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 C1MysteryThe Bishop's SecretIn the exclusive ecclesiastical society of a small English cathedral city, a determined spinster and a domineering social bully stir intrigue and power plays.
Level C1ClassicsThe Bishop of Cottontown: A Story of the Southern Cotton MillsAmid the vibrant cotton fields of the Tennessee Valley in 1874, the story unfolds with the rich symbolism of the cotton plant—nature’s delicate yet powerful artisan weaving the fab…
Level C1MysteryThe Bishop murder caseWhen a chilling series of murders grips New York, brilliant amateur detective Philo Vance abandons scholarly pursuits to unravel the eerie "Bishop" case, uncovering a dark mystery…
Level B2Children'sThe Bishop and the BoogermanIn a world where belief shapes reality, young Adelaide navigates mysterious happenings and whispers of the past while living with her Uncle Jonas.
Level C1ClassicsThe Bishop and Other StoriesIn a quiet monastery on the eve of Palm Sunday, a weary bishop is haunted by memories and an unexpected visit from his long-absent mother.
Level B2RomanceThe BirthrightA man sets out to clear his name and reclaim the land he believes is his birthright, confronting family betrayal, dark rumors, and dangerous smugglers in a rugged Cornish landscape…
Level C1ClassicsThe BirthplaceA weary couple in a dreary town receive an unexpected offer to oversee the birthplace of a great poet, thrusting them from their confined lives into the heart of a sacred literary…
Level B1PoetryThe Birthday Party: A Story for Little FolksA kind-hearted girl plans a grand birthday party, inviting friends and curious neighbors in hopes of spreading joy and kindness, even to those who might seem difficult.
Level C2PoetryThe Birth of the War-God: A Poem by KálidásaImmerse yourself in the poetic tale of the War-God's mysterious birth, woven with graceful imagery and ancient lore from the polished court of Vikramáditya.
Level B2Children'sThe Birds' Christmas CarolOn a snowy Christmas morning, a new baby named Carol arrives in the Bird household, bringing joy and a touch of holiday magic as the family debates her name and welcomes their litt…
Level C1ClassicsThe BirdsTwo Athenians, fed up with their city's endless quarrels, seek refuge with the birds to build a utopian city in the sky, challenging the gods themselves in a whimsical battle of wi…
Level C1ClassicsThe Bird in the BoxA majestic new ship, the Merida, awaits its launch amid the bustling shipyard, while a young girl prepares to christen the vessel—her presence igniting anticipation as this monumen…
Level B2AdventureThe Bird boysFour inventive boys set out on their first thrilling air voyage, facing challenges from lost inventions to unexpected wilderness dangers.
Level C1Children'sThe Bird and Insects' Post OfficeIn a charming post office run by birds and insects, lively letters reveal their adventures, rivalries, and wisdom from the natural world.
Level B2AdventureThe Bird Boys' Aeroplane Wonder; Or, Young Aviators on a Cattle RanchAs school delays grant unexpected freedom, two inventive cousins seize the chance to perfect their remarkable aeroplane, daring to soar where few have before—while their loyal frie…
Level B2AdventureThe Birch and the Star, and Other StoriesTwo young siblings, separated by war and raised in a foreign land, embark on a brave journey home to Finland guided only by the memory of a birch tree and a shining star, trusting…
Level C1ClassicsThe Biography of a Prairie GirlAmid a fierce prairie blizzard, a family hunkers down in their snow-buried farmhouse, awaiting the arrival of a long-absent husband and father whose journey through the storm tests…
Level B2AdventureThe Biography of a GrizzlyFollow the adventures of a grizzly bear family in the wild West, where young cubs learn survival skills from their fierce mother amid the dangers of untamed nature and unexpected t…
Level B2HistoricalThe Billow and the RockIn a turbulent Scotland where lawlessness reigns and powerful lords impose their will, Lady Carse faces a desperate struggle to reclaim her children from a rigid and dangerous soci…
Level B2ClassicsThe Bill-ToppersA young girl named Lily dazzles crowds across continents with her daring cycling acts and charming performances, supported by her determined father who dreams of stardom for the en…
Level C1PoetryThe Biglow PapersSharp wit and biting satire bring to life New England voices grappling with the Mexican War and the shadow of slavery, exposing political hypocrisy and human frailty through vivid…
Level C1ClassicsThe BigamistA man haunted by a secret past cherishes the love of his devoted young wife, yet an unspoken worry shadows their tranquil life.
Level B2AdventureThe Big-Town Round-UpA young city girl encounters the rugged reality of a cattle round-up in the Arizona desert, where wild herds and tough vaqueros test her courage and challenge her romantic notions…
Level C1AdventureThe Big OtterTwo hardy friends embark on a daring winter expedition through the frozen wilderness, braving forty-below-zero temperatures and deep snow to explore untamed backwoods and test thei…
Level B2Children'sThe Big Nightcap Letters: Being the Fifth Book of the SeriesJoin a lively group of village children as they welcome a new schoolmaster whose kindness and wisdom promise to transform their lessons and friendships, weaving gentle tales that i…
Level B2ClassicsThe Big MogulIn the grand Townsend mansion, a grieving patriarch clings to a comfort in his stately library while mourning his late daughter.
Level B2AdventureThe Big Five Motorcycle Boys on the Battle Line; Or, With the Allies in FranceAmid the chaos of war-torn Belgium, five daring motorcycle boys navigate danger and adventure as they join the Allies on the battle line, racing through cities under siege and witn…
Level C1RomanceThe Big Drum: A Comedy in Four ActsIn Edwardian London, Philip Mackworth confronts the ironies of ambition and society’s expectations as he reunites with old friends for a gathering where love, reputation, and self-…
Level B2AdventureThe Big Brother: A Story of Indian WarAmid the brutal Creek Indian War of 1813, settlers fortify stockades as relentless attacks threaten their survival.
Level C1MysteryThe Big Bow MysteryA baffling murder occurs in a locked room with no apparent way in or out, challenging both detective and reader to unravel a puzzle filled with humor, vivid characters, and an inge…
Level B2PoetryThe Big Book of Nursery RhymesDiscover timeless nursery rhymes, from playful jingles to charming tales, lovingly collected and illustrated for young readers to enjoy and treasure across generations.
Level B2RomanceThe Big Blue SoldierAs World War I ends, Miss Marilla anxiously awaits the return of her nephew, Lieutenant Richard Chadwick, longing to see him in his soldier’s uniform and bask in the hero’s glow, w…
Level B2ClassicsThe Bicyclers and Three Other FarcesThaddeus Perkins embarks on his comedic journey into bicycling, navigating quirky friends, eccentric gadgets, and unexpected mishaps in a lively drawing-room farce.
Level C1ClassicsThe Bickerstaff-Partridge PapersA sharp critique of astrology exposes the folly of almanac-makers while promising a new, rational approach to predictions.
Level C1ClassicsThe Bibliotaph, and Other PeopleDive into the passionate world of bibliophiles where collecting rare books becomes an art of obsession, humor, and devotion.
Level C1HistoricalThe Bible in Spain: Or, the Journeys, Adventures, and Imprisonments of an Englishman, in an Attempt to Circulate the Scriptures in the PeninsulaAn English missionary embarks on a daring journey through Spain and Portugal to circulate the Scriptures, encountering diverse people, perilous adventures, and unexpected imprisonm…![Cover of The Bible in Spain, Vol. 2 [of 2]: Or, the Journeys, Adventures, and Imprisonments of an Englishman in an Attempt to Circulate the Scriptures in the Peninsula by George Borrow](https://dsx1pat3ljtul.cloudfront.net/books/daeu008e1ofc73dh98j0.webp)
Level C1HistoricalThe Bible in Spain, Vol. 2 [of 2]: Or, the Journeys, Adventures, and Imprisonments of an Englishman in an Attempt to Circulate the Scriptures in the PeninsulaAn Englishman ventures across Spain, facing rugged paths, hostile authorities, and prison, all in a daring mission to distribute the Scriptures.![Cover of The Bible in Spain, Vol. 1 [of 2]: Or, the Journeys, Adventures, and Imprisonments of an Englishman in an Attempt to Circulate the Scriptures in the Peninsula by George Borrow](https://dsx1pat3ljtul.cloudfront.net/books/daetunge1ofc73dh98bg.webp)
Level C1HistoricalThe Bible in Spain, Vol. 1 [of 2]: Or, the Journeys, Adventures, and Imprisonments of an Englishman in an Attempt to Circulate the Scriptures in the PeninsulaAn English agent embarks on a daring mission to print and distribute the Bible across 19th-century Spain, encountering vibrant cultures, unexpected adventures, and deep-rooted chal…
Level C1HistoricalThe Betrothed: From the Italian of Alessandro ManzoniIn a world where truth is veiled by pride and darkness, a tale unfolds exploring the clash between idealism and harsh reality.
Level C1HistoricalThe BetrothedIn a Scottish borderland marked by ancient legends and restless Crusaders, a returning knight discovers his home transformed by mysterious new blood and secrets tied to the enchant…
Level B2FantasyThe Betrothal: A Sequel to the Blue Bird; A Fairy Play in Five Acts and Eleven ScenesIn a rustic wood-cutter’s cottage, sixteen-year-old Tytyl awakens to a mysterious visit from the Fairy Bérylune, who challenges him to confront love and destiny in a world where ma…
Level B2MysteryThe Betrayal of John FordhamHaunted by a shadowy crime he can’t fully recall, John Fordham faces a grim fate as he wrestles with guilt, love, and a relentless enemy determined to destroy him and the family he…
Level C1MysteryThe BetrayalA fierce storm batters a remote coastal village as a reluctant lecturer battles loneliness, hunger, and unsettling hospitality.
Level C1ClassicsThe Beth Book: Being a Study of the Life of Elizabeth Caldwell Maclure, a Woman of GeniusIn a world where women accept their lot without question, one delicate mother’s quiet suffering and unfulfilled dreams set the stage for a remarkable life.
Level C1ClassicsThe Best of the World's Classics, Vol. V (of X) - Great Britain and Ireland IIIDive into the vibrant world of 18th-century Britain through the eyes of a young Scottish lawyer determined to befriend the formidable Dr.
Level C1ClassicsThe Best of the World's Classics, Restricted to prose. Volume III (of X) - Great Britain and Ireland IExplore the timeless wisdom and knowledge preserved in books, where truth shines brighter than gold and rulers and scholars alike find guidance.
Level C1HistoricalThe Best of the World's Classics, Restricted to prose. Volume II (of X) - RomeExplore the disciplined life of a Roman farm owner who oversees every detail—from crop yields to slave management—balancing efficiency, economy, and tradition in the pursuit of pro…
Level C1HistoricalThe Best of the World's Classics, Restricted to prose. Volume I (of X) - GreeceExplore the rich legacy of Greek prose from 484 B.
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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.