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 C1HistoricalHomer: The Iliad; The OdysseyStep into the world of ancient Greece where gods and heroes clash in epic battles and long journeys.
Level C1HistoricalHomer's Odyssey: A CommentaryEmbark on the profound journey of Ulysses, the resourceful hero who, after the fall of Troy, faces not just physical trials but a deeper spiritual quest for restoration, wisdom, an…
Level C1HistoricalHomer and His AgeExplore the world behind the Homeric epics through a detailed investigation of the culture and lifestyle depicted, challenging critical assumptions and uncovering the unity and con…
Level C1HistoricalHome Scenes and Heart StudiesIn a humble Liverpool cottage, a devoted couple balances poverty and faith, their lives entwined with the struggles of family and the hope for a better future.
Level C1HistoricalHolidays at Roselands: A Sequel to Elsie DinsmoreElsie faces the challenge of navigating family love, social expectations, and her own feelings during a holiday season filled with tender moments, unexpected gifts, and the promise…
Level C1HistoricalHiwa: A Tale of Ancient HawaiiIn a lush ancient Hawaiian valley, a daring high-priestess flees deadly enemies, risking everything to protect a royal secret.
Level C1HistoricalHistory of the Plague in LondonAmid the turmoil of 17th-century London, witness the gripping account of the plague’s devastating impact on the city and its people, revealing the resilience and chaos that defined…
Level C1HistoricalHistory of Spanish and Portuguese Literature (Vol 2 of 2)Explore the rich origins of Portuguese poetry, shaped by unique linguistic beauty and distinct from its Spanish neighbor, revealing a vibrant literary tradition that flourished alo…
Level C1HistoricalHistory of Spanish and Portuguese Literature (Vol 1 of 2)Explore the rich evolution of Spanish and Portuguese literature through a detailed historical and critical survey that links literary developments to societal changes, featuring ra…
Level C1HistoricalHistory of Spanish Literature, vol. 3 (of 3)Explore the rich evolution of Spanish literature from the 16th to early 19th centuries, delving into satirical, elegiac, and pastoral poetry alongside the vibrant voices that shape…
Level C1HistoricalHistory of Spanish Literature, vol. 2 (of 3)Explore the clash between religious authority and emerging secular drama in 16th-century Spain, where early playwrights navigate censorship, church influence, and evolving theatric…
Level C1HistoricalHistory of Spanish Literature, vol. 1 (of 3)Explore the turbulent literary landscape of early 19th-century Spain, where political persecution silences many voices and a scholar guides a foreign traveler through rare, treasur…
Level C1HistoricalHistory of Roman Literature from its Earliest Period to the Augustan Age. Vol. IIExplore the evolution of Roman literature from its poetic beginnings to the rise of prose, set against the backdrop of Italy’s fertile lands and agricultural traditions that shaped…
Level C1HistoricalHistory of Roman Literature from its Earliest Period to the Augustan Age. Vol. IExplore the rich evolution of Roman literature, tracing its rise, progress, and influence amid the empire's vast political and military history.
Level C1HistoricalHistory of English Literature from "Beowulf" to SwinburneExplore the rich tapestry of English literature from the heroic tales of Beowulf through the vibrant works of Chaucer and the Renaissance masters, uncovering the evolution of story…
Level C1HistoricalHistory of English Literature Volume 3 (of 3)Explore the evolution of English literature through in-depth analysis of major poets, novelists, and philosophers, tracing shifts from classical domination to modern voices like Di…
Level C1HistoricalHistory of English Literature Volume 2 (of 3)Explore the rich tapestry of English literature during the Renaissance, from the Reformation and Puritanism to the lives and works of Milton, Dryden, Addison, Swift, and early nove…
Level C1HistoricalHistory of English Literature Volume 1 (of 3)Explore the origins of English literature through vivid portraits and detailed analysis, beginning with Shakespeare's youthful defiance and the cultural forces shaping his genius.
Level C1HistoricalHistory of English Humour, Vol. 2Explore the evolution of English humour through burlesque, parody, and caricature, tracing their origins and impact from ancient times to the Civil War, revealing how imitation ser…
Level C1HistoricalHistory of English Humour, Vol. 1: With an Introduction upon Ancient HumourExplore the elusive nature of English humour as it unfolds through history, philosophy, and psychology, revealing the subtle laws and multifaceted character behind what makes us la…
Level C1HistoricalHistory of American LiteratureExplore the evolution of American literature from its English roots through the colonial era to its unique moral and democratic spirit.
Level C1HistoricalHistory as literature, and other essaysExplore the intersection of history, science, and literature through a series of thoughtful essays and addresses that argue for the vivid, literary presentation of historical and s…
Level C1HistoricalHistorical vignettes, 2nd seriesIn a world of courtly intrigue and desire, Elfrida, a radiant and coveted beauty, navigates the perilous passions of her husband Athelwold and the powerful King Edgar.
Level C1HistoricalHistorical vignettes, 1st seriesA weary King of England summons his devoted Captain, who shares a haunting past tied to a tragic royal exile.
Level C1HistoricalHistorical View of the Languages and Literature of the Slavic Nations: With a Sketch of Their Popular PoetryExplore the intellectual and cultural evolution of the vast Slavic nations, tracing their languages and literature from early origins to the influence of Christianity and missionar…
Level C1AdventureHistorical Romances: Under the Red Robe, Count Hannibal, A Gentleman of FranceIn a tense Parisian tavern, a sharp-witted gambler faces a young challenger in a duel forbidden by the Cardinal, where honor and danger collide amidst whispered threats and shiftin…
Level C1HistoricalHistorical Papers: Part 3 from Volume VI of The Works of John Greenleaf WhittierDive into stirring historical papers that illuminate the fierce debates and towering figures shaping Ireland, England, and early America—revealing the struggles for justice, libert…
Level C1HistoricalHistorical MiniaturesJourney through vivid historical scenes from ancient Egypt to Athens and medieval Europe, where craftsmen, philosophers, and rulers shape the fate of empires amid faith, struggle,…
Level C1RomanceHistoric Tales: The Romance of Reality. Vol. 14 (of 15), King Arthur (2)Jealousy and treachery ignite as King Mark plots against the valiant Tristram, while knights clash and secrets unravel at Arthur’s court, where love and honor collide in a perilous…
Level C1RomanceHistoric Tales: The Romance of Reality. Vol. 13 (of 15), King Arthur (1)In a time when Celtic kings clash with Saxon invaders, a mystical star heralds the rise of Uther Pendragon and his legendary son Arthur, destined to become the greatest knight and…
Level C1HistoricalHistoria CalamitatumAmid the vibrant intellectual and spiritual awakening of the twelfth century, a brilliant mind navigates the tensions of feudalism, religion, and emerging philosophy, revealing the…
Level C1HistoricalHis Sombre RivalsA brooding young man, shaped by a loveless childhood and rigorous schooling, returns from abroad burdened by skepticism and solitude.
Level C1RomanceHis Majesty's Well-Beloved: An Episode in the Life of Mr. Thomas Betteron as told by His Friend John HoneywoodIn 1662 London, a devoted friend seeks to clear the tarnished name of the celebrated actor Thomas Betterton, revealing a tale of love, envy, and loyalty that tests the bonds betwee…
Level C1HistoricalHis Honour, and a LadyIn colonial India, a government official receives unexpected news that will change his life and test the loyalty and grace of those around him.
Level C1HistoricalHis Grace of Osmonde: Being the Portions of That Nobleman's Life Omitted in the Relation of His Lady's Story Presented to the World of Fashion under the Title of A Lady of QualityIn 1676, the village of Camylott holds its breath as the beloved Duchess of Osmonde goes into labor, with the fate of a noble heir poised to shape England’s future.![Cover of His Excellency [Son Exc. Eugène Rougon] by Émile Zola](https://dsx1pat3ljtul.cloudfront.net/books/daf7n1ge1ofc73dhc7f0.webp)
Level C1HistoricalHis Excellency [Son Exc. Eugène Rougon]Amid the intrigue and power struggles of the Second French Empire, Eugène Rougon embodies the ruthless ambition shaping an era defined by political cunning and shifting loyalties.
Level C1AdventureHira Singh : when India came to fight in FlandersAmid the misty backdrop of an Indian convalescent camp, a towering Sikh warrior named Hira Singh recounts extraordinary tales of loyalty, courage, and escape from captivity during…
Level C1RomanceHildebrand; or, The Days of Queen Elizabeth, An Historic Romance, Vol. 3 of 3In the turbulent days of Queen Elizabeth, Abigail stealthily navigates a household steeped in oppression and intrigue, where tyranny crushes the innocent and fortunes turn with sud…
Level C1RomanceHildebrand; or, The Days of Queen Elizabeth, An Historic Romance, Vol. 2 of 3Amidst the trials of Elizabethan England, Evaline de Neville faces heartbreak and uncertainty when her father is imprisoned and her protector, Hildebrand, is out of reach.
Level C1RomanceHildebrand; or, The Days of Queen Elizabeth, An Historic Romance, Vol. 1 of 3A seasoned horseman journeys through the rugged Devonshire countryside during Queen Elizabeth’s reign, drawn into mystery by a sudden pistol shot and a scream.
Level C1HistoricalHilda's Home: A Story of Woman's EmancipationIn a time of social upheaval, a young woman challenges traditional roles to seek freedom and equality within the home and society.
Level C1HistoricalHilaire Belloc, the man and his workDive into the complex life of a passionate English thinker whose fierce love for his country clashes with his disdain for its imperial ambitions, revealing a man who challenges pre…
Level C1HistoricalHighways of Canadian LiteratureExplore the evolving story of Canadian literature, tracing its roots from the 18th century and revealing how poets and prose writers shaped a unique national identity.
Level C1HistoricalHieroglyphicsIn a shadowed London retreat, a reclusive hermit shares mystical philosophies and esoteric secrets with a curious visitor, revealing a world where ancient wisdom and unseen visions…
Level C1HistoricalHetty WesleyA hardened merchant, having spent decades amassing fortune in colonial India, prepares to leave Surat and confronts the shadows of his past amid the bustling, treacherous world of…
Level C1HistoricalHerodiasAmid political intrigue and shifting alliances in ancient Galilee, the tetrarch Antipas navigates danger and distrust while secretly imprisoning a mysterious figure whose fate coul…
Level C1RomanceHermann and DorotheaAs refugees fleeing the turmoil of the French Revolution arrive in a peaceful German village, the lives of Hermann and Dorothea intertwine amidst a backdrop of political upheaval a…
Level C1AdventureHeralds of Empire: Being the Story of One Ramsay Stanhope, Lieutenant to Pierre Radisson in the Northern Fur TradeA young man, orphaned and cast among stern Puritan kin, embarks on a daring adventure in the northern fur trade alongside the cunning and controversial explorer Pierre Radisson.