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.
![Cover of English-Bisaya Grammar, in Twenty Eight Lessons by Pedro [Editor] Jiménez](https://dsx1pat3ljtul.cloudfront.net/books/daf13ege1ofc73dhaan0.webp)
Level C1ClassicsEnglish-Bisaya Grammar, in Twenty Eight LessonsExplore the intricacies of the Bisaya language through clear lessons on grammar, articles, and pronunciation, designed to bridge communication between English speakers and the Bisa…
Level B2ClassicsEnglish ways and by-waysTwo young Americans navigate English life before the Great War, sharing vivid, humorous letters that reveal cultural quirks and heartfelt moments amid personal trials and unexpecte…
Level C1HistoricalEnglish literary criticismExplore the evolution of English literary criticism from its Renaissance beginnings to the 19th century, revealing how poets and critics wrestle with classical ideals, poetic geniu…
Level C2HistoricalEnglish fragments from Latin medieval service-booksDiscover fragments of medieval English woven into Latin service-books, revealing prayers and ceremonies from baptisms, marriages, and visitations of the sick, exposing the intimate…
Level C1ClassicsEnglish as she is spoke; or, a jest in sober earnestA comically earnest attempt to teach English through literal, often baffling translations from Portuguese reveals a quirky guide where language lessons turn into hilarious misunder…
Level C1ClassicsEnglish as She is Wrote: Showing Curious Ways in which the English Language may be made to Convey Ideas or obscure them.Discover a collection of hilarious and bewildering English language blunders, where earnest attempts at communication often lead to unintended meanings and charming confusion, reve…
Level C1ClassicsEnglish and Scottish Ballads, Volume VIIIDive into a rich collection of English and Scottish ballads where cunning riddles, medieval wit-combats, and timeless tales unfold through clever dialogues between kings, abbots, a…
Level C1PoetryEnglish and Scottish Ballads, Volume VIIDive into the fierce clash between Scots and English at Otterbourne, where valor and strategy collide in a brutal border skirmish led by legendary warriors Hotspur and the Earl of…
Level C1PoetryEnglish and Scottish Ballads, Volume VIDive into the rugged tales of border outlaws, blind harpers, and ancient feuds as Scottish and English ballads unfold stories of daring thefts, legendary strength, and royal encoun…
Level C1PoetryEnglish and Scottish Ballads, Volume VExplore the legendary exploits of Robin Hood, the noble outlaw of Sherwood, as his daring adventures, loyalty, and love of justice unfold through ancient ballads that blur the line…
Level C1ClassicsEnglish and Scottish Ballads, Volume IVDive into a rich collection of traditional English and Scottish ballads, where ancient tales of love, valor, and mystery unfold through beautifully preserved versions and rendition…
Level C1PoetryEnglish and Scottish Ballads, Volume IIIDive into haunting tales of love, betrayal, and ancient customs woven through English and Scottish ballads, where ghostly lights and age-old superstitions illuminate the dark myste…
Level C1PoetryEnglish and Scottish Ballads, Volume IIExplore haunting tales of love, betrayal, and legend through traditional English and Scottish ballads, where ancient melodies reveal timeless human dramas woven into the fabric of…
Level C2PoetryEnglish and Scottish Ballads, Volume IDive into a rich collection of English and Scottish ballads, weaving tales of fairies, tragic love, heroes, outlaws, and historic events, each preserved in authentic versions that…
Level C2PoetryEnglish Songs and BalladsDiscover a rich collection of beloved English songs and ballads that capture the spirit and tastes of the people, from tender love poems to stirring tales of history and nature’s b…
Level C1ClassicsEnglish SatiresExplore the evolution of English satire through centuries of sharp wit, irony, and social critique, tracing its roots from personal lampoons to powerful literary commentary on soci…
Level C2PoetryEnglish Poems, Volume 02 (of 2)Explore a collection of evocative poems capturing moments of love, life, and introspection, set against the backdrop of early 20th-century Lisbon.
Level C2PoetryEnglish Poems, Volume 01 (of 2)Dive into a lyrical journey through two distinct poetic sequences, exploring themes of memory, identity, and the passage of time with evocative language and introspective depth.
Level C2PoetryEnglish PoemsIn a world where love is bound by duty and desire ignites in secret, a young couple risks everything for a forbidden passion that defies age, honor, and fate.
Level C1PoetryEnglish Men of Letters: CrabbeExplore the life and work of an English poet whose vivid portrayals of rural poverty and human nature challenged poetic norms, offering a compelling glimpse into 18th-century coast…
Level C1ClassicsEnglish Men of Letters: ColeridgeExplore the life of Samuel Taylor Coleridge, tracing his journey from early years through literary triumphs, struggles with health and opium, and profound influence on poetry and p…
Level C1HistoricalEnglish Literature: ModernExplore the transformative Renaissance, where the rediscovery of ancient Greek and Latin texts ignites Italy's intellectual and artistic revival, reshaping literature, philosophy,…
Level C1HistoricalEnglish Literature: Its History and Its Significance for the Life of the English-Speaking WorldExplore the vibrant evolution of English literature from Anglo-Saxon times to the Victorian Era, uncovering how historical events, national ideals, and individual lives shape timel…
Level B2HistoricalEnglish Literature for Boys and GirlsExplore the rich evolution of storytelling, from ancient fireside tales of war to the refined literature shaped by monks and minstrels, revealing how stories reflect the changing l…
Level C1HistoricalEnglish Literature and Society in the Eighteenth CenturyExplore how eighteenth-century English literature reflects and shapes society, revealing the dynamic interplay between cultural ideas, social conditions, and philosophical thought…
Level C1HistoricalEnglish Lands, Letters and Kings, vol. 4: The Later Georges to VictoriaJourney through England’s literary and royal landscapes from the Lake District’s poetic hills to the vibrant salons of London and Edinburgh, encountering iconic figures, stirring h…
Level C1HistoricalEnglish Lands, Letters and Kings, vol. 3: Queen Anne and the GeorgesStep into early 18th-century England, where Queen Anne’s reign teeters between political intrigue and shifting alliances amid the rise of the Hanoverian Georges.
Level C1HistoricalEnglish Lands, Letters and Kings, vol. 2: From Elizabeth to AnneStep into early 17th-century England, where the Tudor reign ends and the Stuarts rise amidst bustling London streets, flourishing trade, and the golden age of Shakespeare.
Level C1HistoricalEnglish Lands, Letters and Kings, vol. 1: From Celt to TudorExplore the rich tapestry of England’s history, literature, and landscapes through engaging talks that connect iconic writers and historic sites, revealing the stories etched into…
Level C1ClassicsEnglish Jests and Anecdotes, Collected from Various SourcesDive into a collection of sharp wit and humorous tales from England’s past, where clever jests and amusing anecdotes reveal the quirks of historical figures and everyday life with…
Level C1Children'sEnglish Fairy TalesA brave young knight, marked by mysterious signs, escapes a wicked enchantress and embarks on a quest to save a land plagued by a fearsome dragon.
Level C1HistoricalEnglish Critical Essays: Nineteenth CenturyExplore the evolution of English literary criticism during the nineteenth century, tracing the shift from Neo-classicism to Romanticism through seminal essays and poetic theories t…
Level B2RomanceEnglefield Grange; or, Mary Armstrong's TroublesA young woman battles her fear of the sea as she embarks on a summer outing by the Solent, where unexpected encounters and social challenges await her at Englefield Grange.
Level C1ClassicsEngland, My EnglandAmid ancient Hampshire commons and a timeworn cottage, a young couple, Egbert and Winifred, seek to revive a fading England through love, tradition, and the wild beauty of their la…
Level C1HistoricalEngland's AntiphonExplore the evolution of England’s religious poetry as it intertwines with the nation's history, revealing how heartfelt song and worship unite generations in a timeless chorus of…
Level C1HistoricalEnglandExplore how a small, water-soaked island with infertile soil rose from obscurity to dominate global trade and influence, becoming the heart of a civilization that reshaped the worl…
Level B2Children'sEnemiesA proud boy struggles with the sting of poverty and family rejection after his mother is turned away by her wealthy father-in-law.
Level C1ClassicsEneas AfricanusAmid the turmoil of the Civil War South, a loyal old negro named Eneas embarks on a perilous journey carrying a precious family silver cup, weaving a tale of faithfulness, loss, an…
Level C2RomanceEndymion: A Poetic RomanceA young dreamer embarks on a poetic journey through lush forests and sacred altars, seeking beauty and meaning amid nature’s timeless splendor.
Level B2RomanceEndymionOn a warm August night in London, two old friends confront political turmoil and shifting alliances that threaten the future of England.
Level B2RomanceEnchantmentA playwright anxiously awaits the fate of his new play in New York when a mysterious, captivating woman whisks him away on a nighttime adventure, setting the stage for romance and…
Level C2PoetryEnamels and Cameos and other PoemsImmerse yourself in a world where beauty and art merge in vivid, poetic visions—from marble goddesses to delicate roses and timeless love—each poem a shimmering jewel capturing pas…
Level C1ClassicsEn RouteIn the quiet of St.
Level C1ClassicsEmpty chairsStep behind the scenes of Victorian theatre life, where royal visits, unexpected dramas, and heartfelt friendships illuminate the world beyond the stage.
Level C1HistoricalEmpress Josephine: An Historical Sketch of the Days of NapoleonAmidst the sweeping tides of revolution and empire, a graceful woman’s charm and unwavering loyalty illuminate the turbulent life of the Empress Josephine, whose love and strength…
Level B2AdventureEmpire BuildersTrapped by relentless winter snows, a determined railroad superintendent leads his crew in a desperate battle to keep a vital mountain rail line alive, fighting nature and corporat…
Level B2Children'sEmmy Lou: Her Book and HeartIn a bustling primer class, shy Emmy Lou struggles to catch up with her classmates until a mischievous boy’s playful challenge offers her a glimpse of friendship and courage in a w…
Level C1Children'sEmmy Lou's Road to Grace: Being a Little Pilgrim's ProgressA young girl named Emmy Lou struggles to reconcile her innocent understanding of right and wrong with the confusing lessons of home, church, and school.
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.