Classics
Read Classics Classics in English
1,241 classics books at CEFR A2 to C2 — learn English by reading the stories worth reading. Select any word for an instant translation, listen to the narration read the page aloud, and save the vocabulary you meet. Pick your level and start with a free sample.
What are the best classics classics to read in English as a learner?
The best classics classics for English learners are the well-known titles you can read in the original — start with Émile Zola, Novelist and Reformer: An Account of His Life & Work, Æschylos Tragedies and Fragments and Âmona; The Child; And The Beast; And Others: From "The Strange Adventure of James Shervinton, and Other Stories" - 1902. Each one is labelled with a CEFR level, any word you do not know is one selection away from a translation, and the narration reads the page aloud while it highlights the words.
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Level B2ClassicsA pixy in petticoatsJohn Burrough's secret sanctuary by the river is invaded when a stray newspaper reveals his hidden retreat, threatening the peaceful solitude he cherishes amid Dartmoor's wild, lus…
Level B2ClassicsA long way from homeA young Jamaican poet in 1918 America balances menial railroad jobs with his burning desire to be recognized on the literary stage, navigating the chaos of wartime railroads and th…
Level B2ClassicsA good old scoutIn the harsh Alaskan wilderness, three men—an aging scout, a seasoned prospector, and a mining engineer—pursue elusive gold, facing bitter cold, rugged terrain, and the desperate s…
Level B2ClassicsA girl and her waysA solitary man’s quiet life is disrupted when two women arrive with a mysterious connection to his late cousin, revealing secrets and a promise tied to a wild young girl whose educ…
Level B2ClassicsA dreadful temptationA young bride marries a wealthy, aging millionaire to claim a life of luxury and revenge, but beneath the dazzling jewels and grand receptions, she wrestles with the harsh cost of…
Level B2ClassicsA corner in corn; or, How a Chicago boy did the trickIn the bustling heart of Chicago's trading world, a clever young boy named Vance steps into the high-stakes game of corn speculation, challenging seasoned insiders and navigating s…
Level B2ClassicsA century of English essaysExplore the evolution of English prose through a rich collection of essays that reveal life, manners, and the personal voice of writers from Caxton to Stevenson.
Level B2ClassicsA bankrupt heart, Vol. 2 (of 3)After seven weeks between life and death, Nell Llewellyn awakens to a world forever changed—weak, haunted by shame, and desperate for her mother’s love.
Level B2ClassicsA Woman's WillA recently widowed woman embarks on a journey abroad, determined never to marry again despite the concerns and hopes of those she leaves behind.
Level B2ClassicsA Woman for Mayor: A Novel of To-dayIn a city plagued by corruption and political apathy, a group of determined women consider an unprecedented idea: electing a woman mayor to bring reform, honesty, and a mother's to…
Level B2ClassicsA Wasted DayIn the bustling heart of Wall Street, a powerful man faces a choice: intervene on behalf of young Spear, a former stenographer caught in a theft scandal, or focus on the high-stake…
Level B2ClassicsA Vanished HandElsie Kilner, cast out from her ancestral home by her brother’s scheming and his wife’s cruelty, fights a silent battle of sorrow and resilience in a humble London room, haunted by…
Level B2ClassicsA Tale of Brittany (Mon frère Yves)A sailor’s pay-book reveals a life shaped by the endless sea, from youthful voyages and hard-earned wages to turbulent loves and wild excesses.
Level B2ClassicsA Spoil of Office: A Story of the Modern WestIn the vibrant heart of the American West, a humble young man named Bradley Talcott navigates the rugged landscape and lively Grange community, striving to achieve political succes…
Level B2ClassicsA Speckled BirdA spirited young girl named Eglah struggles with her unwanted name and her place within a strict, sorrowful household marked by loss and tradition.
Level B2ClassicsA Soldier's SonAfter the war ends, a wounded boy named Carol returns home to a loving family eager to welcome him, bringing hope and healing to a household shadowed by loss.
Level B2ClassicsA Sheaf of CornIn a village where sickness and poverty shadow daily life, a resolute woman named Dinah Brome navigates judgment and duty with unwavering indifference.
Level B2ClassicsA Secret of the Sea: A Novel. Vol. 1 (of 3)A sharp-witted sixteen-year-old clerk and a distinguished lawyer uncover a mysterious secret that promises to upend lives in quiet Hertfordshire.
Level B2ClassicsA Rough Diamond: A Comic Drama in One ActAn army captain returns home heartbroken after his beloved marries for wealth and title, revealing the bittersweet clash between passion and duty.
Level B2ClassicsA Roman SingerAn unlikely boy with a powerful voice rises from poverty and neglect, nurtured by a philosopher and his devoted housekeeper in Rome’s vibrant streets.
Level B2ClassicsA Personal ProblemIn a remote island outpost, two men with a fraught past navigate uneasy alliances, hidden resentments, and the shadows of betrayal as they confront a personal problem that threaten…
Level B2ClassicsA Perfect Fool: A NovelIn a struggling London household, young Chris Abercarne musters courage and wit to challenge her mother’s old-fashioned views and find a way out of poverty, navigating society’s ex…
Level B2ClassicsA Pasteboard Crown: A Story of the New York StageIn a forgotten old estate shrouded in mystery and neglect, the arrival of the Lawton family stirs whispers and curiosity in the nearby village.
Level B2ClassicsA Parody on PatienceJoin the Trevellyan family and the button-loving Deacon Fitney on a charming summer journey from Chicago to Niagara Falls aboard the luxurious Michigan Central Railroad, where live…
Level B2ClassicsA Mountain WomanA man marries a rugged mountain woman whose simplicity and strength contrast sharply with the polished society they visit.
Level B2ClassicsA Modern IdyllA passionate minister wrestles with his feelings for the captivating Mrs.
Level B2ClassicsA Melody in SilverTwo boys, David and Mitch, navigate childhood challenges and misunderstandings, from the mystery of "trouvers" to the trials of growing up in dresses and pants.
Level B2ClassicsA Master's DegreeTwo men from opposite sides of the country meet on the first day at Sunrise College, setting the stage for a rivalry that will unfold alongside the changing seasons and the growth…
Level B2ClassicsA Master of DeceptionA charming yet cunning boy wrestles with temptation and morality as a stolen fortune leads him from innocent mischief to a web of deception.
Level B2ClassicsA Man's WorldA man reflects on his life shaped by loss, faith, and the quest for decency amid ordinary struggles and profound meditations.
Level B2ClassicsA Man of Samples. Something about the men he met "On the Road"A hesitant salesman steps into unfamiliar territory, facing skeptical merchants and old grievances as he tries to prove himself on the road.
Level B2ClassicsA Lover in Homespun: And Other StoriesIn a close-knit French-Canadian village, the return of the wanderer Zotique sparks a joyful celebration filled with anticipation and hidden tensions, as two brothers face the compl…
Level B2ClassicsA Little WorldIn a gritty London street, Richard Pellet scorns his brother Jared’s humble life as a struggling piano tuner with a large family, yet Jared’s simple joys and steadfast spirit chall…
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 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 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 B2ClassicsA Japanese BlossomAmidst the pain of a father’s long absence and the arrival of a new American stepmother, a Japanese family grapples with loyalty, tradition, and change.
Level B2ClassicsA Happy BoyIn a humble peasant home, young Oyvind’s laughter fills the air, but a chance encounter with a cunning little girl leads him to trade his beloved goat for a twisted bun—setting the…
Level B2ClassicsA Guest at the Ludlow, and Other StoriesStep inside the walls of Ludlow Street Jail, where security is absolute and every inmate retires at the same hour.
Level B2ClassicsA Greek Primer: For Beginners in New Testament GreekMaster the essentials of New Testament Greek with a clear, step-by-step guide that covers the alphabet, accents, breathings, and declensions, designed especially for beginners seek…
Level B2ClassicsA Good SamaritanA young theological student with a charming, carefree spirit struggles to balance his promising career with the pull of friendship and unexpected challenges on the bustling streets…
Level B2ClassicsA Golden Venture: The Lady of the Barge and Others, Part 11.A humble family’s ordinary breakfast turns extraordinary when a mysterious letter reveals an unexpected inheritance, sparking a wave of excitement and suspicion in their close-knit…
Level B2ClassicsA Girl of the Plains CountryA spirited young girl embarks on a rugged journey across the vast plains with her new guardians, discovering the harsh beauty and unexpected challenges of frontier life.
Level B2ClassicsA Girl of the North: A Story of London and CanadaA renowned naturalist embraces the wild beauty of Canada, building a life filled with love and nature’s fierce allure.
Level B2ClassicsA Ghetto Violet: From "Christian and Leah"In a humble Ghetto home, siblings Ephraim and Viola grapple with hope and heartbreak as their father returns from prison, stirring deep family wounds and a vow to set their beloved…
Level B2ClassicsA Gentleman's Gentleman: 1909Three friends reunite beside the serene Thames, sharing tales of art, ambition, and the clash of American wealth with English tradition.
Level B2ClassicsA Gentleman from MississippiIn a South shadowed by history and political intrigue, an honest planter rises to the U.
Level B2ClassicsA Gamble with LifeA desperate inventor proposes a risky financial gamble backed by his own life insurance, confident his scheme will bring fortune—or else he has a final escape planned.