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 C1ClassicsEugene PickeringAt a bustling gaming resort, a shy, awkward young man caught in the whirl of society intrigues becomes an unlikely figure of fascination amid music, mystery, and the lure of chance…![Cover of Eugene Oneguine [Onegin]: A Romance of Russian Life in Verse by Aleksandr Sergeevich Pushkin](https://dsx1pat3ljtul.cloudfront.net/books/da7feqeqoens73dd6iog.webp)
Level C1ClassicsEugene Oneguine [Onegin]: A Romance of Russian Life in VerseA disenchanted aristocrat wanders through the glittering yet suffocating social world of early 19th-century Russia, revealing its manners and contradictions in a rich poetic narrat…
Level C1ClassicsEugene Field, a Study in Heredity and Contradictions — Volume 2Explore the close friendship and daily life of Eugene Field through intimate letters, poems, and anecdotes revealing his struggles, humor, and the deep bonds that shaped his world…
Level C1ClassicsEthelyn's MistakeOn the morning of her wedding day in a quiet New England town, Ethelyn faces a restless heart and a future clouded with doubt, as her devoted Aunt Barbara prepares for a celebratio…
Level C1ClassicsEstherIn a refined French tragedy unfolding within a single day and place, a gripping tale of character and passion emerges, rooted in biblical history and crafted with classical eleganc…
Level C1ClassicsEstherIn the vibrant new church of St.
Level C1ClassicsEssays — Second SeriesExplore the profound role of the poet as the embodiment of beauty and truth, revealing the deep connection between soul, nature, and expression beyond mere form or action.
Level C1ClassicsEssays on thingsAwaken to the majestic drama of dawn, where celestial music and the promise of renewal unfold in vivid detail.
Level C1ClassicsEssays on Work and CultureExplore a world where versatility is seen as weakness and specialization reigns supreme, challenging the notion that a man can excel in multiple fields without suspicion.
Level C1ClassicsEssays on Various Subjects, Principally Designed for Young LadiesGuiding young women through the delicate balance of virtue and society, these essays explore the unique strengths and qualities of femininity, offering thoughtful reflections on ch…
Level C1ClassicsEssays of TravelExperience a vivid voyage across the Atlantic, where the uneasy camaraderie of emigrants unfolds aboard a vast ocean steamer.
Level C1ClassicsEssays of Robert Louis Stevenson: Selected and Edited With an Introduction and Notes by William Lyon PhelpsExplore the vibrant mind behind iconic tales through essays that reveal his personality, philosophy, and humor, offering intimate insights into a restless spirit shaped by illness,…
Level C1ClassicsEssays of Michel de Montaigne — CompleteDive into a profound exploration of human nature, society, and philosophy through a series of reflective essays touching on sorrow, friendship, custom, and the art of living though…
Level C1ClassicsEssays in RebellionExplore the fierce spirit of rebellion shaping an era through candid essays that reveal how writers and thinkers challenge societal norms, authority, and complacency with bold indi…
Level C1ClassicsEssays in IdlenessA witty meditation on the elusive charm of cats, exploring their proud independence and inscrutable nature through affectionate reflections and playful anecdotes.
Level C1ClassicsEssays and TalesExplore a world of wit and wisdom through essays that blend sharp observation with gentle humor, tackling everything from public credit to art, friendship, and human nature.
Level C1ClassicsEssays and LecturesExplore the evolution of historical criticism as a revolutionary force shaping freedom, democracy, and philosophy, alongside vivid lectures and whimsical prose poems reflecting wit…
Level C1ClassicsEssays Irish and AmericanExplore a collection of essays that celebrate the natural, unspoiled beauty of humanity and art, revealing profound wisdom and lively reflections on life, creativity, and the endur…
Level C1ClassicsEssaysWitty and insightful prose pieces penned by a bright young mind at Eton, exploring themes from friendship and youth to society’s quirks.
Level C1ClassicsEssaysAmid the ancient ruins and soaring architecture of Rome, wild grasses and flowers defiantly reclaim the city’s forgotten corners, weaving a vivid tapestry of nature’s resilience ag…
Level C1ClassicsEssay on the Principles of TranslationExplore the art of poetic translation through a detailed essay that dissects principles, rules, and challenges, revealing the delicate balance between fidelity and literary grace i…
Level C1ClassicsEssay on BurnsExplore a profound critique of Robert Burns’s life and legacy through the lens of sharp literary analysis and historical insight, revealing the man behind the myth and the cultural…
Level C1ClassicsEsperanto Self-Taught with Phonetic PronunciationMaster the international language designed for travelers, students, and professionals with practical vocabularies, conversational phrases, and clear phonetic pronunciation guidance…
Level C1ClassicsEsmeraldaIn 19th-century Paris, a humble language teacher and his artist wife observe a mysterious, out-of-place father and daughter in the Louvre, sparking curiosity about their story and…
Level C1ClassicsEscape, and Other EssaysExplore serene riverbanks and timeless villages, then confront the stark realities of war and its toll on the human spirit through poignant essays that contrast peaceful landscapes…
Level C1ClassicsErnest Maltravers — CompleteDive into the nuanced journey of Ernest Maltravers, a modern-day author navigating the spiritual and practical trials of life and love, shaped by time and circumstance in a world s…
Level C1ClassicsErlach CourtAt Erlach Court, a vine-clad castle on the Save, a diverse group gathers under starlit July skies—veteran aristocrats, a jilted beauty, and a lively child—each carrying secrets and…
Level C1ClassicsErewhon; Or, Over the RangeA traveler discovers Erewhon, a mysterious land with customs and beliefs that challenge conventional logic and morality.
Level C1ClassicsErchie, My Droll FriendIn bustling Glasgow, Erchie navigates life as a church beadle by day and witty waiter by night, blending solemn duty with sharp humor.
Level C1ClassicsEpisodes in Van Bibber's LifeAmid the chaotic backstage world of a comic opera's opening night, a calm and mysterious visitor named Van Bibber navigates friendships, theatrical drama, and the high stakes of sh…
Level C1ClassicsEpisodes before thirtyA young Englishman recalls his harrowing early days in a cramped New York boarding-house, where hunger, vermin, and a menacing roommate test his endurance and spirit.
Level C1ClassicsEpicoene; Or, The Silent WomanA sharp-witted playwright navigates the turbulent world of Elizabethan theater, blending wit and conflict with the era’s fierce rivalries and personal struggles.
Level C1ClassicsEnter BridgetTensions rise as Carrissima Rosser, seen by some as an adventuress, unexpectedly returns home and disrupts the quiet dinner plans of the Faversham family.
Level C1ClassicsEnsign Knightley, and Other StoriesIn a besieged Tangier, a mysterious lieutenant wrestles with lost memories and hidden passions as danger looms and loyalties are tested amidst the chaos of war and intrigue.![Cover of English-Bisaya Grammar, in Twenty Eight Lessons by Pedro [Editor] Jiménez](https://dsx1pat3ljtul.cloudfront.net/books/daf13ege1ofc73dhaan0.webp)
Level C1ClassicsEnglish-Bisaya Grammar, in Twenty Eight LessonsExplore the intricacies of the Bisaya language through clear lessons on grammar, articles, and pronunciation, designed to bridge communication between English speakers and the Bisa…
Level C1ClassicsEnglish as she is spoke; or, a jest in sober earnestA comically earnest attempt to teach English through literal, often baffling translations from Portuguese reveals a quirky guide where language lessons turn into hilarious misunder…
Level C1ClassicsEnglish as She is Wrote: Showing Curious Ways in which the English Language may be made to Convey Ideas or obscure them.Discover a collection of hilarious and bewildering English language blunders, where earnest attempts at communication often lead to unintended meanings and charming confusion, reve…
Level C1ClassicsEnglish and Scottish Ballads, Volume VIIIDive into a rich collection of English and Scottish ballads where cunning riddles, medieval wit-combats, and timeless tales unfold through clever dialogues between kings, abbots, a…
Level C1ClassicsEnglish and Scottish Ballads, Volume IVDive into a rich collection of traditional English and Scottish ballads, where ancient tales of love, valor, and mystery unfold through beautifully preserved versions and rendition…
Level C1ClassicsEnglish SatiresExplore the evolution of English satire through centuries of sharp wit, irony, and social critique, tracing its roots from personal lampoons to powerful literary commentary on soci…
Level C1ClassicsEnglish Men of Letters: ColeridgeExplore the life of Samuel Taylor Coleridge, tracing his journey from early years through literary triumphs, struggles with health and opium, and profound influence on poetry and p…
Level C1ClassicsEnglish Jests and Anecdotes, Collected from Various SourcesDive into a collection of sharp wit and humorous tales from England’s past, where clever jests and amusing anecdotes reveal the quirks of historical figures and everyday life with…
Level C1ClassicsEngland, My EnglandAmid ancient Hampshire commons and a timeworn cottage, a young couple, Egbert and Winifred, seek to revive a fading England through love, tradition, and the wild beauty of their la…
Level C1ClassicsEneas AfricanusAmid the turmoil of the Civil War South, a loyal old negro named Eneas embarks on a perilous journey carrying a precious family silver cup, weaving a tale of faithfulness, loss, an…
Level C1ClassicsEn RouteIn the quiet of St.
Level C1ClassicsEmpty chairsStep behind the scenes of Victorian theatre life, where royal visits, unexpected dramas, and heartfelt friendships illuminate the world beyond the stage.
Level C1ClassicsEmmanuel Burden, merchant, of Thames St., in the city of London, exporter of hardwareFollow the life and legacy of Emmanuel Burden, a London merchant and Justice of the Peace, whose story intertwines commerce, faith, and empire.
Level C1ClassicsEmily Fox-Seton : being The making of a marchioness and The methods of Lady WalderhurstA resourceful and good-natured woman navigates London life on a slender income, using her practical skills and charm to carve a place for herself among the idle and helpless.