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 C1ClassicsBought and Paid For; From the Play of George BroadhurstA devoted doctor faces a family's desperate struggle as the patriarch lies gravely ill, revealing the harsh realities of sacrifice, honor, and impending loss amid their refined but…
Level C1ClassicsBoswell's Correspondence with the Honourable Andrew Erskine, and His Journal of a Tour to CorsicaA young Scotsman ventures into Corsica’s untamed interior during a turbulent war between natives and foreign powers, chronicling the island’s heroic struggle for freedom and inspir…
Level C1ClassicsBoswell the BiographerDive into the intricate relationship between James Boswell and Samuel Johnson, exploring the unique psychology behind the biography that has captivated generations with its vivid,…
Level B2ClassicsBoston Neighbours In Town and OutIn a charming Boston suburb dubbed "Babyland," a group of young mothers form a Tolstoi Club to explore Russian literature and life, sparking unexpected discussions about love, marr…
Level C1ClassicsBorn in ExileAt the close of a summer day in 1874, a small English town gathers to unveil a statue honoring a self-made millionaire, while the spirited Warricombe family navigates social expect…
Level C1ClassicsBoris LenskyA legendary violinist captivates audiences with a bewitching, almost demonic charm that both elevates and torments him.
Level C1ClassicsBoris Godunov: a drama in verseAmidst political intrigue and suspicion of murder, nobles plot to challenge Boris Godunov’s claim to the Russian throne, while the people’s unrest grows—will power prevail or crumb…
Level C1ClassicsBorder Ghost StoriesExplore eerie tales rooted in the haunted landscapes of the English-Scottish border, where ancient castles, moors, and ruins whisper secrets of restless spirits and ghostly encount…
Level C1ClassicsBooks and CultureExplore the enduring power of great literature as it bridges generations, revealing timeless truths about humanity and life’s deepest passions.
Level C1ClassicsBooks and BookmenDive into the world of bookmen, where the love of literature transcends mere ownership and reveals the true passion behind collecting and cherishing books.
Level C1ClassicsBooks and Authors: Curious Facts and Characteristic SketchesExplore intriguing anecdotes and sketches revealing the hidden stories behind famous authors and their works, from rediscovered diaries to the curious legacies of literary families…
Level C2ClassicsBook of illustrations : Ancient TragedyIn the shadow of Troy's fall, a watchman anxiously awaits the signal of victory, while dark secrets and ancient curses loom over the House of Atreus.
Level C1ClassicsBohemian GrammarDiscover the intricacies of the Bohemian language through practical grammar explanations and exercises designed for English speakers, enriched with stories and poems that bring thi…
Level C1ClassicsBohemian Days in Fleet StreetStep into the vibrant world of Fleet Street in the late 19th century, where a seasoned journalist recalls the vanished era of London's press—its colorful characters, fierce camarad…
Level C1ClassicsBog-Myrtle and Peat: Tales Chiefly of Galloway Gathered from the Years 1889 to 1895Step into the rugged hills of Galloway where loyalty, love, and legend intertwine through stirring tales of honor, faith, and fierce battles.
Level C1ClassicsBluebell: A NovelAt seventeen, Bluebell navigates the harsh realities of poverty and longing in a modest Canadian cottage, yearning for beauty and belonging amidst hardship and dashed hopes.
Level C1ClassicsBlue-Stocking Hall, (Vol. 3 of 3)A young man returns from London to his family estate, grappling with the pretentiousness of city life, the bizarre world of literary society, and the strained health of a beloved u…
Level C1ClassicsBlue-Stocking Hall, (Vol. 2 of 3)Amidst letters of friendship and family news, a nobleman plans his return to England, seeking a grand estate and reconnecting with loved ones who embody honor, independence, and he…
Level C1ClassicsBlue-Stocking Hall, (Vol. 1 of 3)As two friends embark on separate journeys across Europe and Ireland, they exchange letters revealing intimate observations and reflections, challenging preconceived notions about…
Level C1ClassicsBlue Aloes: Stories of South AfricaUnder the eerie night sounds of a remote Karoo farm, a young governess faces mysterious whispers and ghostly warnings to protect the children in her care, as unsettling secrets fro…
Level C1ClassicsBlood and SandA fierce exploration of Spain’s bullfighting world reveals the clash between tradition and modernity, exposing the brutal psychology and social tensions beneath the spectacle.
Level C1ClassicsBlood Will Tell: The Strange Story of a Son of HamIn fog-shrouded Boston, two twin brothers named J.
Level C1ClassicsBlixIn a San Francisco household marked by distance and unspoken tensions, the vibrant Travis Bessemer navigates family dynamics shaped by a detached father, a rebellious brother, and…
Level C1ClassicsBlister JonesAt the heart of the racetrack, a seasoned horse-trainer named Blister Jones reveals the fierce world of thoroughbred racing, where young colts are tamed and pedigrees tell stories…
Level C1ClassicsBliss, and other storiesTwo young sisters face a bittersweet farewell as their family prepares for a move, leaving behind familiar comforts and stepping into an uncertain new chapter filled with childhood…
Level B2ClassicsBlind PolicyA sharp-witted doctor and his charming niece navigate the complexities of love and marriage, while an aging relative warns them of heartbreak and deceit lurking beneath society’s g…
Level C1ClassicsBlake's BurdenIn the vibrant city of Quebec, a spirited widow seeks escape from society’s bustle, while mysterious guests and exotic creatures hint at deeper intrigues amidst the scenic Canadian…
Level C1ClassicsBlade-O'-Grass. Golden Grain. and Bread and Cheese and Kisses.In the twisted maze of Stoney-alley, a grim London slum, lives collide amid hardship and strange events, weaving tales of survival, charity, and unexpected hope.
Level B2ClassicsBlackthorn FarmRupert Dale faces ruin as he awaits his final mining exam results, burdened by debt and a desperate gamble on a horse race.
Level C1ClassicsBlackguardA young poet returns to his stifling Midwestern hometown, wrestling with dreams of artistic freedom amid the harsh realities of family expectations and a life he feels trapped with…
Level C1ClassicsBlack is WhiteTwo old friends, bound by decades of shared adventures, await the return of a restless heir to reveal a mysterious wireless message from the far reaches of the Atlantic—one that co…
Level C1ClassicsBlack Sheep: A NovelA stranger braves freezing February winds and a lonely journey to reach a respectable household, where he must navigate cold receptions and hidden family tensions.
Level B2ClassicsBlack JackIn a dusty cattle town, a daring rider with black hair and twin revolvers sparks chaos as gunfire erupts, leaving a mysterious man shot and sprawled in the street—while Elizabeth a…
Level C1ClassicsBjörnstjerne Björnson, 1832-1910Explore the life and work of a passionate Norwegian idealist whose poetry and prose fiercely champion national identity and social reform, blending artistic spirit with a relentles…
Level C1ClassicsBits of BlarneyJourney to the famed village of Blarney, where a legendary stone grants the gift of irresistible persuasion to those who dare to kiss it, unveiling tales of Irish lore, eccentric c…
Level C1ClassicsBisayan grammar and notes on Bisayan rhetoric and poetics and Filipino dialectologyExplore the structure and usage of the Bisayan dialect spoken in Samar and Leyte, with insights into its grammar, rhetoric, and poetics.
Level C1ClassicsBirds of PreyIn a spotless house in a gritty London street, the impeccable surgeon-dentist Philip Sheldon embodies the very image of respectability, stirring curiosity and speculation among his…
Level C1ClassicsBiographical Notes on the Pseudonymous BellsThree sisters, bound by ambition and secrecy, publish their bold poetry under male pseudonyms to escape prejudice.
Level C1ClassicsBiographical EssaysExplore the mysterious early life and legacy of William Shakespeare through detailed historical reflections and cultural insights that uncover the sparse yet profound traces of the…
Level C2ClassicsBiographia Epistolaris, Volume 2: being The Biographical Supplement of Coleridge's Biographia LiterariaJourney alongside a restless poet as he sails from England to Malta, serving as a government secretary while reflecting on friendship, health, and the vivid landscapes of Gibraltar…
Level C1ClassicsBiographia Epistolaris, Volume 1Delve into the intimate letters and biographical insights that reveal the inner life and eloquent mind of the poet-philosopher Coleridge, as he narrates his own story through a ric…
Level B2ClassicsBindle: Some Chapters in the Life of Joseph BindleIn the bustling heart of London, Joseph Bindle navigates the trials of Cockney life with wit and wisdom, sharing sharp observations on love, marriage, and the human condition in a…
Level B2ClassicsBiltmore OswaldAn unlikely and hapless recruit with no naval experience attempts to join the Navy, facing skeptical officers and comical trials as he embarks on a chaotic journey to become a sail…
Level C1ClassicsBilly and the Big StickIn a turbulent Haitian city where the government seizes control of profitable industries, Billy Barlow, an honest American electrician, struggles to get paid while keeping the elec…
Level B2ClassicsBilly Baxter's LettersA hapless novice joins seasoned hunters on a wild Minnesota expedition, where misfires, storms, and tall tales turn a simple hunting trip into a hilarious adventure full of unexpec…
Level B2ClassicsBill's Paper Chase: Lady of the Barge and Others, Part 3.A dying sailor entrusts a boy to throw his hard-earned money overboard, sparking a secretive and desperate hunt aboard a ship bound for London.
Level C1ClassicsBill of the wild streakUnder the pale moonlight, a fierce and loyal dog wrestles with his wild instincts while guarding a vulnerable flock of sheep, testing the limits of his devotion to a tireless maste…
Level B2ClassicsBill Nye's SparksExperience the witty and heartfelt journey of a humble man rising from poverty and obscurity to become a beloved humorist and fearless journalist, whose sharp imagination and cheer…