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 B2AdventureBert Wilson at the WheelAt a lively summer camp buzzing with excitement, a group of spirited boys eagerly await the arrival of their very own automobile, the "Red Scout.
Level B2AdventureBert Wilson at PanamaThree young American friends journey through a Mexico torn by revolution and danger, bound for the grand opening of the Panama Canal.
Level C1Children'sBert Lloyd's Boyhood: A Story from Nova ScotiaA spirited boy growing up in bustling Halifax navigates the joys and challenges of childhood with boundless energy and a thoughtful nature.
Level C1ClassicsBernardin de St. PierreExplore the compassionate worldview of Bernardin de Saint-Pierre, a man who believes the world is designed for human happiness despite its hardships.
Level B2MysteryBernard Treves's Boots: A Novel of the Secret ServiceA mysterious recruit named John Manton arrives at a secret service recruiting office, but Captain Gilbert insists he is really Bernard Treves, a man with a hidden past.
Level B2RomanceBerlin and Sans-Souci; Or, Frederick the Great and His FriendsIn the serene gardens of Charlottenburg, secretive whispers of alchemy and ambition stir as a young man and the king’s favorite plot to summon the devil himself—seeking forbidden k…
Level C1AdventureBeric the Briton : a Story of the Roman InvasionAmid the Roman conquest of Britain, Beric, a young Briton raised among Romans, must reconcile admiration for their civilization with fierce loyalty to his native land as he navigat…
Level C1MysteryBereniceIn a gloomy, failing theatre, a reluctant critic faces the challenge of reviewing an enigmatic new play that divides opinion—its star, a beautiful yet unpredictable actress whose s…
Level B2AdventureBeppoIn a forest ruled by a grumpy gorilla landlord, a mischievous little rose-colored monkey named Beppo dreams of imitating humans—starting with stealing a pipe to puff out smoke like…
Level C1HistoricalBeowulf: An Introduction to the Study of the Poem with a Discussion of the Stories of Offa and FinnDelve into the origins and historical context of the epic Beowulf, exploring its manuscript, royal genealogies, and legendary Scandinavian stories through a scholarly lens that bri…
Level C1PoetryBeowulf: An Anglo-Saxon Epic PoemIn a kingdom terrorized by the monstrous Grendel, a heroic warrior named Beowulf sails to aid King Hrothgar, confronting ancient evils in a saga of courage, loyalty, and legendary…
Level C2PoetryBeowulfIn a realm of ancient Danish kings, a monstrous terror named Grendel haunts the grand hall of Heorot, wreaking havoc and despair.
Level C1AdventureBenton of the Royal Mounted: A Tale of the Royal Northwest Mounted PoliceIn the rugged landscapes of South Alberta, a lone rider returns to the storied Royal Northwest Mounted Police Post, where camaraderie and duty define a fading era.
Level C1PoetryBennie and the TigerA young English boy in colonial India faces a perilous encounter when a tiger snatches him from his home, testing his innocence and trust amid looming danger.
Level C1AdventureBennie Ben Cree: Being the Story of His Adventure to Southward in the Year '62Amid the bustling wharves and weathered warehouses of the Commodore Inn, young Bennie Ben Cree navigates a world rich with seafaring tales, family legacy, and the call of adventure…
Level C1RomanceBenita, an African romanceAmid whispers of a buried Portuguese treasure and ancient tribal curses, a haunting romance unfolds aboard a steamer bound for Africa, where fate intertwines two souls on the brink…
Level B2AdventureBengal Dacoits and TigersIn the sweltering Bengal heat, a richly adorned young bride travels with trusted servants, only to face a deadly ambush by ruthless dacoits in a lonely village.
Level B2HistoricalBenefits Forgot: A Story of Lincoln and Mother LoveIn a small Ohio town before the Civil War, twelve-year-old Jason navigates the challenges of a strict Methodist community and his family's modest life while dreaming of books, educ…
Level C1HistoricalBeneath an Umbrella (From "Twice Told Tales")On a bleak winter night, a solitary figure braves rain and mud in a quiet New England town, seeking to escape the shadows of his own imagination and confront the stark, uneasy real…
Level C1HistoricalBen-Hur: A tale of the ChristA mysterious traveler journeys through the rugged deserts east of Judea, guided by unseen forces toward an unknown destiny.
Level B2AdventureBen, the Trapper; Or, The Mountain Demon: A Tale of the Black HillsDeep in the perilous Black Hills, three trappers—each from different lands—battle harsh winters, rival fur companies, and wild beasts as they carve out a rugged life on the untamed…
Level B2AdventureBen, the Luggage Boy; Or, Among the WharvesA teenage luggage boy navigates the bustling wharves and fierce competition of New York’s streets, dreaming of a better life amid hardship and fleeting moments of joy.
Level B2AdventureBen's Nugget; Or, A Boy's Search For FortuneA determined sixteen-year-old miner and his rugged companion guard a valuable gold claim while caring for an injured friend in a remote Sierra Nevada mountain cabin, facing challen…
Level C1HistoricalBen o' Bill's, the Luddite: A Yorkshire TaleIn a turbulent Yorkshire village, a former Luddite recounts the desperate struggle of weavers against ruthless mill owners and mechanization, revealing the human side of a misunder…
Level B2Children'sBen Stone at OakdaleA new boy at Oakdale Academy, Ben Stone faces the challenges of fitting in and proving himself, despite his humble background and rough exterior.
Level B2Children'sBen PepperBen Pepper, the dependable eldest sibling, takes charge on a bustling Christmas shopping trip with the younger children, navigating unexpected challenges and heartfelt moments that…
Level B2Children'sBen Holt's good nameIn the crowded alleys of London, young Ben Holt dreams beyond his narrow world, discovering that true wealth lies not in riches but in the strength of a good name earned through ho…
Level B2MysteryBen Hardy's flying machine; or, Making a record for himselfAmid a mechanical disaster at the Saxton Automobile Works, resourceful Ben Hardy races against time to stop a runaway engine and uncover the mystery behind the missing engineer, ri…
Level B2Children'sBen Hadden; or, Do Right Whatever Comes Of ItIn a rugged coastal village where the sea shapes every life, young Ben Hadden joins his hardy fisherman family, learning the ways of the ocean and the strength of faith amidst the…
Level B2AdventureBen ComeeBorn into a struggling colonial family in pre-Revolutionary Lexington, Ben Comee’s tale unfolds amid frontier dangers, Indian wars, and the brewing conflict that will soon ignite a…
Level B2AdventureBen Burton: Born and Bred at SeaBorn aboard the HMS Boreas during a daring naval expedition, a boy grows up amid the camaraderie, challenges, and unique life of a ship’s crew, guided by fearless sailors and the f…
Level C1ClassicsBen Blair: The Story of a PlainsmanIn a rough frontier saloon, restless men gather amid dust and dim candlelight, their lives shaped by the harsh, untamed borderland.
Level C1RomanceBeltane the SmithIn the heart of a mystical forest, Beltane the Smith lives a solitary life, skilled in ancient wisdom and woodcraft but naive to the ways of men and women.
Level C1HistoricalBelshazzar: A Tale of the Fall of BabylonJourney down the Euphrates to Babylon's fabled gates, where politics, passion, and power collide as a Persian prince grapples with love and loyalty amid the looming shadow of a cit…
Level C1RomanceBelles and RingersIn the grand yet flawed Todborough Grange, Lady Mary Bloxam maneuvers society and family ambitions to secure her daughters' futures amid the intrigues of country and London life, w…
Level B2Children'sBelle Powers' LocketA thoughtful little girl dreams of becoming a sunbeam of kindness and light to those around her, learning from friends and her loving father how even small acts can brighten the wo…
Level C1AdventureBellarion the FortunateA brilliant scholar nurtured in a convent sets forth into a world rife with conflict and corruption, grappling with a daring belief that sin does not exist.
Level C1ClassicsBella Donna: A NovelAn enigmatic doctor rises swiftly to London’s social heights, renowned for his uncanny diagnostic gifts and captivating personality.
Level B2RomanceBelinda of the Red CrossIn a bustling hospital, nurse Belinda Melnotte faces the urgent case of a daring aviator, Sandy Sanderson, whose mysterious accident challenges both her skills and her heart amid w…
Level C1ClassicsBelchamberAmid the grandeur of Belchamber, a magnificent Jacobean estate steeped in history and scandal, the legacy of a noble family unfolds—marked by gambling, excess, and the struggle to…
Level C1ClassicsBelcaro; Being Essays on Sundry Aesthetical QuestionsExplore a collection of reflective essays that delve into the essence of art, its connection to the artist, and its impact on the world, all inspired by a vivid memory of a winter…
Level C1HistoricalBel Ami; Or, The History of a Scoundrel: A NovelA penniless ex-soldier with charm and ambition navigates the gritty streets of Paris, seeking fortune and status.
Level C1HistoricalBel Ami (A Ladies' Man): The Works of Guy de Maupassant, Vol. 6In the sweltering streets of Paris, a charming but penniless former soldier, George Duroy, navigates the city's cafés and women with a hunger for love and ambition, daring to trans…
Level B2Children'sBeing a BoyA boy navigates the joys and challenges of childhood on a farm, learning responsibility and the art of leadership through playful work with oxen and the strict social order of a he…
Level C1RomanceBehind the ThroneIn a world where political ambition and corruption intertwine, an Italian Minister of War faces a dangerous bribe that could betray his country and test his conscience—while his da…
Level B2AdventureBehind the Line: A Story of College Life and FootballRival colleges clash fiercely on the football field in a high-stakes Thanksgiving Day game, where grit and strategy shape the fate of Hillton’s team.
Level C1ClassicsBehind the FootlightsStep behind the scenes of the theatrical world, exploring the dreams, struggles, and triumphs of actors, playwrights, and stage legends as they navigate fame, artistry, and the har…
Level C1ClassicsBehind the Beyond, and Other Contributions to Human KnowledgeIn an elegant theater setting, a solitary actor navigates the subtle intrigues of high society, where whispered scandals and private tensions unfold behind polished manners and soc…
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.