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 C1ClassicsA Little Swiss SojournExperience a rainy Swiss autumn through vivid landscapes, charming local customs, and candid travel observations as the narrator explores the Vaud region, its vineyards, and the qu…
Level C1ClassicsA Little RebelA reserved professor faces an unexpected challenge when the dying wish of an old friend leaves him the guardian of a spirited seventeen-year-old girl with no family to care for her…
Level B1Children'sA Little Question in Ladies' RightsWhen Margery overeats bananas and faces Effie's stern warnings, a debate erupts about respect and roles within the household, challenging childhood assumptions about servants and f…
Level B2Children'sA Little Queen of Hearts: An International StoryTwo brothers, Harold and Ted, navigate their complex emotions and family ties amid unexpected challenges, as secrets and heartfelt decisions lead them on a poignant journey of grow…
Level B2PoetryA Little Present for a Good ChildDiscover a charming collection of nature-inspired verses that celebrate animals, seasons, and simple joys, inviting young readers into a world of gentle lessons and playful imagery…
Level C1PhilosophyA Little Pilgrim: Stories of the Seen and the UnseenAwakening in a luminous, unfamiliar realm, a gentle woman who has known life's sorrows embarks on a mysterious journey between the seen and unseen, discovering peace, wonder, and a…
Level C1ClassicsA Little Pilgrim in the UnseenA gentle soul awakens in a realm of soft light and serene peace, journeying beyond the familiar into the mysterious Unseen.
Level B2ClassicsA Little Norsk; Or, Ol' Pap's FlaxenAmid the relentless northern blizzard, settlers brace against the bitter cold and isolation of the vast, treeless plains.
Level B2Children'sA Little Mother to the OthersFour imaginative children named after Greek legends spend their days in a magical, fruit-laden garden where they explore nature, tell stories, and find joy in flowers, stars, and t…
Level B2Children'sA Little Miss Nobody; Or, With the Girls of Pinewood HallA lonely girl with no known family or past struggles to find her identity and place among the monogram-obsessed students at Higbee School.
Level C1ClassicsA Little Journey in the WorldIn a society obsessed with appearances and prosperity, a woman's soul quietly deteriorates beneath the surface of respectability and charity, revealing the hidden costs of ambition…
Level B2PoetryA Little Girl to her Flowers in VerseA young girl celebrates the beauty and charm of flowers through heartfelt verses, inviting readers to explore nature’s colorful wonders and the divine artistry behind them.
Level B2HistoricalA Little Girl of Long Ago; Or, Hannah Ann: A Sequel to a Little Girl in Old New YorkIn 1846 New York, eleven-year-old Hanny Underhill navigates a world on the brink of change, filled with family warmth, historical reflections, and the excitement of a Valentine bal…
Level B2HistoricalA Little Girl in Old WashingtonA young girl from Kentucky navigates the complexities of a blended family in early 19th-century Washington, caught between rival loyalties and the hopes of a new home filled with c…
Level B2HistoricalA Little Girl in Old St. LouisIn the budding frontier town of old St.
Level B2HistoricalA Little Girl in Old San FranciscoA young girl embarks on a long journey from a quiet Maine village to the bustling, evolving city of San Francisco, carrying with her memories, dreams, and the weight of family hard…
Level C1HistoricalA Little Girl in Old SalemIn a sunlit Salem home, Chilian Leverett, a refined Harvard graduate burdened by family duties, prepares for unexpected visitors from Boston, stirring memories and tensions amid th…
Level B2HistoricalA Little Girl in Old QuebecIn the rugged early days of Quebec, a spirited young girl defies expectations and dreams of freedom beyond the fortress walls, while a hopeful newcomer navigates the wild landscape…
Level B2HistoricalA Little Girl in Old PittsburgAmid the hopeful stir of a small colonial town, a young girl grapples with the thrilling news of Cornwallis’s surrender, caught between her grandfather’s skepticism and the promise…
Level B2HistoricalA Little Girl in Old PhiladelphiaIn a Quaker household in old Philadelphia, spirited Primrose faces the challenges of growing up amid strict rules and uncertain futures.
Level B2HistoricalA Little Girl in Old New YorkA young girl faces the big city and a new life as her family prepares to leave the countryside for bustling New York, discovering the charm and challenges of a world filled with gr…
Level C1HistoricalA Little Girl in Old DetroitIn a frontier Detroit marked by French and English struggles, a young girl named Jeanne Angelot is raised by a freed Indian woman, weaving through a world of shifting loyalties, my…
Level B2HistoricalA Little Girl in Old ChicagoA weary father and his young daughter arrive at a struggling settlement on the outskirts of Old Chicago, seeking a fresh start amid uncertain times.
Level C1HistoricalA Little Girl in Old BostonIn post-Revolutionary Boston, young Doris navigates the tensions of faith, family expectations, and social change as she settles into a new home under the watchful eyes of her Puri…
Level C1ClassicsA Little Garrison: A Realistic Novel of German Army Life of To-dayA vivid portrait of the German army’s decline from its former glory reveals corruption, lax discipline, and moral decay beneath the surface of military tradition.
Level B2Children'sA Little Florida LadyA spirited young girl named Beth faces a big move from snowy New York to sunny Florida, bringing along her mischievous charm and a secret kitten.
Level C1HistoricalA Little English GalleryExplore intimate portraits of remarkable English lives, beginning with Lady Danvers—mother, muse, and matriarch to poets and warriors alike—whose legacy weaves through history, lit…
Level B2HistoricalA Little Dusky HeroIn the sweltering heat of Tampa, a ragged young boy named George Washington McKinley Jones arrives, determined to prove his heroism despite his hardships.
Level C1ClassicsA Little Dinner at Timmins'sIn a genteel London street, the newlywed Timmins couple plan an ambitious dinner party, balancing social aspirations with their modest means.![Cover of A Little Colored Boy, and Other Stories by Methodist Book Concern [Publisher]](https://dsx1pat3ljtul.cloudfront.net/books/daf8floe1ofc73dhcehg.webp)
Level B2Children'sA Little Colored Boy, and Other StoriesIn a warm-hearted rural home, a spirited boy named Ned learns the meaning of responsibility and kindness through gentle guidance and the simple joys of nature, music, and helping o…
Level B2ClassicsA Little Change: A Farce in One SceneA newlywed couple tries to savor their honeymoon in a seaside hotel, but restless Edwin craves a little change from the monotonous scenery and conversation, sparking witty banter a…
Level B2FantasyA Little Boy LostIn a remote desert paradise, young Martin finds joy among sunflowers, animals, and his carpenter father's craft, but an unexpected discovery in his pinafore sets him on a journey w…
Level C1PoetryA Little Book of Western VerseExplore heartfelt reflections and tender memories woven through evocative poetry that honors love, loss, and the enduring bonds of family.
Level B2Children'sA Little Book of Profitable TalesIn a forest stirred by celestial wonders, a humble little tree becomes the center of an angelic celebration and a divine mystery, as stars dance and heavenly music fills the night,…
Level C2PoetryA Little Book of Old Time Verse: Old Fashioned FlowersExplore timeless verses that evoke the charm of old-fashioned flowers and the sweet memories of days gone by, gathered from poets spanning centuries.
Level C1ClassicsA Little Book of Filipino RiddlesDiscover the rich tradition of Filipino riddles, blending local culture, nature, and European influence into clever puzzles that challenge wit and reveal unique island life.
Level B2PoetryA Little Book of BoresDive into a whimsical collection of humorous verses and lively illustrations that bring playful animal antics to life, blending simple fun with irresistible charm on every page.
Level C1Children'sA Little Book for ChristmasDiscover heartfelt Christmas reflections, personal adventures, meditations, and stories that celebrate the enduring spirit of goodwill and joy across generations, inviting readers…
Level C1ClassicsA Literary Pilgrimage Among the Haunts of Famous British AuthorsExplore the scenic haunts of legendary British authors as you wander through Hampstead, Highgate, and beyond, tracing the footsteps of Dickens, Keats, and George Eliot.
Level C1HistoricalA Literary History of the English People, from the Origins to the RenaissanceDelve into the rich evolution of English literature from its mysterious origins to the vibrant Renaissance, tracing the intertwined histories and cultural exchanges that shaped its…
Level C1HistoricalA Literary History of the ArabsExplore the rich tapestry of Arab thought through poetry, history, and intellectual traditions, revealing the cultural forces that shaped this influential civilization.
Level B2AdventureA List To Starboard: 1909A seasoned captain clashes with a shipping manager over sending a decrepit vessel to sea, risking passengers and cattle aboard.
Level B2HistoricalA Lincoln ConscriptAs the Civil War rages around Gettysburg, a patriotic village rallies its young men for military drills, but tensions rise when a boy with a controversial family background joins t…
Level C1FantasyA Likely StoryIn a London household tangled in petty quarrels and mysterious art, a seemingly ordinary picture hides centuries of secrets, love, and danger.
Level C1ClassicsA Likely StoryIn a quaint seaside cottage, Mrs.
Level B2PoetryA Life's Story, In Poetry. Other PoemsA journey through a lifetime unfolds in heartfelt verse, tracing the growth from childhood wonder to skilled tradesman and family man amid the changing American landscape.
Level C1ClassicsA Life's Secret: A NovelIn a quiet English town, young Austin Clay, an orphan of gentle birth, navigates his apprenticeship under a self-made builder, determined to prove that hard work holds no shame.
Level C1ClassicsA Life's MorningA brilliant but fragile Oxford scholar faces the limits of mind and body as he battles exhaustion and the pressures of academic ambition.
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.