Historical
Read Historical Classics in English
4,637 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 Thorstein of the mere, Thoroughbreds and Thomas Lord Cromwell. 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.
- 4,637
- books
Level C1HistoricalStudies in Early Victorian LiteratureExplore the vibrant and complex world of early Victorian literature, where social consciousness shapes poetry and prose, marking a distinct departure from previous eras.
Level C1HistoricalStudies in Classic American LiteratureExplore the hidden depths of America's literary pioneers as they grapple with forging a unique cultural identity amid echoes of European influence.
Level B2AdventureStruggling Upward, or Luke Larkin's LuckIn a small village, a determined boy with humble means challenges the privileged son of a wealthy banker to a daring skating race for a prized watch, setting the stage for a story…
Level C1AdventureStromboli and the GunsAn old revolutionary known as Stromboli recounts his daring exploits in 1848 and beyond, revealing a life where revolutions are a skilled craft filled with danger, passion, and unf…
Level C1HistoricalStray Pearls: Memoirs of Margaret De Ribaumont, Viscountess of BellaiseAmid the turbulent Fronde, a noble family navigates the clash between royal authority and noble resistance in 17th-century France, revealing how history’s grand events shape person…
Level B2HistoricalStrange stories of the Civil WarExperience the Civil War through the eyes of a young boy in Pittsburgh, witnessing the stirring calls to arms, the clash of North and South, and personal tales of heroism and patri…
Level C1HistoricalStrange True Stories of LouisianaUnearth hidden tales of Louisiana’s past, where forgotten court cases, mysterious journeys, and real-life dramas emerge from dusty archives to reveal the strange and captivating st…
Level B2AdventureStrange Stories of the Great Valley: The Adventures of a Boy PioneerA boy pioneer in 1816 Ohio navigates the wilderness on a flatboat, seeking fortune and safety amidst the untamed frontier.
Level B2AdventureStrange Stories of the Great River: The Adventures of a Boy ExplorerA spirited boy explorer joins daring French adventurers navigating the mysterious Great River, encountering wild tribes, untamed landscapes, and strange legends that shape the dest…
Level B2AdventureStrange Stories of Colonial DaysJourney through early colonial America where alliances with Native American leaders, daring escapes, and tense confrontations shape a vivid panorama of survival and conflict, revea…
Level C1AdventureStrange Stories from History for Young PeopleUncover daring tales of forgotten history where British plots, Seminole alliances, and a rogue bandit’s fortress challenge the early American frontier.
Level C1HistoricalStover at YaleAn eighteen-year-old freshman, Dink Stover arrives at Yale carrying the confidence of a school leader and the weight of new challenges.
Level B2HistoricalStory of AeneasEmbark on the epic journey of Aeneas as he flees the fall of Troy, braves divine challenges, and seeks a new homeland, weaving through love, war, and prophecy in a legend that shap…
Level B2RomanceStories of the RailroadAmidst the grit and grind of 1863 railroad life, a young fireman finds family and hope with the seasoned engineer James Dillon and his wife, who secretly plans a Christmas gift tha…
Level C1HistoricalStories of the Border MarchesAmid the rugged castles and wild Borderlands, tales of ancient battles, fierce warriors, and haunting legends unfold, revealing a world where honor, violence, and supernatural myst…
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 B2HistoricalStories of Heroic Deeds for Boys and Girls: Historical Series - Book IIDiscover timeless tales of gods, mortals, and moral lessons that bring history to life—where divine encounters spark justice, music contests reveal pride, and kindness shines amid…
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 B2HistoricalStories of Animal SagacityDiscover the cleverness of animals as they use reason and perseverance to solve problems, from a cat who learns to knock on a door to gain entry, to other tales revealing surprisin…
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 B2HistoricalStories from VirgilAmid the gods' favor protecting Troy, a cunning Greek plot unfolds as a giant wooden horse conceals warriors inside, sparking a deadly dilemma for the city’s defenders torn between…
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 B1HistoricalStories from English HistoryJourney back to ancient Britain, where fierce tribes clash with ambitious Roman invaders in a land of wild forests and untamed warriors.
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 B2HistoricalStories About IndiansExplore vivid tales of Native American life, from the construction of wigwams and warrior bravery to acts of gratitude and clever stratagems, revealing the rich culture and history…
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 B2HistoricalStep by Step; Or, Tidy's Way to FreedomA powerful narrative unfolds the brutal reality of slavery, revealing its crushing impact on body, mind, and soul while exploring the hope for freedom and true liberty amid a natio…
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 B2AdventureStand By The UnionA young lieutenant on the eve of deployment faces mysterious nighttime visitors amid the tense backdrop of the Civil War.
Level B2AdventureStan Lynn: A Boy's Adventures in ChinaA boy recently returned to his family’s vast warehouse in China must quickly learn to wield a sword and pistol when river pirates attempt a daring nighttime break-in, thrusting him…
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 B2AdventureSt. George for EnglandIn a stormy night of medieval England, a weary woman seeks refuge in a humble village, setting the stage for a tale of courage and chivalry as England’s martial spirit rises to leg…
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.