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 B1Children'sThe book of one syllableA young girl struggles with self-control as her curiosity leads her into a forbidden room filled with tempting sweets, teaching a gentle lesson about right and wrong through simple…
Level C2PoetryThe book of jadeA weary soul drifts through opulent Persian nights, intoxicated by beauty, sin, and knowledge, yet burdened by ennui and longing for something beyond mortal pleasures.
Level B2AdventureThe book of friendly giantsA lonely herdboy named Ivan hears mysterious cries in the forest and ventures into the darkness, where he encounters the gentle giants who defy fearsome legends with their kind hea…
Level C1PhilosophyThe book of filial dutyExplore the ancient wisdom that shapes family and society through the enduring principles of respect, duty, and harmony between generations, revealing a timeless guide to honor bot…
Level C1ClassicsThe book of Scottish storyDive into vivid Scottish tales that capture the spirit and social life of a bygone era, from the homespun humor of Patie Crichton, the henpecked bicker-maker, to stirring stories t…
Level C1ClassicsThe book of Saint NicholasDiscover the charming tales and traditions of St.
Level B2Children'sThe bonfireIn a village where whispers and jeers shadow him, a lonely old man faces the mischief and misunderstanding of local children, all while hiding a painful secret from his past.
Level B1HistoricalThe blue socksA determined young girl sets out to knit socks for soldiers, balancing her good intentions with family duties and school life.
Level C1MysteryThe blue scarabA mysterious fire leads to the theft of a seemingly worthless deed-box, but the return of its contents—minus a blue scarab—along with a cryptic hieroglyphic seal, draws a sharp-min…
Level C1HorrorThe blood of the vampireIn a bustling Belgian hotel, a mysterious young woman with striking, unnatural features arrives, captivating the guests with her eerie appetite and enigmatic presence—setting the s…
Level B2AdventureThe blind lion of the CongoA world-traveling explorer returns home with tales of daring adventures across deserts and slave gangs, igniting a young scholar's dream of thrilling escapades in the Congo.
Level C1ClassicsThe blacker the berryEmma Lou, the only dark-skinned student in a predominantly white school, struggles with the painful reality of colorism as she faces society's harsh judgments.
Level C1HistoricalThe black wolf's breedIn the wilds of 18th-century Louisiana, a seasoned soldier reflects on a world of clashing swords and fierce honor, where French empire-building meets untamed frontier life, myster…
Level C1HistoricalThe black tulipIn 1672’s turbulent Hague, political intrigue swirls around the De Witt brothers, defenders of the fragile Dutch Republic facing threats from the rising power of Prince William of…
Level B2ClassicsThe black spaniel, and other storiesIn the vibrant setting of Rome’s Grand Hotel, two very different men—an ailing London doctor and a cultured traveler—are introduced, sparking a tense clash of beliefs about humanit…
Level B2Children'sThe black ship: with other allegories and parablesTwo inseparable siblings, Hope and May, live by the sea on a mysterious island ringed by towering mountains.
Level C1ClassicsThe black pearlA young Parisienne embarks on a daring journey to her uncle’s remote Australian station, carrying a mysterious black pearl that once belonged to a begum, linking her to a hidden an…
Level B2MysteryThe black cat, vol. I, no. 7, April 1896An ocean liner laden with thirty million dollars in gold embarks on a perilous voyage amid storms and intrigue, sparking fears of daring conspiracies and a gripping mystery at sea.
Level B2ClassicsThe black cat, vol. I, no. 6, March 1896A wealthy and enigmatic heiress known for her eccentric charm and mysterious rejections leaves behind a will that stirs society into a frenzy, promising unexpected fortunes to her…
Level B2ClassicsThe black cat, vol. I, no. 5, February 1896A New Yorker’s Parisian adventure takes a mysterious turn when a beautiful stranger slips him a cryptic French card, leading to unexpected evictions and a puzzling warning that thr…
Level B2ClassicsThe black cat, vol. I, no. 4, January 1896Beneath ancient Jerusalem lies a vast labyrinth of man-made caverns, holding secrets carved from Solomon’s time.
Level C1MysteryThe black cat, vol. I, no. 3, December 1895On Melbourne Cup Day, a stranger arrives too late for the races but finds himself drawn into a world of dazzling fashion, high stakes, and whispered secrets at the Victoria Club.
Level C1AdventureThe black cat, vol. I, no. 2, November 1895In the rugged Calaveras foothills of 1880, a wary man with a gun waits beneath the chaparral, caught between a violent past and the hope sparked by Rudy, whose faith and fierce spi…
Level B2ClassicsThe black cat, vol. I, no. 1, October 1895In the lawless early days of a wild state, Bill Bowen recalls a deadly rivalry sparked by love, gambling, and gold, where honor, passion, and violence collide under the relentless…
Level C1ClassicsThe black borderExplore the haunting legacy of the transatlantic slave trade along Africa’s coast, tracing the origins and enduring influence of the resilient Gullah people and their unique dialec…
Level B2AdventureThe black barqueA battle-hardened sailor, freshly ashore in Havre, navigates a world of restless veterans and shifting loyalties after war’s end, seeking a new ship and a fresh start amid simmerin…
Level C1ClassicsThe birds of ShakespeareExplore the rich tapestry of Shakespeare’s poetry through his vivid bird imagery, revealing his deep knowledge and poetic use of nature’s songsters to illuminate human life and emo…
Level B2ClassicsThe big townA man and his wife, newly wealthy from an unexpected inheritance, move from a small Midwestern town to bustling New York City with hopes of finding a husband for his sister-in-law.
Level B2ClassicsThe best stories of Sarah Orne Jewett, Volume 2 (of 2)In a twilight forest, a solitary girl navigates the shadows with her elusive cow, encountering a mysterious hunter who disrupts her peaceful world.
Level C1ClassicsThe best stories of Sarah Orne Jewett, Volume 1 (of 2)Experience the gentle beauty and enduring spirit of New England through richly drawn characters and landscapes, where everyday moments unfold with the quiet grace of life itself, r…
Level C1ClassicsThe best short stories of 1925, and the yearbook of the American short storyDive into a vibrant collection capturing the pulse of 1925 America through short stories that explore its evolving identity, societal shifts, and the birth of new ideals amid the b…
Level C1ClassicsThe best short stories of 1922, and the yearbook of the American short storyDiscover a curated collection of American short stories from 1922, capturing the era's literary spirit and grappling with themes of cultural disintegration, artistic challenge, and…
Level C1ClassicsThe best short stories of 1920, and the yearbook of the American short storyDive into a curated collection capturing the art of American short storytelling, where each tale reflects the diverse tastes and evolving psychology of readers across popular magaz…
Level C1ClassicsThe best short stories of 1919, and the yearbook of the American short storyExplore a collection that delves into the American short story's struggle to capture the nation's true spirit, revealing a literature caught between materialism and idealism, and c…
Level C1ClassicsThe best short stories of 1918, and the yearbook of the American short storyExplore a curated collection of American short stories from 1918, revealing how the Great War shaped writers’ imaginations and sparked a new literary era marked by reflection, emot…
Level C1ClassicsThe best short stories of 1917, and the yearbook of the American short storyExplore a rich collection of American short stories from 1917, featuring diverse voices and captivating tales that capture the spirit and complexities of the era.
Level C1ClassicsThe best short stories of 1915, and the yearbook of the American short storyDive into a curated collection showcasing the finest American short stories of 1915, featuring diverse voices and styles that illuminate the era’s literary landscape and celebrate…
Level C1HistoricalThe beloved of Hathor, and The shrine of the Golden HawkAmid the looming expulsion of the Hyksos, Aahmes, favored by the goddess Hathor, faces a fateful choice between spiritual destiny and worldly triumph.
Level C2PoetryThe belle of a seasonStep into a world of elegance and charm as a young beauty navigates the dazzling scenes of society—from enchanting presentations to vibrant balls—where grace, music, and mystery in…
Level B2Children'sThe beautiful garment, and other storiesA determined twelve-year-old girl devotes herself to charity, schoolwork, and self-improvement, navigating family expectations and village life with a strong will and a heart for h…
Level B2ClassicsThe beating heartA lively honeymoon party journeys through a moonlit wilderness, oblivious to the lurking dangers and quiet observer Miss Smith, whose poised demeanor hides a deep, unfulfilled year…
Level C1HistoricalThe battle of the Swash and the capture of CanadaAmid rising tensions and neglected defenses, the British fleet launches a daring attack on New York, sparking the dramatic Battle of the Swash and the unexpected capture of Canada…
Level B2Children'sThe battle of lifeIn a humble village, John Carey dreams of starting a business with a lively partner, but his mother warns him that true success requires more than money—it demands a blessing roote…
Level B2Children'sThe baseball boys of LakeportA spirited group of boys in Lakeport forms a baseball team, dreaming of rivalries, grandstands, and uniforms as they prepare for thrilling contests on the diamond.
Level C1MysteryThe barge of haunted livesA solitary hunter’s quiet day in the marsh is interrupted when a mysterious seaplane lands nearby, followed by the sudden appearance of a stranger with urgent questions—setting the…
Level C1PoetryThe barefoot timeStep into a world of childhood memories and gentle reflections through a collection of heartfelt poems that capture the joys and challenges of youth, bridging innocence and the wis…
Level C1ClassicsThe barber's chair; and, The hedgehog lettersIn a lively barber’s shop, Mr.
Level B2Children'sThe barbarous babesFour imaginative siblings invent playful tortures and daring adventures, balancing childhood mischief with tender moments in a quiet English countryside.
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.