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.
- 6,942
- books
Level B2ClassicsCarolina LeeBorn in Paris but proud of her American heritage, Carolina Lee navigates a world of high society and family legacy, inspired by her father's stirring tales of honor and identity.
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 B2ClassicsCarnac's Folly, Volume 2.After eight months away, Carnac returns to a tangled web of love, betrayal, and power struggles within his family and business.
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 B2ClassicsCaptain Mary MillerIn a small wharf town, a spirited woman challenges the traditional roles and rights of wives as she confronts her husband over ownership and autonomy, sparking a stirring drama abo…
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 B2ClassicsCaptain Jinks, HeroA mild-mannered farmer known as Colonel Jinks buys an unusual gift for his young son—a box of lead soldiers that captivates the boy, sparking a story of innocence, respect for auth…
Level B2ClassicsCaptain CranberryIn a stormy Cape Cod night, Cynthia Tinker faces the upheaval of leaving her home and the mystery of an unknown tenant moving in.
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 B2ClassicsCaptain Billy's Whiz Bang, Vol. 3, No. 32, April, 1922Dive into a sharp, witty collection of musings that peel back the glamor of Hollywood's motion picture world, exposing its mix of ambition, folly, and human longing through humorou…
Level B2ClassicsCaptain Balaam of the 'Cormorant', and other sea comediesAmid the creaking sails and salty air of the Patriarch, a rough-and-tumble crew navigates life under the harsh command of a miserly owner, while Geordie Potts dreams of a kinder, f…
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 B2ClassicsCape Cod StoriesTwo old mariners receive mysterious, ornate invitations to a high-society wedding, thrusting them from their quiet Cape Cod life into a world of wealth and social intrigue.
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 B2ClassicsCap'n Warren's WardsCaught in a fierce storm and a delayed train, a gruff sea captain returns from a mysterious business deal in Cape Cod, sparking curiosity in a weary lawyer trapped on the journey.
Level B2ClassicsCap'n Jonah's fortuneA seasoned mariner arrives at a quiet Cape Cod home bearing a mysterious sea chest, stirring the lives of a spirited young woman left alone and longing for escape.
Level B2ClassicsCap'n EriThree seasoned sea captains share camaraderie and humor in a cozy, weathered seaside home, navigating the small frustrations and simple joys of their daily lives while awaiting the…
Level B2ClassicsCap'n Dan's DaughterIn the fading summer season of a quiet seaside town, Captain Daniel Dott struggles to keep his family’s dry goods store afloat amid fierce competition and dwindling customers.
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 B2ClassicsCamilla: A Tale of a Violin: Being the Artist Life of Camilla UrsoIn a charming French town, a young girl named Camilla grows up surrounded by music, inspired by her parents' artistry.
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 B2ClassicsCalvary: A NovelBorn into a quiet provincial town shadowed by ancient forests and fading traditions, a sickly child recalls a childhood steeped in family legacy, rural mysteries, and the strange i…
Level B2ClassicsCalvary AlleyIn a gritty urban alley transformed by time, spirited young Nance Molloy fiercely claims her place amid longstanding neighborhood rivalries and childhood battles, setting in motion…
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.
Level C1ClassicsCabin FeverAn ex-cow-puncher turned auto stage owner faces the restless grip of cabin fever as he navigates the scenic routes of the Santa Cruz Mountains, discovering unexpected love and test…
Level C1ClassicsCabbages and KingsIn the volatile republic of Anchuria, the mysterious death of President Miraflores and the fate of the captivating opera singer Doña Isabel Guilbert intertwine with political intri…
Level C1ClassicsByronExplore the complex legacy of a poet whose fierce intellect and noble lineage sparked admiration and controversy across Europe, revealing how his heritage and character shaped his…
Level C1ClassicsBylow HillIn a quiet New England town, Lieutenant Godfrey Winslow returns home to navigate the tangled emotions of love and loyalty among old friends and family, where hidden cares and unspo…
Level C1ClassicsBye-WaysAmid the wild night sounds of Morocco, a newlywed couple escapes the glare of fame—she, a celebrated actress craving anonymity and starlit solitude; he, captivated and bewildered b…
Level C1ClassicsBy the Light of the Soul: A NovelIn a small town church vestry, young Maria Edgham wrestles with innocence, dreams, and the weight of family struggles, as summer’s scents mingle with whispered prayers and the comp…
Level C1ClassicsBy the Good Sainte Anne: A Story of Modern QuebecAn American girl trapped in a remote Quebec village struggles with isolation, language barriers, and her skepticism of faith while encountering the local culture and its deeply hel…
Level C1ClassicsBy the Christmas FireBy the Christmas fire, a former bayonet transforms from a weapon of war into a humble poker, symbolizing the hope for peace amid a world shaped by conflict and survival.
Level C1ClassicsBy the Barrow River, and Other StoriesIn a fortress shadowed by prophecy and political intrigue, a guard gifted with otherworldly sight and hearing perceives ominous signs of war and downfall.
Level C1ClassicsBy ViolenceIn a fog-shrouded town, Simon Searell rejects hollow rituals to seek the true heart of religion, confronting the harsh realities of faith and nature.