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 B2Children'sA Life's EclipseA humble under-gardener boldly declares his love for the landowner’s daughter, but faces harsh rejection and rivalry from a more favored suitor.
Level C1ClassicsA Life of William Shakespeare: with portraits and facsimilesDelve into a meticulously researched narrative unraveling the life, career, and literary achievements of Shakespeare, shedding new light on his works, financial affairs, and relati…
Level C1ClassicsA Life of Walt WhitmanDelve into the complex life of Walt Whitman through the eyes of an English admirer who explores the poet as a mystic and man shaped by his era, offering insights drawn from Whitman…
Level C1RomanceA Life for a Life, Volume 3 (of 3)A betrothed woman grapples with heartbreak and secrecy as her fiancé returns changed and distant, forcing her to confront painful truths beneath a cheerful facade.
Level C1ClassicsA Life for a Life, Volume 2 (of 3)Caught between duty and fate, Max Urquhart abandons resolutions to chronicle the unexpected twists of his life amid war and loss.
Level C1ClassicsA Life for a Life, Volume 1 (of 3)Amid the uneasy presence of a military camp near their moorland home, a young woman wrestles with her disdain for soldiers and her place within her family’s strict social expectati…
Level C1ClassicsA Life Sentence: A NovelA man stands condemned by overwhelming circumstantial evidence for the murder of a local gentleman, while his young, frightened daughter—ignorant of the world and faith—unexpectedl…
Level B2RomanceA Life For a Love: A NovelIn a lush rectory garden, two spirited sisters navigate family secrets and unexpected arrangements, while their father and brother grapple with an incomprehensible decision that wi…
Level B2AdventureA Lieutenant at EighteenIn the midst of the Civil War’s chaos, a courageous teenager rises swiftly through the ranks of the Riverlawn Cavalry, facing lawless guerrillas and fierce battles in loyal Kentuck…
Level C1ClassicsA Librarian's Open Shelf: Essays on Various SubjectsExplore the curious habits of readers who borrow volumes but seldom finish them, revealing how duty and fleeting interest shape our engagement with books.
Level C2ClassicsA Letter on Shakspere's Authorship of The Two Noble Kinsmen: and on the characteristics of Shakspere's style and the secret of his supremacyExplore a rigorous analysis of Shakespeare's style and the disputed authorship of The Two Noble Kinsmen, questioning whether this play truly reflects the mastery of the Bard’s late…
Level C1ClassicsA Letter from Mr. Cibber to Mr. PopeA fiery letter reveals the tangled feud between an actor and a poet, exposing witty insults, bawdy scandals, and the clash of egos behind 18th-century literary rivalries.
Level C1HistoricalA Letter From a Clergyman to his Friend,: with an Account of the Travels of Captain Lemuel GulliverA clergyman's letter reveals the sharp satire and political intrigue behind Captain Lemuel Gulliver’s extraordinary voyages, exposing a world where wit masks deep social and religi…
Level C1ClassicsA Letter Book: Selected with an Introduction on the History and Art of Letter-WritingExplore the art and history of letter-writing through carefully selected examples and insightful commentary, revealing the style and character behind some of the most elegant and i…
Level C1HistoricalA Legend of Reading AbbeyIn turbulent 12th-century England, the newly founded Reading Abbey stands as a beacon of faith and privilege amid shifting loyalties and political strife.
Level C1PoetryA Legend of Old Persia and Other PoemsIn an ancient Persian land of endless summers, a young lord faces a haunting tradition as he carries his frail father to mysterious caverns, uncovering secrets that challenge custo…
Level C1HistoricalA Legend of MontroseIn a Scotland torn by deadly feuds and brutal revenge, the tragic fate of John Lord Kilpont unfolds amid clan rivalries and outlawed MacGregors, weaving a tale of haunting loyalty,…
Level C1PoetryA Legend of Goat IslandAmidst the roaring waters at Niagara Falls, a priest’s sacred mission challenges ancient superstitions on Goat Island, inspiring warriors to embrace a new faith.
Level C1ClassicsA Lecture On Heads: As Delivered By Mr. Charles Lee Lewes, To Which Is Added, An Essay On Satire, With Forty-Seven Heads By Nesbit, From Designs By Thurston, 1812Delve into a sharp and witty exploration of heads, satire, and society as a celebrated lecture unfolds amidst 18th-century England’s tumultuous backdrop, blending humor, critique,…![Cover of A Learned Dissertation on Dumpling (1726): [and] Pudding and Dumpling Burnt to Pot. Or a Compleat Key to the Dissertation on Dumpling (1727) by Henry Carey](https://dsx1pat3ljtul.cloudfront.net/books/da81rk1p4q6c73eca1e0.webp)
Level C2ClassicsA Learned Dissertation on Dumpling (1726): [and] Pudding and Dumpling Burnt to Pot. Or a Compleat Key to the Dissertation on Dumpling (1727)Dive into a witty 18th-century satire that uses the humble dumpling as a metaphor to expose political corruption and social intrigue in London, blending culinary knowledge with sha…
Level C1ClassicsA Lear of the Steppes, etc.In a vivid portrayal of rural life, a powerful patriarch known as Harlov commands attention as his family and community navigate the sudden eruption of tragedy and its lasting impa…
Level C1PoetryA Leaf from the Old ForestJourney into the heart of the Old Forest, where nature’s beauty and timeless friendships intertwine through poetic reflections on life, loss, and the enduring spirit of art and mem…
Level C1ClassicsA Latin Grammar for Schools and CollegesDelve into a meticulously researched Latin grammar that prioritizes authentic examples and scientific presentation, offering a deep understanding of syntax, inflection, and usage d…
Level C1RomanceA Laodicean : A Story of To-dayAmid the fading light of an ancient English village, a young architectural draughtsman becomes entwined in the shifting tides of tradition and modernity, where romance and social c…
Level C1RomanceA Lame Dog's DiaryIn a village abuzz with curiosity and whispered secrets, the arrival of a mysterious new house sparks intrigue among neighbors.
Level B2ClassicsA Lady of RomeAmid the vibrant crowds of Villa Borghese, Maria Montalto sells lemonade in a striking Neapolitan costume, her beauty and mysterious past captivating all who meet her.
Level C1HistoricalA Lady of Quality: Being a Most Curious, Hitherto Unknown History, as Related by Mr. Isaac Bickerstaff but Not Presented to the World of Fashion Through the Pages of The Tatler, and Now for the First Time Written DownIn a turbulent 1690 countryside, a harsh nobleman faces the birth of yet another child amid his bitter resentment and strained marriage, while a mysterious old nurse brings urgent…
Level C1HistoricalA Lady of England: The Life and Letters of Charlotte Maria TuckerDiscover the devoted life and letters of Charlotte Maria Tucker, a missionary whose tireless work in England and India reveals the challenges, hopes, and deep friendships behind he…
Level C1RomanceA Ladder of Swords: A Tale of Love, Laughter and TearsIn a perilous world of faith and war during Queen Elizabeth’s reign, a young Huguenot couple defies danger and separation, their love tested by exile, secret letters, and the deadl…
Level B2AdventureA Lad of MettleAt Redbank School, where athletic prowess and honor reign, young Edgar Foster faces down the notorious Bully Rakes, proving his quiet strength and setting the stage for a tale of c…
Level C1ClassicsA Knight on WheelsIn a world where charity is both a science and an art, young Philip navigates the curious demands of philanthropy under the watchful eye of Uncle Joseph, whose mysterious rules and…
Level C1AdventureA Knight of the White Cross: A Tale of the Siege of RhodesAmidst the fierce battles between Christian knights and Ottoman forces, a young nobleman joins the legendary Knights Hospitallers, defending Rhodes against a relentless siege.
Level C1ClassicsA Knight of the Nineteenth CenturyEgbert Haldane grows up pampered and spoiled, his mother’s excessive indulgence shaping him into a selfish, tyrannical boy who struggles to honor those closest to him.
Level C1RomanceA Knight of the NetsIn a remote fishing village where the sea’s fury shapes every life, Christina Binnie stands apart—beautiful, independent, and unmarried against tradition.
Level C1AdventureA Knight of the CumberlandIn the rugged Cumberland Mountains, a spirited young woman known as the Blight ventures beyond familiar trails into a wild land of moonshiners and feuds, where her charm and boldne…
Level C1ClassicsA King, and No KingAmidst political intrigue and war, a victorious king claims a rival prince prisoner and demands his ransom: the king’s enigmatic sister.
Level C1AdventureA King's Comrade: A Story of Old HerefordAs a Danish jarl brings a mysterious company to a quiet shore, ancient loyalties and dark destinies entwine around the martyrdom of King Ethelbert.
Level C1HistoricalA King of Tyre: A Tale of the Times of Ezra and NehemiahIn the bustling island city of Tyre, a proud people face a crisis as their ancient commercial empire wanes beneath Persian rule and Greek ascendancy.
Level C1Children'sA Kindergarten Story BookThree brothers quarrel over a clever pony until their father challenges them to fill a leaky basket with water from a pond, setting the youngest, often teased Dunny, on a surprisin…
Level B2FantasyA Kidnapped Santa ClausIn the joyful Laughing Valley, Santa Claus and his magical helpers craft toys to spread happiness to children everywhere—until the bitter Daemons of the nearby mountain plot to cap…
Level C1HistoricalA Key to Uncle Tom's Cabin: Presenting the original facts and documents upon which the story is founded. Together with corroborative statements verifying the truth of the work.Expose the harsh realities behind a beloved story by exploring the real events and testimonies that inspired it, revealing the unvarnished truths of slavery’s moral and legal evils…
Level C1HistoricalA Key to Lord Tennyson's 'In Memoriam'Explore the profound grief and consolation woven through a journey to the quiet English villages that shaped a timeless tribute to loss and hope.
Level C1ClassicsA Kentucky Cardinal: A StoryIn the quiet winter of 1850 Kentucky, a solitary observer finds solace in nature’s subtle music and the company of loyal animals, but the arrival of new neighbors promises to disru…
Level B2Science FictionA Journey to the Centre of the EarthAn eccentric professor and his curious nephew embark on a daring expedition beneath the Earth’s surface, uncovering mysterious tunnels, ancient creatures, and hidden wonders in a q…
Level B2Science FictionA Journey into the Interior of the EarthA daring expedition ventures beneath Iceland’s volcanic craters to unravel the mysteries hidden deep within the Earth’s interior, blending scientific inquiry with thrilling adventu…
Level C1Science FictionA Journey in Other Worlds: A Romance of the FutureExplorers harness a mysterious force to journey from Earth to Jupiter, eager to uncover the secrets of its vast landscapes, strange climates, and possible inhabitants.
Level C1ClassicsA Journey from This World to the NextAfter death, the narrator escapes his earthly prison and embarks on a mysterious journey guided by Mercury toward the next world, exploring philosophical reflections on life, virtu…
Level C1ClassicsA Journalist's Note-BookExplore the evolving world of journalism through candid reflections on its reputation, challenges, and the complex relationship between newspapers and their readers in a time when…
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.