity's simian ancestry shapes civilization's quirks and limitations, as two friends ponder the evolutionary forces that forged our species and the curious…
Level C1RomanceThis Side of ParadiseAmory Blaine, a charming and delicate boy raised amid wealth and cultured idleness, navigates the complexities of privilege, identity, and the restless search for meaning in a worl…
Level B2Science FictionThis One ProblemOn a lawless asteroid outpost, comptroller Marc Polder balances fragile alliances with criminals to protect vital resources amid growing threats of piracy and war, while idealistic…
Level C1RomanceThis Man's WifeIn the quaint village of King’s Castor, a young curate named Christie Bayle finds solace among its old gardens and reserved folk, setting the stage for unexpected connections and h…
Level C1ClassicsThis Is the EndJay, a questioning 'bus-conductor estranged from her family, navigates a world where reason fails and secret, enchanted realms offer solace and mystery beyond ordinary life’s chaos…
Level B2MysteryThis House to LetIn a quiet London square, an empty house with a broken window hides a mysterious secret.
Level C1ClassicsThirty Years in AustraliaA newlywed Englishwoman embarks on an uncertain journey to Australia, leaving behind the comforts of home for the mysterious and untamed Bush.
Level C1ClassicsThirty Years Since; or, The Ruined Family. A TaleIn the sprawling, restless heart of London, a young man sets out at dawn from a Piccadilly hotel, carrying not just his belongings but the weight of a troubled past.
Level C1PhilosophyThirty Letters on Various Subjects, Vol. 2 (of 2)Explore the vivid reflections of a once-celebrated poet whose emblematic verses mix fiery imagery with profound meditations on life, death, and art, inviting readers to rediscover…
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