Classics
Read Classics Classics in English
6,624 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 Under One Flag, Under Fire: The Story of a Squad and Under Fire: A Tale of New England Village Life. 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.
- 6,624
- books
Level C1ClassicsThe Young Man and JournalismExplore the vital role of vocation in shaping a young man's life, focusing on journalism as a career that demands skill, judgment, and moral development while offering steady emplo…
Level C1ClassicsThe Yotsuya Kwaidan or O'Iwa Inari: Tales of the Tokugawa, Volume 1 (of 2)In a city mapped with ancient villages and steeped in tradition, unsettling ghost stories reveal the restless spirits and eerie customs of Tokugawa-era Japan.
Level C1ClassicsThe Yoke of the ThorahIn a gloomy 1882 New York, artist Elias Bacharach battles creative despair and finds unexpected fascination in a mysterious young girl at a costumer’s shop, setting the stage for a…
Level B2ClassicsThe Yellow Pearl: A Story of the East and the WestCaught between two worlds, a young woman of mixed American and Chinese heritage navigates cultural clashes and family tensions as she leaves the East behind for a new life in Ameri…
Level C1ClassicsThe Yellow Flag: A Novel. Volume 3 (of 3)In a quiet village where gossip flows as freely as tea, John Calverley seeks refuge with his young wife Alice, hoping to escape his past—but the curious neighbors have other plans,…
Level C1ClassicsThe Yellow Flag: A Novel. Volume 2 (of 3)A mysterious death reveals a man living under two names, entangling two women and their families in a web of secrets and heartbreak.
Level C1ClassicsThe Yellow Flag: A Novel. Volume 1 (of 3)A reluctant young man sets off for Ceylon with a generous financial backing, caught between family expectations and his own stubborn nature.
Level C1ClassicsThe Yellow ChiefOn a Mississippi cotton plantation, a young mulatto named Blue Dick faces brutal punishment ordered by the master's son, igniting a fierce conflict fueled by jealousy and power in…
Level C1ClassicsThe Writing of the Short StoryExplore the art of crafting compelling short stories through a detailed guide on narrative elements like incident, character, plot, and description, enriched with practical teachin…
Level C1ClassicsThe Worshipper of the ImageIn a twilight wood where silence sings and shadows hold secrets, a man named Antony worships a mysterious smiling image named Silencieux, while his wife Beatrice, who mirrors the s…
Level C1ClassicsThe World's Illusion, Volume 2 (of 2): RuthAmidst family tensions and whispered scandals, Wolfgang confronts rumors threatening his brother Christian’s reputation, while political and industrial powers maneuver behind close…
Level C1ClassicsThe World's Illusion, Volume 1 (of 2): EvaA worldly traveler from Moravia navigates a life of luxury, memory, and unexpected encounters, from high society to rural markets.
Level C1ClassicsThe World's Greatest Books — Volume 20 — Miscellaneous Literature and IndexStep into the vibrant social world of early 18th-century England, where witty essays and sharp observations illuminate daily life, manners, and culture in a groundbreaking periodic…
Level C1ClassicsThe World's Greatest Books — Volume 08 — FictionA young Scottish archer arrives at the French royal court during the reign of Louis XI, navigating intrigue and loyalty as he seeks to join the king's guard and reconnect with his…
Level C1ClassicsThe World's Greatest Books — Volume 07 — FictionFour philosophers, each with wildly different views on humanity’s fate, gather at Headlong Hall to debate life, progress, and the nature of man over hearty meals and sharp wit in t…
Level C1ClassicsThe World's Greatest Books — Volume 06 — FictionOn a dark winter night, a young woman named Maud faces mysterious threats and unsettling secrets surrounding her enigmatic Uncle Silas, her family's honor, and the sinister new gov…
Level C1ClassicsThe World's Greatest Books — Volume 05 — FictionIn a 19th-century English village, the promising young deacon Cyril Maitland faces a moral crisis as secrets and scandals threaten the lives and loves of those around him, setting…
Level C1ClassicsThe World's Greatest Books — Volume 04 — FictionAn Egyptian princess journeys to Babylon to marry the powerful King Cambyses, navigating palace intrigues, forbidden love, and political plots as she strives to secure her place an…
Level B2ClassicsThe World's Greatest Books — Volume 03 — FictionIn a small French town where hunting is a grand yet capricious pastime, Tartarin, a boastful yet good-hearted hunter, dreams of glory amid his collection of exotic weapons and tall…
Level C1ClassicsThe World's Greatest Books — Volume 02 — FictionA young boy’s encounters with mysterious gypsies and wild adventures shape his youth in early 19th-century England, blending vivid character sketches and philosophical reflections…
Level C1ClassicsThe World's Greatest Books — Volume 01 — FictionExplore a carefully condensed anthology that preserves the spirit and style of the world’s finest fiction, offering accessible selections from classic and modern authors alike, eac…
Level C2ClassicsThe World's Best Orations, Vol. 1 (of 10)Discover the power and passion of history's greatest speeches, from Demosthenes to American patriots, as they sway minds and ignite action through timeless oratory that continues t…
Level C1ClassicsThe World on Wheels, and Other SketchesExplore the ingenuity of wheels shaping 19th-century life, from boyhood inventions to the mighty Concord coach, as vivid sketches reveal how this simple mechanism propels history,…
Level C1ClassicsThe World of ChanceA young writer leaves his hometown after losing his newspaper job, carrying a novel manuscript and hopes for literary success in New York.
Level C1ClassicsThe World Above: A DuologueBeneath a radiant city lies the shadowy labyrinth of The Darker Realm, where two young workers, Jean and Angelica, navigate ancient tunnels filled with mystery and longing.![Cover of The Works of William Shakespeare [Cambridge Edition] [Vol. 8 of 9] by William Shakespeare](https://dsx1pat3ljtul.cloudfront.net/books/da8i2hkv7nos73d6tr70.webp)
Level C1ClassicsThe Works of William Shakespeare [Cambridge Edition] [Vol. 8 of 9]Delve into the fascinating early history of Hamlet through detailed reprints and analyses of its earliest editions, revealing the play’s evolving text, mysterious origins, and Shak…![Cover of The Works of William Shakespeare [Cambridge Edition] [Vol. 7 of 9] by William Shakespeare](https://dsx1pat3ljtul.cloudfront.net/books/daf39ooe1ofc73dhb2ug.webp)
Level C1ClassicsThe Works of William Shakespeare [Cambridge Edition] [Vol. 7 of 9]Dive into the evolving texts of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, exploring early editions that reveal the challenges of preserving the original play’s poetry and drama amid transcri…![Cover of The Works of William Shakespeare [Cambridge Edition] [Vol. 6 of 9] by William Shakespeare](https://dsx1pat3ljtul.cloudfront.net/books/daf4jrge1ofc73dhb7s0.webp)
Level C1ClassicsThe Works of William Shakespeare [Cambridge Edition] [Vol. 6 of 9]Explore the rich history and drama of Shakespeare’s works, including variations and editorial insights into plays like "Troilus and Cressida" and "Henry the Eighth," revealing the…![Cover of The Works of William Shakespeare [Cambridge Edition] [Vol. 4 of 9] by William Shakespeare](https://dsx1pat3ljtul.cloudfront.net/books/daf4uj8e1ofc73dhbbfg.webp)
Level C1ClassicsThe Works of William Shakespeare [Cambridge Edition] [Vol. 4 of 9]Explore the intricate histories and dramatic intrigues of English royalty through meticulously edited versions of Shakespeare's plays, revealing the evolution of texts from early q…![Cover of The Works of William Shakespeare [Cambridge Edition] [Vol. 3 of 9] by William Shakespeare](https://dsx1pat3ljtul.cloudfront.net/books/da8j11sjoh9c73bgr7dg.webp)
Level C1ClassicsThe Works of William Shakespeare [Cambridge Edition] [Vol. 3 of 9]In Padua, the sharp-witted Petruchio sets out to tame the fiery Katharina, while suitors vie for the gentle Bianca amidst schemes and disguises, revealing a comedy of love, power,…![Cover of The Works of William Shakespeare [Cambridge Edition] [Vol. 2 of 9] by William Shakespeare](https://dsx1pat3ljtul.cloudfront.net/books/dacjrdnvk76c73fras70.webp)
Level C2ClassicsThe Works of William Shakespeare [Cambridge Edition] [Vol. 2 of 9]Dive into a world of wit, romance, and intrigue with five masterful plays, including the sparkling comedy of misunderstandings in "Much Ado About Nothing" and the enchanting misadv…
Level C1ClassicsThe Works of Samuel Johnson, LL.D. in Nine Volumes, Volume 08: The Lives of the Poets, Volume IIExplore the life of Matthew Prior, a poet who rises from obscure origins to royal favor, navigating literary rivalries, diplomatic missions, and the vibrant court life of 17th-cent…
Level C1ClassicsThe Works of Samuel Johnson, LL.D. in Nine Volumes, Volume 05: Miscellaneous PiecesDive into a rich collection of essays, prefaces, and reflections that explore language, literature, law, and culture—from the meticulous crafting of an English dictionary to though…
Level C1ClassicsThe Works of Samuel Johnson, LL.D. in Nine Volumes, Volume 04: The Adventurer; The IdlerExplore a collection of reflective essays that continue the moral and literary themes of the Rambler, offering keen insights into human nature, society, and virtue through the thou…
Level C1ClassicsThe Works of Samuel Johnson, LL.D. in Nine Volumes, Volume 03: The Rambler, Volume IIExplore a vast collection of reflective essays dissecting human nature, society, and the arts with sharp wit and timeless insights, revealing the complexities of fame, virtue, and…
Level C1ClassicsThe Works of Samuel Johnson, LL.D. in Nine Volumes, Volume 02: The Rambler, Volume IA piercing moralist confronts the follies and vices of an evolving society, rejecting frivolity to expose harsh truths and instruct a public hungry for deeper reflection.
Level C1ClassicsThe Works of Samuel Johnson, LL.D. in Eleven Volumes, Volume 06: Reviews, Political Tracts, and Lives of Eminent PersonsExplore insightful reviews, political reflections, and vivid biographies that illuminate 18th-century perspectives on history, governance, and notable figures, including surprising…
Level C1ClassicsThe Works of Robert Louis Stevenson - Swanston Edition, Vol. 25Follow a renowned writer’s challenging years settling in Samoa, where he balances the hardships of island life with his literary pursuits and unexpected involvement in local politi…
Level C1ClassicsThe Works of Robert Louis Stevenson - Swanston Edition, Vol. 24Follow a writer’s quest for health and inspiration along the Mediterranean coast, as he battles illness, seeks the perfect home, and finds creative renewal amid trials and fleeting…
Level C1ClassicsThe Works of Robert Louis Stevenson - Swanston Edition, Vol. 23Explore the intimate world behind a literary giant through a rich collection of letters revealing friendships, travels, and personal struggles, offering an unprecedented glimpse in…
Level C1ClassicsThe Works of Robert Louis Stevenson - Swanston Edition, Vol. 21In the vibrant streets of Paris, Dick Naseby observes a cast of intriguing characters, including the enigmatic "Admiral," a fallen artist with a mysterious past, as he navigates th…
Level C1ClassicsThe Works of Robert Louis Stevenson - Swanston Edition, Vol. 18Set sail on vivid voyages through the Marquesas, Paumotus, and Gilbert Islands, where a recovering traveler discovers exotic cultures, untamed landscapes, and a new lease on life i…
Level C1ClassicsThe Works of Robert Louis Stevenson - Swanston Edition, Vol. 16Explore the turbulent legacy of the Stevenson family through centuries of Scottish history, marked by feuds, betrayals, and resilience.
Level C1ClassicsThe Works of Robert Louis Stevenson - Swanston Edition, Vol. 15In 18th-century Edinburgh, the respected Deacon Brodie leads a double life as master carpenter by day and secret burglar by night, while his family and friends navigate loyalty, lo…
Level C1ClassicsThe Works of Robert Louis Stevenson - Swanston Edition, Vol. 09Dive into a mosaic of memories and portraits that weave together family histories, youthful reflections, and the rich tapestry of British life, revealing the deeply personal and cu…
Level C1ClassicsThe Works of Robert Louis Stevenson - Swanston Edition, Vol. 02Embark on a vivid journey aboard an emigrant ship, where the uneasy silence of strangers masks stories of hope and hardship.
Level C1ClassicsThe Works of Robert Louis Stevenson - Swanston Edition, Vol. 01Delve into the rich heritage and introspective genius of a 19th-century writer whose Scottish roots and early encounters with theology and history shaped his captivating stories an…
Level C1ClassicsThe Works of Lucian of Samosata — Volume 04Explore a vivid critique of ignorance and slander as it unravels tragic misunderstandings, rivalries, and false accusations that disrupt families and friendships, revealing the des…