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 B2ClassicsHope Hathaway: A Story of Western Ranch LifeOn a sprawling Missouri ranch, old-time cattleman Jim Hathaway struggles against the encroaching changes of civilization and rising tensions within his family, especially involving…
Level C1ClassicsHope Farm NotesExperience the quiet reflections of a boy raised on a Yankee farm, where the chilly side of the barn teaches hard work and thoughtful resilience, while the sunny side beckons with…
Level B2Children'sHope Benham: A Story for GirlsA spirited young girl from the working-class town of Riverview sells delicate arbutus flowers at the elegant Brookside station, navigating the contrast between two worlds as she pu…
Level C1ClassicsHoosier MosaicsIn a languishing Indiana town plagued by ague and decay, a traveler encounters the quirky inhabitants and their bleak yet oddly charming daily lives.
Level C1PoetryHoosier LyricsDiscover a charming collection of witty and heartfelt poems that capture the spirit of Indiana life with humor, imagination, and a touch of nostalgia, inviting readers into a world…
Level B2AdventureHooking a sky rideTwo boys living next to a bustling army airfield in Texas dream of flying, sneaking onto the base to watch daring cadets and stunt planes.
Level C1RomanceHooking Watermelons: 1898A successful young lawyer returns to his small hometown, where warm memories and familiar faces await amidst the summer heat and the simple rhythms of village life.
Level B2ClassicsHookersIn the gritty border town of Juarez, Pearl Jones fights to make a living under the harsh realities of the oldest trade, navigating corrupt officials, tough rivals, and the relentle…
Level C1ClassicsHonoré de BalzacStep into the world of 1830s Paris and meet Honoré de Balzac, a literary titan whose robe symbolizes his dedication to the craft.
Level C1ClassicsHonoré de BalzacExplore a collection of gripping short stories woven with intense passion, social insight, and vivid characters, revealing the intricate tapestry of human nature and society throug…
Level C1ClassicsHonoré de BalzacExplore the turbulent life and enduring legacy of a literary genius whose relentless creativity and fierce struggles illuminate the path of human ambition and artistic triumph.
Level B2Children'sHonoring ParentsA young boy shows kindness and forgiveness at school, honoring his mother’s teachings even when she’s not present.
Level C1ClassicsHonorineIn 1836 Genoa, amid the elegance of a diplomat’s villa, two Parisians find themselves immersed in a refined world where French wit and charm defy foreign shores—setting the stage f…
Level C1ClassicsHonore de Balzac, His Life and WritingsExplore the life behind the legendary novelist through meticulously sourced letters and rare documents, revealing the man beyond the myths and critics.
Level C1AdventureHonor of Thieves: A NovelA charming yet enigmatic traveler captivates society with his perfect dance and mysterious adventures across unmapped lands, stirring suspicion and intrigue among those who meet hi…
Level C1ClassicsHonor O'CallaghanIn a world where young ladies and gentlemen vie for status through fashion and wealth, Irish orphan Honor O'Callaghan faces cold neglect and social harshness at a London seminary,…
Level C1ClassicsHonor Edgeworth; Or, Ottawa's Present TenseIn a candid portrait of Ottawa society, a sharp-eyed observer exposes the moral failings and social pretenses behind its polished facade, urging a call for reform and awakening the…
Level B2AdventureHonor Bright: A Story of the Days of King CharlesA young boy named Charles, confined in a tower room overlooking a vibrant garden, grapples with mysterious sorrow despite his privileged surroundings and gifts.
Level B2Children'sHonor Bright: A Story for GirlsTwelve-year-old Honor Bright faces life as an orphan in a Swiss boarding school, carrying distant memories of exotic lands and loving parents lost to a sudden tragedy.
Level B2AdventureHoney-SweetAs the steamship Caronia prepares to sail, young Anne navigates the bustling chaos of the dock, her keen eyes catching glimpses of strangers, secrets, and a worried uncle whose mys…
Level B2ClassicsHonest Wullie; and Effie Patterson's StoryIn a snow-covered Scottish countryside, honest Wullie, a devoted farm-laborer, faces the challenge of supporting his wayward brother and his family, balancing duty, sacrifice, and…
Level C1ClassicsHomo: 1909In a cozy Parisian salon, a group of diverse characters debate honor, vengeance, and mercy, while an African explorer hints at a deeper, untold story of love and suffering hidden b…
Level C1HistoricalHomo Sum — CompleteIn the rugged deserts of Sinai, an anchorite silently bears a grave injustice, choosing exile over self-defense.
Level C1AdventureHomeward Bound; Or, the Chase: A Tale of the SeaA ship becomes the stage for a vivid portrayal of American society through the eyes of European travelers, blending adventure at sea with sharp social observation and unforgettable…
Level C1ClassicsHomestead on the HillsideA once-grand homestead harbors fading health and whispered secrets as a mysterious widow arrives with unsettling intentions.
Level C1Children'sHomespun TalesStep into an imagined Maine village where a lively river, a quaint meeting house, and the humble lives of villagers unfold through heartwarming tales of community, love, and tradit…
Level B2ClassicsHomes made and marredA skilled workman and a devoted housemaid plan to start a life together, but hidden tensions and past struggles threaten their dreams of a happy home.
Level C1PoetryHomes and Haunts of the Most Eminent British Poets, Vol. 2 (of 2)Explore the vivid homes and haunts of Britain's greatest poets, where intimate portraits reveal the real lives behind the verses.
Level C1HistoricalHomes and Haunts of the Most Eminent British Poets, Vol. 1 (of 2)Explore the vanished homes and vivid haunts of Britain's greatest poets, tracing their lives through the remnants and stories left behind.
Level C1HistoricalHomer: The Iliad; The OdysseyStep into the world of ancient Greece where gods and heroes clash in epic battles and long journeys.
Level C1HistoricalHomer's Odyssey: A CommentaryEmbark on the profound journey of Ulysses, the resourceful hero who, after the fall of Troy, faces not just physical trials but a deeper spiritual quest for restoration, wisdom, an…
Level C1HistoricalHomer and His AgeExplore the world behind the Homeric epics through a detailed investigation of the culture and lifestyle depicted, challenging critical assumptions and uncovering the unity and con…
Level C2PhilosophyHomer and Classical PhilologyExplore the complex world of Classical Philology, where history, science, and aesthetics collide in the quest to uncover the enduring ideals of antiquity amidst modern skepticism a…
Level B2ClassicsHomeburg MemoriesA small-town train brings a daily flood of characters and stories to Homeburg, where the arrival of old Number Eleven is the highlight of the day, weaving together the lives of hom…
Level C1ClassicsHome as Found: Sequel to "Homeward Bound"Returning from abroad, a family navigates the complexities of American society, confronting its provincialism and social divides while reestablishing their place in both urban and…
Level C1ClassicsHome Scenes and Home Influence; a series of tales and sketchesExplore intimate tales of family life where the mother's influence shapes children's hearts, and the pursuit of comfort tests young couples striving for happiness within their mean…
Level C1HistoricalHome Scenes and Heart StudiesIn a humble Liverpool cottage, a devoted couple balances poverty and faith, their lives entwined with the struggles of family and the hope for a better future.
PoetryHome PoemsExplore heartfelt reflections and timeless emotions through a collection of poems that celebrate home, faith, love, and life's enduring moments.
Level C1ClassicsHome Pastimes; or Tableaux VivantsDiscover the art of tableaux vivants, where living pictures bring poetry and beauty to life through carefully crafted scenes and costumes.
Level C1PoetryHome Lyrics: A Book of PoemsDelve into poignant poems that celebrate love, loss, and nature through tender reflections and vivid storytelling, including heartfelt tributes and charming tales of childhood inno…
Level B2ClassicsHome Lights and ShadowsIn a home where love and selfishness clash, a wife and husband navigate the delicate balance between duty and defiance, revealing the shadows that can darken even the sunniest dome…![Cover of Home Life in Russia, Volumes 1 and 2: [Dead Souls] by Nikolai Vasilevich Gogol](https://dsx1pat3ljtul.cloudfront.net/books/daf8anoe1ofc73dhcd00.webp)
Level C1ClassicsHome Life in Russia, Volumes 1 and 2: [Dead Souls]Step into the complex world of mid-19th century Russian society through the eyes of a traveling nobleman whose arrival stirs quiet curiosity and reveals the customs, tensions, and…
Level C1ClassicsHome Influence: A Tale for Mothers and DaughtersExplore the delicate bonds of family and faith as a mother’s influence shapes the hearts and minds of her daughters, revealing how everyday conversations nurture virtues and guide…
Level C1PoetryHome Again with MeA devoted father welcomes his daughter home after her schooling, navigating the joys and sorrows of family life with heartfelt tenderness and nostalgic reflection.
Level C1ClassicsHome AgainIn a quiet farmhouse dimmed by fading youth and unspoken regrets, a father defends his son’s poetic dreams against harsh criticism.
Level B2Children'sHollyhock: A Spirit of MischiefIn the serene Upper Glen, two families—one naming their daughters after flowers, the other their sons after precious stones—live peaceful lives until a mysterious letter arrives on…
Level C1Children'sHollyhock House: A Story for GirlsThree sisters, each uniquely spirited and bound by loss, navigate life with strength and loyalty under the care of devoted guardians, discovering the meaning of family and resilien…
Level B2RomanceHolly: The Romance of a Southern GirlA young Southern girl, grieving the loss of her father, embarks on her first journey beyond home, seeking new experiences to soothe her sorrow and discover the deeper meanings of l…
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.