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 B2AdventureBetty Gordon at Bramble Farm; Or, The Mystery of a NobodyTwelve-year-old Betty Gordon dreams of adventure beyond her quiet country town when she awaits a visit from her mysterious uncle, a traveling industrial promoter.
Level B1AdventureBetty Gordon at Boarding School; Or, The Treasure of Indian ChasmBetty Gordon prepares for an exciting new chapter as she heads off to boarding school alongside her friends, promising fun, friendship, and unexpected adventures.
Level C1HistoricalBetty Alden: The first-born daughter of the PilgrimsBorn into the harsh new world of the Pilgrims, Betty Alden's story unfolds amidst the struggles, faith, and unmarked graves of Plymouth Colony, revealing the silent strength of a f…
Level B2Children'sBetter than PlayIn a gloomy household ruled by Aunt Emma's constant grumbling, young Bella longs to bring cheer and help, but finds herself caught between chores and silence on a dreary washing da…
Level C1ClassicsBetter days; or, A Millionaire of To-morrowIn the bustling heart of Chicago, a daring race among powerful locomotives unfolds, showcasing innovation, rivalry, and the spirit of a city united against the world.
Level C1ClassicsBetter Than MenExplore the remarkable loyalty and inherent virtues of animals like dogs, horses, and elephants, whose natural goodness and courage often surpass human conduct, challenging traditi…
Level C1ClassicsBetter DeadA young man leaves his Scottish hometown to become a private secretary in London, hoping to write for the Press, but finds the path to success tangled with personal and cultural ch…
Level C1ClassicsBetsy Baker! or, Too Attentive by Half; A Farce, in One ActIn a charmingly furnished apartment, a tone-deaf husband’s stubborn singing tests his wife’s patience, while the unwelcome presence of a business partner looms—setting the stage fo…
Level C1ClassicsBetsey Bobbett: A DramaIn a small town where tradition and marriage define a woman’s place, Betsey Bobbett struggles with societal expectations and her own desires, challenging the roles women are expect…
Level B1RomanceBetrothed for a day: Or, Queenie Trevalyn's love testAt Newport’s final grand ball, the enchanting Miss Trevalyn captivates all, especially a mysterious, handsome stranger whose identity intrigues the entire season’s fashionable crow…
Level B1Children'sBeth's wonder-winterEleven-year-old Beth turns a simple apple tree climb into a whimsical game of watchman and traveler, but her playful spirit clashes with Aunt Rebecca’s stern rules—especially when…
Level B2RomanceBeth WoodburnIn a charming lakeside village, eighteen-year-old Beth Woodburn dreams of literary fame and a future beyond her quiet home, inspired by her favorite author and the gentle encourage…
Level B2RomanceBeth Norvell: A Romance of the WestExhausted and alone, a young actress finds refuge in a worn hotel room, where an unexpected visitor is drawn to her mysterious presence and haunted by a vague memory.
Level C1RomanceBest laid schemesAt twenty-six, Susan Parker’s life feels uneventful and marked by missed romantic chances, as she transitions from college charm to the quiet reality of a librarian’s life in India…
Level B2ClassicsBest Short StoriesDive into a collection of witty, sharply observed tales that reveal universal human quirks through humor and irony, from military mishaps to clever misunderstandings—all designed t…
Level C1ClassicsBest Russian Short StoriesDive into a world where simplicity and raw humanity reveal the lives of all social classes with unvarnished truth and deep sympathy.
Level C1MysteryBessy Rane: A NovelOn a dark, misty night, Dr.
Level B2HistoricalBessie's Fortune: A NovelIn a picturesque New England town, a young woman transforms her family estate into a grand showplace inspired by European elegance, while hidden secrets linger within the lives of…
Level B2AdventureBessie on Her TravelsFour young girls prepare for an exciting sea voyage, filled with anticipation and the challenges of packing and planning.
Level B2Children'sBessie at the Sea-SideTwo sisters embark on an exciting seaside adventure, discovering the vast ocean’s beauty and mystery while adjusting to new surroundings and the comforts of home.
Level B2Children'sBessie at schoolIn a tender home shadowed by illness, young Bessie navigates school life and family love, learning the value of truth, kindness, and perseverance.
Level B1Children'sBessie and the squirrelsYoung Bessie and her brother Jamie explore the joys and challenges of farm life at Corwin's Nest, where playful moments with dolls, curious animals, and lively squirrels bring less…
Level C1ClassicsBessie CostrellAn elderly laborer faces the end of an era as his longtime farm closes and his sister-in-law’s health fades, leaving him to navigate uncertain futures and strained family ties in a…
Level B2Children'sBessie Bradford's PrizeWhen Bessie Bradford and her friends visit the policeman’s family, they bring warmth and cheer amid worries and whispered fears.
Level C1RomanceBess of the WoodsA sensitive young man escapes the coarse revelry of his aristocratic kin to find solace and mystery in the wild Pevensel forest, where nature's beauty contrasts sharply with the st…
Level C1ClassicsBeside the Bonnie Brier BushIn a quaint Scottish parish, the old schoolhouse stands as a testament to a devoted teacher's love and sacrifice for his pupils, amidst changing times and new regulations.
Level C1ClassicsBeside Still WatersA reflective journey into family life, memory, and the delicate interplay of affection and discipline frames the story of Hugh Neville, whose childhood unfolds amid the tender tens…
Level B2Children'sBeryl's triumphAt Egloshayle House by the stormy Cornish coast, spirited young Beryl eagerly awaits her father's return, navigating childhood without her mother’s love amid brewing tempests and s…
Level B2RomanceBeryl of the Biplane: Being the Romance of an Air-Woman of To-DayAmid the thrill of wartime aviation, a daring pilot sidelined by injury channels his passion into building cutting-edge biplanes, while a mysterious, skilled airwoman named Beryl t…
Level C1ClassicsBeryl and PearlThree sisters navigate life's challenges, from school days to family troubles, under the watchful eyes of caring relatives.
Level C1HistoricalBertrand of BrittanyIn 14th-century Brittany, an unloved and unruly eldest son, Bertrand, struggles against his mother's harsh disdain and his rough upbringing, threatening to upend the expectations o…
Level C1ClassicsBertram Cope's YearA young literature instructor returns to his alma mater, navigating the social intrigues and expectations of a small college town where he is both admired and misunderstood.
Level B1Children'sBertie's Home; or, the Way to be HappyA family sets out to build their dream home in a peaceful village where nature’s beauty and simple joys promise a path to true happiness.
Level B2Children'sBertie and the Gardeners; or, The Way to be HappyAt Woodlawn, a new farmer and gardener join a family determined to transform their land into a beautiful, thriving estate.
Level B1Children'sBertha, Our Little German CousinStep into a charming German village where Bertha and her family prepare for Christmas with homemade cakes, heartfelt songs, and timeless traditions that reveal the warmth and spiri…
Level C1RomanceBertha's engagementTorn between honor and heartache, Bertha Canfield must navigate love’s painful choices while racing against a rising flood that threatens the valley and those she holds dear.![Cover of Bertha's Visit to Her Uncle in England; vol. 3 [of 3] by Mrs. Marcet](https://dsx1pat3ljtul.cloudfront.net/books/da8nundnmvfc73bif6c0.webp)
Level C1HistoricalBertha's Visit to Her Uncle in England; vol. 3 [of 3]A curious journey unfolds as Bertha explores the natural wonders of England and delves into profound discussions on biblical history and geology with her learned uncle, blending pe…![Cover of Bertha's Visit to Her Uncle in England; vol. 2 [of 3] by Mrs. Marcet](https://dsx1pat3ljtul.cloudfront.net/books/da8nuklnmvfc73bif6ag.webp)
Level B2HistoricalBertha's Visit to Her Uncle in England; vol. 2 [of 3]A curious visit unfolds through detailed letters revealing exotic agricultural practices, local anecdotes, and thoughtful reflections on ancient traditions, inviting readers into a…![Cover of Bertha's Visit to Her Uncle in England; vol. 1 [of 3] by Mrs. Marcet](https://dsx1pat3ljtul.cloudfront.net/books/da8nuhtnmvfc73bif690.webp)
Level C1HistoricalBertha's Visit to Her Uncle in England; vol. 1 [of 3]A young girl, sent from Brazil to visit her English uncle after her father’s death, keeps a vivid journal of her voyage and new surroundings, blending natural wonders and personal…
Level C1PoetryBertha's Christmas Vision: An Autumn SheafIn a weather-beaten house lives Martin Kendrick, a miser whose bitterness and solitude grow after tragic losses and his daughter's estrangement.
Level B2Children'sBertha Weisser's wishAn eleven-year-old rag-picker in a grim city battles poverty and responsibility, caring for her younger siblings after their parents' deaths.
Level B2ClassicsBertha GarlanA solitary walk through sunlit vineyards stirs memories and quiet reflections for Bertha, a widow navigating loss and loneliness alongside her young son.
Level B2AdventureBert Wilson, Wireless OperatorA sudden outbreak of violence on a bustling San Francisco wharf thrusts three young Americans into a deadly struggle against a maddened attacker fueled by wild delirium and deadly…
Level B2AdventureBert Wilson, Marathon WinnerA fierce fifteen-mile marathon pits the fastest college runners against each other in a thrilling showdown.
Level B2AdventureBert Wilson's Twin Cylinder RacerWhen a powerful locomotive runs out of control on a single-track railway, a quick-thinking young motorcyclist races against time to prevent a deadly collision, using his knowledge…
Level B2Children'sBert Wilson's Fadeaway BallIn a thrilling pennant-deciding baseball game, every pitch and play is a battle for glory and fortune, igniting a stadium packed with passionate fans.
Level B2Children'sBert Wilson on the GridironWhen the underdog scrubs hold the mighty 'Varsity to the brink of defeat, tensions soar on the college football field.
Level B2AdventureBert Wilson in the RockiesAs the Overland Limited races through the scorching prairies, three spirited young men revel in their post-college freedom—until masked gunmen storm the train, turning a mundane jo…
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.