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 C1HistoricalDreamers of the GhettoIn the sealed canals of Venice’s ancient Ghetto, a child grows up surrounded by tradition, mystery, and confinement.
Level C1HistoricalDramatis PersonæExplore the enigmatic mind of Conrad, a man whose secret world reveals the illusions, dreams, and dark mysteries lurking beneath human nature, challenging perceptions of virtue, vi…
Level C1HistoricalDrake; or, the Transfer of the Trident: A National DramaAmid political intrigue and treacherous alliances, Queen Elizabeth's reign shapes the dawn of England's naval supremacy, with Sir Francis Drake emerging as a daring hero whose expl…
Level C1HistoricalDr. Wortle's SchoolA determined rector and schoolmaster runs a prestigious boys’ school in a quiet village, balancing ambition, authority, and conflict with church leaders.
Level C1HistoricalDr. Jolliffe's BoysAt Weston School, a fierce cricket rivalry unfolds between Weston and Hillsborough, igniting personal ambitions and jealousies among the boys.
Level C1HistoricalDr. Johnson and His CircleExplore the enduring legacy of Samuel Johnson, whose wit and wisdom shaped English character and literature far beyond his time.
Level C1HistoricalDr. Bullivant: (From: "The Doliver Romance and Other Pieces: Tales and Sketches")In a somber 1670 New England town, Dr.
Level C1HistoricalDoña PerfectaA passionate clash unfolds between rigid tradition and modern ideals in a Spanish town where bigotry and ambition collide, challenging faith and family ties with profound human dra…
Level C1HistoricalDown at Caxton'sStep into the fading world of ante-bellum Middle Georgia, where vivid characters speak in authentic local dialect and live out the rich, complex traditions of their time, captured…
Level C1HistoricalDown among menAmid the turmoil of a military campaign in the Philippine islands, a soldier and a correspondent navigate the harsh realities of war, local customs, and survival.
Level C1MysteryDorothy's Double. Volume 2 (of 3)A young woman faces suspicion and mystery when a series of events involving stolen jewels, secret orders, and veiled identities entangles her family and trusted friends in a tense…
Level C1HistoricalDorothy Vernon of Haddon HallIn 16th-century England, amid ancient castles and noble lineages, a tale unfolds of love, loyalty, and intrigue as a young nobleman returns from war to find his world transformed b…
Level C1RomanceDorothy South: A Love Story of Virginia Just Before the WarIn the lush woodlands of pre-Civil War Virginia, a cultured young stranger arrives, stirring curiosity and change as he navigates the intricate social landscape, meeting locals lik…
Level C1AdventureDoom CastleA nobleman escapes a mysterious pursuit through a hauntingly silent, rugged land where danger lurks behind every shadow.
Level C1HistoricalDonald Ross of Heimra (Volume 1 of 3)A determined young woman inherits a Highland estate and sets out to transform it, confronting the harsh realities of Scottish soil, climate, and human nature while striving to brin…
Level C1HistoricalDonald McElroy, Scotch IrishmanAmid the turmoil of pre-Revolutionary America, a Scotch Irish youth recounts his life on a Virginia frontier plantation, revealing the courage, faith, and fierce independence of a…
Level C1RomanceDon SebastianAmid political exile and the collapse of his homeland, a noble prince leads his people across treacherous seas to forge a new empire, blending historical intrigue with the personal…
Level C1HistoricalDon OrsinoIn the shadow of a crumbling Roman empire and the rise of a new Italy, Don Orsino Saracinesca navigates family legacy, political upheaval, and fading nobility in a world forever tr…
Level C1HistoricalDomitiaIn the bustling port of Cenchræa, a proud noblewoman awaits the arrival of a powerful lord, navigating a world of political intrigue, ambition, and the clash of empires on the edge…
Level C1RomanceDoctor ThorneIn the rural county of Barsetshire, a young country doctor navigates the complex social and political divides shaped by tradition, reform, and family ties, where loyalty and love a…
Level C1RomanceDiscovering "Evelina": An Old-fashioned Romance: A Companion Book to "The Jessamy Bride"In a household stirred by the magnetic influence of the famed Mr.
Level C1HistoricalDiscourses on Satire and on Epic PoetryDive into a rich dialogue on the art of satire and epic poetry, where critical debates, literary aspirations, and the poet's own reflections unfold against the backdrop of 17th-cen…
Level C1HistoricalDilemmas of Pride, (Vol 1 of 3)Amid the sprawling, ancient estates of Arden Park, twin brothers Sir Willoughby and Alfred Arden come of age, their lives entwined with family legacy, celebration, and deep-seated…
Level C1HistoricalDiddie, Dumps & Tot; or, Plantation child-lifeThree young sisters grow up on a Mississippi cotton plantation, surrounded by devoted caretakers and the rich traditions of Southern slave life.
Level C1HistoricalDickensian Inns & TavernsStep back into the charming world of Dickensian inns, where old coaching roads meet cozy taverns alive with history and character.
Level C1HistoricalDickens As an EducatorExplore how Dickens revolutionized education by championing childhood dignity, opposing harsh discipline, and inspiring reforms that prioritize a child's natural goodness and curio…
Level C1AdventureDick Rodney; or, The Adventures of an Eton BoyAn adventurous Eton boy torn between family expectations and his restless spirit sets out on a journey filled with perils, sea voyages, and daring exploits beyond the bounds of sch…
Level C1RomanceDiane of Ville Marie: A Romance of French CanadaAmidst the rugged wilderness of 1690 New France, a determined heiress and a captive New England girl embark on a perilous pilgrimage to Mount Royal, navigating danger, faith, and t…
Level C1HistoricalDialogueExplore the art of conversation as minds meet and clash in vivid dialogue, revealing character and conflict beyond mere narration.
Level C1HistoricalDevereux — CompleteA philosophical young man navigates the trials of life and belief against a historical backdrop, blending introspective character study with sweeping narrative.
Level C1RomanceDenounced: A RomanceCaught in a fierce storm, a young noblewoman journeys across treacherous seas with mysterious companions, her sharp gaze and defiant spirit hinting at secrets and dangers that thre…
Level C1HistoricalDemosIn a quiet valley overshadowed by industrial might, Wanley’s genteel families navigate shifting fortunes and hidden tensions.
Level C1HistoricalDemetrius: A PlayAmidst a tense Polish Diet, Prince Demetrius boldly claims his right to the Russian throne as Ivan's son, seeking justice and protection in a realm torn by past wars and political…
Level C1HistoricalDelusion; or, The Witch of New EnglandIn a remote New England village shadowed by superstition and hardship, a timid young man battles the weight of his humble origins and a society gripped by delusion, seeking strengt…
Level C1AdventureDelaware Tom; or, The Traitor GuideA weary wagon train crosses a harsh, barren plain under the watch of three striking figures: an old guide, a notorious and mistrusted man known as Dusky Dick, and a proud young wom…
Level C1FantasyDeirdreIn a realm shadowed by ominous omens and royal intrigue, a newborn girl named Deirdre is prophesied to bring destruction to Ulster.
Level C1AdventureDeering of Deal; Or, The Spirit of the SchoolA young Southern boy arrives late to Deal School, a storied academy steeped in family tradition and history, where he must navigate new challenges and forge his own path amid the e…
Level C1HistoricalDeep Waters; Or, A Strange StoryAmidst the grandeur of a Southern university commencement, a young orator captivates a crowd with a haunting speech on human sorrow, setting the stage for a remarkable journey thro…
Level C1HistoricalDeeds of Daring Done by GirlsIn a medieval castle, a spirited young lady defies expectations with her courage and wit, proving that daring deeds are not reserved for boys alone.
Level C1HistoricalDeath comes for the archbishopIn 1848, a missionary bishop and three Cardinals gather in Rome to discuss establishing a new Apostolic Vicarate in the vast, untamed territory of New Mexico, where ancient faith s…
Level C1HistoricalDeadham Hard: A RomanceIn the shadowy world of Deadham Hard, a scholar seeks refuge in a house steeped in mystery and moral ambiguity, where rivers meet and secrets flow beneath the surface.
Level C1HistoricalDead Man's Plack and an Old ThornIn the quiet solitude of Hampshire's Harewood Forest, a chance encounter with a mysterious stone cross unravels a centuries-old legend about King Edgar and a fatal betrayal.
Level C1HistoricalDe Quincey's Revolt of the TartarsImmerse yourself in a richly imagined episode of Russian history as a brilliant and eccentric mind weaves vivid narrative from obscure sources, blending scholarly insight with impa…
Level C1HistoricalDe Libris: Prose and VerseExplore the rich history and curious associations behind rare books, from Bacon’s reflections on life to the artistic legacy of Thomas Bewick, uncovering captivating stories that l…
Level C1RomanceDe L'Orme.: The Works of G. P. R. James, Esq., Vol. XVI.A young man’s thirst for adventure draws him into perilous errors and bitter regrets in a tale that explores honor, virtue, and the harsh consequences of reckless ambition.
Level C1HistoricalDays Before historyStep back to prehistoric Britain, where hunters stalk the wild hills and ancient tribes craft stone weapons as they navigate a world of forests, rivers, and fierce rivalries.
Level C1HistoricalDavid Fleming's ForgivenessTwo brothers carve out a thriving Canadian settlement from the wilderness, transforming a rugged frontier into a prosperous village.
Level C1AdventureDavid Balfour: Being Memoirs Of His Adventures At Home And Abroad, The Second Part: In Which Are Set Forth His Misfortunes Anent The Appin Murder; His Troubles With Lord Advocate Grant; Captivity On The Bass Rock; Journey Into Holland And France; And Singular Relations With James More Drummond Or Macgregor, A Son Of The Notorious Rob Roy, And His Daughter CatrionaAfter inheriting a lairdship and fortune, David Balfour navigates the treacherous streets of Edinburgh, caught between dangerous intrigues and his own uncertain fate.