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 C1ClassicsCharles Auchester, Volume 2 (of 2)A solitary violinist arrives at a German academy, navigating unfamiliar customs and a world of earnest, youthful scholars.
Level C1ClassicsCharles Auchester, Volume 1 (of 2)Amidst the vibrant world of 19th-century music, a young idealist navigates passion, genius, and the immortal spirit of Mendelssohn, capturing the heart of a musical era through fri…
Level C1ClassicsCharacters of Shakespeare's PlaysExplore the rich personalities behind Shakespeare's plays through the keen insights of a passionate thinker shaped by a unique upbringing and intellectual awakening, revealing the…
Level C1ClassicsCharacter Writings of the Seventeenth CenturyExplore vivid portraits of human nature through concise sketches that reveal timeless vices and quirks, from dissimulation to stupidity, tracing the rich tradition of character wri…
Level C1ClassicsCharacter Sketches of Romance, Fiction and the Drama, Vol. 3Explore vivid character sketches drawn from romance, fiction, and drama, revealing the quirks and depths of figures like Mark Tapley’s jolly resilience amid hardship and young Marl…
Level C1ClassicsCharacter Sketches of Romance, Fiction and the Drama, Vol. 1Explore vivid portraits of iconic figures from romance, fiction, and drama, enriched by detailed illustrations and historical insights that bring legendary characters and their sto…
Level C1ClassicsChapters from My AutobiographyDive into a lively, unconventional autobiography that shuns grandiose tales for everyday truths, weaving ancestral legends with personal reflections in a candid, free-flowing narra…
Level C1ClassicsChantry HouseThree brothers navigate childhood and unexpected inheritance at Chantry House, facing family secrets and personal trials shaped by fate and loss.
Level C1ClassicsChance in Chains: A Story of Monte CarloTwo struggling engineers in Paris make a groundbreaking discovery in wireless telegraphy, but lack the funds and influence to bring it to life—will their revolutionary idea ever se…
Level C1ClassicsChainsIn a grim tenement world of poverty, violence, and despair, young Madeleine Kinsella quietly navigates her harsh surroundings with a fragile hope for something better.
Level C1ClassicsCertain Personal MattersA sharp, witty exploration of life's contradictions unfolds through reflections on cherished heirlooms, the allure of cheapness, and the weight of tradition.
Level C1ClassicsCeres' Runaway, and Other EssaysExplore the untamed beauty of Rome’s wild greenery as it defies municipal order, flourishing atop ancient ruins and city rooftops, revealing a vibrant, fragrant landscape where nat…
Level C1ClassicsCelt and Saxon — CompleteA young Irishman journeys to the Welsh border, torn between duty and desire, to seek a mysterious woman who once captivated his brother.
Level C1ClassicsCelibatesThree intertwined stories explore the lives of celibates shaped by modern society: a charming yet cold flirt, a proud monk-like man torn by his passions, and a woman who seeks refu…
Level C1ClassicsCecilia: A Story of Modern RomeIn the serene, hidden garden of Rome’s Arcadian Society, two contrasting friends—a bold naval officer and a contemplative dreamer—reflect on life, art, and the restless tides of th…
Level C1ClassicsCecil Castlemaine's Gage, Lady Marabout's Troubles, and Other StoriesIn a dazzling 18th-century court, Cecil Castlemaine reigns as an untouchable beauty whose pride and political zeal defy the suitors vying for her favor, challenging the era's socia…
Level C1ClassicsCaught in a TrapA restless soldier dreads a dull week at his strict mother’s country estate and persuades his charming friend to join him, promising adventure, social intrigue, and a mysterious go…
Level C1ClassicsCato: A Tragedy, in Five ActsIn a time of political turmoil, a stoic Roman leader faces the ultimate test of virtue and freedom.
Level C1ClassicsCatharine FurzeIn the quiet market town of Eastthorpe, where ancient traditions meet subtle change, life unfolds under the shadow of St.
Level C1ClassicsCatharineA young woman faces a long, painful illness with unwavering Christian faith, transforming her final days into a testament of hope and spiritual peace.
Level C1ClassicsCastle RackrentAn intimate portrait unfolds of the spirited Edgeworth family, whose lively letters and rich traditions reveal the passionate, unconventional lives of a prominent Irish household n…
Level C1ClassicsCast AdriftIn the harsh underbelly of a sprawling city, a mother's desperate search for her lost child exposes the brutal realities of poverty, crime, and vice.
Level C1ClassicsCashel Byron's ProfessionA restless youth struggles at a strict English school, caught between academic failure and a reputation for athletic prowess—and the high hopes of the determined woman who cares fo…
Level C1ClassicsCarter, and Other PeopleTorn between two worlds, Carter is a man of mixed race trapped by society’s harsh lines and his own conflicted identity.
Level C1ClassicsCarson of Red RiverIn an industrial riverside flat, Kit Carson balances the harsh realities of shipbuilding with the warmth of friendship and the hopeful spirit of Mabel Blake’s bright presence.
Level C1ClassicsCarnac's Folly, Volume 3.Amid political turmoil in Quebec, Carnac is drawn into a world of power, ambition, and personal history as he prepares to hear a captivating but controversial leader speak—uncoveri…
Level C1ClassicsCarnac's Folly, Volume 1.In a vibrant Canadian wilderness, young Carnac, son of a powerful lumber-king, navigates childhood dreams and complex family ties alongside spirited Junia, whose lively nature cont…
Level C1ClassicsCarnac's Folly, CompleteIn the wild Canadian woods, fourteen-year-old Carnac, son of a powerful lumber-king, shares playful moments and secret dreams with lively eight-year-old Junia, as their lives inter…
Level C1ClassicsCarmen ArizaIn the vibrant heart of colonial Cartagena, a young priest wrestles with destiny amid the city's awakening streets and colorful characters.
Level C1ClassicsCaritàA middle-aged couple balances intellectual pursuits and carefree travels while carefully managing the upbringing of their only child, Cara.
Level C1ClassicsCarette of SarkOn the secluded island of Sercq, where ancient laws and family legacies endure, a man reflects on his lost father and the deep-rooted beauty of his homeland, uncovering secrets tha…
Level C1ClassicsCapturesA bitter feud ignites between two neighboring farmers when one shoots the other's dog, sparking simmering resentments and clashing traditions in a rural community.
Level C1ClassicsCaptivating Mary CarstairsIn an exclusive club where wit and wealth collide, a commanding pianist and his companions navigate society’s intricate games, revealing the delicate balance between privilege, tal…
Level C1ClassicsCaptain Kettle on the war-pathA determined ex-sailor, barred from official service due to his wooden leg, teams up with a frustrated MP to hunt down a ruthless German submarine wreaking havoc on shipping.
Level C1ClassicsCaptain Brassbound's ConversionIn the rugged Moroccan port of Mogador, a steadfast missionary's peaceful routine is disrupted by the arrival of unexpected visitors and a hard-bitten local guide, setting the stag…
Level C1ClassicsCapitola's Peril: A Sequel to 'The Hidden Hand'An heiress faces suspicion and scheming when her late father's last wishes spark a bitter conflict with her guardian, igniting a tense struggle over inheritance and loyalty within…
Level C1ClassicsCape of Storms: A NovelA young man leaves his quiet Midwestern village, full of hope and ambition, to conquer the bustling city and forge his future.
Level C1ClassicsCape Cod FolksOn Cape Cod's rugged shores, Aunt Sibylla warns her community of looming dangers with fiery passion, sparking a mix of fear, faith, and folklore.
Level C1ClassicsCape Breton TalesExperience the quiet beauty and fading glory of Arichat, a Cape Breton town where summer arrives late and the Acadian community gathers in vibrant, heartfelt celebrations amidst a…
Level C1ClassicsCandideA young man named Candide embarks on a rapid-fire journey filled with absurd misfortunes and sharp satire, challenging the optimistic philosophy that this is the best of all possib…
Level C1ClassicsCandidaIn the gritty suburbs of London, Reverend Morell juggles his role as a Christian Socialist clergyman with the challenges of family and social duty, all set against the backdrop of…
Level C1ClassicsCamilla; or, A Picture of YouthAmid the peaceful parsonage of Etherington, young Camilla navigates the trials of youth and virtue, where family contrasts and the complexities of the human heart shape her journey…
Level C1ClassicsCambridge PiecesExplore the art of clear and powerful expression through reflections on writing style, simplicity, and the struggle to shape thoughts into words.
Level C1ClassicsCalumet "K"A massive grain elevator project faces delays and misfortune, prompting a seasoned troubleshooter to take charge amidst harsh conditions and tense labor.
Level C1ClassicsCaleb Wright: A Story of the WestA young couple navigates love and ambition in New York City, dreaming of success beyond their modest means—until an unexpected inheritance challenges their future and forces them t…
Level C1ClassicsCaleb Conover, RailroaderIn a world where wealth and power collide, Caleb Conover, a railroad magnate, throws an extravagant reception to win social recognition—yet old grudges and political ambitions thre…
Level C1ClassicsCalamities and Quarrels of AuthorsExplore the hidden struggles behind the life of authors, revealing the moral and financial hardships they endure despite their intellectual pursuits and societal honor.
Level C1ClassicsCaesar and CleopatraIn a moonlit courtyard on Egypt’s border, noble guardsmen face the ominous arrival of Roman forces led by Julius Caesar.