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 C1AdventureChild of StormAmid the fierce rivalry between Zulu princes Cetewayo and Umbelazi, the battle for succession unfolds with bloodshed and honor, revealing a world of warrior valor, witchcraft, and…
Level C1ClassicsChild and Country: A Book of the Younger GenerationA family escapes the weariness of city life to build a home on the lakeshore, discovering health, creativity, and a new vision for educating children at home.
Level C1PoetryChild Verse: Poems Grave & GayDiscover a collection of poems that dance between whimsy and wisdom, capturing the innocence and imagination of childhood through verses both lighthearted and profound.
Level B2Children'sChild Stories from the Masters: Being a Few Modest Interpretations of Some Phases of the: Master Works Done in a Child WayIn a village where mill wheels sing and children help weave silk, young Pippa’s joyous song on her one free day inspires all who hear it, transforming ordinary work into a celebrat…
PoetryChild Songs of CheerDelight in a joyful collection of poems that celebrate childhood’s simple wonders—from dandelions and puppies to fireflies and festive holidays—inviting young readers to embrace ch…
Level C2PoetryChild Maidelvold, and Other BalladsIn a world of royal secrets and forbidden love, Sidselil’s heart is ensnared by Child Maidelvold, sparking a desperate flight through dark forests and painful truths.
Level B2Children'sChild Life in Town and Country: 1909A young girl named Fanchon visits her beloved grandmother in a quaint village, sharing stories, simple meals, and moments of wonder in a garden filled with colorful singing birds.
Level C1Children'sChild Life in ProseDiscover a rich collection of prose stories and sketches that celebrate childhood’s innocence, imagination, and enduring charm, inviting readers of all ages to revisit the wonder a…
Level C1FantasyChild Christopher and Goldilind the FairIn a land so dense with trees that one can travel treetop to treetop, a young prince named Christopher is born amidst war and loss.
Level C1HistoricalChicot the JesterIn the turbulent court of Henri III, a lavish wedding sets the stage for intrigue, rivalry, and the mischievous antics of Chicot, the royal jester who blurs the line between fool a…
Level B2AdventureChico, the story of a homing pigeonIn the enchanting streets of Venice before the Great War, young Andrea and Maria find joy in the magic of St.
Level B2Children'sChicken Little Jane on the Big JohnAt thirteen, Chicken Little Jane defies her mother's wishes for a ladylike life, preferring adventures across the ranch and losing herself in romantic novels.
Level B2Children'sChicken Little JaneIn a small town, curious and spirited Chicken Little Jane unravels the mysterious past of Alice, a servant girl with a surprising connection to her own home, sparking a heartfelt t…
Level C1ClassicsChetwynd CalverleyIn a grand Cheshire estate, estranged siblings reunite amid their father's grave illness, unveiling family tensions and mysterious silences that hint at deep secrets and shifting l…
Level B2AdventureChester Rand; or, The New Path to FortuneIn a small Pennsylvania village, hardworking Chester Rand struggles to support his widowed mother on a meager salary, facing the harsh realities of poverty and a stingy employer.
Level C1PoetryChenodia: Or, the Classical Mother GooseNursery rhymes take on classical form and ancient languages in a playful collection blending Latin, Greek, and English verses.
Level C1MysteryCheckmateAmid the shadowed grandeur of Mortlake Hall, a mysterious figure named Longcluse watches a gathering where whispered talk of a brutal murder stirs unease.
Level C1ClassicsCheckers: A Hard-luck StoryOn Derby Day in Chicago, a novice racegoer navigates the thrilling chaos of betting, crowds, and horse racing odds, uncovering unexpected stakes and secrets beneath the surface of…
Level C1HistoricalCheap Jack ZitaIn a quaint cathedral town, a bold Cheap Jack sets up shop before the sacred Galilee porch, stirring scandal and curiosity among clergy, townsfolk, and youths alike, while a myster…
Level C2PoetryChaucerian and Other Pieces: Being a Supplement to the Complete Works of Geoffrey ChaucerExplore a fascinating supplement to Chaucer's works, featuring a curated selection of poems attributed to Chaucer and his contemporaries, complete with scholarly notes and historic…
Level C2PoetryChaucer's Works, Volume 6 — Introduction, Glossary, and IndexesDive into the rich world of Middle English with detailed introductions, extensive glossaries, and precise indexes that illuminate Geoffrey Chaucer’s authentic works, separating gen…
Level C2ClassicsChaucer's Works, Volume 5 — Notes to the Canterbury TalesDelve into detailed scholarly notes that unravel the complex manuscript history and authorship debates surrounding the Canterbury Tales, offering critical insights into Chaucer's g…
Level C2PoetryChaucer's Works, Volume 3 — The House of Fame; The Legend of Good Women; The Treatise on the Astrolabe; The Sources of the Canterbury TalesJourney through a visionary realm where an eagle guides the poet into the mysterious House of Fame, exploring themes of love, myth, and celestial knowledge.
Level C1RomanceChaucer's Works, Volume 2 — Boethius and TroilusImprisoned and awaiting execution, a philosopher confronts fate and seeks solace in reason, exploring fortune, free will, and the divine order.
Level C2PoetryChaucer's Works, Volume 1 — Romaunt of the Rose; Minor PoemsDive into medieval verse with tales of love, chivalry, and philosophy, meticulously restored from ancient manuscripts to reveal the rich language and spirit of Geoffrey Chaucer’s e…
Level C1Children'sChaucer for Children: A Golden KeyEnter a world where love’s fierce battles, irresistible temptations, and the shadow of death intertwine in vivid tales brought to life for young readers.
Level C2HistoricalChaucer and His TimesStep into the world of 14th-century England as the life and language of Geoffrey Chaucer unfold through detailed linguistic notes and historical insights, revealing the mysteries b…
Level C1HistoricalChaucer and His EnglandStep back into 14th-century England, where the vibrant world that shaped a literary genius unfolds in vivid detail.
Level C1HistoricalChaucerExplore the meticulous reconstruction of Geoffrey Chaucer's life through rare documents and poetic clues, revealing the challenges of piecing together the biography of England's fa…
Level C1ClassicsChattertonIn a cramped London garret, the young poet Chatterton wrestles with poverty and pride while clinging to his dreams and the fragile hope of recognition, even as those around him dis…
Level B2HistoricalChatterbox Stories of Natural HistoryExplore the fascinating lives of animals from the majestic Golden Eagle to the playful American black bear, capturing their instincts, habitats, and tender bonds in vivid, engaging…
Level B2ClassicsChateau d'Or, Norah, and Kitty CraigTraveling through southern France, a chance glimpse of the ancient Chateau d’Or sparks a haunting tale of ambition, love, and mystery centered on Annie Strong, a beautiful New Engl…
Level C1HistoricalChata and Chinita: A NovelA weary stranger arrives at the imposing Tres Hermanos hacienda seeking shelter, amid wary glances and rustic life in Mexico’s fertile Bajio region.
Level C1ClassicsChastelard, a TragedyIn the shadowed chambers of Holyrood, the four Maries weave songs of love and longing, while whispers of courtly passion and scandal stir around the enigmatic figure of Chastelard,…
Level C1ClassicsChaste as Ice, Pure as Snow: A NovelIn bustling London during May, a striking woman of contrasting elegance and simplicity faces the vibrant world around her, while hidden stories of hope, struggle, and art unfold am…
Level B2AdventureChasing the SunA daring young manager with a restless spirit sets off on a thrilling three-month voyage to Norway, chasing the sun aboard his trusty schooner, accompanied by his loyal old seaman.
Level B2AdventureChasing an Iron Horse; Or, A Boy's Adventures in the Civil WarAmid the stormy backdrop of the Civil War, a daring band of Union soldiers plot a secret mission to capture a Confederate train in enemy territory.
Level C1PoetryCharmides, and Other PoemsA Grecian youth returns from Sicily, drawn into a mystical temple where ancient gods stir amid sacred rites and haunting visions, blending youthful adventure with timeless myth in…
Level C1PhilosophyCharmidesA probing dialogue challenges the nature of wisdom and self-knowledge as Socrates engages Charmides in a philosophical inquiry about temperance and the true meaning of virtue.
Level C1RomanceCharlotte's InheritanceIn the shadowy world of a grim Parisian boarding house, young law student Gustave Lenoble navigates political divides and family loyalty while chasing his place in society, where m…
Level C1Children'sCharlotte TempleA young soldier becomes captivated by Charlotte, a graceful girl from a boarding school, sparking a tale of innocence, vulnerability, and the challenges faced by a young woman navi…
Level C1ClassicsCharlotte Brontë: A MonographExplore the life and genius of one of the most remarkable women of her age through intimate letters and firsthand accounts that reveal the true spirit behind the literary legend, s…
Level C1HistoricalCharlotte Brontë and Her CircleExplore the intimate world of Charlotte Brontë through personal letters and rare insights into her family, friendships, and literary ambitions, revealing the struggles and inspirat…
Level C1AdventureCharlie to the RescueBorn with a fearless spirit and a passion to help others, young Charlie Brooke’s heroic journey begins with daring rescues that test his courage and quick wit—from extinguishing fl…
Level A2Children'sCharlie and His Puppy BingoCelebrate turning five with Charlie, a lively boy who receives exciting gifts like a pedal automobile and new toys, and discovers the joy of birthday letters and surprises that spa…
Level B2Children'sCharlie Scott: or, There's Time EnoughA young boy named Charlie Scott navigates the challenges of a changing life at sea after his mother's death, joining his father and uncle on a voyage that promises new adventures a…
Level B2AdventureCharlie Codman's Cruise: A Story for BoysFourteen-year-old Charlie Codman struggles to help his family while dreaming of education, but a chance encounter with an eccentric miser sets him on an unexpected and challenging…
Level C1AdventureCharlie Bell, The Waif of Elm IslandAn English orphan, cast adrift and friendless, finds refuge on a rugged Maine island where danger and adventure lurk in the form of ruthless men posing as fishermen.
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.