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 C2PoetryBehind the Arras: A Book of the UnseenAn introspective wanderer explores an old house filled with unseen spirits and shifting shadows, where ghostly figures and mysterious tapestries hint at secret histories and the el…
Level C1ClassicsBehind a Mask; or, a Woman's PowerA mysterious new governess arrives at the Coventry household, stirring curiosity and unease among its members.
Level B2AdventureBegumbagh: A Tale of the Indian MutinyAmid the scorching heat and dust of colonial India, a determined regiment marches through hardship during the Indian Mutiny, guided by the spirited Harry Lant and narrated by the b…
Level C2HistoricalBeggars Bush: A Comedy: From the Works of Francis Beaumont and John Fletcher (Volume 2 of 10)In a war-torn Flanders, political intrigue and betrayal swirl as a usurping general seizes power, challenging loyalties and honor within a fractured court.
Level C1ClassicsBeggarsExplore the colorful lives and national quirks of beggars from various countries as they navigate rivalry, survival, and unexpected hardships in America’s diverse landscape.
Level B2HistoricalBefore the Dawn: A Story of the Fall of RichmondAmidst the looming fall of Richmond, a young soldier returns home weary but hopeful, encountering mysterious strangers and the bustling life of a city caught in the throes of war.
Level C1FantasyBefore AdamHaunted by vivid, terrifying dreams of ancient forests and primal fears, a boy discovers a mysterious connection to a prehistoric world that defies all waking experience, blurring…
Level C1PoetryBees in Amber: A Little Book of Thoughtful VerseExplore thoughtful, reflective verses that capture timeless ideas and spiritual wisdom, offering comfort and inspiration through poetic expressions of faith, hope, and the journey…
Level B2Science FictionBeer-Trust BustersIn a future where one man controls the beer supply, three unlikely allies scheme to topple the ruthless tycoon known as Dirty Dudley.
Level C2HistoricalBeechenbrook: A Rhyme of the WarAmid the turmoil of the Civil War, this poignant poetic tribute honors the sacrifices and enduring grief of Southern women, weaving sonnets and lays that reflect on loss, valor, an…
Level C1HistoricalBeechcroft at RockstoneWhen Lieutenant-General Sir Jasper Merrifield suffers a severe accident abroad, his family must rally together, facing upheaval and uncertainty at their country estate.
Level B2FantasyBee: The Princess of the DwarfsIn a world where the fate of noble houses is marked by mysterious signs, a young princess and a boy destined to be her protector grow up bound by love and destiny.
Level B2Children'sBee and Butterfly: A Tale of Two CousinsIn a small Missouri town, spirited Beatrice "Bee" Raymond devotes herself to studying butterflies, hoping to surprise her distant father, a lepidopterist, with her knowledge as she…
Level C2HistoricalBedouinsDive into the vivid world of Mary Garden, a fiercely talented and complex operatic star whose multiple personalities and indomitable spirit challenge conventions and captivate audi…
Level C1AdventureBedouin LoveStranded in a blistering desert town amid a deadly cholera outbreak, a lone adventurer battles fear, isolation, and illness while awaiting crucial help.
Level C1ClassicsBecket and other playsIn a tense clash of power and loyalty, a king and his trusted chancellor navigate secrets, politics, and forbidden love, as church and crown vie for dominance in medieval England.
Level B2Children'sBecause of conscienceIn a tense Old New York setting, young Alaine grapples with faith, family loyalty, and secret Protestant meetings, while her cousin Étienne challenges her beliefs with sharp provoc…
Level B2Children'sBeauty and the beastIn a bustling city, a kind-hearted maiden named Beauty shines brighter than her proud sisters, winning the love of all living creatures while facing their envy and cruelty.
Level C1ClassicsBeauty and the Beast, and Tales of HomeAmid the rigid rule of Prince Alexis in 18th-century Kinesma, a clash brews over a grand festival, as a drunken bear's antics spark laughter and political tension in a noble househ…
Level B2Children'sBeauty and the BeastWhen a once-wealthy merchant loses everything, his kind-hearted daughter Beauty embraces a humble life in the country, while her proud sisters falter.
Level B2Children'sBeauty and the BeastA kind-hearted girl named Beauty sacrifices herself to a fearsome Beast to save her father, discovering a magical palace where she holds unexpected power and companionship.
Level B2Children'sBeauty and the BeastAfter losing their wealth and retreating to a lonely cottage, a merchant’s family faces hardship and despair—except for his youngest, Beauty, whose hope shines bright.
Level C1ClassicsBeautiful endIn a marsh farmhouse bathed in golden light, a young woman finishes transforming a once-neglected room into a sanctuary of renewal and hope, preparing to welcome an old man back to…
Level A2ClassicsBeautiful but poorIn a world where beauty meets hardship, a young woman navigates love, family secrets, and unexpected challenges that test her resolve and shape her destiny.
Level C1Children'sBeautiful Stories from ShakespeareDiscover the timeless wisdom and vivid stories of Shakespeare’s plays, retold in simple language for young readers to enjoy and understand, complete with helpful guides to names an…
Level C1Children'sBeautiful Joe: An AutobiographyRescued from a cruel master, a brave dog named Beautiful Joe shares his heartfelt story of survival, kindness, and the true meaning of beauty.
PoetryBeauties of TennysonDive into a rich collection of stirring poems that explore love, loss, valor, and nature’s enduring beauty through vivid imagery and timeless themes.
Level C1ClassicsBeaumont and Fletcher's Works, Vol. 10 of 10Power struggles and sharp wit collide in a court rife with intrigue, deceit, and shifting alliances.
Level C1ClassicsBeaumont and Fletcher's Works, Vol. 09 of 10Embark on a tempestuous sea voyage and navigate the chaos of storm, treasure, and desert islands, before diving into sharp wit and comedic battles of clever tongues and clashing eg…
Level C1RomanceBeaumont and Fletcher's Works, Vol. 08 of 10Amid London’s bustling streets, a sharp-witted woman navigates a turbulent marriage to a fiery husband, while secret lovers plot to defy harsh family expectations and seek true aff…
Level C1ClassicsBeaumont and Fletcher's Works, Vol. 07 of 10In a vibrant Spanish setting, noble identities clash with rustic origins as secrets from a miller’s past unravel, sparking comedy and courtly intrigue among knights, lovers, and mi…
Level C2ClassicsBeaumont and Fletcher's Works, Vol. 06 of 10In a richly woven tragicomedy set in Corinth, noble characters navigate disguise, wit, and courtly intrigue, where loyalty and deception intertwine amid political and romantic tens…
Level C1ClassicsBeaumont and Fletcher's Works, Vol. 05 of 10Noble intrigue and passionate conflict unfold across Naples and France as kings, queens, and lovers navigate power, disguise, and desire.
Level C2ClassicsBeaumont and Fletcher's Works, Vol. 04 of 10Step into the intrigues of imperial Rome with senators, soldiers, and emperors clashing in a gripping tragedy, then shift to the lively comedy of Monsieur Thomas, where love, wit,…
Level C1ClassicsBeaumont and Fletcher's Works, Vol. 03 of 10: The Loyal SubjectIn the turbulent court of Moscovia, a seasoned general wrestles with loyalty and honor amid political intrigue, while a young duke's ambition stirs unrest in the ranks.
Level C2ClassicsBeaumont and Fletcher's Works, Vol. 02 of 10: the Humourous LieutenantAmidst courtly intrigue and sharp wit, a spirited young woman navigates the pomp and power of royal audiences and embassies, challenging the rigid hierarchy and revealing the fiery…
Level C1ClassicsBeaumont and Fletcher's Works, Vol. 01 of 10: the Custom of the CountryIn a land ruled by a brutal custom where governors claim the maidenhood of brides before marriage, a nobleman faces a harrowing choice between love and honor.
Level B2MysteryBeaumaroy Home from the WarsA young woman grapples with heartbreak and scandal when her fiancé is exposed as a bigamist just before their wedding, forcing her to seek refuge with a steadfast doctor who offers…
Level B2AdventureBeaufort ChumsAs the Mississippi swells to unprecedented heights, two adventurous boys set out to explore the flooded town and its submerged islands, discovering the thrilling and dangerous powe…
Level C1AdventureBeauchamp; or, The Error.In the unpredictable spring of a Georgian reign, a young gentleman's journey through the West of England unfolds amidst shifting fortunes and hidden dangers, promising adventure wh…
Level C1ClassicsBeauchamp's Career — CompleteAs tensions rise with a looming foreign threat, a young naval officer returns home to a nation grappling with fear, political strife, and questions about its military preparedness.
Level C1RomanceBeatrix of ClareA noble knight, Sir Aymer de Lacy, finds himself unexpectedly captured by mysterious archers during a forest encounter, setting the stage for intrigue, danger, and a clash of wills…
Level C1ClassicsBeatrixIn a remote Breton town frozen in time, ancient feudal customs clash with the encroaching modern world, revealing a society caught between fading traditions and inevitable change.
Level C1RomanceBeatrice Boville and Other StoriesIn a society wary of love and loyalty, Beatrice Boville captivates the reluctant Earlscourt with her fierce pride and unwavering honor.
Level C1RomanceBeatriceOn her twenty-second birthday, Beatrice confronts haunting memories and a mysterious mist that stirs the depths of her past.
Level C1ClassicsBeasts and Super-BeastsIn a world where mystical lore and esoteric powers mingle with high society, an enigmatic visitor claims to wield Siberian Magic, stirring intrigue and a daring wager to transform…
Level B2ClassicsBeasts & Men: Folk Tales Collected in Flanders and Illustrated by Jean de BosschèreIn a drought-stricken valley, cunning Master Fox and clever Mistress Goat embark on a quest for water, but the Fox’s sly trick leaves the Goat trapped and at the mercy of the farme…
Level C1ClassicsBeasley's Christmas PartyIn a quiet, moonlit neighborhood, a newcomer becomes intrigued by a mysterious house where unseen guests appear and ghostly whispers echo through the night, hinting at secrets wait…
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.