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 C1ClassicsLes liaisons dangereuses, volume 2 (of 2): or, Letters collected in a private society and published for the instruction of othersIn a world of secret passions and calculated deceptions, a tormented lover pleads for truth and connection while others grapple with betrayal and heartbreak.
Level C1ClassicsLes liaisons dangereuses, volume 1 (of 2): or, Letters collected in a private society and published for the instruction of othersIn a scandalous web of seduction and deceit, a collection of intimate letters reveals the manipulative games of a corrupt French aristocracy, exposing the dark passions and moral d…
Level C1ClassicsLes Bijoux Indiscrets, or, The Indiscreet ToysIn a vibrant African kingdom, the birth of Prince Mangogul stirs curiosity and superstition as a skeptical soothsayer grapples with predicting his fate.
Level C1ClassicsLeonore StubbsA daughter’s marriage to a wealthy man turns to ruin when his fortune disappears, leaving her destitute and her family torn between pride and despair.
Level C1ClassicsLeonoraA woman trapped by society's harsh constraints reveals her painful journey through love, marriage, and separation in candid letters that expose the tyranny of prejudice and the que…
Level C1ClassicsLeonoraIn the industrial heart of the Five Towns, Leonora, a proud and beautiful woman on the brink of forty, navigates the tensions of her marriage and the stark contrasts of her world,…
Level C1ClassicsLeon Roch: A Romance, vol. 2 (of 2)In a noble household crumbling under disgrace and poverty, the Marquesa clings to faith and society’s rituals while secrets and scandals simmer beneath the surface.
Level C1ClassicsLeon Roch: A Romance, vol. 1 (of 2)A woman grapples with jealousy and childhood memories as she reads a heartfelt letter from Leon, unraveling a tale of youthful affection, misunderstandings, and sincere devotion th…
Level C1ClassicsLegends: Autobiographical SketchesA disgraced author wrestles with poverty, isolation, and conflicting beliefs while navigating the clash between naturalism and occultism in a small Swedish university town.
Level C1ClassicsLegends of VancouverAncient Indigenous legends come to life through the intimate stories shared by Chief Joe Capilano, revealing the rich cultural tapestry woven into Vancouver's landscapes and histor…
Level C1ClassicsLegends from River & MountainTwin brothers, noble and inseparable, rule from a lofty castle above roaring waterfalls and wild mountains, sharing laughter, love, and legend.
Level C1ClassicsLegends and TalesIn a serene yet untamed California, Father Jose Antonio Haro embarks on a daring missionary journey to convert heathen tribes, encountering mysterious legends and untold challenges…
Level C1ClassicsLegendary Tales of the Highlands (Volume 1 of 3): A sequel to Highland RamblesDelve into mysterious Highland legends, from ghostly water-kelpies to tales of valor and ancient clans, as oral histories and local lore bring Scotland’s rugged past vividly to lif…
Level C1ClassicsLeaves in the WindA solitary train journey through a calm summer night turns into a whimsical battle of wits between a man and a persistent mosquito, blending humor and reflection in a world paused…
Level C1ClassicsLearning and Other EssaysExplore the profound connection between tradition, language, and art as this collection reflects on how learning transmits the echoes of ancient culture and shapes the very fabric…
Level C1ClassicsLe SelveIn a bleak, cold night, an aged peasant lies dying alone in a filthy, uncaring household, where family indifference and harsh survival shape their grim world.
Level C1ClassicsLazy Thoughts of a Lazy Girl: Sister of that "Idle Fellow."A witty and skeptical young woman reflects on love, marriage, and society’s expectations with sharp humor and refreshing honesty, challenging the tender passions that bind most to…
Level C1ClassicsLaviniaIn a village celebrating a national triumph, Lavinia Carew faces personal turmoil as her unconventional friend Féodorovna shocks society by boldly defying norms, stirring scandal a…
Level C1ClassicsLaura Middleton; Her Brother and her LoverIn a grand country estate, old acquaintances rekindle a complex relationship amid family secrets and unexpected visitors, where desire and intrigue intertwine behind closed doors.
Level C1ClassicsLatin Pronunciation: A Short Exposition of the Roman MethodDiscover the authentic sounds of ancient Rome through a clear guide that unpacks the Roman method of Latin pronunciation, backed by classical sources and scholarly consensus to bri…
Level C1ClassicsLast Essays of Maurice HewlettDive into reflective essays tracing a family’s roots from a serene Somerset village to bustling London, exploring heritage, manners, and the deep ties that shape identity and belon…
Level C1ClassicsLast Days in a Dutch Hotel (from Literature and Life)A dwindling group of guests endures the relentless September chill at a vast Dutch hotel, where sea-bathing continues despite the cold and the atmosphere hints at inevitable farewe…
Level C1ClassicsLandolinAs spring breathes life into a tranquil valley, a young man named Anton awakens to a world filled with promise and nature’s vibrant beauty, setting out on a journey shaped by hope,…
Level C1ClassicsLand at Last: A NovelOn a bleak January night in London, the relentless winter weather sets a grim stage where the city's restless crowds struggle through icy streets, revealing the harsh realities of…
Level C1ClassicsLancashire SketchesExplore the rich tapestry of South Lancashire through vivid descriptions of its scenery, local history, and vibrant dialect, capturing the unique character and everyday life of thi…
Level C1ClassicsLancashire Idylls (1898)In a remote Lancashire valley, a newly appointed minister faces the stern Puritan customs and eerie traditions of the moorland community, where the grave-digger rules the burial gr…
Level C1ClassicsLancashire HumourDiscover the rich humor and unique charm of Lancashire through lively anecdotes and sketches that capture the wit, dialect, and spirit of its people, from bustling towns to the rug…
Level C1ClassicsLamia's Winter-QuartersA poetic reflection unfolds during a Tuscan winter stay, where conversations blend wit, politics, and the enigmatic charm of Lamia herself.
Level C1ClassicsLambkin's RemainsDive into the unpublished essays, sermons, and speeches of J.
Level C1ClassicsLalage's LoversA spirited young girl with a sharp wit defies her governess and embraces mischief in a quiet Irish parish, where the churchwarden’s duties are anything but exciting.
Level C1ClassicsLaid up in LavenderIn a world of political intrigue and secret negotiations, Lady Betty Stafford grows restless amid endless councils and confidential telegrams, while her husband navigates the high-…
Level C1ClassicsLaicus; Or, the Experiences of a Layman in a Country Parish.A layman’s journey unfolds in a picturesque village, revealing the challenges, diplomacy, and faith struggles within a country parish.
Level C1ClassicsLafcadio HearnExplore the intimate letters and life story of a reclusive, passionate writer whose unique voice bridged cultures and continents, revealing the deep yearnings and reflections of a…
Level C1ClassicsLady Windermere's FanIn a single day, Lady Windermere navigates society's intrigues and her husband's secrets amid whispered compliments and a mysterious fan, challenging notions of virtue and reputati…
Level C1ClassicsLady WilliamIn the quaint village of Watcham, where genteel poverty and old-world charm intertwine, Lady William navigates her complex social standing as a poor aristocrat overshadowed by neig…
Level C1ClassicsLady SusanA cunning widow seeks refuge with her brother-in-law’s family, navigating social rivalries and strained relationships to secure her daughter’s future.
Level C1ClassicsLady Rose's DaughterIn a world of fading aristocracy and hidden tensions, Jacob Delafield returns to London to manage a noble estate and reconnect with Lady Henry, whose declining health and mysteriou…
Level C1ClassicsLady Merton, ColonistA spirited woman journeys through the vast, untamed Canadian wilderness, captivated by its endless lakes and wild beauty, dreaming of the future and the untold possibilities of thi…
Level C1ClassicsLady Maclairn, the victim of villany : A novel, volume 4 (of 4)A desperate messenger brings news of Charles Duncan’s tragic fate and secret letters to the woman he loved, revealing a tale of sacrifice, lost fortunes, and enduring devotion amid…
Level C1ClassicsLady Maclairn, the victim of villanyAmidst family tensions and a controlling mother-in-law, a devoted wife insists on accompanying her husband to Jamaica, risking love and loyalty in a tale of virtue, perseverance, a…
Level C1ClassicsLady KilpatrickOn the rugged shores near Kilpatrick Castle, a spirited young girl and a protective youth navigate friendship, family debts, and budding emotions, while facing the shadow of a loom…
Level C1ClassicsLady Eureka; or, The Mystery: A Prophecy of the Future. Volume 3A portly cook battles a mysterious stomach ailment while resisting the stern doctor's orders to abandon his hearty meals for a strict regimen of barley water and arrow-root.
Level C1ClassicsLady Eureka; or, The Mystery: A Prophecy of the Future. Volume 1In a quiet chamber, two friends debate the power of imagination and prophecy, envisioning a future where society, philosophy, and human nature evolve beyond present understanding.
Level C1ClassicsLady CassandraCassandra Raynor, heir to a grand estate, faces the suffocating ennui of a privileged life bound by duty, disconnection, and social isolation.
Level C1ClassicsLady Car: The Sequel of a LifeLady Caroline Beaufort, trapped in a loveless marriage to a boorish millionaire, finds herself unexpectedly freed and wealthy upon his death.
Level C1ClassicsLady Bridget in the Never-Never Land: a story of Australian lifeA widowed Australian journalist returns to her homeland after years abroad, navigating political intrigue and imperial interests while capturing the vibrant life and landscape of L…
Level C1ClassicsLady Barbarina, The Siege of London, An International Episode, and Other TalesDive into a collection of international tales where sharp contrasts between American and European outlooks illuminate human nature.
Level C1ClassicsLady AnnaA beautiful young woman marries the enigmatic and cruel Earl Lovel, only to discover her marriage may be a sham and her child disinherited.