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 C1HistoricalBarry LyndonAn audacious adventurer navigates the treacherous social and political landscapes of eighteenth-century Europe, weaving a tale of ambition, scandal, and survival inspired by true s…
Level C1HistoricalBarriers Burned AwayIn the harsh grip of a fierce winter storm, a dying man wrestles with shattered dreams and faith, while his devoted wife anxiously awaits the arrival of a determined figure who may…
Level C1HistoricalBarren Honour: A NovelIn the bustling industrial heart of Newmanham, a city forged by steel and steam, social tensions simmer beneath the clangor of progress.
Level C1HistoricalBarracks, Bivouacs and BattlesAmid the harsh realities of military life after the Crimean War, Mick Sullivan, a loyal yet unruly private, faces the challenge of winning permission to marry the woman he loves—de…
Level C1MysteryBarnaby Rudge: A Tale of the Riots of 'EightyAmid the chaos of the 1780s Gordon Riots, a sharp-eyed raven and a cast of vivid characters reveal a gripping tale of religious intolerance, social unrest, and the human cost of fa…
Level C1HistoricalBarlasch of the GuardIn the shadow of Napoleon’s growing power, Desiree Sebastian, a radiant bride in the Free City of Dantzig, steps into a world of shifting loyalties and looming conflict, where iden…
Level C1RomanceBardelys the Magnificent: Being an account of the strange wooing pursued by the Sieur Marcel de Saint-Pol, marquis of Bardelys...In the glittering court of Louis XIII, the charming Marquis de Bardelys navigates rivalry, royal favor, and a mysterious wager that sets the stage for a daring pursuit of love and…
Level C1HistoricalBarbarossa; An Historical Novel of the XII Century.In the turbulent 12th century, the fierce clash between Emperor Frederic Barbarossa and Pope Alexander III unfolds, revealing a profound struggle between spiritual liberty and worl…
Level C1HistoricalBarbariansDisillusioned by corruption and war, a diverse group of men from America and Europe embark on a perilous journey to the battlefronts of World War I, seeking purpose and redemption…
Level C1HistoricalBarbara LaddAs dawn breaks over the misty hills, a spirited girl named Barbara slips away from her old home, carrying a mysterious bundle and a basket filled with warm, living creatures.
Level C1HistoricalBarbara Blomberg — CompleteAmid the tense atmosphere of Emperor Charles V’s court, nobles and courtiers navigate intrigue and uncertainty as the emperor’s health and decisions threaten to shape the fate of a…
Level C1Science FictionBanzai! by ParabellumTensions simmer as East and West collide, with a dramatic clash igniting fears of war in the Pacific.
Level C1HistoricalBanked FiresIn a remote Bengal encampment, a British official navigates the challenges of colonial life, from managing servants to maintaining authority amid the vibrant yet demanding rural la…
Level C1HistoricalBamboo TalesExperience the harrowing journey of Spanish soldiers navigating treacherous battles and harsh landscapes during the Philippine insurrection, chronicled through a firsthand diary th…
Level C1HistoricalBallads and Other PoemsExperience the fiery spirit and pivotal moments that ignited the American Revolution through vivid ballads capturing the struggles, ideals, and voices of colonial resistance agains…
Level C1HistoricalBalladsStep into the vivid tales of old Pierre, a seasoned drummer recounting generations of military history, battles, and shifting fortunes across Europe and America, where honor clashe…
Level C1HistoricalBallades and Rondeaus, Chants Royal, Sestinas, Villanelles, etc.Explore the enchanting world of traditional fixed-form poetry, from ballades to villanelles, as this anthology showcases the revival and artistry of old French rhythms adapted into…
Level C1HistoricalBacon is Shake-Speare: Together with a Reprint of Bacon's Promus of Formularies and EleganciesExplore the compelling argument that Francis Bacon, a man of unparalleled learning and courtly experience, is the true author behind Shakespeare's masterpieces, supported by lingui…
Level C1HistoricalBacon and ShakspereExplore the mystery behind Shakespeare's notoriously inconsistent signatures, revealing a man seemingly unable to write or spell his own name, challenging long-held assumptions abo…
Level C1HistoricalBacon and ShakespeareDive into the fiery debate over the true authorship of Shakespeare’s plays as this book challenges the Baconian theory, dissecting the characters, evidence, and controversies that…
Level C1HistoricalBaconA brilliant mind driven by a passionate quest for knowledge rises to great heights, yet struggles with personal flaws and moral compromises in a turbulent political world.
Level C1RomanceAwakeningAn English artist encounters a mysterious and captivating Eastern woman at a Riviera hotel, inspiring him to capture her elusive beauty in his art.
Level C1HistoricalAvril: Being Essays on the Poetry of the French RenaissanceExplore the vivid poetry of the French Renaissance through essays that reveal the cultural and historical ties shaping Europe’s literary heritage, as England and France begin to re…
Level C1HistoricalAutobiography, Letters and Literary Remains of Mrs. Piozzi (Thrale) (2nd ed.) (2 vols.)Dive into the intimate letters and diaries of a prominent literary figure, revealing her vibrant life, friendships, and the intricate relationship with the towering lexicographer D…
Level C1HistoricalAutobiography of a Female SlaveBorn to a slave mother and raised in a Kentucky farmhouse, a bright, fair-skinned girl navigates the complexities of slavery and education, cherished yet confined.
Level C1HistoricalAuthors of GreeceExplore a world where ancient Greek literature mirrors our own society's struggles with democracy, war, and ideology, revealing timeless lessons through the voices of iconic poets,…
Level C1HistoricalAuthors and Writers Associated with Morristown: With a Chapter on Historic MorristownExplore the rich literary heritage of Morristown, New Jersey, where historic Revolutionary War sites and notable authors intertwine.
Level C1HistoricalAustralian WritersExplore the emergence of a unique Australian literary identity amid challenges of colonial ties, rapid development, and cultural isolation, as the nation grapples with its place in…
Level C1HistoricalAustralia FelixIn the harsh goldfields of Ballarat, a weary digger faces relentless misfortune and loss, haunted by dreams of fortune and the crushing reality of survival.
Level C1MysteryAuriol; or, The Elixir of LifeOn the cusp of a new century, a mysterious figure steals grisly trophies from London’s battlements, drawing the attention of Doctor Lamb, an enigmatic alchemist whose dark secrets…
Level C1HistoricalAurelian; or, Rome in the Third CenturyIn a turbulent third-century Rome, a devoted servant recounts the rise of Christianity amid imperial power struggles and persecution under Emperor Aurelian.
Level C1HistoricalAunt Phillis's Cabin; Or, Southern Life As It IsExplore the origins and divine justifications of slavery through a detailed examination of biblical law and moral duties, revealing how obedience and reverence shape society and in…
Level C1HistoricalAuld lang syne. Second seriesExplore a journey through memory and friendship that reveals the rich literary, philosophical, and spiritual heritage of ancient and modern India, bridging cultures and challenging…
Level C1AdventureAudreyIn a lush, remote valley framed by towering mountains, a pioneer family faces the sudden arrival of a mysterious company of horsemen determined to explore the wilderness beyond.
Level C1RomanceAucassin and NicoletteIn a medieval tale blending prose and verse, forbidden love unfolds between Aucassin and Nicolette amidst cultural clashes and enchanting adventures, inviting readers into a tender…
Level C1RomanceAucassin and NicoleteIn a unique blend of prose and verse, a Christened knight and a captive lady defy faith and fortune in a tender, humorous tale of love’s trials and joys.![Cover of Aucassin & Nicolette, and Other Mediæval Romances and Legends by Eugene [Translator] Mason](https://dsx1pat3ljtul.cloudfront.net/books/da8ao5cv7nos73d6pqng.webp)
Level C1RomanceAucassin & Nicolette, and Other Mediæval Romances and LegendsDive into a vivid tapestry of medieval life where chivalry, faith, rebellion, and romance intertwine against the complex backdrop of 13th-century France, revealing a world both enc…
Level C1HistoricalAttila: A Romance. Vol. II.In a realm torn by betrayal, a fierce king vows vengeance against even his own blood to protect those loyal to him.
Level C1HistoricalAttila: A Romance. Vol. I.Amid the serene beauty of Dalmatia’s landscape, a vivid tale unfolds around the powerful yet changing figure of Attila, capturing the clash of nature, history, and human ambition i…
Level C1HistoricalAttila and His Conquerors: A Story of the Days of St. Patrick and St. Leo the GreatIn a turbulent Ireland on the brink of transformation, two royal siblings embrace Christianity amidst clan rivalries and ancient traditions, as the missionary Patrick ignites a mis…
Level C1RomanceAtmâ: A RomanceAmid the collapse of the Sikh Khalsa and the fading of a once-mighty spiritual and military legacy, an aged man grapples with loss, faith, and the search for a deeper, personal con…
Level C1HistoricalAthaliah: A TragedyIn a Judah torn by idolatry and fear, the high priest Joad faces the deadly wrath of Queen Athaliah, who seeks to exterminate the royal line of David.
Level C1RomanceAt the Sign of the Sword: A Story of Love and War in BelgiumIn the serene Belgian Ardennes of July 1914, a secret romance unfolds between a refined Parisian beauty and a worldly, English-trained Belgian man, set against a timeless landscape…
Level C1AdventureAt the Sign of the Silver FlagonIn the scorching Australian outback, Silver Creek transforms from wilderness to a bustling gold rush township where fortune seekers of all nations converge.
Level C1AdventureAt the Point of the Bayonet: A Tale of the Mahratta WarAmidst the turbulent Mahratta War, Major Lindsay struggles to maintain order in a wild Indian district while British forces face mismanagement and fierce resistance.
Level C1HistoricalAt the Mercy of TiberiusIn a world shadowed by pride and desperation, a young woman faces a painful mission to seek aid from a distant, estranged family patriarch.
Level C1HistoricalAt the Emperor's Wish: A Tale of the New JapanAn aging samurai struggles to reconcile his fading status and traditional values with the sweeping changes of Meiji Japan, where loyalty to the Emperor remains his guiding light am…
Level C1AdventureAt AgincourtAmidst the bitter feud ravaging France, a noble English household prepares to join the fray, bringing skilled archers and knights to a land torn by civil war.