The library

Classic books for English learners

Every title here is a classic novel or story you can read along with audio — free, with no signup. Pick a book, set your English level (CEFR A1–C2), and listen as the text scrolls in time; every word above your level is highlighted and explained on tap. New here? Find your level, browse free graded readers with audio, or search all books.

60 books

Cover artwork for Cranford
Cranford
Elizabeth Cleghorn Gaskell
Cover artwork for The Prince
The Prince
Niccolò Machiavelli
Philosophy
Cover artwork for Alice's Adventures in Wonderland
Alice's Adventures in Wonderland
Lewis Carroll
Children's
Cover artwork for Meditations
Meditations
Marcus Aurelius
Philosophy
Cover artwork for The Metamorphosis
The Metamorphosis
Franz Kafka
Fiction
Cover artwork for The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde
The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde
Robert Louis Stevenson
Gothic
Cover artwork for Romeo and Juliet
Romeo and Juliet
William Shakespeare
Drama
Cover artwork for Heart of Darkness
Heart of Darkness
Joseph Conrad
Fiction
Cover artwork for The Great Gatsby
The Great Gatsby
F. Scott Fitzgerald
Fiction
Cover artwork for The Importance of Being Earnest
The Importance of Being Earnest
Oscar Wilde
Drama
Cover artwork for A Doll's House
A Doll's House
Henrik Ibsen
Drama
Cover artwork for Pygmalion
Pygmalion
George Bernard Shaw
Drama

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Popular reading guides

Graded Reading

Free English Graded Readers with Audio: A Complete Guide by Level

Graded readers with audio let you read and listen at the same time, at a level that fits you. Here is how they work, which CEFR level suits you, and where to read full classics this way for free.

Read the guide →
Reading Tips

Learn English by Reading: Should You Start with Stories, Books, or Novels?

Short stories, novellas, or full novels — which should you read to learn English? The honest answer depends on your level and your time. Here is how to choose, and how to start each one free.

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Listening Skills

How to Learn English with Audiobooks

Listening and reading at the same time is one of the most natural ways to improve your English. Here is how to make it work for you.

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Beginner Picks

Best Classic Books for Beginner English Learners

Starting your first English book is a big moment. These classic stories are perfect for A1 and A2 learners — short, fun, and full of simple language.

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Reading Tips

Classic Short Stories for English Learners

Short stories let you finish something today, try different writing styles, and stay motivated. Here are seven great collections to read and listen to right now.

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Reading Tips

Graded Readers vs Original Classics: Which Is Better for You?

Both graded readers and original classics can help you grow in English. Here is how to choose — and why you might be ready for the real thing sooner than you think.

Read the guide →

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