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 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…
Level C2ClassicsThe Works of Lucian of Samosata — Volume 01Dive into the sharp wit and vivid satire of a Syrian-born writer navigating the world of rhetoric and philosophy under Roman rule.
Level C1ClassicsThe Works of Lord Byron: Letters and Journals. Vol. 2Dive into the candid letters and journals of a turbulent poet, revealing intimate thoughts, fierce protectiveness, and raw reflections on life’s challenges and relationships.
Level C1ClassicsThe Works of Lord Byron: Letters and Journals. Vol. 1Delve into the early life and intimate letters of a spirited young nobleman, revealing struggles with health, education, and complex family dynamics.
Level C1ClassicsThe Works of John Marston. Volume 2In a London tavern, a clever knave's theft sparks a tangled comedy of passion, deception, and disguise involving a young lover, a Dutch courtesan, and a witty city jester, as frien…
Level C1ClassicsThe Works of John Marston. Volume 1Dive into the turbulent world of John Marston, an Elizabethan poet and playwright who sought to vanish into oblivion yet left behind piercing satires and rugged dramas.
Level C1ClassicsThe Works of Henry Fielding, vol. 12A struggling playwright navigates debt, love, and artistic ambition while facing harsh realities in 18th-century London.
Level C1ClassicsThe Works of Guy de Maupassant, Volume VIII.Dive into a probing critique of literary conventions and the nature of the novel, challenging rigid definitions and championing artistic freedom.
Level C1ClassicsThe Works of Guy de Maupassant, Volume 4In a crumbling country estate, a proud young woman endures a lonely, impoverished life under her father’s harsh control, caught between fading family honor and the harsh realities…
Level C1ClassicsThe Works of Guy de Maupassant, Volume 3In a glittering court where scandal and secrets intertwine, a captain reveals the forbidden love and tragic turmoil surrounding the Empress Maria-Gloriosa, whose hidden grief and d…
Level B2ClassicsThe Works of Guy de Maupassant, Volume 2A devoted father navigates the stifling tensions of a household where love is shadowed by constant reproach and simmering conflicts between servants and wife.
Level C1ClassicsThe Works of Guy de Maupassant, Vol. 1: Boule de Suif and Other StoriesDive into a world where sharp cynicism reveals the raw pulse of human desire, greed, and passion through vividly painted scenes and deft storytelling.
Level C1ClassicsThe Works of Francis Beaumont and John Fletcher in Ten Volumes: Volume 01.Step into a rich collection of comedies and tragedies, meticulously gathered from early folios and quartos, revealing the enduring drama and wit crafted by two master playwrights.
Level C2ClassicsThe Works of Christopher Marlowe, Vol. 2 (of 3)In the volatile world of Malta, Barabas, a wealthy Jew, navigates treachery, ambition, and vengeance, with loyal slaves and cunning foes weaving a deadly game of power and survival…
Level C2ClassicsThe Works of Charles and Mary Lamb — Volume 6: Letters 1821-1842Delve into an intimate collection of letters revealing the thoughts, friendships, and literary exchanges of Charles and Mary Lamb between 1821 and 1842, offering a unique glimpse i…
Level C1ClassicsThe Works of Charles and Mary Lamb — Volume 5: The Letters of Charles and Mary Lamb, 1796-1820Dive into the intimate and revealing correspondence between Charles and Mary Lamb, capturing their wit, struggles, and the legal battles surrounding their letters, offering a vivid…
Level C1ClassicsThe Works of Charles and Mary Lamb — Volume 2: Elia and The Last Essays of EliaExplore reflective essays that weave personal memory, social observation, and literary charm, capturing life’s quirks and the fading echoes of old London’s customs and characters.
Level C1ClassicsThe Works of Charles and Mary Lamb — Volume 1: Miscellaneous ProseA young girl, Rosamund, clings to her blind grandmother in a humble cottage after their family's fall from grace, finding solace and strength in faith and simple books amidst hards…
Level C1ClassicsThe Works of Aphra Behn, Volume VA young country woman arrives in London seeking a cousin who has mysteriously vanished, only to find herself entangled with strangers and secrets in the city’s shadowy corners.