Classics
Read Classics Classics in English
6,942 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 C1ClassicsHandy Andy: A Tale of Irish Life. Volume 2In the tense lead-up to a contested election, a cunning scheme unfolds under cover of night as two allies race to intercept opposing voters arriving by coach.
Level C1ClassicsHandy Andy: A Tale of Irish Life. Volume 1Amid charming Irish life, Andy Rooney’s well-meaning blunders spark laughter and chaos as he stumbles through each misadventure, proving that good intentions don’t always lead to s…![Cover of Hands Around [Reigen]: A Cycle of Ten Dialogues by Arthur Schnitzler](https://dsx1pat3ljtul.cloudfront.net/books/dackaenvk76c73frb0og.webp)
Level C1ClassicsHands Around [Reigen]: A Cycle of Ten DialoguesA cycle of ten intimate dialogues reveals the delicate dance of desire and social roles across Vienna's strata, exposing the nuanced etiquette of love and the bittersweet pursuit o…
Level C1ClassicsHammer and Anvil: A NovelIn a sunlit schoolroom shadowed by strict authority, students grapple with expectations and inner turmoil under the watchful eye of Professor Lederer.
Level C1ClassicsHamlet: A Study with the Text of the Folio of 1623Dive into the intricate world of a prince torn by moral and spiritual turmoil, as this edition unravels the layers of Shakespeare's original texts, revealing the evolution and dept…
Level C2ClassicsHamletOn a cold, restless night, sentinels encounter a ghostly apparition resembling the deceased king, stirring fear and curiosity.
Level C1ClassicsHall Caine, the Man and the NovelistExplore the sincere and compassionate mind behind a renowned novelist, whose life story reveals a relentless struggle and a deep love for humanity.
Level C1ClassicsHalima And The Scorpions: 1905In the heart of the Sahara, a magical hedgehog’s foot blessed by a revered marabout stirs scandal when it falls into the hands of Halima, a captivating dancing girl whose possessio…
Level C1ClassicsHalf-Hours with the IdiotAn eccentric Idiot debates the absurd disparities in American Ambassadors' residences abroad, advocating for a bold architectural identity that truly represents the diverse spirit…
Level C1ClassicsHalf-Hours with Great Story-Tellers: Artemus Ward, George Macdonald, Max Adeler, Samuel Lover, and OthersStep into a world where saints appear at midnight, commanding a bewildered clerk to unearth a restless soul, blending mystery, humor, and the supernatural in a tale that unsettles…
Level C1ClassicsHalf a Hero: A NovelPolitical intrigue brews as Governor Eynesford faces pressure to summon the controversial Mr.
Level B2ClassicsHalf BrothersA young woman awaits her missing husband in a remote Austrian village, grappling with fear, loneliness, and the weight of a secret marriage as she reflects on their journey through…
Level B2ClassicsHalcyoneA curious girl discovers an enigmatic old man living in an abandoned garden house, sparking a friendship that promises adventure, wisdom, and the chance to explore the wider world…
Level C1ClassicsHagarAs the Civil War strains Ohio’s resources and spirit, a determined young man stumbles upon a desperate struggle on a quiet country road, igniting a tense battle between courage and…
Level C1ClassicsHadrian the SeventhA weary scholar, plagued by physical pain and mental fatigue, wrestles with his writing amid mysterious political turmoil in Rome and tragic upheaval in Russia.
Level C1ClassicsHadda PadaIn a world where ancient superstition meets modern struggles, Hadda Padda embodies the fierce spirit of Iceland's past and present, balancing tender love with a proud, unyielding w…
Level B2ClassicsH. R.A determined bank clerk chafes against a life confined to routine and mediocrity, seeking more than just a paycheck in the bustling heart of New York.
Level C1ClassicsH. G. WellsExplore the life and mind of a visionary who escaped early limitations to view the world with rare clarity, shaping his radical ideas through diverse experiences and a unique persp…
Level C2ClassicsGurre Kamilaroi,: or, Kamilaroi Sayings (1856)Explore the rich Kamilaroi language and wisdom through sacred sayings and teachings, revealing the spiritual and cultural heritage of an ancient people as conveyed by a devoted mis…
Level C1ClassicsGulmore, the BossIn a household marked by old habits and strong wills, Jonathan Gulmore seeks his daughter Ida’s insight to outmaneuver a clever professor stirring political unrest in their town’s…
Level B2ClassicsGullible's Travels, Etc.When a lucky streak at cards leads to an unexpected invitation, two couples navigate charm, rivalry, and a night at the grand opera, blending humor and small-town life in a lively…
Level C1ClassicsGryll GrangeIn a world where satire meets society’s shifting values, a sharp-witted observer navigates the fading follies and newfound reconciliations of his time, blending humor, mildness, an…
Level C1ClassicsGrowth of the SoilA solitary man ventures into untamed wilderness, carving a home from the wild soil with steadfast labor and hope.
Level B2ClassicsGrowing Up: A Story of the Girlhood of Judith MackenzieA young girl finds joy and strength in caring for her ailing mother, weaving vivid stories and letters that bring light to their modest home.
Level B2ClassicsGrey TownIn the coastal town of Grey Town, a determined priest secures a disputed hilltop site to build a grand church, stirring local tensions and revealing the clash of community, faith,…
Level C1ClassicsGrey RosesAwakening in a Parisian home, a man reflects on his old friend Nina Childe’s remarkable rise from struggle to success, unfolding a tale of art, ambition, and transformation set aga…
Level C1ClassicsGreville FaneA journalist is tasked with writing a delicate obituary for the late Mrs.
Level B2ClassicsGretchen: A NovelWhen Arthur Tracy unexpectedly returns from Europe, his brother Frank faces the uneasy prospect of defending the lavish estate he’s managed in Arthur’s absence, sparking tension be…
Level C1ClassicsGreifensteinA proud baroness and her daughter cling to their noble heritage amid crushing poverty in a half-ruined castle, holding onto hope that a wealthy cousin's marriage will restore their…
Level C1ClassicsGreene Ferne FarmIn a tranquil village where farmers gather and gossip, a newcomer from Australia arrives to learn the ways of rural life, stirring curiosity and quiet intrigue among the locals at…
Level B2ClassicsGreen Stockings: A Comedy in Three ActsIn a stately country house, an ensemble of lively characters navigate witty social games and family dynamics, blending humor and charm in a sparkling comedy of manners and relation…
Level C1ClassicsGreek primer, colloquial and constructiveUnlock the secrets of language learning by exploring natural, effective methods that mirror how children acquire speech, adapted for adult learners seeking mastery and practical us…
Level C1ClassicsGreek in a NutshellMaster the essentials of New Testament Greek with clear lessons on alphabet, accents, breathings, and grammar rules, designed for beginners eager to unlock the original language of…
Level C1ClassicsGreat short stories, Volume 2 (of 3)A devoted priest’s life is shattered by a haunting vision of a radiant woman during his ordination, igniting a mysterious and forbidden passion that blurs the line between sacred d…
Level B2ClassicsGreat PossessionsIn the shadow of Sir David Bright’s death, his young widow, Lady Rose, confronts grief, duty, and the weight of great possessions left behind, as she navigates loss and the stirrin…
Level C1ClassicsGreat PossessionsImmerse yourself in a sensory journey through the countryside, where every scent and flavor tells a story of nature’s fleeting beauty.
Level C1ClassicsGreat Catherine (Whom Glory Still Adores)Amidst the extravagant intrigues of 18th-century Russian court life, a straightforward English gentleman navigates the dazzling and morally complex world of Catherine the Great, wh…
Level C1ClassicsGranny Maumee; The rider of dreams; Simon the CyrenianIn a humble cabin marked by memory and loss, blind Granny Maumee prepares for a long-awaited reunion with her great-grandchild, holding onto hope and the weight of past sorrows as…
Level C1ClassicsGrania, The Story of an Island; vol. 2/2Amid relentless rain and fierce storms on a rugged island, Grania juggles daily farm life while probing a mysterious turf thief in a tightly knit community where suspicion and kins…
Level C1ClassicsGrania, The Story of an Island; vol. 1/2On the remote Aran Isles, a worn fishing hooker sails under a grey sky, carrying Con O’Malley and his daughter Grania, while nearby, the restless and menacing Shan Daly hunts the s…
Level C1ClassicsGrania, The Story of an Island (Complete)Amid the haunting gloom of the Aran Isles, a weathered fisherman and his daughter navigate the uncertain seas, while a restless outsider with a wild, predatory gaze lurks nearby, b…
Level C1ClassicsGrammatical Sketch of the Heve Language: Shea's Library of American Linguistics. Volume III.Explore the rich history and geography of the Heve language, spoken by the Eudeve people in 18th-century Sonora, revealing the culture, lands, and neighboring tribes through detail…
Level C1ClassicsGrammar of the New Zealand language (2nd edition)Explore the rich diversity and deep connections of the Maori language through an insightful grammar that reveals its dialects, origins, and unique structure—offering learners a cle…
Level C1ClassicsGrammar and Vocabulary of the Lau Language, Solomon IslandsExplore the intricate grammar and vocabulary of the Lau language, spoken on artificial islets off Big Malaita in the Solomon Islands, revealing its unique sounds, influences, and d…
Level C1ClassicsGraf von Loeben and the Legend of Lorelei: From "Modern Philology" vol. 13 (1915)Explore the life and literary influence of Graf von Loeben, a prolific but obscure 19th-century poet whose extensive works and connections with prominent romanticists reveal a comp…
Level C1ClassicsGrace Abounding to the Chief of SinnersA soul wrestles with sin and temptation, chronicling a profound journey from despair to faith through God's mercy.
Level C1ClassicsGov. Bob. Taylor's Tales: "The fiddle and the bow," "The paradise of fools," "Visions and dreams"Experience vivid tales woven with humor, music, and vivid imagery that transport you through storms, love, and life's simple joys, all brought to life by a master storyteller whose…
Level C1ClassicsGossamerTorn between loyalty and disillusionment, a man of no country reflects on patriotism and identity while crossing the Atlantic.