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'sLeft Tackle ThayerA homesick Virginia boy arrives at a Northern prep school, feeling out of place and lonely as he explores the unfamiliar campus and athletic fields.
Level B2Children'sLeft End EdwardsA young boy prepares for college at Brimfield Academy, balancing his father's strict expectations for serious study with his own curiosity about the school's athletic opportunities…
Level B2AdventureLeft Behind; Or, Ten Days a NewsboyA young boy is accidentally left behind in bustling New York City while his family sails to Europe.
Level C1RomanceLed Astray and The Sphinx: Two Novellas In One VolumeA man embarks on a mission to investigate the mysterious ruins of Rozel Abbey, uncovering secrets hidden in a rustic Norman landscape while navigating local indifference and unexpe…
Level C1HistoricalLectures on the English Poets; Delivered at the Surrey InstitutionExplore the vivid world of English poetry as it unfolds from Chaucer to the living poets, revealing how imagination and passion shape our deepest human experiences through verse.
Level C1HistoricalLectures on Russian Literature: Pushkin, Gogol, Turgenef, TolstoyExplore the soul's journey through Russian literature as it unfolds from joyous youth to profound spiritual striving, guided by the works of Pushkin, Gogol, Turgenef, and Tolstoy,…
Level C2PoetryLectures on Poetry: Read in the Schools of Natural Philosophy at OxfordDelve into the intricate art of poetry as explored through engaging lectures that balance classical wisdom with original insight.
Level C1HistoricalLectures on English poetsExplore a series of insightful lectures revealing the essence and impact of English poets through vivid imagery, thoughtful criticism, and poetic prose, delivered by a scholar-poet…
Level C1HistoricalLectures on Dramatic Art and LiteratureExplore the evolution of dramatic art from ancient Greek tragedies to Shakespearean masterpieces, uncovering the spirit of true criticism, theatrical effects, and the cultural forc…
Level C1PhilosophyLectures and biographical sketchesExplore the mysterious realm where dreams blur reality, revealing strange connections between memory, nature, and consciousness.
Level C1HistoricalLectures and EssaysExplore the rise of Rome through a detailed examination of its geography, people, and enduring power—uncovering what truly launched and sustained one of history's greatest empires…
Level C1HistoricalLectures Delivered in America in 1874Explore the reverence for history and the spirit of youthful independence as a visitor reflects on the enduring legacy of ancient civilizations and the bright promise of a young Am…
Level C2PoetryLeaves of GrassA vibrant celebration of individuality, democracy, and the human spirit unfolds through expansive, free-flowing verse that explores life, nature, war, and the boundless sea, inviti…
Level C1ClassicsLeaves in the WindA solitary train journey through a calm summer night turns into a whimsical battle of wits between a man and a persistent mosquito, blending humor and reflection in a world paused…
Level B2AdventureLeaves from a middy's logA midshipman aboard a British frigate in the Caribbean faces sudden peril when a mutiny aboard an English merchant ship threatens chaos.
Level C1PoetryLeaves for a Christmas Bough: Love, Truth, and HopeCelebrate the joys and lessons of childhood through heartfelt letters, sketches, and reminiscences that capture the spirit of Christmas and the warmth of friendship, kindness, and…
Level C1AdventureLeatherface: A Tale of Old FlandersIn the tense darkness before dawn, a daring plot unfolds as six hundred silent arquebusiers prepare to strike the rebellious Prince of Orange's camp, where only a mysterious figure…
Level C1ClassicsLearning and Other EssaysExplore the profound connection between tradition, language, and art as this collection reflects on how learning transmits the echoes of ancient culture and shapes the very fabric…
Level C1HistoricalLeah Mordecai: A NovelIn a rainy day at a fashionable girls’ school, Leah Mordecai, a young Jewish girl often feeling like an outcast, navigates friendships and social boundaries while awaiting a ride h…
Level C1HistoricalLe chevalier de Maison-RougeIn the turbulent aftermath of the French king's execution, a daring attempt to rescue the imprisoned Marie Antoinette unfolds amid the horrors of the Reign of Terror, revealing a t…
Level C1ClassicsLe SelveIn a bleak, cold night, an aged peasant lies dying alone in a filthy, uncaring household, where family indifference and harsh survival shape their grim world.
Level C1Children'sLe Petit Chose (Histoire d'un Enfant)A delicate and determined boy faces hardship and ridicule as he leaves provincial life for Paris, carrying only a dream to restore his family's fortune and a small sum in his pocke…
Level C1FantasyLe Morte d'Arthur: Volume 2In a world of chivalry and fierce battles, Sir Tristram faces mysterious knights, tests his honor, and confronts foes both known and unknown.
Level C1FantasyLe Morte d'Arthur: Volume 1Enter a world of chivalry and magic where King Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table embark on quests of honor, love, and destiny, weaving a timeless tapestry of medieval adven…
Level C1RomanceLe Morte Darthur: Sir Thomas Malory's Book of King Arthur and his Noble: Knights of the Round TableJourney into the epic saga of chivalry, where noble knights clash, love and loyalty intertwine, and the fate of King Arthur’s realm unfolds through vivid tales of honor, passion, a…
Level C2FantasyLe Corbeau = The RavenIn a midnight chamber haunted by sorrow for lost Lenore, a mysterious raven appears, its eerie presence stirring dreams and fears beyond mortal reckoning.
Level C1RomanceLe Cocu (Novels of Paul de Kock Volume XVIII)In a candid exploration of love, fidelity, and society’s hypocrisies, a husband faces the tumultuous reality of his wife’s unfaithfulness, challenging the boundaries between laught…
Level C1ClassicsLazy Thoughts of a Lazy Girl: Sister of that "Idle Fellow."A witty and skeptical young woman reflects on love, marriage, and society’s expectations with sharp humor and refreshing honesty, challenging the tender passions that bind most to…
Level B1Children'sLazy Robert; or, The Colonel's servantA mischievous boy struggles with his studies and temper while trying to mend his bond with his loyal dog, Major.
PoetryLazy Matilda, and Other TalesDive into whimsical poems that bring to life mischievous children, magical creatures, and timeless tales, inviting readers to explore lessons and laughter through vivid, playful st…
Level C1HistoricalLazarreIn the shadowed naves of St.
Level C1HistoricalLays of the Scottish Cavaliers and Other PoemsAmid the devastating defeat at the Battle of Flodden in 1513, Scottish nobles and commoners alike face harrowing loss and unyielding valor.
Level C1PoetryLays of ancient Virginia, and other poemsExplore a poetic journey through Virginia’s rich history and nature, where myth and devotion intertwine in vivid scenes—from Jamestown’s legacy to enchanted woods and prophetic vis…
Level C1HistoricalLays of Ancient RomeDive into the legendary tales and myths surrounding the founding and early history of Rome, where gods mingle with mortals, heroes defend the city, and ancient battles shape the de…
PoetryLays of Ancient Babyland: to which are added Small Divers Histories not known to the AncientsStep into a world of enchanting tales and whimsical poetry, where beloved fables like Little Red Riding Hood and Jack the Giant-Killer come to life alongside curious histories and…
Level C2PoetryLays from the WestJourney through vivid memories and longing as a soul wanders from the wild prairies back to the cherished landscapes and heartfelt songs of the Green Isle, blending nature’s beauty…
Level C1PoetryLays and Legends of the English Lake Country: With Copious NotesDiscover the turbulent history and enduring legends of England’s Lake District, where ancient clans, border feuds, and rugged landscapes shape a land rich in stories and heritage,…
Level C1PoetryLays and Legends (Second Series)Discover a rich tapestry of poems weaving love, loss, faith, and life’s struggles, from haunting ballads to tender lullabies, all echoing voices from everyday souls and timeless le…
Level C1RomanceLayamon's BrutAmid fierce battles and shifting loyalties, a noble king rises to unite Britain, only to face betrayal and the challenge of securing his young heirs' future in a land rife with con…
Level B2PhilosophyLay Morals, and Other PapersExplore profound reflections on courage, compassion, and humanity as a traveler confronts the harsh realities of leprosy in remote islands, challenging societal fears and embracing…
Level C1HistoricalLay Down Your Arms: The Autobiography of Martha von TillingAmid the looming shadows of war in Europe, a vivid narrative reveals the devastating impact of conscription and conflict on families and societies, urging a powerful plea for peace…![Cover of Laxdæla Saga by Muriel A. C. [Translator] Press](https://dsx1pat3ljtul.cloudfront.net/books/da70d99bccoc73eloslg.webp)
Level C1HistoricalLaxdæla SagaIn a time of rising tyranny under King Harald, chieftain Ketill Flatnose and his kin face a fateful choice: flee their homeland or face destruction.
Level C1PhilosophyLawsDelve into a rigorous dialogue among representatives of Athens, Crete, and Sparta as they debate the foundations of law, governance, and society, revealing a shift from youthful id…
Level C1RomanceLawrence ClaveringA haunting portrait captures a young man’s torment, hinting at a life marked by passion, exile, and painful secrets.
Level C1ClassicsLaviniaIn a village celebrating a national triumph, Lavinia Carew faces personal turmoil as her unconventional friend Féodorovna shocks society by boldly defying norms, stirring scandal a…
Level C1AdventureLavengro: The Scholar, the Gypsy, the PriestA restless adventurer weaves through vivid encounters with gypsies, scholars, and priests, blurring reality and fantasy in a world full of strange folk and wild tales.
Level B2RomanceLavender and Old LaceA city woman spends summer in her aunt's weathered countryside home, navigating rustic life and quirky locals—starting with a cautious carriage ride and a mysterious letter that hi…
Level C1HistoricalLaurence Sterne in Germany: A Contribution to the Study of the Literary Relations of: England and Germany in the Eighteenth CenturyExplore the vibrant literary exchange between England and Germany in the eighteenth century, tracing Laurence Sterne’s influence and the cultural currents that shaped the German re…
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.