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 C1ClassicsThe Ebbing Of The Tide: South Sea Stories - 1896In the remote Pacific island of Ponape, a tangled tale of love, rivalry, and ancient lore unfolds as Luliban, caught between her fierce husband Red-Hair and her tattooed lover Harr…
Level C1ClassicsThe Easiest Way: Representative Plays by American Dramatists: 1856-1911Caught between survival and morality, a woman navigates the harsh realities of a ruthless society that offers the easiest way out.
Level C1ClassicsThe Early Short Fiction of Edith Wharton — Part 2Two Americans seek the charm of an ancient English manor, embracing its discomforts and mysteries, including a ghost no one recognizes until long after.
Level C1ClassicsThe Early Short Fiction of Edith Wharton — Part 1A solitary visitor explores the hauntingly majestic, crumbling estate of Kerfol in Brittany, drawn by its silent history and mysterious tombs.
Level C1ClassicsThe Eagle's HeartIn a small town, Harold Excell’s fiery temper and fierce loyalty shape his turbulent youth, challenging both family ties and community expectations as he navigates the complexities…
Level C1ClassicsThe Dwelling Place of Light — CompleteAmid the relentless tide of industrial change, Edward Bumpus struggles to find his place after losing his ancestral roots and faith in a shifting New England city, confronting a wo…
Level C1ClassicsThe Dweller on the ThresholdA respected clergyman with a hidden sadness encounters Evelyn Malling, a determined psychical researcher, sparking a mysterious connection amidst London's vibrant springtime.
Level C1ClassicsThe Dust FlowerCaught between his fiancée’s fierce demands and his own wild habits, Rashleigh Allerton faces a tempest of love, honor, and rebellion.
Level C1ClassicsThe Dull Miss ArchinardA weary landowner finds solace in peaceful fishing by his new estate, where the lively voices of two contrasting sisters from a neighboring property spark a quiet, intriguing glimp…
Level C1ClassicsThe Duke's Daughter; and, The Fugitives; vol. 3/3In a quaint French village on the brink of winter, an Englishman and his curious daughter navigate the lively world of local woods and wary villagers, while a mysterious château lo…
Level C1ClassicsThe Duke's Daughter; and, The Fugitives; vol. 2/3In a gloomy London parish overshadowed by fog and noise, a humble rector discovers an extraordinary name in his marriage banns that stirs his curiosity and hints at secrets far bey…
Level C1ClassicsThe Duke's ChildrenAfter the Duchess's death, the Duke of Omnium faces profound loneliness as he navigates life without his wife, while managing the futures of their three children amid the shifting…
Level C1ClassicsThe Duenna: A Comic OperaIn the lively streets of Seville, young lovers defy strict fathers and scheming guardians with midnight serenades and secret meetings.
Level C1ClassicsThe Duel and Other StoriesA disillusioned clerk confesses to his friend the unraveling of a love that once promised ideal companionship, revealing the bitter complexities of human relationships and the suff…
Level C1ClassicsThe Duchess of Rosemary Lane: A NovelIn the serene beauty of spring at Springfield, a young woman named Nelly Marston captures the heart of her gardener’s son, setting the stage for a tender tale of love blossoming am…
Level B2ClassicsThe Duchess of PaduaIn Renaissance Padua, young Guido Ferranti awaits a mysterious messenger who holds the secret of his birth and the noble legacy of a father he has never known.
Level C1ClassicsThe Duchess of MalfiIn a corrupt Renaissance court where power breeds treachery, a determined steward navigates a deadly web of ambition and deceit surrounding a noble duchess and her secret desires.
Level C1ClassicsThe Duchess of Dublin: A FarceA newly minted physician struggles to establish his medical practice in a skeptical village, relying on the loyal support of Maggie, a spirited kitchen girl known as "The Duchess o…
Level B2ClassicsThe DrunkardIn a fog-drenched London, Dr.
Level C1ClassicsThe Druid PathOn a mystical hill where ancient gods once ruled, Phadraig experiences enigmatic dreams and encounters mysterious rituals tied to the old Druid traditions.
Level C1ClassicsThe Dreamers: A ClubA group of thirteen gentlemen form “The Dreamers: A Club” to unlock their hidden literary talents through imagination and waking dreams, aiming to rival the greats of fiction while…
Level C1ClassicsThe Dreamer: A Romantic Rendering of the Life-Story of Edgar Allan PoeAmid the fading roses of 1811 Richmond, a dying actress clings to life while her past intertwines with the struggles of love, loss, and ambition that shaped the family of the enigm…
Level C1ClassicsThe DreamIn a snowbound town, a fragile orphan girl seeks shelter beneath the cathedral's ancient portal, where the statues of saints and their stories offer a haunting backdrop to her desp…
Level C1ClassicsThe Dramatist; Or, Stop Him Who Can! A Comedy, in Five ActsIn a lively comedy set amidst Bath society, spirited Marianne rebels against her restrictive upbringing and meddling aunt, while tangled romances and sharp wit unfold around love,…
Level C1ClassicsThe Dramatic Works of Gerhart Hauptmann, Volume IIIn a vivid portrayal of social realities, intertwined lives unfold against the backdrop of injustice and human struggle, capturing timeless passions and the relentless flow of life…
Level C1ClassicsThe Dramatic Works of Gerhart Hauptmann, Volume IStep into the world of early 20th-century social dramas, where the lives of Silesian peasants and Berlin’s common folk unfold through authentic, dialect-rich dialogue.
Level C1ClassicsThe Dramatic Works of G. E. Lessing: Miss Sara Sampson, Philotas, Emilia Galotti, Nathan the WiseExplore the groundbreaking dramas that shaped German literature, featuring powerful tragedies and the profound plea for tolerance in Nathan the Wise.
Level C1ClassicsThe Dramatic Values in PlautusExplore the misunderstood comic genius of Plautus through a meticulous analysis of his dramatic methods, revealing the humor, recurring characters, and theatrical techniques behind…
Level C1ClassicsThe Dramas of Victor Hugo: Mary Tudor, Marion de Lorme, EsmeraldaIn Tudor England, political intrigue swirls around Queen Mary, whose passion for the mysterious Fabiano Fabiani stirs jealousy, betrayal, and deadly power struggles among nobles de…
Level C1ClassicsThe DramaExplore the vibrant world behind the curtain, where the art of acting breathes new life into classic characters and the stage reflects society’s evolving morals and tastes, challen…
Level C1ClassicsThe Dragon PainterIn the mystical dawn of Tokyo, an aging artist experiences a profound moment of inspiration and renewal as nature and beauty awaken around him.
Level C2ClassicsThe Double-Dealer: A ComedyIn a world of deception and hidden motives, an unsuspecting gentleman finds his trust shattered by a cunning friend whose duplicity threatens to unravel lives.
Level C1ClassicsThe Double GardenA young bulldog named Pelléas embarks on a tender exploration of the world, learning its secrets and boundaries through innocent eyes.
Level C1ClassicsThe Dop DoctorAmid the vast South African veld, a weary Englishman journeys with a tragic loss shadowing his path, as oxen and men alike endure relentless hardship.
Level C1ClassicsThe Dominant StrainCaught between society’s expectations and her own doubts, Beatrix grapples with the charm and secrets of Mr.
Level C1ClassicsThe Dominant DollarTwo men, one coldly pragmatic and the other more emotional, navigate a tense friendship tested by clashing worldviews and the inevitable changes time will bring.
Level C1ClassicsThe Dolliver RomanceIn a world shadowed by illness and war, a writer grapples with the elusive quest for the Elixir of Life, weaving a haunting romance that blurs the line between mortality and immort…
Level C1ClassicsThe Dogs and the Fleas: By One of the DogsIn a world where dogs once lived peacefully, a rebellious group challenges the oppressive rule of bloodsucking fleas who exploit and corrupt their society.
Level C1ClassicsThe Dodd Family Abroad, Vol. IIA family abroad navigates the trials of money, bureaucracy, and new languages while seeking refuge from past troubles.
Level C1ClassicsThe Dodd Family Abroad, Vol. IAn Irish family's ambitious journey through Europe unfolds in a series of witty letters, revealing their comical misadventures and cultural misunderstandings.
Level C1ClassicsThe Doctor's Wife: A NovelIn a quaint Midlandshire town, young doctor George Gilbert strives to live honorably under the watchful eye of his devoted father, navigating the expectations of a narrow, traditio…
Level B2ClassicsThe Doctor's Red Lamp: A Book of Short Stories Concerning the Doctor's Daily LifeIn a small village, a cross-eyed young man named Abe Dodge endures ridicule yet excels in school, while a compassionate new teacher strives to reach him despite the obstacles posed…
Level C1ClassicsThe Doctor's FamilyA young surgeon struggles to build his medical practice in a rough new district, overshadowed by family secrets and personal disappointments.
Level C1ClassicsThe Doctor's DilemmaTrapped in a gloomy London room and pushed to the brink of madness, a determined narrator battles unseen forces demanding submission.
Level C1ClassicsThe Doctor's DaughterAmid reflections on life's sorrows and joys, an earnest author offers a humble tale shaped by personal experience and steadfast perseverance, inviting readers into a world where ev…
Level C1ClassicsThe Doctor's Christmas EveOn a bitter Christmas Eve in Kentucky, two spirited children set out from their family manor to share a festive celebration with close friends, weaving a tale of friendship, warmth…
Level C1ClassicsThe Doctor : A Tale of the RockiesNestled in the serene beauty of the Rockies, a quaint old mill and its hardworking family reveal tales of love, tradition, and the enduring spirit of Highland ancestry against the…
Level C1ClassicsThe Divine FireIn the serene Devonshire garden, Horace Jewdwine grapples with the discovery of a promising young poet, Savage Keith Rickman, whose genius may ignite a brilliant future—or prove a…