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 A2AdventureBallad of the Lost HareA mischievous hare flees his scolding family, racing through fields and forests to escape capture and find freedom.
Level C1PoetryBallad BookDive into the enchanting world of ancient ballads where superstition, tradition, and romance intertwine in rugged language and haunting refrains, inviting readers to discover the r…
ClassicsBaled Hay: A Drier Book than Walt Whitman's "Leaves o' Grass"A lively collection of humorous essays, anecdotes, and reflections that blend wit and homespun wisdom, offering a charming glimpse into everyday life and human nature with a playfu…
Level C1ClassicsBalcony StoriesOn summer nights in a sun-drenched land, women gather on balconies to share stories of love, loss, and life, their whispered voices weaving a tapestry of memories and secrets benea…
Level B2ClassicsBalaam and His Master, and Other Sketches and StoriesIn the peculiar town of Billville, where nearly every man is named Bill, the arrival of Berrien Cozart—a handsome but willful child—sets the stage for a story of unexpected bonds a…
Level C1ClassicsBakemono Yashiki (The Haunted House), Retold from the Japanese Originals: Tales of the Tokugawa, Volume 2 (of 2)In the tumultuous era following the fall of the Hōjō clan, a web of loyalty, power struggles, and military strategy unfolds around Tokugawa Iyeyasu’s rise to shogunate in Edo.
Level C1AdventureBahama Bill, Mate of the Wrecking Sloop Sea-HorseA powerful diver plunges into the clear Bahama waters to salvage a sunken brig rumored to hold a fortune in silver and revolutionary arms.
Level C1ClassicsBagh O Bahar, or Tales of the Four DarweshesJourney into a vibrant garden of tales where four wandering mystics share stories steeped in Eastern thought, language, and fantastical beings like jinns and angels, revealing the…
Level C1ClassicsBad HughIn a mysterious Kentucky estate weathering a fierce winter storm, Hugh Worthington returns home to a life shaped by an enigmatic past and the complex ties of family, solitude, and…
Level C1ClassicsBaconian EssaysExplore the controversial theory that the plays and poems attributed to Shakespeare were actually penned by hidden authors, challenging long-held beliefs about literary history and…
Level C1PhilosophyBacon's Essays, and Wisdom of the AncientsDive into timeless reflections on human nature, politics, and philosophy through sharp essays and mythological fables that reveal the wisdom behind ancient stories and practical ad…
Level C1HistoricalBacon is Shake-Speare: Together with a Reprint of Bacon's Promus of Formularies and EleganciesExplore the compelling argument that Francis Bacon, a man of unparalleled learning and courtly experience, is the true author behind Shakespeare's masterpieces, supported by lingui…
Level C1HistoricalBacon and ShakspereExplore the mystery behind Shakespeare's notoriously inconsistent signatures, revealing a man seemingly unable to write or spell his own name, challenging long-held assumptions abo…
Level C1HistoricalBacon and ShakespeareDive into the fiery debate over the true authorship of Shakespeare’s plays as this book challenges the Baconian theory, dissecting the characters, evidence, and controversies that…
Level C1HistoricalBaconA brilliant mind driven by a passionate quest for knowledge rises to great heights, yet struggles with personal flaws and moral compromises in a turbulent political world.
Level C1ClassicsBacklog StudiesIn a world losing its hearth and home, one man reflects on the fading warmth of family and tradition amid modern life's artificial comforts.
Level B2ClassicsBack to the Woods: The Story of a Fall from GraceA hapless gambler’s streak of bad luck at the racetrack strains his promises and relationships, leading to humorous misadventures and a struggle to regain trust and stability amid…![Cover of Back to back [Night watches, Part 1.] by W. Jacobs](https://dsx1pat3ljtul.cloudfront.net/books/da6jmoapmtvc73csnnj0.webp)
Level B2ClassicsBack to back [Night watches, Part 1.]After a minor railway accident leaves Mr.
Level C1PhilosophyBack to Methuselah: A Metabiological PentateuchExplore the tumultuous dawn of Darwinism and the clash between tradition and modern science as society grapples with evolution, heredity, and the shifting foundations of knowledge…
Level C1AdventureBack to God's Country and Other StoriesA relentless Great Dane’s fierce legacy shapes a wild northern frontier where men, nature, and survival collide in a gripping tale of loyalty, conflict, and the untamed spirit of t…
Level C1MysteryBack homeA Texas Ranger returns from secret business in Mexico, encountering a mysterious white stranger with a scarred face aboard the train.
Level C1Children'sBack at School with the Tucker TwinsA year after starting boarding school, a girl reunites with her friends at the train station, where lively adventures and heartfelt moments await the spirited Tucker twins and thei…
Level C1ClassicsBack Home: Being the Narrative of Judge Priest and His PeopleIn a small Kentucky town where the Civil War's legacy lingers, a newcomer faces suspicion after killing the county clerk without witnesses—setting the stage for a vivid portrayal o…
Level C1ClassicsBack HomeA candid, humorous reflection on the simple pleasures and restless nights brought on by a modest book, offering a fresh perspective on life beyond youthful romances.![Cover of Babylonian and Assyrian Literature by Epiphanius etc.] Wilson](https://dsx1pat3ljtul.cloudfront.net/books/dagil34up3dc73d99be0.webp)
Level C1PoetryBabylonian and Assyrian LiteratureUnearth the ancient world of Assyria and Babylonia through their enduring cuneiform tablets, revealing epic poems, hymns, and royal inscriptions that illuminate a civilization olde…
Level C1ClassicsBabylon, Volume 3Caught between the decaying grandeur of Rome and the harsh realities of artistic failure, Hiram Winthrop struggles to find his true voice amid squalor, disappointment, and fleeting…
Level C1ClassicsBabylon, Volume 2A young sculptor, yearning to escape his modest apprenticeship, dreams of studying in Rome to master his craft and prove his talent.
Level C1ClassicsBabylon, Volume 1In a stark rural American farm, young Hiram finds solace in a wild blackberry lot, a rare patch of nature amid endless, barren fields.
Level B1Children'sBaby Pitcher's Trials: Little Pitcher StoriesTrapped indoors by endless rain, little Flora dreams of adventure beyond the gloomy skies.
Level B2Children'sBaby NightcapsDelight in charming bedtime tales filled with laughter, love, and little adventures, as Aunt Fanny shares true stories of children’s joys, sorrows, and the heartwarming moments tha…
Level B2RomanceBaby MineA young man with strict views on marriage vows to find a wife who truly shares his ideals of home and heart—yet his best friend doubts such a woman exists.
Level B2FantasyBaby Jane's MissionAn eight-year-old girl with a tender heart ventures into the African desert to teach wild beasts and children the joy of dancing, hoping to bring fun and kindness to a harsh, misun…
Level B2PoetryBaby ChatterboxDelight in the charming tales of children’s adventures, playful pets, and unexpected visitors like a curious canary seeking a new home.
Level C1ClassicsBaboo Jabberjee, B.A.An earnest Indian graduate striving to master English prose offers his refined essays and poetry to a London periodical, challenging the prevailing vulgarities of local writing wit…
Level B2MysteryBaboe Dalima; or, The Opium FiendAmid a raging storm on Java's treacherous coast, two men await a mysterious ship rumored to carry a secret cargo.
Children'sBabes of the Empire: An alphabet for young EnglandDiscover the alphabet through charming illustrations and stories that celebrate the spirit and heritage of young England, inspiring children to learn with delight and pride.
Level C1ClassicsBabes in the BushA family faces financial ruin in England and is tempted by a letter offering a new start on a vast Australian estate.
Level B2ClassicsBabbittIn the bustling city of Zenith, George Babbitt navigates the relentless grind of real estate and suburban life, haunted by dreams of youth and escape.
Level A2PoetryBab Ballads and Savoy SongsDive into a whimsical collection of witty and charming verses that cleverly blend satire and humor, offering sharp social commentary through lively ballads and songs.
Level B2Science FictionB-12's Moon GlowIn a desolate junkyard on Phobos, B-12, a clever robot moonshiner, navigates prejudice and loneliness among obsolete metal beings while brewing a potent secret elixir that sparks u…
Level C1ClassicsAztec place-namesExplore the rich meanings and linguistic patterns behind Aztec place-names, revealing how geography, nature, and culture blend in their composition through detailed analysis and ex…
Level B2Children'sAzalea: The Story of a Little Girl in the Blue Ridge MountainsWake up with the McBirneys at their mountain farm, where Azalea’s world is filled with early mornings, family bonds, and the vibrant life of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Level B2Children'sAzalea's Silver WebA determined young woman in the North Carolina mountains strives to master traditional crafts and uplift her community, all while navigating family challenges and her own dreams.
Level C2ClassicsAylwinCaught in a perilous ebbing tide, a man clings to life and memories of love as his loyal dog races to seek help.
Level C1FantasyAyesha, the Return of SheImmortal and enigmatic, Ayesha resurfaces as fate intertwines with the lives of Leo and his guardian, drawing them into a mysterious saga of love, destiny, and ancient power that d…
Level C1ClassicsAyala's AngelTwo penniless sisters, Ayala and Lucy Dormer, navigate the shadows of their late artist father's debts and their wealthy, estranged relatives.
Level C2RomanceAxel Thordson and Fair Valborg: a balladIn a world of noble courts and secret loves, Sir Axel Thordson's heart is bound to Valborg, a maiden raised in cloister and courtly grace.
Level C1PoetryAwd Isaac, The Steeple Chase, and Other Poems: With a glossary of the Yorkshire DialectExplore heartfelt poems rooted in Yorkshire life and dialect, blending local tales with moral reflections and spiritual grace.
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.