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
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Level C1ClassicsRagged Lady — CompleteA retired couple navigates unfamiliar country roads to South Middlemount, encountering a cheerful, barefoot girl living in a half-finished house who offers unexpected warmth and in…
Level C1ClassicsRachel Gray: A Tale Founded on FactIn a fading London suburb, Rachel Gray runs a humble dress-making shop amid decay and whispers of haunting.
Level C1ClassicsRabbi SaundersonA scholarly minister, long rejected by congregations, finally finds his calling in the quiet parish of Kilbogie, where a mysterious plague and deep spiritual questions test his fai…
Level C1ClassicsQuodlibet: containing some annals thereof ...Delve into the spirited political and social life of Quodlibet, where vivid characters and town events unfold against the backdrop of shifting party loyalties and historical upheav…
Level C1ClassicsQuite SoIn the aftermath of the first battle of Bull Run, four weary soldiers share a rain-soaked tent, their spirits dampened by loss and uncertainty, when a mysterious new recruit with a…
Level C1ClassicsQuisisana; or, Rest at LastA man grappling with illness and restless memories arrives at a country estate, haunted by past vows and shadowed by secret visitors who are forbidden in his presence.
Level C1ClassicsQuisantéA restless young man, reliant on his austere aunt's reluctant support, navigates debts and social ambitions in a world where family ties are cold and alliances transactional.
Level C1ClassicsQuips and Quiddities: A Quintessence of Quirks, Quaint, Quizzical, and QuotableDive into a lively collection of witty quips, playful parodies, sharp satire, and charming epigrams drawn from a rich tapestry of literary works.
Level B2ClassicsQuinneys'After inheriting his father's antique shop and modest fortune, Young Joe Quinney faces the challenge of transforming his father's dusty, disorganized business into a thriving enter…
Level B2ClassicsQuinWounded soldier Quinby Graham, restless after months of hospital confinement, sneaks into a lively dance hall seeking escape, companionship, and the chance to reclaim his spirited…
Level B2ClassicsQuill's WindowBy a lazy river under scorching August sun, a young man and an old fisherman share sharp-witted reflections on life, habits, and the past, weaving humor and nostalgia into a quiet…
Level C1ClassicsQuicksandsA young man, burdened by despair and weary of his monotonous life, retreats to a secluded forest clearing to confront his darkest thoughts with a loaded revolver in hand.
Level C1ClassicsQuestionable ShapesWhen Hewson encounters a serene, self-lit apparition before dawn, he faces the delicate balance between the natural and supernatural, grappling with disbelief and anticipation as h…
Level C1ClassicsQueer Luck: Poker Stories from the New York SunFive seasoned players engage in a high-stakes poker game in a secret New York club, where extraordinary luck and mounting tension blur the line between friendly contest and fierce…
Level B2ClassicsQueenie's whim, Volume 3 (of 3)Tensions simmer as Dora departs on a journey to care for an ailing sister, while Garth grapples with restless nights and simmering resentment at home.
Level B2ClassicsQueenie's whim, Volume 1 (of 3)In a strict boarding school, Queenie Marriott supports herself and her little sister Emmie as a young teacher, navigating cold indifference and hidden struggles while clinging to h…
Level C1ClassicsQueen LuciaIn the charming village of Riseholme, Mrs.
Level C1ClassicsQueed: A NovelIn a bustling city caught between duty and desire, Sharlee Weyland seizes a rare holiday with her enormous dog, Behemoth, crossing paths with the charismatic Charles Gardiner West.
Level C1ClassicsQuatre contes de Prosper MériméeDive into four captivating tales blending refined wit, historical anecdotes, and vivid characters shaped by passion and skepticism, all set against the rich backdrop of 19th-centur…
Level C1ClassicsQuaker idylsIn a serene Quaker meeting in Philadelphia, Cassy Wilson grapples with her stirring emotions and the sacred expectations of her faith, as quiet reflections and heartfelt prayers re…
Level C1ClassicsQuaint EpitaphsExplore the quirky, poignant, and sometimes humorous epitaphs collected from graveyards across New England, revealing unique glimpses into human lives, wit, and eccentricities etch…
Level C2ClassicsPélléas and Mélisande; Alladine and Palomides; HomeIn a haunting exploration of theater’s power and limitations, poetic dramas reveal the elusive beauty that fades when life replaces imagination, challenging how we experience timel…
Level C1ClassicsPère Antoine's Date-PalmIn New Orleans, a devoted priest’s past collides with a haunting secret when a mysterious date-palm tree stands as a living legacy of forbidden love, loss, and devotion intertwined…
Level C1ClassicsPâkia: 1901Under a silver moon on a tropical beach, a white man shares grog and stories with Pâkia, a wise old native whose tales and wisdom reveal the rhythms of island life and the clash of…
Level C1ClassicsPyramids of snowIn the glittering casino of Monte Carlo, Melville Ashley faces the ruthless grip of gambling, teetering on ruin as he prepares to leave with nothing but a fading smile and a myster…
Level C1ClassicsPygmalionA phonetics enthusiast sets out to transform a Cockney flower girl into a refined lady by teaching her to speak "proper" English, challenging social class and language barriers in…![Cover of Puzzles and oddities by Mary A. [Compiler] Dawson](https://dsx1pat3ljtul.cloudfront.net/books/dafesj5a8p2c739iu1cg.webp)
Level C1ClassicsPuzzles and odditiesDive into a collection of riddles, charades, conundrums, and paradoxes that challenge your wit and memory, drawing from whimsical puzzles and curious oddities scattered through lit…
Level C1ClassicsPut Yourself in His PlaceIn a grim industrial town overshadowed by dark smoke and decay, an ancient deserted church stands as a relic amidst relentless progress.
Level C1ClassicsPuppets at Large: Scenes and Subjects from Mr Punch's ShowStep into the quirky world of a provincial cathedral tour where a group of sightseers navigate eccentric guides, humorous misunderstandings, and the peculiar customs of religious r…
Level C1ClassicsPunch and Judy, with Instructions How to Manage the Little Wooden Actors: Containing New and Easy Dialogues Arranged for the Use of Beginners, Desirous to Learn How to Work the Puppets. For Sunday Schools, Private Parties, Festivals and Parlor Entertainments.Enter the whimsical world of Punch and Judy, where lively wooden puppets bring humor and mischief to life on a miniature stage, guided by precise instructions for crafting and perf…![Cover of Publisher's Advertising (1872) by Harper & Brothers [Editor]](https://dsx1pat3ljtul.cloudfront.net/books/da7aifqcitjc73afmd60.webp)
Level C1ClassicsPublisher's Advertising (1872)Discover a curated collection of captivating novels offering faithful depictions of nature and authentic characters, designed to refresh the mind and stir the imagination during li…
Level C1ClassicsPublic Speaking: Principles and PracticeMaster the art of public speaking with practical principles, detailed vocal training, and diverse speech exercises designed to build confidence, versatility, and effective expressi…
Level C1ClassicsPublic SpeakingExplore the vital role of speech throughout history and modern life, uncovering how powerful oratory shapes nations, businesses, and personal success in an age where spoken communi…
Level C1ClassicsPtomaine Street: The Tale of Warble PetticoatIn a lively Pittsburgh neighborhood, spirited Warble Petticoat, recently expelled from school for a mischievous prank, embraces her newfound freedom with laughter and ambition—her…
Level C1ClassicsPsycho Vox; or, The Emerson System of Voice CultureExplore the human voice as a mirror of character and mind, revealing physical and emotional states through tone and expression.
Level C1ClassicsPsycheIn a realm where gods and mortals collide, the goddess Venus faces a stunning challenge as the mortal Psyche captivates the world’s admiration, igniting divine jealousy and a battl…
Level C1ClassicsProverbs of All Nations, Compared, Explained, and IllustratedExplore a rich tapestry of wisdom through proverbs from diverse cultures, carefully grouped and explained to reveal universal truths and unique perspectives on human experience.
Level B2ClassicsProud LadyIn a quiet town shadowed by war's aftermath, Mary Lavinia navigates the tense return of soldiers and the storm of emotions that follow, caught between duty, family strife, and a st…
Level C1ClassicsProsper Mérimée's Short StoriesDelve into intense tales of passion, danger, and exotic lands where love and lawlessness collide—from the fiery drama of Spain to gripping accounts of smuggling and battle, each st…
Level C1ClassicsProserpine and MidasDive into myth and poetry where ancient tales of gods and mortals intertwine, revealing the serene joy and quiet philosophy of a woman inspired by Italian skies and the romantic sp…
Level C1ClassicsProse Masterpieces from Modern Essayists, Volume 3 of 3Explore the intricate challenges of interpreting history as a science, where facts are like letters that can spell any desired narrative.
Level C1ClassicsProse Idylls, New and OldExplore a nostalgic reflection on humanity’s fading connection with nature, as ancient springtime rituals and the vibrant songs of birds give way to modern indifference and lost ce…
Level C1ClassicsProse Fancies (Second Series)In a gritty London district where the sea meets the city’s industrial heart, a poor poet and his beloved carve out a fragile paradise atop a dilapidated office building, transformi…
Level C1ClassicsProse FanciesExperience a tender spring morning where nature awakens and a gentle procession of piglets embarks on their journey, guided by a kind driver whose patience stirs warmth and reflect…
Level B2ClassicsProfessor Tim & Paul TwyningIn a sunlit Irish farmhouse, Peggy and Hugh confront the shattering end of their love amid looming poverty and an impending auction, weaving a tale of heartbreak, pride, and the bi…
Level C1ClassicsProfessor HuskinsA professor grapples with conflicting truths revealed through mesmerized subjects, challenging the very nature of knowledge and consistency.
Level C1ClassicsProblematic Characters: A NovelTorn between restless ambition and inner turmoil, characters grapple with their inability to find satisfaction or mastery in life’s challenges.
Level B2ClassicsProbable SonsAn unexpected orphan niece arrives to disrupt the bachelor life of Sir Edward, who must navigate the challenges of guardianship, society’s expectations, and a fragile child’s quiet…