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 B2AdventureHow Sammy Went to Coral-LandDive into the enchanting underwater world with Sammy, a proud young salmon, as he embarks on a wondrous adventure through coral reefs, meeting fascinating sea creatures and discove…
Level B2ClassicsHow Robin Hood Once Was a Wait: A Miracle Play or Christmas MasqueIn a snowy wood, Robin Hood and his merry men confront a humble band of Christmas singers called the Waits, leading to a rare and heartwarming celebration of carols, kindness, and…
HistoricalHow Rifleman Brown Came to ValhallaAmid the turmoil of war, a rifleman’s journey unfolds, blending courage and fate as he confronts the battlefield’s brutal reality.
Level B2HistoricalHow Private George W. Peck Put Down the Rebellion: or, The Funny Experiences of a Raw Recruit - 1887A reluctant recruit joins a cavalry regiment late in the Civil War, expecting an easy ride and a quick payday.
Level B1Children'sHow Mr. Rabbit Lost his Tail: Hollow Tree StoriesIn the heart of the Hollow Tree woods, the animal friends discover the magic of Christmas and hatch a plan to welcome Santa Claus—only to have Mr.
Level C1HistoricalHow Lisa Loved the KingIn medieval Palermo, a young merchant’s daughter named Lisa becomes captivated by King Pedro of Aragon, embodying chivalry and heroism, as festive tournaments stir dreams of noble…
Level B2ClassicsHow John Norton the Trapper Kept His ChristmasAn old trapper spends a quiet Christmas Eve by his cabin fire, reflecting on the meaning of kindness and the true spirit of the season while reading from a cherished, ancient book.
Level B2Children'sHow John Became a Man: Life Story of a Motherless BoyA young boy named John faces the loss of his mother on the prairie and must grow quickly, learning to pray and take on new responsibilities as he navigates loneliness, friendship,…
Level B2Children'sHow Janice Day WonIn the lakeside town of Polktown, young Janice Day faces the challenges brought by new liquor licenses, growing troubles, and the impact on her community.
Level C1MysteryHow Jack Mackenzie won his epaulettesIn the quiet snowfall of a Glasgow Yuletide, young Jack Mackenzie embarks on a journey from peaceful naval life to the brutal realities of war, where courage and skill will earn hi…
Level C1ClassicsHow It HappenedA spirited girl wrestles with poverty, pride, and family struggles, finding fierce joy and defiance in a battered hat and a worn tambourine.
Level B2ClassicsHow It Feels to Be FiftyExplore the vibrant perspective of turning fifty, where life is not a decline but an exciting ascent filled with newfound confidence and joy.
Level B2ClassicsHow It All Came RoundA young woman of intellect and beauty stands on the brink of marriage, balancing family bonds and personal ambition in a world of wealth and secrets.
Level C1ClassicsHow I write my novelsA writer's struggle with inspiration and rejection unfolds through candid reflections on finding plots and characters, revealing the delicate dance between doubt, perseverance, and…
Level C1ClassicsHow He Lied to Her HusbandA witty exploration of love and deception unfolds when a man finds himself entangled in a delicate dance of truth and lies with a woman's husband, challenging the stale tropes of r…
Level A2Children'sHow Ethel Hollister Became a Campfire GirlWhen Ethel Hollister’s fashionable mother forbids her from joining the Camp Fire Girls, Ethel embarks on a transformative journey of outdoor adventure, learning skills from canoein…
Level C1ClassicsHow Doth the Simple Spelling BeeAn irritable scholar finds his work repeatedly interrupted by zealous advocates pushing a radical reform of English spelling, sparking a humorous clash between tradition and innova…
Level B2ClassicsHow Deacon Tubman and Parson Whitney Kept New Year's: And Other StoriesOn a crisp New Year's morning, Deacon Tubman stumbles upon a mysterious gift from his meticulous housekeeper, Miss Miranda, setting the stage for a charming tale of unexpected warm…
Level B1Children'sHow "a dear little couple" went abroadPolly and Teddy, two dear little friends, embark on an exciting adventure as they prepare to travel abroad across the sea, filled with joyful surprises and the thrill of new experi…
Level B2Children'sHousehold Tales by Brothers GrimmWhen a princess loses her beloved golden ball in a deep well, a mysterious frog offers to retrieve it—on the condition that she welcomes him as her companion.
Level B2Children'sHousehold Stories by the Brothers GrimmEnter a world where rabbits host wedding feasts under rainbows and daring adventurers with extraordinary talents band together to challenge fate, braving enchanted forests and roya…
Level C1ClassicsHousehold Papers and StoriesExplore the intimate challenges and joys of managing a household through heartfelt essays blending humor, practical wisdom, and reflections on family life during a turbulent era.
Level C2ClassicsHousehold Gods: A ComedyA Roman nobleman's love fades into mystery as his wife retreats into the wild woods, where ancient gods and forbidden desires stir beneath the moonlight.
Level C1HistoricalHouse of Torment: A Tale of the Remarkable Adventures of Mr. John Commendone, Gentleman to King Phillip II of Spain at the English CourtIn the shadowy court of Queen Elizabeth I, John Commendone serves as gentleman to King Philip II of Spain, navigating political intrigue, religious tensions, and a perilous marriag…
Level C1PoetryHours of childhood, and other poemsA heartfelt collection of poems born from youthful labor and modest means, capturing the innocence of childhood, the warmth of a mother's love, and patriotic devotion.
Level C1HistoricalHours in a Library, Volume 3Dive into a thoughtful exploration of Charlotte Brontë’s intense and original character, where literary criticism seeks a balance between passionate admiration and scientific impar…
Level C1HistoricalHours in a Library, Volume 2Dive into the lively world of eighteenth-century literature as the author explores the wit and style of Dr.
Level C1HistoricalHours in a Library, Volume 1Step into the serene world of an old library, where the silent wisdom of countless authors breathes life into dusty pages, inviting you to explore timeless knowledge and the intima…
Level C1ClassicsHot corn: Life Scenes in New York IllustratedExplore the harsh realities of New York's streets through the eyes of little Katy, a young hot corn seller, revealing the struggles of the city's poor amid wealth and luxury.
Level C2PoetryHoræ NauseæDive into a rich tapestry of poetic translations and original verses, where maritime imagery and witty reflections blend to explore friendship, cuisine, and the human spirit on the…
Level C1ClassicsHortus Vitae: Essays on the Gardening of LifeExplore the unnoticed gifts and deepest consolations of life through reflective essays inspired by a cherished friendship, celebrating resilience, joy, and the enduring beauty foun…
Level C1ClassicsHortus Inclusus: Messages from the Wood to the Garden, Sent in Happy Days: to the Sister Ladies of the Thwaite, ConistonDiscover a serene correspondence where nature’s beauty and gentle wisdom intertwine, revealing the tranquil lives and heartfelt friendship of two sisters devoted to their village a…
Level C1ClassicsHorses and Men: Tales, long and short, from our American lifeIn a candid reflection on desire and perception, a young man recounts his uneasy start working with racehorses, caught between family disapproval and his own uncertain ambitions am…
Level B2AdventureHorses Nine: Stories of Harness and SaddleA proud, eager horse joins the mounted police, learning the city’s rhythms and commands while longing for spirited freedom.
Level C1AdventureHorse-Shoe Robinson: A Tale of the Tory AscendencyJourney through the rugged South Carolina wilderness where a lone traveler’s chance encounter with a wounded boy and a frontier family draws him into the untamed beauty and hidden…
Level B2Children'sHorse TalesOn John Dobbin’s bustling farm, the old mare Sally tries to keep order among a mischievous donkey, curious animals, and unexpected visitors while her master is away.
Level C2PoetryHorizons and landmarksExplore evocative poems that capture the rhythms of life and the haunting beauty of unknown shores, where melody and melancholy intertwine in vivid reflections on nature and the hu…
Level C1ClassicsHorae subsecivae. Rab and His Friends, and Other PapersStep into a vivid world where boyhood camaraderie and the spirited nature of dogs intertwine, exploring courage, endurance, and the raw energy of life through heartfelt stories and…
Level C1ClassicsHorace and His InfluenceExplore the enduring power of Horace's poetry as it shapes ethics, art, and civilization through centuries.
Level C1ClassicsHorace ChaseIn a serene mountain village in 1873, the spirited Ruth Franklin navigates family quirks and societal expectations with a blend of indolence and vivacity, revealing the complexitie…
Level C1HistoricalHoraceRising from humble beginnings to the heights of Roman society, a poet’s journey unfolds, blending sharp wisdom with heartfelt humanity.
Level C1HistoricalHoraceBorn to humble origins, a young Roman poet rises through education and philosophy amidst the turbulent aftermath of Caesar’s assassination, forging his path alongside history's gre…
Level B1Children'sHoppy Toad TalesA curious young toad named Hoppy disobeys his mother and wanders through the woods, where he encounters new friends and learns important lessons about safety and kindness.
Level C1ClassicsHopes and Fears: or, scenes from the life of a spinsterIn the bustling heart of London, Honora Charlecote balances city life with her devotion to teaching and uplifting the poor, all while navigating the hopes and fears of a spinster’s…
Level B2HistoricalHope and Have; or, Fanny Grant Among the Indians: A Story for Young PeopleA mischievous girl faces a stern warning: behave well or be sent away to live among the Minnesota Indians during a time of great unrest.
Level C1ClassicsHope Mills; Or, Between Friend and SweetheartIn a town divided by class and family legacy, two boys from opposite worlds forge a deep friendship tested by social prejudices and youthful adventures.
Level C1RomanceHope Leslie: or, early times in the Massachusetts, volume 2 (of 2)In a tense colonial Massachusetts setting, Hope Leslie encounters Magawisca, a mysterious Native woman bearing news of her lost sister.
Level C1HistoricalHope Leslie: or, early times in the Massachusetts, volume 1 (of 2)Amidst the tension between royal loyalty and rising Puritan ideals, a young English gentleman challenges his uncle’s warnings as he becomes entwined with New England’s fervent lead…
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.