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 C1ClassicsBarks and PurrsStep into a charming world where a dog and a cat reveal the simple truths of life through their natural, heartfelt adventures in a Parisian apartment garden.
Level C1GothicBarford Abbey, a Novel: In a Series of LettersA grieving ward is urged to leave her sorrow-filled home and join companions at Barford Abbey, where the shadows of loss and secrets linger in the gothic halls.
Level B2AdventureBaree, son of KazanBorn to a fierce wolf-dog father and a blind wolf mother, Baree’s early life unfolds in the wild northern wilderness, where survival, loyalty, and the raw beauty of nature shape hi…
Level C1RomanceBardelys the Magnificent: Being an account of the strange wooing pursued by the Sieur Marcel de Saint-Pol, marquis of Bardelys...In the glittering court of Louis XIII, the charming Marquis de Bardelys navigates rivalry, royal favor, and a mysterious wager that sets the stage for a daring pursuit of love and…
Level C1ClassicsBardell v. PickwickIn 1828 London, a well-meaning bachelor faces a comic legal battle when his landlady misinterprets his intentions, leading to a breach of promise trial filled with sharp satire on…
Level B2AdventureBarclay of the GuidesAmid the turmoil of the siege of Delhi during the great Mutiny, a daring young hunter spots a mysterious band of horsemen approaching his vulnerable village.
Level C1PoetryBarclay of Ury, and other poems: Part 3 From Volume I of The Works of John Greenleaf WhittierFollow the dignified Barclay of Ury, a venerable soldier turned Quaker, as he faces relentless persecution with unwavering faith and patience, embodying the struggle between honor,…
Level C1ClassicsBarchester TowersPower struggles and political intrigue unfold in the cathedral city of Barchester as the death of the old bishop sparks a tense race to fill his seat amid shifting government tides…
Level C1HistoricalBarbarossa; An Historical Novel of the XII Century.In the turbulent 12th century, the fierce clash between Emperor Frederic Barbarossa and Pope Alexander III unfolds, revealing a profound struggle between spiritual liberty and worl…
Level C1ClassicsBarbarossa, and Other TalesAmidst the serene isolation of a mountain village, a poet seeks solitude and finds unexpected companionship in an eccentric apothecary whose endless verses reveal a heart shaped by…
Level C1HistoricalBarbariansDisillusioned by corruption and war, a diverse group of men from America and Europe embark on a perilous journey to the battlefronts of World War I, seeking purpose and redemption…
Level B2AdventureBarbara's Heritage: Young Americans Among the Old Italian MastersTwo American sisters dream of a grand journey to Italy, where art, sunshine, and ancient cathedrals await.
Level B2Children'sBarbara in BrittanyAs Aunt Anne arrives for a holiday visit, Barbara must manage her lively siblings and the strict relative’s expectations, turning a rainy day into a test of patience, humor, and fa…
Level C1ClassicsBarbara RebellOn her tenth birthday in serene St.
Level C1HistoricalBarbara LaddAs dawn breaks over the misty hills, a spirited girl named Barbara slips away from her old home, carrying a mysterious bundle and a basket filled with warm, living creatures.
Level B2Children'sBarbara Hale: A Doctor's DaughterAt a sun-drenched beach, a lively group plans a house party and debates inviting the mysterious Barbara Hale, the doctor’s daughter known for her wise and different ways.
Level C1HistoricalBarbara Blomberg — CompleteAmid the tense atmosphere of Emperor Charles V’s court, nobles and courtiers navigate intrigue and uncertainty as the emperor’s health and decisions threaten to shape the fate of a…
Level C1Science FictionBanzai! by ParabellumTensions simmer as East and West collide, with a dramatic clash igniting fears of war in the Pacific.
Level C1AdventureBannertail: The Story of a GraysquirrelAn orphaned gray squirrel raised by a farm cat must navigate the challenges of the wild alone after his home burns down, relying on instinct and inherited wisdom to survive and thr…
Level C1HistoricalBanked FiresIn a remote Bengal encampment, a British official navigates the challenges of colonial life, from managing servants to maintaining authority amid the vibrant yet demanding rural la…
Level C1RomanceBandit LoveAmid the vibrant London season and the International Horse Show, fiery Myra Rostrevor commands her spirited thoroughbred with fearless grace, capturing the admiration of all—includ…
Level C2PoetryBan and Arriere Ban: A Rally of Fugitive RhymesImmerse yourself in a stirring collection of fugitive rhymes that rally voices from forgotten times—ballads, odes, and poetic portraits that evoke history, romance, and legend thro…
Level C1HistoricalBamboo TalesExperience the harrowing journey of Spanish soldiers navigating treacherous battles and harsh landscapes during the Philippine insurrection, chronicled through a firsthand diary th…
Level C1ClassicsBalzacA prodigious boy with a restless mind, Balzac absorbs vast knowledge and battles mysterious illnesses while dreaming of future fame.
Level C1ClassicsBalzacExplore the turbulent world of early 19th-century France, where society struggles to rebuild after revolution and empire, through the life and works of a novelist whose stories mir…
Level B2ClassicsBalthasar and Other Works - 1909A young Ethiopian king embarks on a journey to meet the enchanting Queen of Sheba, whose beauty captivates him and stirs a mysterious desire to experience fear, challenging the saf…
Level B2FantasyBalsamo, the magician; or, the memoirs of a physicianIn 1770, a mysterious and powerful stranger ventures into the shadowy forests near the Rhine, guided by a flickering light and veiled threats, as dark secrets and secret societies…
Level C1ClassicsBalloonsIn a world where youth and charm dictate worth, Miss Wilcox struggles to find love and meaning beyond appearances and empty flirtations.
Level C1PoetryBallads, Founded on Anecdotes Relating to AnimalsLoyal to a fault, Fido the dog embodies true friendship and bravery, risking all to protect his beloved master from hidden dangers.
Level C1PoetryBallads of Scottish Tradition and Romance: Popular Ballads of the Olden Times - Third SeriesDive into the rich tapestry of Scottish history and romance through spirited ballads that blend tradition, mystery, and legend.
Level C1PoetryBallads of Romance and Chivalry: Popular Ballads of the Olden Times - First SeriesImmerse yourself in ancient oral traditions where timeless tales of romance and chivalry come alive through stirring ballads passed down across generations in England and Scotland.
Level C2PoetryBallads of Robin Hood and other Outlaws: Popular Ballads of the Olden Times - Fourth SeriesStep into the world beneath the Hawthorne tree, where tales of Robin Hood and legendary outlaws unfold—heroes who champion the poor, challenge authority, and embody the spirit of E…
Level B2PoetryBallads of Peace in WarAmid the fog of war and the steadfast glow of love, brave hearts face separation and sacrifice.
Level C1PoetryBallads of Mystery and Miracle and Fyttes of Mirth: Popular Ballads of the Olden Times - Second SeriesDelve into a captivating collection of ballads steeped in superstition, the supernatural, sacred origins, riddles, and mirth, revealing haunting tales and lyrical mysteries from th…
PoetryBallads of Lost Haven: A Book of the SeaDive into a vivid collection of sea-themed poems that evoke the mysteries, legends, and rugged life of coastal towns, capturing the spirit of sailors, storms, and maritime lore on…
PoetryBallads of BraveryDive into stirring ballads and vivid illustrations that celebrate heroic deeds, timeless legends, and moments of courage from history and myth, capturing the spirit of bravery thro…
Level C1PoetryBallads of BooksCelebrate the magic and mystery of books through a rich collection of poems honoring their beauty, rarity, and the joy they bring to bibliophiles.
Level C1PoetryBallads of BeautyExplore the delicate beauty and tender emotions of love, nature, and life’s fleeting moments through a collection of vivid, heartfelt ballads and lyrical poems.
Level C1PoetryBallads of American braveryExplore stirring poems that celebrate verified acts of American valor, from Paul Revere’s legendary ride to heroic battles and unsung heroes, capturing the spirit of bravery that r…
Level C1PoetryBallads from the Danish and Original VersesDive into haunting tales and ancient legends brought to life through faithful translations of Danish ballads and original verses, weaving a tapestry of kings, trolls, and timeless…
Level C2PoetryBallads and Poems of Tragic LifeExplore haunting legends and poetic experiments that delve into faith, temptation, and heroic struggles, as ancient tales and metrical innovations bring tragic life vividly to vers…
Level C1HistoricalBallads and Other PoemsExperience the fiery spirit and pivotal moments that ignited the American Revolution through vivid ballads capturing the struggles, ideals, and voices of colonial resistance agains…
Level C1PoetryBallads and Lyrics of Old France, with Other PoemsDiscover a rich tapestry of French lyric poetry, from medieval ballads to Renaissance sonnets, capturing love, loss, and timeless beauty through the voices of masters like Villon,…
Level C1PoetryBalladsImmerse yourself in vivid legends of Tahiti and the West Highlands, where heroes, treachery, and ancient songs intertwine.
Level C1HistoricalBalladsStep into the vivid tales of old Pierre, a seasoned drummer recounting generations of military history, battles, and shifting fortunes across Europe and America, where honor clashe…
Level C2PoetryBallades and Verses VainDive into a rich collection of ballades and verses weaving timeless themes—from ancient empires and literary fame to delicate portraits of nature and love—offering lyrical journeys…
Level C1HistoricalBallades and Rondeaus, Chants Royal, Sestinas, Villanelles, etc.Explore the enchanting world of traditional fixed-form poetry, from ballades to villanelles, as this anthology showcases the revival and artistry of old French rhythms adapted into…
Level C2PoetryBallades & Rhymes from Ballades in Blue China and Rhymes a la ModeExplore a rich collection of ballads and rhymes that revive an ancient French poetic form with playful wit and timeless themes, from haunting midnight forests to the whimsical char…
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.