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 B2ClassicsLucy Maud Montgomery Short Stories, 1909 to 1922A man returns to his childhood home only to find it boarded up and the family living in the poorhouse, facing hardship and heartbreak.
Level B2ClassicsLucy Maud Montgomery Short Stories, 1907 to 1908Torn between the charm of rural life and the allure of city wealth, a young woman faces the bittersweet choices of love, ambition, and family ties in a world where growing up means…
Level B2ClassicsLucy Maud Montgomery Short Stories, 1905 to 1906In a humble farmhouse, young Sidney finds solace in writing letters amid relentless chores and a chaotic household.
Level B2ClassicsLucy Maud Montgomery Short Stories, 1904When Nan sprains her ankle and misses the much-anticipated picnic, she reaches out to Florrie, a shy girl excluded by their social circle, sparking a heartwarming tale of unexpecte…
Level B2ClassicsLucy Maud Montgomery Short Stories, 1902 to 1903Determined to defy their wealthy uncle's stubborn refusal, twin siblings hatch a bold plan to secure a college education and shape their own futures amid the challenges of family l…
Level C1ClassicsLucy Larcom: Life, Letters, and DiaryDive into the intimate letters and diary entries of a thoughtful New England woman whose life unfolds through teaching, poetry, and spiritual growth amid 19th-century American cult…
Level C1ClassicsLucky PehrIn a medieval church tower, an old man’s grudging Christmas rituals ignite a mysterious clash of spirits, mischief, and morality as elves, rats, and voices challenge his harshness…
Level C1ClassicsLucius Davoren; or, Publicans and sinners, vol. 2In a quiet town under a tender moon, a desperate suitor dares to plead for love through a friend’s letter, seeking to sway a woman who has long resisted his passion.
Level C1ClassicsLucian the dreamerIn a quiet rural station where trains rarely stop, a mysterious boy and his companion arrive carrying a heavy, treasure-like crate of books, stirring curiosity in the sleepy villag…
Level C1ClassicsLucia in LondonIn a springtime English village, the death of a reclusive aunt sparks whispered expectations and social intrigues, as neighbors speculate about the true feelings of the vibrant and…
Level C1ClassicsLoyaltiesIn the refined world of Newmarket’s Meldon Court, tensions rise as a young, wealthy outsider faces accusations of theft amid the intrigues of horse racing, high society, and fragil…
Level C1ClassicsLovers' VowsA delicate English adaptation of a German drama explores love’s complexities through refined characters and carefully crafted dialogue, transforming blunt passions into subtle, whi…
Level C1ClassicsLover or FriendIn a small town ruled by strong wills and subtle power plays, Geraldine Ross balances family loyalty and societal expectations while navigating the complexities of love and friends…
Level C1ClassicsLover and Husband: A NovelIn a heavy, airless London, Marion pauses amidst the dullness and disorder of preparing to leave home, when an unexpected visitor arrives, stirring the quiet of her solitary life a…
Level B2ClassicsLoved and lostLady Gwendolyn’s poised demeanor masks a tangled web of love, jealousy, and secrets as she navigates high society’s intrigues and a mysterious adventure beneath the elm tree.
Level C1ClassicsLove,—and the Philosopher: A Study in SentimentIn a tranquil English garden, a skeptical Philosopher challenges a gentle woman's sentimental view of love and life, sparking a quiet tension between reason and feeling that explor…
Level C1ClassicsLove, and Other StoriesIn the soft April night, a young man wrestles with the intoxicating, elusive feeling of first love as he pens letters to Sasha, weaving a tender tale of secret meetings and heartfe…
Level C1ClassicsLove's UsuriesA once-bohemian artist transformed by fame and fortune reflects on the sacrifices and madness entwined with love and success, revealing the hidden stories of those who suffered for…
Level C1ClassicsLove's Meinie: Three Lectures on Greek and English BirdsExplore the delicate world of English and Greek birds through vivid lectures that blend natural history with language, art, and philosophy.
Level C2ClassicsLove's Labour's LostFour noblemen swear to forsake love and live in scholarly seclusion for three years, but their resolve is tested by the very passions they vow to deny in a court set to become a ha…
Level C1ClassicsLove's ComedyA biting satire exposes the trivialities and hypocrisies of love and marriage in society, arguing paradoxically that true happiness lies in loveless unions and enduring love exists…
Level C1ClassicsLove of the WildIn a wilderness threatened by encroaching civilization, a young woodsman struggles to protect the wild creatures and preserve the untamed spirit of nature that defines his world.
Level B2ClassicsLove of BrothersUnder a haunting moonlit sky, young Patsy braves eerie legends and ghostly terrors to find his runaway goat, navigating a world where superstition and reality entwine on the shadow…
Level C1ClassicsLove for Love: A ComedyWitty and sharp, this comedy unveils the follies and ambitions of lovers and poets alike, set against the backdrop of a newly opened theatre promising humor, satire, and a lively p…
Level C1ClassicsLove at Second SightAmidst sharp quarrels and unexpected crashes in a quiet home, Edith navigates the complexities of her son's mischievous nature and the enigmatic guest, Madame Frabelle, whose prese…
Level B2ClassicsLove and Intrigue: A TragedyIn a tense household, a music teacher fears his daughter’s romance with a noble major will ruin her reputation and their family’s honor, igniting a clash between love, social class…
Level B1ClassicsLove Letters of a Rookie to JulieIn the midst of army camp life, a rookie soldier pens heartfelt, humorous letters to his beloved Julie, capturing the trials of training, quirky comrades, and the bittersweet momen…
Level C1ClassicsLove Letters of Nathaniel Hawthorne, Volume 2 (of 2)Journey to a remote homestead where a husband braves harsh winters, learns farm life, and pours his heart into tender letters filled with love, hope, and the promise of spring’s ar…
Level C1ClassicsLove Letters of Nathaniel Hawthorne, Volume 1 (of 2)Discover the intimate courtship of a renowned writer through a collection of heartfelt and humorous love letters, revealing the tender, witty, and private side of a literary figure…
Level C1ClassicsLouisianaA New Yorker in unfamiliar Southern surroundings, Olivia Ferrol navigates the social snubs and curious glances at Oakvale Springs, where an unexpected encounter with a timid young…
Level C1ClassicsLouise Imogen GuineyA vivid portrait unfolds of a spirited poet and scholar shaped by her Civil War heritage and transatlantic life, whose enduring passion for art, history, and letters illuminates a…
Level C1ClassicsLouisa PallantA chance encounter at a bustling European resort reveals a woman whose past and present are shrouded in mystery, accompanied by a captivating daughter.
Level B2ClassicsLouisa May Alcott, the children's friendFollow the lively childhood and heartfelt inspirations of a spirited girl whose mischievous adventures and poetic gifts blossom into stories that have become cherished companions f…
Level C1ClassicsLouisa May Alcott : Her Life, Letters, and JournalsDiscover the intimate life of a beloved storyteller through her own journals and letters, revealing the inspirations, struggles, and family ties behind the timeless tales cherished…
Level C1ClassicsLouis LambertA prodigious boy from a humble tannery family defies expectations, diving into a world of books and profound ideas that challenge his future as a priest.
Level C1ClassicsLotta Schmidt, and Other StoriesIn the vibrant heart of Vienna, Lotta Schmidt and her friend Marie navigate the city's evolving landscape and social customs, exploring music, society, and unexpected companionship…
Level C1ClassicsLothairA shy, orphaned boy raised in the Highlands faces the challenges of high society and vast inheritance as he reconnects with a world of privilege, family duties, and complex relatio…
Level C1ClassicsLot & CompanyOn a restless Sunday in New York, Bellair is drawn to the mysterious sailing ship Jade of Adelaide as it prepares to set sail, sparking memories and curiosity about its secretive o…
Level C1ClassicsLost LeadersExplore the serene beauty and rich history along Scotland’s Tweed and its tributaries, where ancient castles, legendary tales, and the art of fly-fishing come alive in vivid, nosta…
Level C1ClassicsLost IllusionsA young provincial poet arrives in Paris brimming with ambition, only to confront the harsh realities of literary fame, love, and betrayal amid the shifting social tides of early 1…
Level B1ClassicsLost DiariesStep into the mischievous world of St James's School through the candid diary entries of Smith Minor, where childhood pranks, school rivalries, and unexpected adventures paint a vi…
Level C1ClassicsLoss and gainA young clergyman’s son navigates the challenges of faith, education, and conscience as he confronts the complex religious landscape of Oxford, wrestling with questions that test b…
Level B2ClassicsLords of Creation: Woman Suffrage Drama in Three ActsIn a world where men expect deference and women challenge their place, Jennie and Kate navigate love, independence, and societal expectations with fiery spirit and sharp wit.
Level C1ClassicsLord KilgobbinIn the shadow of Kilgobbin Castle, on the border between Ireland’s bleak boglands and fertile farmlands, a tale unfolds of faded grandeur and enduring struggle where history, hards…
Level C1ClassicsLord Arthur Savile's Crime; The Portrait of Mr. W.H., and Other StoriesAt a glittering London reception, Lady Windermere’s fascination with palmistry leads to a curious encounter with a cheiromantist whose predictions promise mischief and mystery.
Level C1ClassicsLord Alistair's RebellionUnder the flickering lights of an imperial city, two opposing forces face off across the river—a symbol of civilization’s power and a shadowy, rebellious underworld—setting the sta…
Level C1ClassicsLook out for paint: A farce comedy in three actsCity boarders arrive at a struggling New York farm, stirring up unexpected chaos and romantic misadventures.
Level C1ClassicsLook Back on HappinessA man retreats to a remote forest hut, abandoning the chaos of city life to find solitude and confront the restless thoughts burning within him.