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 B2PhilosophyBorn AgainA man reflects on an act of selfless kindness witnessed on a Detroit street, inspiring a life story filled with travel, conflict, and a quest for truth beyond conventional beliefs.
Level B2AdventureBoris the Bear-HunterIn a remote northern forest, a fearless young hunter faces his greatest challenge: tracking down two marauding bears threatening his village's harvest.
Level C1ClassicsBoris LenskyA legendary violinist captivates audiences with a bewitching, almost demonic charm that both elevates and torments him.
Level C1ClassicsBoris Godunov: a drama in verseAmidst political intrigue and suspicion of murder, nobles plot to challenge Boris Godunov’s claim to the Russian throne, while the people’s unrest grows—will power prevail or crumb…
Level C1HistoricalBorgia: A Period PlayIntrigue and power collide within the Vatican's shadowed halls as the Borgia family navigates loyalty, ambition, and betrayal.
Level C1HistoricalBorderlandFour boys spend a golden summer exploring a garden by the river Tees, their childhood marked by friendship, rivalry, and the weight of old family legacies.
Level C1ClassicsBorder Ghost StoriesExplore eerie tales rooted in the haunted landscapes of the English-Scottish border, where ancient castles, moors, and ruins whisper secrets of restless spirits and ghostly encount…
Level C1PhilosophyBoon, The Mind of the Race, The Wild Asses of the Devil, and The Last Trump;: Being a First Selection from the Literary Remains of George Boon, Appropriate to the TimesAmidst the turmoil of war, a forgotten writer’s fragmented manuscripts surface, revealing provocative reflections on society, literature, and the future.
Level C1HistoricalBooks and menExplore the evolution of childhood discipline and education from harsh past practices to modern leniency, revealing how shifting social attitudes shape the upbringing of children a…
Level C1HistoricalBooks and authorsExplore the vibrant world of literary criticism that blends philosophy and biography to reveal the genius behind great authors.
Level C1HistoricalBooks and Persons; Being Comments on a Past Epoch, 1908-1911Explore a vivid snapshot of early 20th-century literary life through candid essays and sharp critiques penned from Paris to London, revealing the wit and insight behind celebrated…
Level C1HistoricalBooks and Habits, from the Lectures of Lafcadio HearnExplore the Western world through the eyes of Japanese students as these lectures unravel the exotic and often puzzling customs of Western civilization, especially its unique views…
Level C1ClassicsBooks and CultureExplore the enduring power of great literature as it bridges generations, revealing timeless truths about humanity and life’s deepest passions.
Level C1HistoricalBooks and Characters, French & EnglishExplore the fierce rivalry between French and English literary tastes as this work delves into the contrasting receptions of Racine and Shakespeare, unraveling national biases and…
Level C1ClassicsBooks and BookmenDive into the world of bookmen, where the love of literature transcends mere ownership and reveals the true passion behind collecting and cherishing books.
Level C1ClassicsBooks and Authors: Curious Facts and Characteristic SketchesExplore intriguing anecdotes and sketches revealing the hidden stories behind famous authors and their works, from rediscovered diaries to the curious legacies of literary families…
Level C2ClassicsBook of illustrations : Ancient TragedyIn the shadow of Troy's fall, a watchman anxiously awaits the signal of victory, while dark secrets and ancient curses loom over the House of Atreus.![Cover of Book of brief narratives by Frank [Editor] Pemmon](https://dsx1pat3ljtul.cloudfront.net/books/da8ukplnmvfc73biicvg.webp)
Level B2MysteryBook of brief narrativesA determined young detective tackles the baffling theft of prized jewelry, driven as much by duty as by his growing affection for the victim’s daughter.
Level C1PhilosophyBook of Wise Sayings: Selected Largely from Eastern SourcesDiscover timeless wisdom drawn from Eastern epics, Buddhist teachings, and Persian poetry, offering concise aphorisms on benevolence, patience, and the pursuit of true happiness to…![Cover of Book of Detective Stories by Frank [Editor] Pemmon](https://dsx1pat3ljtul.cloudfront.net/books/dafd1cta8p2c739ite40.webp)
Level B2MysteryBook of Detective StoriesA New York detective unravels baffling crimes where clues come from unexpected places — a loyal dog, a mysterious French note, and a locked-room murder.
Children'sBook of 50 PicturesDiscover a charming collection of 50 vivid pictures featuring animals, playful scenes, and nature’s wonders, designed to spark curiosity and delight young readers.
Level B2AdventureBonnie Prince Fetlar: The Story of a Pony and His FriendsA black Shetland pony finds himself in a remote wilderness, puzzled by his sudden relocation and guarded by a pale-eyed city boy with a gentle heart.
Level B2AdventureBonnie Prince Charlie : a Tale of Fontenoy and CullodenAmid the turmoil of 18th-century Scotland, a prodigal brother returns with secrets and a mysterious child, sparking tales of battles, loyalty, and daring adventures from Fontenoy t…
Level C1Children'sBonnie MayA captivating child with a mischievous air quietly claims a theater box, drawing the attention of a curious gentleman.
Level C2PoetryBonnie Joann, and other poemsImmerse yourself in the vivid landscapes and heartfelt voices of Angus, where rustic tales and tender dreams unfold through evocative dialect and rich emotion.
Level C1AdventureBones in LondonIn post-war London, two brothers struggle to salvage their shipping business amid economic turmoil and broken contracts, navigating a world of cutthroat deals and fading fortunes.
Level C1PhilosophyBones and IA solitary thinker finds unexpected companionship in "Bones," a perfect skeleton with an imposing presence and impeccable tact, as he reflects on isolation, society, and the human…
Level C1HistoricalBonaventure: A Prose Pastoral of Acadian LouisianaIn the vast prairies of Acadian Louisiana, an influential senator aids a struggling widow and her spirited son, Bonaventure, weaving a tale of resilience and identity amid a landsc…
Level B2AdventureBonanza: A story of the Gold TrailIn the rugged West, a daring pony express rider races against time across hostile deserts and wild frontiers, embodying grit and courage on a perilous mail route that shapes a nati…
Level B2AdventureBonanzaIn the wilds beside Yellow Sands River, a young man’s peaceful fishing trip turns into an unexpected encounter with a spirited group of Indian maidens, led by the fearless Akshelah…
Level B2AdventureBomba the jungle boy on Jaguar IslandCaught in a fierce jungle storm, Bomba, the fearless jungle boy, must outwit deadly headhunters to protect his ailing friend from capture and death on Jaguar Island.
Level B2AdventureBomba the jungle boy at the giant cataractA jungle boy named Bomba navigates a perilous wilderness filled with deadly animals and ruthless headhunters while seeking answers about his past.
Level B2AdventureBomba the jungle boyIn the heart of a vast jungle, a boy named Bomba navigates dangers both natural and mysterious, drawn by the eerie sound of a strange weapon that may connect him to a hidden past.
Level B2Children'sBolax, Imp or Angel—Which?Two siblings invite imaginary angels and saints into their home, blending childlike wonder with heartfelt prayers and moral lessons.
Level C1RomanceBohemians of the Latin QuarterDive into the vibrant world of the Latin Quarter, where artists and poets embrace a bohemian life of passion, poverty, and creativity, tracing their rich lineage from ancient Greec…
Level C1PhilosophyBohemian SocietyIn a secluded valley untouched by the outside world, a harmonious community thrives on simplicity, shared labor, and spiritual unity.
Level C1ClassicsBohemian GrammarDiscover the intricacies of the Bohemian language through practical grammar explanations and exercises designed for English speakers, enriched with stories and poems that bring thi…
Level C1PoetryBohemian Days: Three American TalesSeven destitute Confederate exiles gather in a Paris tenement, clinging to fading luxuries and desperate schemes like roulette systems, as they confront starvation, lost status, an…
Level C1ClassicsBohemian Days in Fleet StreetStep into the vibrant world of Fleet Street in the late 19th century, where a seasoned journalist recalls the vanished era of London's press—its colorful characters, fierce camarad…
Level C2PoetryBog-land studiesExplore haunting landscapes and poignant moments woven through Irish life, where nature and human experience intertwine in vivid, reflective poetry that captures the subtle mysteri…
Level C1ClassicsBog-Myrtle and Peat: Tales Chiefly of Galloway Gathered from the Years 1889 to 1895Step into the rugged hills of Galloway where loyalty, love, and legend intertwine through stirring tales of honor, faith, and fierce battles.
Level C1HistoricalBoer War LyricsExplore poignant verses born amid the turmoil of the Boer War, capturing the clash between moral right and overwhelming might in a struggle that reshaped nations and tested human c…
Level B2AdventureBobby of the LabradorA lone fisherman’s quiet day turns perilous when he discovers a bloodstained, unmanned boat drifting ashore with a dead man inside—igniting a gripping adventure in the wild Labrado…
Level B2Children'sBobby in MovielandAt sunny Long Beach, young Bobby and his new friend Peggy venture into the thrilling yet unpredictable surf, where joy meets the mysterious power of the sea—setting the stage for a…
Level B2MysteryBobby Blake on a Plantation; Or, Lost in the Great SwampAfter a thrilling football victory, Bobby Blake and his friends face more than just schoolyard rivalries when mysterious events unfold nearby, leading them into a tangled web of da…
Level B2MysteryBobby Blake in the Frozen North; Or, The Old Eskimo's Last MessageAmid schoolyard baseball rivalries and spirited friendships, a mysterious message from the frozen north beckons adventure beyond the familiar fields.
Level B1Children'sBobby Blake at Rockledge School; or, Winning the Medal of HonorAt Rockledge School, spirited Bobby Blake and his fiery red-haired friend Fred embark on lively adventures filled with friendship, mischief, and the challenge to earn the coveted M…
Level B1FantasyBobbie BubblesA boy with an extraordinary talent for blowing bubbles finds himself whisked away inside a giant shimmering bubble to a magical land among the clouds, where curious adventures awai…
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.