Classics
Read Classics Classics in English
5,467 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 C1ClassicsAt the Ghost Hour. The House of the Unbelieving ThomasIn a shadowed street of ancient German houses, a decaying mansion known as "The Unbelieving Thomas" harbors dark secrets and eerie legends.
Level C1ClassicsAt the Gate of SamariaIn a stern, Puritan-rooted household, a young woman’s rebellious artistic ambitions clash with her family’s rigid expectations, revealing tensions between social class, morality, a…
Level C1ClassicsAt Close RangeA restless traveler embarks on a grueling overnight journey through snowy towns, exploring the hidden depths of human character and unexpected kindness found along the way.
Level C1ClassicsAsmodeus; or, The Devil on Two SticksA witty and satirical devil offers a devilish perspective on human folly, blending sharp comedy and social critique.
Level C1ClassicsAshes (Cenere): A Sardinian StoryOn a midsummer night in rural Sardinia, fifteen-year-old Olì embarks on a secret love affair with a mysterious young farm laborer, drawn by dreams of escape and passion amid the fa…
Level C1ClassicsAsbeïn: From the Life of a VirtuosoIn sunlit Rome, a chance encounter reignites the charged relationship between Princess Natalie and the passionate, solitary violin virtuoso Boris Lensky, setting the stage for a ta…
Level C1ClassicsAs a woman thinksExplore the intimate journey of a woman’s mind as she reflects on how her thoughts shape her courage, character, and life amid the everyday challenges and humor of ordinary people.
Level C1ClassicsAs We Were SayingExplore a thoughtful meditation on shifting tastes and values, as the humble rose yields to the flamboyant chrysanthemum—a symbol of modern life's bold colors and restless fashions…
Level C1ClassicsAs We GoExplore a thoughtful collection of essays that examine democracy, privilege, and social change in America, reflecting on how leadership is earned and the power of the people to sha…
Level C1ClassicsAs Others See Us: Being the Diary of a Canadian DebutanteA young Canadian debutante arrives in a bustling city of wealth and society, eager to navigate dances, teas, and the complexities of high-class life.
Level C1ClassicsArundelAmid the sun-drenched plains of colonial India, a steadfast colonel returns from a taxing day of military duty, his thoughts anchored to his regiment and home life.
Level C1ClassicsArtists' WivesIn a dimly lit artist’s studio, two friends—poet and painter—debate the perilous balance between creative genius and marriage, exploring whether love nurtures or hinders the artist…
Level C1ClassicsArthur O'Leary: His Wanderings And Ponderings In Many LandsFollow Arthur O’Leary, a witty and elusive traveler whose mysterious wanderings spark curious tales from whale feasts in the Arctic to royal sponsorships in Africa, as his adventur…
Level C1ClassicsArthur Machen: Weaver of FantasyExplore the life and legacy of a neglected literary genius whose uncanny tales and essays blend fantasy with a haunting reflection on war and society, inviting a long-overdue reviv…
Level C1ClassicsArthurA mysterious country house for sale in a remote Mediterranean village sparks curiosity and adventure, as a traveler sets off on horseback through wild landscapes to uncover its sec…
Level C1ClassicsArs Recte Vivendi; Being Essays Contributed to "The Easy Chair"Explore essays that delve into the challenges of college life, from extravagance and hazing to manners and morality, revealing how social influences shape young men’s character and…
Level C1ClassicsArrows of the Chace, vol. 1/2: being a collection of scattered letters published chiefly in the daily newspapers 1840-1880A collection of candid letters spanning forty years reveals passionate reflections on art, science, and society, penned with deliberate precision and heartfelt zeal.
Level C1ClassicsAround the Yule LogAs Christmas draws near, a successful but calculating lawyer contemplates the true spirit of the season, inviting readers to gather by the fire and reflect on hope, joy, and the wa…
Level C1ClassicsAround the World with Josiah Allen's WifeWhen young Tommy’s fragile health demands a healing sea voyage, his devoted grandmother faces the heart-wrenching choice to leave home and care for him alone.
Level C1ClassicsAround the Tea-TableEvening tea invites lively conversation, laughter, and heartfelt stories, gathering family and friends around a fragrant brew.
Level C1ClassicsArne: A Sketch of Norwegian Country LifeAmidst the quiet Norwegian countryside, a spirited young boy with wild energy and hidden dreams grows up, determined to become a great author and capture the true spirit of his nat…
Level C1ClassicsArms and the ManIn a sharp critique of militarism and romanticized heroism, a pragmatic soldier challenges the myths of war and love, exposing the absurdities beneath society’s polished veneer.
Level C1ClassicsAria da CapoIn a whimsical Harlequinade setting, Pierrot and Columbine navigate playful banter, artistic whims, and shifting roles, blending humor and surreal charm as they explore love, creat…
Level C1ClassicsArgonaut storiesA man tormented by a relentlessly cheerful neighbor, whose laughter and optimism defy every misfortune, ignites a fierce and bizarre rivalry fueled by envy and hatred.
Level C1ClassicsAre You a Bromide?: The Sulphitic Theory Expounded and Exemplified According to the Most Recent Researches into the Psychology of Boredom, Including Many Well-Known Bromidioms Now in UseDive into a witty exploration of human nature that divides people into two distinct types—the predictable Bromides and the intriguing Sulphites—offering a fresh perspective on soci…
Level C1ClassicsAre Parents People?At an exclusive girls' school, Lita Hazlitt navigates the uneasy presence of her divorced parents who unexpectedly appear together, igniting tensions amid the solemn chapel traditi…
Level C1ClassicsArdath: The Story of a Dead SelfAmid a fierce storm in the remote Caucasus, a skeptical traveler arrives at a mysterious mountain monastery where a unique brotherhood worships beneath a blazing Cross of Fire, set…
Level C1ClassicsArchibald Marshall, a Realistic NovelistExplore the essence of storytelling through the eyes of a seasoned English novelist and critic, who reflects on the art of fiction, the pitfalls of propaganda, and the enduring pow…
Level C1ClassicsArcadian Adventures with the Idle RichIn a world where millionaire children rule vast corporations and the elite gather in opulent clubs, the shimmering facade of wealth masks a city divided by power and privilege.
Level C1ClassicsAramintaA formidable old lady with a sharp mind and commanding presence navigates the complexities of her world with wit and unwavering resolve, supported by her loyal attendant and truste…
Level C1ClassicsApril's Lady: A NovelA long-silent letter from a distant relative disrupts the fragile peace of the Monkton family breakfast, where sibling rivalries and parental lessons unfold amid underlying tension…
Level C1ClassicsAppreciations and Criticisms of the Works of Charles DickensExplore the sharp insights and social foresight of a keen critic who reveals how Dickens captured a fading Victorian world and anticipated the turbulent shifts of modern society wi…
Level C1ClassicsApes and AngelsA devoted night watchman at a wax museum finds friendship and humor among lifelike figures of history and legend, weaving adventure and romance into his nightly rounds.
Level C1ClassicsAnything OnceIn a dusty rural road, a mysterious girl finds an injured, well-dressed stranger with a strange past and only days to unravel a puzzle.
Level C1ClassicsAnthony Trollope; His Work, Associates and Literary OriginalsExplore the life and times of Anthony Trollope through intimate accounts, personal recollections, and insights into the inspirations behind his novels, revealing the man behind the…
Level C1ClassicsAnthology of Russian literature from the earliest period to the present time, volume 2 (of 2)Explore the evolution of Russian literature in the 19th century through critical essays and key works that illuminate its dramatic shifts—from the poetic brilliance of Pushkin to t…
Level C1ClassicsAnthology of Russian literature from the earliest period to the present time, volume 1 (of 2)Explore the rich evolution of Russian literature from the 10th to the 18th century through carefully selected excerpts and insightful commentary, revealing the language, culture, a…
Level C1ClassicsAntennaeA restless boy sneaks out at night, seeking escape from the torment of growing up in a world that feels both confining and mysterious.
Level C1ClassicsAnswering the Phone: A FarceIn a bustling household, a new hired girl must navigate the challenges of answering the elusive telephone, juggling unexpected visitors and household demands, all while trying to k…
Level C1ClassicsAnother Study of WomanAmid the glittering salons of Paris, a sharp-witted gathering reveals the intricate dance of society, where sparkling conversation and subtle intrigues expose the changing nature o…
Level C1ClassicsAnnouchka: A TaleA young man, nursing a recent heartbreak, seeks solace in the quiet German town of Z.
Level C1ClassicsAnnie Kilburn : a NovelAfter the death of her father, Annie Kilburn leaves behind the comforts of Rome to return to the modest town of Hatboro', Massachusetts, driven by a mysterious longing to find purp…
Level C1ClassicsAnne PageIn the twilight garden of Fairholme Court, Anne Page, a woman of timeless beauty and quiet grace, awaits evening guests amid the enchanting scent of roses and lavender.
Level C1ClassicsAnnals of a Quiet NeighbourhoodA reflective vicar, grappling with doubt and the passage of time, invites you into a quiet parish where the unseen struggles of faith and purpose unfold.
Level C1ClassicsAnnajanska, the Bolshevik EmpressIn a turbulent military outpost, a weary general confronts the chaos of shifting powers and shattered loyalties amid revolution.
Level C1ClassicsAnna the AdventuressA woman flees a terrifying incident and assumes her sister Anna’s identity, enduring a scandalous reputation in Paris.
Level C1ClassicsAnna ChristieA hardened captain returns to the gritty waterfront tavern where old ties and secrets linger like the whiskey on the bar.
Level C1ClassicsAnn Boyd: A NovelA determined woman faces harsh judgment from her community and church after boldly reclaiming her place among them, challenging long-held prejudices and enduring bitter conflict ov…