Historical
Read Historical Classics in English
3,636 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 With Axe and Rifle, Winona and Winning the Wilderness. 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.
- 3,636
- books
Level C1HistoricalStories of Invention, Told by Inventors and their FriendsDive into inspiring tales of creativity and discovery, guided by inventors and their friends, encouraging young readers to explore public libraries and unlock the power of original…
Level C1AdventureStories of Charlemagne and the twelve Peers of FranceAt King Charles’s grand court in Paris, the noble Duke Aymon and his four heroic sons, especially the mighty Reynaud, set the stage for epic tales of valor, treachery, and legendar…
Level C1HistoricalStories of American Life and AdventureJourney into early America where a troubled English boy lives among Native tribes, navigates colonial strife, and witnesses the harsh realities of frontier life, revealing the spir…
Level C1HistoricalStories from ThucydidesAmidst the ruins of a shattered Athens, relentless citizens rebuild their city’s defenses, defying Spartan warnings and igniting tensions that threaten to engulf all of Greece in w…
Level C1HistoricalStories from LivyTwin sons of a deposed king grow up as shepherds, unaware of their royal heritage, until fate and fierce loyalty lead them to reclaim their rightful throne in ancient Alba.
Level C1HistoricalStories by American Authors, Volume 9In post-Civil War Virginia, a reflective journey uncovers fading mansions and memories of a bygone era, centered on Marse Chan, a young master whose life intertwines with loyal ser…
Level C1AdventureStories and Legends of Travel and History, for ChildrenExplore enchanting parks, grand palaces, and heroic tales across England and Ireland, where royal history and local legends come alive through the eyes of children discovering the…
Level C1HistoricalStories By English Authors: France (Selected by Scribners)In a snowbound Paris of 1456, Master Francis Villon, a sharp-witted poet and rogue, gathers with a motley crew of thieves and schemers to weave mischief and verse through a bitter…
Level C1AdventureStolen TreasureA daring young adventurer joins the infamous pirate Captain Morgan aboard the gunship Good Samaritan, setting sail from the wild and lawless Port Royal to plunder Spanish treasures…
Level C1HistoricalStephen: A Soldier of the CrossAmid the bustling streets and sacred temples of ancient Jerusalem, a gifted blind singer and a young water-carrier are caught in the tides of faith and fate, offering a glimpse int…
Level C1HistoricalStar of MerciaIn a rugged land where ancient Welsh legends intertwine with Saxon tales, a weary traveler seeks refreshment and news of the enigmatic King Gwrtheyrn, setting the stage for a vivid…
Level C1HistoricalStar of IndiaIn a quiet English village, seventeen-year-old Stella Carrington feels trapped by her stifling life and envies the privileged Maud Verrall, sparking a restless yearning to break fr…
Level C1RomanceStandish of Standish: A Story of the PilgrimsAmid the harsh new world of 1620 Plymouth, the Pilgrim Mothers’ steadfast traditions and the Pilgrim Fathers’ resolve collide with humor and heart.
Level C1HistoricalSt. Winifred's; or, The World of SchoolA bright young boy leaves the warmth of his idyllic lakeside home to enter the bustling world of a large public school, embarking on a journey of growth, friendship, and discovery…
Level C1HistoricalSt. Ronan's WellAt a provincial spa known for its snobbish society and simmering tensions, characters clash amid scandal and sharp wit.
Level C1HistoricalSt. Patrick's EveIn a remote Irish valley, villagers gather to celebrate St.
Level C1HistoricalSt. Martin's SummerIn a grand Dauphiny chamber, the indolent yet vain Seneschal is roused from his nap by urgent news: the formidable Dowager of Condillac demands an immediate audience, setting the s…
Level C1GothicSt. Leon: A Tale of the Sixteenth CenturyIn 1687 Venice, a mysterious stranger known as Signor Gualdi captivates high society with his vast knowledge and priceless art collection—yet his true identity and uncanny connecti…
Level C1RomanceSt. Ives: Being the Adventures of a French Prisoner in EnglandA French soldier imprisoned in Edinburgh crafts delicate toys to trade with curious locals, using wit and charm to navigate captivity.
Level C1HistoricalSt. George's Cross; Or, England Above AllAmidst the turmoil of 17th-century England and the Channel Islands, a suspended Member of Parliament and an exiled magistrate navigate political exile, personal enmities, and the s…
Level C1HistoricalSt. George and St. MichaelIn a time of political and spiritual upheaval, an aging clergyman and his family grapple with the looming storm threatening their church and kingdom, while hope flickers through th…
Level C1HistoricalSt. ElmoIn the serene Appalachian mountains, a pure-hearted Tennessee girl lives in harmony with nature, unaware of the darker intrigues beyond her world—until the sudden crack of gunshots…
Level C1HistoricalSt Baldred of the Bass, a Pictish legendIn a turbulent era of Pictish kings and war, a devout disciple of Saint Kentigern retreats to the solitude of the Bass island, performing miracles and inspiring fierce loyalty amon…
Level C1HistoricalSpringhaven: A Tale of the Great WarIn a tranquil English valley threatened by war, the peaceful village of Springhaven shelters a proud family whose Saxon roots run deep.
Level C1HistoricalSpirit of Chambers's JournalIn 17th-century Scotland, Lady Jean, the youngest and most beautiful daughter of the Earl of Wigton, is confined to her family estate to protect her sisters’ marriage prospects, sp…
Level C1HistoricalSpeeches: Literary and SocialExplore the early life and literary rise of a keen observer of society whose sharp wit and storytelling shaped English literature.
Level C1HistoricalSpeeches against CatilinaIn the tense political arena of ancient Rome, a powerful and controversial figure plots a sweeping revolution amid widespread debt and unrest.
Level C1HistoricalSpecimens of the Russian poets, vol. 2 (of 2)Explore the rise of Russian poetry amid a vast empire's quest for civilization, power, and liberty.
Level C1HistoricalSpecimens of the Russian poets, vol. 1 (of 2)Discover the early sparks of Russian poetic genius as this collection unveils the works and lives of pioneering poets who shaped a nascent literary tradition emerging from centurie…
Level C1RomanceSpecimens of German Romance; Vol. I. The PatriciansWidowed Althea struggles with grief and the pressure to remarry in turbulent 1568 Schweidnitz, as suitors vie for her hand to protect her son's future and her family's honor.
Level C1HistoricalSpecial MessengerIn a divided Southern village during the Civil War, a curious boy forms an unexpected bond with a Union bandmaster, hinting at secret alliances and the hidden lives of those caught…
Level C1HistoricalSpanish colonial literature in South AmericaExplore the rich tapestry of South America's colonial past through the writings of Spanish settlers—from poetry and history to geography and ecclesiastical debates—offering a vivid…
Level C1AdventureSpanish bayonetIn 1769, amid the festive yet struggling streets of Port Mahon, young Sebastian Zafortezas prepares to leave his island home for a new life as a colonist in British America, chasin…
Level C1HistoricalSpanish Prisoners of War (from Literature and Life)As Spanish prisoners of war arrive in New England, the harsh realities of captivity clash with the serene beauty of the American summer landscape, revealing the grim inconsequence…
Level C1HistoricalSpanish PapersUncover the dramatic saga of Spain’s conquest by the Saracens, where history blends with legend, chivalry, and romance.
Level C1AdventureSpanish John: Being a Memoir, Now First Published in Complete Form, of the Early Life and Adventures of Colonel John McDonell, Known as "Spanish John," When a Lieutenant in the Company of St. James of the Regiment Irlandia, in the Service of the King of Spain Operating in ItalyAmid the turbulent 18th century, a young Scottish noble embarks on a journey from Rome’s Scots College to the battlefields of Italy, serving under the King of Spain while navigatin…
Level C1HistoricalSouvenir of the George Borrow Celebration: Norwich, July 5th, 1913Step into the life and legacy of a restless literary pioneer intimately tied to Norwich, whose travels and tales unveil hidden cultures and timeless truths.
Level C1HistoricalSouthern Literature From 1579-1895: A comprehensive review, with copious extracts and criticisms: for the use of schools and the general readerExplore the rich tapestry of Southern life and history through the voices of its writers, offering vivid extracts and insightful critiques that bring the past alive for students an…
Level C1RomanceSophia: A RomanceIn 1742 London, young Sophia navigates family pressures and societal expectations as she confronts a scandalous suitor and the challenge of guarding her fortune and honor amid shar…
Level C1HistoricalSongs of the RidingsExplore the vivid lives and dialects of Yorkshire peasants and artisans through dramatic monologues that capture their unique outlooks, habits, and voices—bringing to light a vibra…
Level C1HistoricalSongs of love and empireExplore a collection of stirring poems that weave together themes of love, honor, and empire, capturing moments from Trafalgar to Waterloo and reflections on peace and loyalty to t…
Level C1HistoricalSongs and Ballads of the Southern People: 1861-1865Explore the passionate songs and ballads that capture the spirit, struggles, and sentiments of the Southern people during the Civil War years of 1861-1865, preserving their voices…
Level C1HistoricalSong and Legend from the Middle AgesExplore the rich tapestry of European medieval literature from the eleventh to thirteenth centuries, revealing the shared spirit and themes of chivalry, faith, and political life a…
Level C1MysterySomewhere in FranceA cunning German spy with a tangled past infiltrates French society, trading secrets and manipulating loyalties as war looms.
Level C1HistoricalSome Diversions of a Man of LettersExplore the shifting tides of literary taste and the elusive nature of poetic beauty as a seasoned critic reflects on changing generations, contested reputations, and the quest for…
Level C1HistoricalSoliloquies in England, and Later SoliloquiesAmid the turbulence of World War I England, a reflective mind wanders through its landscapes and culture, exploring themes of liberty, identity, and the enduring spirit beyond temp…
Level C1HistoricalSoldier StoriesIn the sweltering heat of an isolated Indian fort, weary soldiers grapple with despair, camaraderie, and the haunting memories of fierce battles and unruly regiments.
Level C1HistoricalSnow Flakes (From "Twice Told Tales")As a winter storm blankets a New England town in snow, the quiet transformation awakens reflections on nature’s power and the fleeting joys of childhood battles fought with snowbal…