Historical
Read Historical Classics in English
3,675 historical 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 historical classics to read in English as a learner?
The best historical classics for English learners are the well-known titles you can read in the original — start with Zigzag Journeys in Northern Lands;: The Rhine to the Arctic; A Summer Trip of the Zigzag Club Through Holland, Germany, Denmark, Norway, and Sweden, Yule-Tide Yarns and Youth. 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.
- 3,675
- books
Level C1HistoricalThe House of IslâmIn the Ottoman Empire, displaced Georgian and Circassian refugees seek sanctuary under Sultan Abdul Mejìd’s rule, sparking tensions and power struggles in a remote province where l…
Level C1HistoricalThe House of EgremontAmid the shifting tides of English history, the House of Egremont navigates royal favor, religious strife, and personal daring—from daring escapes with a platter of beans to secret…
Level C1HistoricalThe House of AdventureIn the silent dawn of a war-torn village, a weary soldier awakens alone, haunted by the death of his comrade and the memories of a fractured past.
Level C1MysteryThe House by the Church-YardIn a quaint Irish village where time and tradition collide, dark secrets stir beneath the fading charm of old Chapelizod.
Level C1HistoricalThe Hour and the Man, An Historical RomanceIn the sweltering heat of Saint Domingo, colonial tensions ignite as mulattoes demand the civil rights promised by revolutionary France, while white settlers resist fiercely, setti…
Level C1HistoricalThe Hour Will Come: A Tale of an Alpine Cloister. Volumes I and IIAmid the harsh, unyielding Alpine wilderness, a desperate mother braves a deadly snowstorm to protect her newborn, while a humble hospice stands as the sole refuge for lost souls i…
Level C1AdventureThe Hot SwampSet sail with Captain Arkal and Prince Bladud as they embark on a daring Mediterranean voyage in ancient times, navigating treacherous seas, fierce warriors, and the mysteries of o…
Level C1HistoricalThe Hosts of the LordIn a sun-drenched colonial outpost, British officers grapple with the complexities of control and understanding amid a swelling tide of pilgrims and political tension.
Level C1RomanceThe Honourable Mr. TawnishIn a world of duels, dog-fights, and high society intrigues, a young gentleman faces the scandal of a rebellious love that defies his family's plans—challenging honor, tradition, a…
Level C1RomanceThe Honour of Savelli: A RomanceIn a tense camp before Arezzo, a sharp betrayal shatters fragile peace among knights and nobles, entangling honor, friendship, and passion in a volatile Italian romance set against…
Level C1MysteryThe Honor of the NameIn post-Waterloo France, a tense village bristles with fear and resentment under the restored Bourbon monarchy, while a notorious local thief, Father Chupin, arrives with urgent ne…
Level C1HistoricalThe Homilies of the Anglo-Saxon Church: Containing the Sermones Catholici, or Homilies of Ælfric, in the Original Anglo-Saxon, with an English Version. Volume I.Explore the earliest sermons of the Anglo-Saxon Church, revealing the religious doctrines and language of a bygone era through the homilies attributed to Ælfric, archbishop of York…
Level C1HistoricalThe Homeric Hymns: A New Prose Translation; and Essays, Literary and MythologicalExplore the mysterious origins and varied purposes of the so-called Homeric Hymns through a new prose translation and insightful essays that delve into their literary and mythologi…
Level C1HistoricalThe Home and the WorldIn a traditional Rajah's house, a young bride navigates the tensions between old customs and modern ideals while discovering the depths of love, devotion, and her own identity in a…
Level C1HistoricalThe Home Life of PoeDiscover the intimate domestic world of Edgar Poe through the eyes of those who knew him best, revealing a side of the poet hidden from public view and correcting long-held misconc…
Level C1HistoricalThe Holy Isle: A Legend of Bardsey AbbeyA mystical journey transports you to Bardsey Isle a thousand years ago, where saints and monks in a radiant abbey sing eternal praises and guard a sacred legacy.
Level C1RomanceThe History of the Seven Wise Masters of RomeA young prince faces a deadly accusation from his stepmother, but seven wise sages weave tales to defend his innocence against her deceitful plots.
Level C1MysteryThe History of the Remarkable Life of John Sheppard: Containing a Particular Account of His Many Robberies and EscapesA young carpenter’s descent into crime unfolds through a series of daring robberies, escapes, and alliances with notorious accomplices in London’s shadowy underworld.
Level C1RomanceThe History of the Lady Betty StairIn 1798, amid the turmoil of revolution and exile, Lady Betty Stair navigates a world of court intrigue, old rivalries, and forbidden passions at the haunted palace of Holyrood, wh…
Level C1HistoricalThe History of the Devil, As Well Ancient as Modern: In Two PartsExplore the true origins and cunning escapades of the Devil, revealing his ancient fall, ongoing battles with humanity, and surprising follies.
Level C1HistoricalThe History of Yiddish Literature in the Nineteenth CenturyExplore the rich and elusive world of nineteenth-century Yiddish literature through a journey across Europe’s libraries, bookstores, and conversations with its living writers, unco…
Level C1HistoricalThe History of Sir Richard WhittingtonExplore the true story behind the legendary Whittington and his Cat, separating myth from history as we uncover the real life and times of a man once believed to be a poor boy guid…
Level C1HistoricalThe History of Rome, Books 37 to the End: with the Epitomes and Fragments of the Lost BooksRoman generals cross into Asia to confront Antiochus, forging alliances and waging war that will reshape the balance of power.
Level C1HistoricalThe History of Rome, Books 27 to 36Amidst the brutal clashes of the Second Punic War, Roman generals and Hannibal's forces vie fiercely for control over rebellious cities, shifting fortunes in battles marked by cunn…
Level C1HistoricalThe History of Rome, Books 09 to 26In the shadow of the Caudine Forks, Roman legions face a cunning Samnite trap that tests their fate and the wrath of the gods.
Level C1HistoricalThe History of Rome, Books 01 to 08Follow Rome’s legendary origins from Aeneas’s arrival to Romulus’s founding of the city, as kings rise and fall amid wars, divine rites, and political intrigue that shape the birth…
Level C1HistoricalThe History of Roman Literature: From the Earliest Period to the Death of Marcus AureliusExplore the evolution of Roman literature from its earliest Latin roots through the influence of Greek culture, tracing epic poetry, comedy, tragedy, and satire amid Rome’s practic…
Level C1HistoricalThe History of Richard Raynal, SolitaryIn early 16th-century England, a devout Cambridge-educated hermit named Richard Raynal embarks on a spiritual journey marked by contemplation, royal encounters, and inner trials, a…
Level C1RomanceThe History of Pendennis, Volume 2: His Fortunes and Misfortunes, His Friends and His Greatest EnemyIn a world of restless youth and tangled loyalties, Mr.
Level C1HistoricalThe History of PendennisIn a candid portrait of Victorian society, a refined military man navigates the complexities of love, temptation, and social expectations in London’s elite clubs.
Level C1HistoricalThe History of Patient Grisel, 1619In a medieval tale explored through history and literature, Patient Griselda embodies unwavering obedience and patience amid relentless trials, challenging modern views on virtue a…
Level C1HistoricalThe History of Margaret Catchpole, a Suffolk GirlIn early 19th-century Suffolk, the extraordinary life of Margaret Catchpole unfolds, intertwined with the lives of a large brewing family and their remarkable household.
Level C1HistoricalThe History of Herodotus — Volume 2Explore the fierce struggles and complex customs of Thracian tribes as Persian forces, commanded by Megabazos, attempt to conquer the diverse peoples of Europe under King Dareios'…
Level C1HistoricalThe History of Herodotus — Volume 1Explore the origins of history and culture through vivid narratives and meticulous scholarship, revealing the diverse voices and events that shaped the ancient world.
Level C1HistoricalThe History of Henry Esmond, Esq., a Colonel in the Service of Her Majesty Queen AnneA colonel recounts his tumultuous life during Queen Anne’s reign, tracing his family’s legacy from Virginia plantations to the upheavals of early 18th-century England and America.
Level C1RomanceThe History of Emily MontagueAn adventurous lieutenant-colonel seeks a fresh start in the wild beauty of Canada, captivated by its untamed landscapes and promising new life.
Level C1HistoricalThe History of "Punch"Delve into the meticulous history behind Punch, the iconic satirical magazine, as revealed through extensive research, rare documents, and firsthand accounts from its earliest cont…
Level C1RomanceThe Historical Romances of Georg EbersDive into ancient Egypt’s rich tapestry of intrigue, love, and power, where historical monuments and timeless emotions intertwine, revealing the vibrant lives behind the Pharaohs’…
Level C1HistoricalThe Historical Nights' Entertainment: First SeriesDive into vividly reconstructed tales where historical mysteries and human passions collide, revealing bizarre events through meticulous research and carefully imagined dialogue th…
Level C1AdventureThe Hispaniola Plate (1683-1893)Set against the treacherous Silver Bank near San Domingo, this riveting adventure follows the perilous voyages, mutinies, and daring exploits surrounding Sir William Phips and his…
Level C1RomanceThe Hill of VenusIn the mystical summer twilight of 1266 Basilicata, a young court page named Francesco embarks on a solitary journey to the ancient cloisters of San Cataldo, where secrets and pass…
Level C1RomanceThe High History of the Holy GraalEmbark on a medieval quest filled with chivalry and mystery as knights of the Round Table seek the elusive Holy Grail, weaving tales of valor, romance, and ancient legend from a ri…
Level C1HistoricalThe Hidden Force: A Story of Modern JavaUnder a blood-red moon in the Dutch East Indies, a heavy silence blankets the colonial town, where the complex and tense relations between Europeans and natives simmer beneath the…
Level C1RomanceThe Hidden ChildrenAmid the fading legacy of the Iroquois Confederacy, a tale unfolds where history and romance intertwine, revealing the struggles and spirit of noble tribes bound by loyalty, betray…
Level C1HistoricalThe Heroic AgeExplore the origins and shared traits of heroic poetry across Teutonic and Greek cultures, uncovering their historical, mythical, and anthropological roots through a comparative st…
Level C1HistoricalThe HeritageIn a frozen Balkan forest, two revolutionary leaders navigate betrayals and alliances amid rising unrest, summoned by a dying Englishman whose mysterious final request could tip th…
Level C1HistoricalThe Herd Boy and His HermitA young shepherd boy discovers a lost noble girl wandering the treacherous moorlands at twilight and must guide her safely to shelter, navigating wild landscapes and unexpected dan…
Level C1AdventureThe Heir of Kilfinnan: A Tale of the Shore and OceanA young fisher lad braves the wild Atlantic alone, his heart weighed by the care of his ailing mother and a mysterious heritage tied to an ancient Irish coastal castle.