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 C1ClassicsMr. World and Miss Church-Member: A Twentieth Century AllegoryFollow Miss Church-Member as she journeys the Broad Highway with the charming yet sinister Mr.
Level C1ClassicsMr. Wayt's Wife's SisterA chance delay strands a charming young artist fresh from sea, who soon encounters a mysterious woman pushing a frail occupant in a wheeled chair.
Level C1ClassicsMr. Waddington of WyckA young secretary arrives at Lower Wyck Manor, navigating the delicate balance between serving Mr.
Level C1ClassicsMr. Sponge's Sporting TourOn a murky October day, Mr.
Level B2ClassicsMr. ScraggsIn a rugged cattle ranch, a new arrival with a haunting past challenges the quiet rhythm of life, sparking debates, dark secrets, and stories of love and loss in the untamed West.
Level C1ClassicsMr. Scarborough's FamilyA wealthy father’s shocking declaration that his eldest son is illegitimate threatens to upend the Scarborough family’s fortunes and reputations, revealing secrets and igniting con…
Level C1ClassicsMr. Punch's Scottish HumourDive into a lively collection of Scottish wit and character, where sharp humor and vivid illustrations reveal the hearty spirit and playful self-awareness of Scots from both Highla…
Level C1ClassicsMr. Punch's Railway BookStep aboard a humorous journey through the early days of railway travel, where delays, mishaps, and quirky passengers turn every trip into a comic adventure.
Level C1ClassicsMr. Punch's Life in LondonExplore the bustling life of London through the witty eyes of Mr.
Level C1ClassicsMr. Punch's Irish Humour in Picture and StoryDive into a spirited collection of Irish wit and satire, where lively illustrations and stories celebrate the clever blunders, sharp humor, and unique charms of the Irish character…
Level C1ClassicsMr. Punch's Golf StoriesDive into the humorous world of golf through the eyes of Henry Wilks, a seasoned caddie who navigates the quirks and challenges of players with wit and wisdom, revealing the amusin…
Level C1ClassicsMr. Punch's Dramatic SequelsUncover the untold aftermath of Alcestis and Admetus' reunion, where divine gratitude clashes with mortal discontent, and explore a bold sequel to Hamlet that delves into political…
Level C1ClassicsMr. Punch's Country Life: Humours of Our RusticsDiscover the charming and witty quirks of rural England through a collection of humorous sketches and dialogues that celebrate the simple, hearty spirit of country folk and their e…
Level C1ClassicsMr. Punch's Cockney HumourStep into the vibrant world of Cockney wit, where sharp humor and lively characters reveal the true spirit behind London's famous accents and manners—laugh with them as their stori…
Level C1ClassicsMr. Punch's Book of Sport: The Humour of Cricket, Football, Tennis, Polo, Croquet, Hockey, Racing, &cDive into a witty collection of humorous takes on English sports, from cricket to tennis, capturing the playful spirit and mishaps of athletes and fans alike, all illustrated with…
Level C1ClassicsMr. Punch's Book of Love: Being the Humours of Courtship and MatrimonyExplore the sharp wit and biting humor behind courtship and marriage as characters navigate love’s absurdities, from flirtation follies to matrimonial mishaps, all through the sati…
Level C1ClassicsMr. Punch's After-Dinner StoriesStep into the witty world of Victorian dining, where private dinners, public banquets, and the quirks of social invitations unfold with humor and charm, capturing the lively spirit…
Level C1ClassicsMr. Punch with Rod and Gun: The Humours of Fishing and ShootingDive into the whimsical world of angling and shooting, where the quirks of fishermen and hunters are humorously exposed through lively illustrations and witty tales.
Level C1ClassicsMr. Punch on the Warpath: Humours of the Army, the Navy and the Reserve ForcesDive into the sharp wit and satire of military life, where Mr.
Level C1ClassicsMr. Punch on the ContinongWitty and sharply illustrated, this collection humorously contrasts British tourists’ antics with Continental customs, offering a playful and affectionate look at English travelers…
Level C1ClassicsMr. Punch on Tour: The Humour of Travel at Home and AbroadJoin Mr.
Level C1ClassicsMr. Punch in the Hunting FieldJoin the spirited adventures and mishaps of huntsmen and their steeds as they navigate the trials, humor, and traditions of the fox hunting season, all vividly captured with wit an…
Level C1ClassicsMr. Punch in the HighlandsVenture north of the Tweed to explore the witty and warm-hearted clash between the English visitor and Highland life, where sport, local quirks, and sharp humor paint a lively port…
Level C1ClassicsMr. Punch in Wig and Gown: The Lighter Side of Bench and BarStep into the courtroom’s lighter side with witty satire on judges, barristers, and legal quirks, as sharp humor exposes law’s delays, inconsistencies, and eccentric characters thr…
Level C1ClassicsMr. Punch in Society: Being the Humours of Social LifeDive into the witty and refined satire of social life, where Mr.
Level C1ClassicsMr. Punch in BohemiaStep into London's vibrant Bohemia, where artists, writers, and actors mingle in lively clubs and colorful haunts, guided by Mr.
Level C1ClassicsMr. Punch at the SeasideStep into Victorian seaside life where Mr.
Level C1ClassicsMr. Punch at the Play: Humours of Music and the DramaStep behind the curtain for a witty satire on the theater world, where actors, playwrights, and audiences collide in humorous chaos—from extravagant productions to mistaken lines a…
Level C1ClassicsMr. Punch at Home: The Comic Side of Domestic LifeExplore the humorous trials and tribulations of domestic life, from the chaos of housekeeping to the quirks of servants and social visits, all captured with wit and charm in vivid…
Level C1ClassicsMr. Punch Awheel: The Humours of Motoring and CyclingDiscover the humorous trials and tribulations of early motoring and cycling through satirical accounts that poke fun at both the enthusiasts and the chaos of the roads, revealing a…
Level B2ClassicsMr. Punch Afloat: The Humours of Boating and SailingDive into the lively misadventures of boating and sailing along Britain’s rivers and coasts, where humor turns seasickness and holiday mishaps into spirited tales of camaraderie, c…
Level C1ClassicsMr. ProhackA meticulous Treasury official navigates the quiet power and rigid rules behind Britain's war efforts, all while managing the domestic rhythms of his genteel London life.
Level C1ClassicsMr. Poskitt's Nightcaps: Stories of a Yorkshire FarmerTwo twin brothers explore the eerie, long-abandoned High Elms Farm, uncovering its mysteries and the reasons behind its forsaken state.
Level C1ClassicsMr. Pickwick's Christmas: Being an Account of the Pickwickians' Christmas at the Manor Farm, of the Adventures There; the Tale of the Goblin Who Stole a Sexton, and of the Famous Sports on the IceJoin the Pickwickians as they celebrate Christmas at Manor Farm, encountering lively adventures, a mysterious goblin, and spirited ice sports that capture the warmth and whimsy of…
Level B2ClassicsMr. OppA flashy and ambitious man returns to his rural hometown for a funeral, bringing with him a whirlwind of business ventures and a knack for missing opportunities.
Level C1ClassicsMr. Joseph Hanson, The HaberdasherIn a bustling market town obsessed with fame and fashion, a flashy new haberdashery boldly claims the illustrious name of Wellington, promising a tale woven with commerce, celebrit…
Level C1ClassicsMr. Jack Hamlin's MediationIn a remote rancho buffeted by wind and rain, a strikingly out-of-place woman wrestles with domestic worries and the uneasy anticipation of her husband's return, revealing tensions…
Level C1ClassicsMr. Incoul's MisadventureA wealthy widower haunted by loss wrestles with solitude and the restless pull of society in post-bereavement New York.
Level C1ClassicsMr. Hogarth's WillIn rural Scotland, two orphaned nieces face a shocking revelation when their eccentric uncle's will unexpectedly names a mysterious outsider as heir, challenging their futures and…
Level C1ClassicsMr. FaustIn a richly appointed library, John Faust wrestles with skepticism and doubt amid friends who cherish life’s glories, challenging the clash between faith and cynicism in a world ri…
Level B2ClassicsMr. Durant of Salt Lake City, "That Mormon"A newcomer from Salt Lake City stirs curiosity and debate in a Southern town as he shares the beliefs and origins of the Latter-day Saints, challenging misconceptions and inviting…
Level C1ClassicsMr. Dooley: In the Hearts of His CountrymenAmidst the turmoil of American expansionism, Mr.
Level C1ClassicsMr. Dooley's PhilosophyStep into the witty monologues of Mr.
Level C1ClassicsMr. Dooley in Peace and in WarIn a bustling Irish-American neighborhood, a shrewd philosopher and saloon-keeper offers sharp, humorous insights on politics, society, and war, painting a vivid portrait of life a…
Level C1ClassicsMr. Dooley SaysIn a witty dialogue, a Chicago bartender reflects on the tangled, inconsistent divorce laws across America, revealing the social customs and personal struggles behind marriage and…
Level C1ClassicsMr. Crewe's Career — CompleteAn influential lawyer and staunch Republican, Hilary Vane navigates the intricate world of politics and powerful railroads in a rapidly changing America.
Level C1ClassicsMr. Clutterbuck's ElectionAs war reshapes an empire, Mr.
Level C1ClassicsMr. Claghorn's DaughterIn the refined circles of Paris, Monsieur Claghorn, a philosopher torn between identity and belief, wrestles with the rigid confines of faith and society.