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 C1Children'sA Primary Reader: Old-time Stories, Fairy Tales and Myths Retold by ChildrenYoung readers join a big, awkward duckling as he faces rejection and loneliness, discovering kindness and self-worth along the way in timeless tales retold with a child's voice and…
Level B1PoetryA Present for Infants; or, Pictures for the NurseryGentle verses paired with charming illustrations introduce young minds to everyday scenes and simple lessons—from farm animals and gardening to acts of kindness—inviting children t…
Level C2PoetryA PreludeA weary soul finds solace hidden in a quiet wood, torn between the yearning for freedom and the peace of acceptance.
Level B2Children'sA Prairie InfantaIn a rugged Colorado mining town, Jane Combs—a tough, solitary woman—must care for a frightened child left behind when a traveling family is struck by tragedy.
Level C1ClassicsA Prairie CourtshipA young woman embarks on a daunting journey from sheltered life to the harsh prairies of western Canada, determined to carve out a new future despite poverty, isolation, and the re…
Level C1ClassicsA Practical NovelistAn unsuccessful writer vows to revolutionize storytelling by orchestrating a real-life novel, recruiting an unwitting millionaire he and his companions unexpectedly "kidnap" to sta…
Level C1RomanceA Positive Romance: 1898In late 19th-century New York, a bachelor and his friend debate the nature of men's worshipful admiration of women, leading to a profound exploration of love, society, and the myst…
Level C2ClassicsA Portrait of the Artist as a Young ManA young boy named Stephen navigates the complex world of childhood, school, and family through vivid memories and sensory impressions.
Level B2Children'sA Popular SchoolgirlSummer holidays bring a joyful family reunion at a seaside farm, but as the carefree days slip by, school looms ahead.
Level C1ClassicsA Poor Man's HouseImmerse yourself in the daily struggles and simple joys of a poor fishing community, as one man abandons middle-class life to live among them, revealing unexpected nobility, hardsh…
Level C1ClassicsA Poor GentlemanTwo Penton families live mere miles apart yet worlds away in fortune and spirit—one steeped in grand, somber tradition, the other bustling with youthful energy amid decay and hards…
Level C1ClassicsA Political RomanceIn a quaint village, a seemingly trivial dispute over an old watch-coat spirals into a tangled web of parish politics, personal favors, and secret motives, revealing the complex hu…
Level B2MysteryA Point of TestimonyA witty and unconventional detective is summoned to a wealthy estate where a prominent man has been strangled, and suspicion falls on those closest to him.
Level C1PoetryA Poetical Review of the Literary and Moral Character of the late Samuel Johnson (1786)Explore a lively poetic tribute that delves into the literary and moral character of Samuel Johnson, revealing the vibrant eighteenth-century world of wit, friendship, and controve…
Level C1PoetryA Poem to the Memory of our late lamented Queen Caroline of EnglandA stirring poetic tribute captures the trials and tribulations of Queen Caroline, exposing court intrigues, corruption, and the call for reform in England.
Level B2RomanceA Poached PeerageIn a bustling English inn, a spirited young woman dreams of leaving her humble life to serve among lords and ladies at a grand estate, while her devoted suitor struggles with jealo…
Level B2RomanceA Plucky GirlBorn into privilege but thrust into poverty, a determined young woman refuses to fade into obscurity and instead transforms her family’s luxury into a daring venture of running a b…
Level B2HistoricalA Plea for Old Cap CollierIn a strict, small-town world where Sundays stretch endlessly and childhood punishments are harsh, a boy's love for forbidden dime novels sparks a quiet rebellion against rigid rul…
Level C1AdventureA Pirate of the CaribbeesCaught between restless seas and rivalries aboard a British frigate, a young midshipman faces early morning watches, sharp banter, and the unpredictable challenges of a voyage boun…
Level C1AdventureA Pirate of PartsA resourceful actor with a knack for adventure rallies a troupe of fellow players to tour coastal towns with a makeshift theater under a canvas tent, navigating hardship with wit,…
Level C1HistoricalA Pioneer MotherA resilient pioneer mother faces the harsh realities of frontier life during the Civil War, balancing relentless labor, motherhood, and hope as her family moves westward.
Level C1PoetryA Pindarick Ode on Painting: Addressed to Joshua Reynolds, Esq.Explore a richly varied ode that celebrates painting through shifting rhythms and inventive rhyme, addressing artistic ideals and critiques in a witty, learned tribute to Joshua Re…
Level B2HistoricalA Pilgrim Maid: A Story of Plymouth Colony in 1620Amidst the perilous voyage of the Mayflower, young Constance Hopkins and her family brace themselves to forge a new life in the unknown wilderness of Plymouth Colony in 1620, where…
Level B2Children'sA Picture-book of Merry TalesIn a quaint village, the spirited young Owlglass defies expectations with his wild tricks and mischievous pranks, causing uproar among friends and neighbors alike.
Level A2Children'sA Picture Book, for Little ChildrenDelight in charming illustrations and simple scenes that spark imagination and joy for little children, inviting them to explore a world of pictures and playful learning.
Level C1ClassicsA Phyllis of the SierrasA young traveler in the Sierra foothills stumbles upon a rugged sawmill and a mysterious man named Bradley, setting him on a path through wild forests and hidden trails to deliver…
Level C1PoetryA Phenomenal FaunaWhimsical verses introduce a parade of fanciful creatures—from the lively Reg'lar Lark to the mysterious Iron Spider—each blending humor, satire, and imagination in a playful explo…
Level C1ClassicsA Phantom LoverAn artist becomes captivated by the enigmatic and hauntingly graceful Mrs.
Level C1ClassicsA Pessimist in Theory and PracticeTwo old friends reunite in the secluded woods, where one has abandoned society’s race for a simpler, more contemplative life.
Level C1ClassicsA Personal RecordExplore the sincere reflections of a writer who reveals himself beyond fiction, sharing humble truths and vivid memories shaped by a life at sea, where words carry the power to mov…
Level B2ClassicsA Personal ProblemIn a remote island outpost, two men with a fraught past navigate uneasy alliances, hidden resentments, and the shadows of betrayal as they confront a personal problem that threaten…
Level C1HistoricalA Persian Pearl, and Other EssaysExplore timeless reflections on life, existence, and human frailty through the polished wisdom of Omar Khayyam’s Rubaiyat, revealing enduring mysteries and the unchanging nature of…
Level C1MysteryA Perilous SecretA determined father, broken by loss and poverty, sets out on a desperate journey with his young daughter, discovering a hidden treasure beneath a neglected field that could change…
Level B2ClassicsA Perfect Fool: A NovelIn a struggling London household, young Chris Abercarne musters courage and wit to challenge her mother’s old-fashioned views and find a way out of poverty, navigating society’s ex…
Level C1MysteryA People's ManIn the shadowed streets of Soho, a desperate messenger brings news of Maraton, a mysterious figure poised to ignite a revolution.
Level B2Children'sA Peep Behind the ScenesIn a rain-soaked fairground, a kind old man visits Rosalie, a delicate girl living with her ailing mother in a cramped caravan, offering a picture of hope and compassion that hints…
Level B2Children'sA Patriotic SchoolgirlTwo sisters embark on a new chapter as they prepare to leave home for Brackenfield boarding school—one bold and determined, the other shy and uncertain.
Level B2ClassicsA Pasteboard Crown: A Story of the New York StageIn a forgotten old estate shrouded in mystery and neglect, the arrival of the Lawton family stirs whispers and curiosity in the nearby village.
Level C1ClassicsA Passionate PilgrimAn American traveler immerses himself in the faded charm of a centuries-old English inn, where the atmosphere brims with history and quiet mystery.
Level C1AdventureA Passion in the DesertStranded alone in the vast, scorching desert after escaping captivity, a French soldier must confront the relentless wilderness and an unexpected bond with a wild hyena that challe…
Level C1ClassicsA Parody on Princess IdaIn a whimsical kingdom ruled by railroad lines, a prince must win over his bride, a fiercely independent princess who shuns men and embraces a life of female camaraderie in the imp…
Level B2ClassicsA Parody on PatienceJoin the Trevellyan family and the button-loving Deacon Fitney on a charming summer journey from Chicago to Niagara Falls aboard the luxurious Michigan Central Railroad, where live…
Level C1ClassicsA Parody on IolantheIn a whimsical fairy glade along the Chicago & Alton Railway, a half-fairy, half-human brakeman battles the challenges of love, duty, and railway politics, where enchantment meets…
PoetryA Parody on "Mary's Ghost;" or, The Doctors and Body-snatchers.: A Pathetic Tale, With Numerous Additions.Dive into a witty poetic parody that twists the eerie tale of "Mary's Ghost," blending humor and satire to explore the macabre world of doctors and body-snatchers in a delightfully…
Level C1PoetryA Parody AnthologyA witty collection celebrates the art of parody, blending sharp humor with refined taste to cleverly mimic and amuse.
Level C1AdventureA Parisian Sultana, Vol. 3 (of 3)Grieving the death of his mother, a young doctor is urged by a loyal friend to leave Paris and seek solace in distant lands.
Level C1RomanceA Parisian Sultana, Vol. 2 (of 3)A European flotilla navigates the treacherous Nile, confronting the brutal realities of the slave trade as a determined Egyptian captain challenges a suspicious trader’s cargo.
Level C1AdventureA Parisian Sultana, Vol. 1 (of 3)In a Parisian boudoir transformed into a sanctuary of geographical discovery, a determined young woman pores over recent news of the legendary explorer Livingstone's fate, setting…
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.