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 B2ClassicsLaurel Vane; or, The Girls' ConspiracyAt midnight, a gifted man’s life ends, leaving his innocent daughter alone to face a harsh, unkind world.
Level C1HistoricalLaura Secord, the heroine of 1812: A Drama; and Other PoemsAmid the turmoil of the War of 1812, a brave woman undertakes a perilous journey to warn of an impending attack, risking everything to protect her homeland and secure the future of…
Level C1ClassicsLaura Middleton; Her Brother and her LoverIn a grand country estate, old acquaintances rekindle a complex relationship amid family secrets and unexpected visitors, where desire and intrigue intertwine behind closed doors.
Level C1HistoricalLaura Everingham; or, The Highlanders of Glen OraAmid the wild, rugged Highlands of Glen Ora, two foster brothers watch wary English visitors as tensions simmer beneath the ancient landscape, hinting at fierce conflicts and dark…
Level B1AdventureLaunch the lifeboat!As storm waves crash and sea birds warn of danger, an old fisherman shares thrilling tales of coastal rescue and the brave lifeboat crews who answer the call to save lives from shi…
Level C1PhilosophyLaughter: An Essay on the Meaning of the ComicExplore the nature of laughter and the comic through a philosophical lens that reveals how humor springs from distinctly human traits, unaffected by emotion, and offers insight int…
Level C1MysteryLaughing Bill Hyde and Other StoriesA cunning ex-convict with a sharp wit and a knack for mischief escapes his past and embarks on a restless journey through the American West, using charm and trickery to survive in…
Level C1PoetryLaughable LyricsWhimsical creatures and curious adventures abound in a world where a forlorn Dong wanders with a glowing nose, searching for his lost love, while two old bachelors embark on a hila…
Level B1PoetryLaugh and playSibling rivalry and childhood creativity collide as Dulcie struggles between her budding poetic ambitions and the simple joy of play, while her brother Harold invites her into a wo…
Level C1PoetryLauds and libelsA sharp and witty collection of poems offers reflections on society, culture, and wartime life, blending humor and critique in verses that capture the complexities of men, women, a…
Level C1RomanceLatter-Day SweetheartsAmidst the glittering world of New York high society, Helen Carstairs escapes a stifling home life and an unwanted marriage prospect to embark on a European journey, only to find h…
Level B2RomanceLatitude 19°: A Romance of the West Indies in the Year of Our Lord Eighteen Hundred and TwentyStranded in the West Indies in 1820, a castaway recounts harrowing adventures amid pirate caves, mystical rites, and colonial courts, all while grappling with danger and an unexpec…
Level A2ClassicsLatin for BeginnersMaster the fundamentals of Latin pronunciation, grammar, and syntax through clear lessons and engaging dialogues that bring ancient Roman stories to life, preparing you for deeper…
Level C1ClassicsLatin Pronunciation: A Short Exposition of the Roman MethodDiscover the authentic sounds of ancient Rome through a clear guide that unpacks the Roman method of Latin pronunciation, backed by classical sources and scholarly consensus to bri…
Level C1HistoricalLatin LiteratureExplore the rise of Latin literature as Rome transitions from war to peace, blending Greek influences with emerging native voices.
Level C1HistoricalLater Queens of the French StageBorn into privilege and groomed by celebrated masters, a young prodigy navigates the glittering yet capricious world of 18th-century French high society, where music, patronage, an…
Level C1PoetryLater PoemsExplore the enchanting beauty and profound mysteries of the world through evocative poems that celebrate nature’s wonders and the soul’s eternal journey, inviting readers into a ti…
Level C2PoetryLater PoemsExplore a world where thoughts roam like flocks under the watchful care of a poetic shepherdess, and reflections on faith, love, and life's changing seasons unfold in rich, lyrical…
Level C1PoetryLate Lyrics and Earlier, With Many Other VersesExplore a rich collection of reflective verses spanning years of thought, blending stark realities with lighter traditions.
Level C1AdventureLast of the Incas: A Romance of the PampasIn the desolate, wild plains of Patagonia, a lone horseman with a fierce gaze navigates treacherous landscapes and mysterious paths, where survival depends on cunning, courage, and…
Level C1Science FictionLast and first menA visionary exploration of humanity’s distant future unfolds through myth and imagination, portraying the rise and fall of civilizations as they confront the limits of their ideals…
Level C1Children'sLast Words: A Final Collection of StoriesChildren navigate neighborly disputes and the challenges of sharing in a tale where friendship, nature, and the mysterious Old Squire’s watchful dog intertwine in a garden full of…
Level B2ClassicsLast WordsTwo men confront their insecurities on a beach, leading to awkward humor and unexpected moments as they navigate the challenges of vanity, friendship, and self-acceptance in a worl…
Level B2PoetryLast VersesImmerse yourself in a vivid world of childhood wonder, where imagination turns woodland hideouts into enchanted realms filled with fairies, knights, and grand adventures.
Level C2RomanceLast Poems: Translations from the Book of Indian LoveDive into a world of exotic passion and mystique through poetic translations that reveal the intimate laments and celebrations of Indian love, from dancing-girls to sacred nights.
Level C2PoetryLast Poems by A. E. HousmanSoldiers confront the haunting shadows of war, love, and loss as they march through fading days and uncertain futures.
Level C1PoetryLast PoemsExplore a world where nature’s quiet beauty and haunting memories intertwine, as a solitary voice reflects on fleeting moments, lost love, and the mysterious whispers of the wild.
Level C1ClassicsLast Essays of Maurice HewlettDive into reflective essays tracing a family’s roots from a serene Somerset village to bustling London, exploring heritage, manners, and the deep ties that shape identity and belon…
Level C1ClassicsLast Days in a Dutch Hotel (from Literature and Life)A dwindling group of guests endures the relentless September chill at a vast Dutch hotel, where sea-bathing continues despite the cold and the atmosphere hints at inevitable farewe…
Level B2MysteryLarry Barlow's ambitionA young machinist and volunteer fireman dreams of joining New York’s fire department and inventing a revolutionary extension ladder to fight towering infernos.
Level B2AdventureLaramie Holds the RangeA young woman arrives at a remote mountain station, determined to reach Doubleday's ranch despite the harsh, indifferent frontier and its rugged inhabitants.
Level C1AdventureLanier of the Cavalry; or, A Week's ArrestIn the sunlit West, a restless young woman awaits the return of Rawdon, a seemingly lowly trooper who captures her heart and defies expectations.
Level C1Children'sLandseer's Dogs and Their StoriesDiscover the heartfelt stories behind Sir Edwin Landseer’s paintings, where dogs embody not just animal traits but deep human emotions, revealing the unique bond between man and hi…
Level C1PoetryLandscape and SongImmerse yourself in a collection of evocative poems that celebrate nature's beauty, from blooming flowers and babbling brooks to changing seasons, weaving themes of love, loss, and…
Level C1ClassicsLandolinAs spring breathes life into a tranquil valley, a young man named Anton awakens to a world filled with promise and nature’s vibrant beauty, setting out on a journey shaped by hope,…
Level C1HistoricalLandmarks in Russian literatureExplore the rich world of Russian literature through insightful essays that delve into the works of Tolstoy, Turgenev, Chekhov, and Gogol, blending admiration with deep understandi…
Level C1HistoricalLandmarks in French LiteratureDiscover the origins of French literature through epic medieval poems of chivalry, romance, and adventure, where the clash of cultures and ideals shapes a language of simplicity, u…![Cover of Land of play: Verses, rhymes, stories by Sara Tawney [Compiler] Lefferts](https://dsx1pat3ljtul.cloudfront.net/books/dabnh109638s73a328i0.webp)
Level B2PoetryLand of play: Verses, rhymes, storiesStep into a whimsical world of verses, rhymes, and stories where beloved characters and timeless tales come alive—from a quaint barge home to playful animals and enchanting poems,…
Level C1ClassicsLand at Last: A NovelOn a bleak January night in London, the relentless winter weather sets a grim stage where the city's restless crowds struggle through icy streets, revealing the harsh realities of…
Level C1AdventureLand and Sea Tales for Boys and GirlsExplore gripping tales of courage and adventure as soldiers from diverse lands face brutal battles, daring escapes, and relentless sieges, all striving to earn the prestigious Vict…
Level C1RomanceLancaster's ChoiceA young English lord faces a high-stakes ultimatum from his wealthy aunt: marry the bride she chooses or lose a vast fortune.
PoetryLancashire SongsImmerse yourself in the heartfelt voices and rustic rhythms of Lancashire’s folk, as local tales, songs, and traditions come alive through vivid dialect poetry that celebrates ever…
Level C1ClassicsLancashire SketchesExplore the rich tapestry of South Lancashire through vivid descriptions of its scenery, local history, and vibrant dialect, capturing the unique character and everyday life of thi…
Level C1ClassicsLancashire Idylls (1898)In a remote Lancashire valley, a newly appointed minister faces the stern Puritan customs and eerie traditions of the moorland community, where the grave-digger rules the burial gr…
Level C1ClassicsLancashire HumourDiscover the rich humor and unique charm of Lancashire through lively anecdotes and sketches that capture the wit, dialect, and spirit of its people, from bustling towns to the rug…
Level C1MysteryLanagan, Amateur DetectiveA seasoned San Francisco police reporter with unparalleled access to law enforcement and underworld figures navigates a tangled web of crime, corruption, and courtroom intrigue, us…
Level C1ClassicsLamia's Winter-QuartersA poetic reflection unfolds during a Tuscan winter stay, where conversations blend wit, politics, and the enigmatic charm of Lamia herself.
Level C2PoetryLamiaIn a world where gods and mythical creatures roam, a serpent cursed with a woman's soul seeks to regain her human form and love a mortal youth, setting the stage for a tale of ench…
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.