Historical
Read Historical Classics in English
4,982 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.
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Level B2AdventurePeter Parley's Tales About America and AustraliaEmbark on a thrilling voyage with Columbus as he overcomes skepticism and treachery to set sail for the unknown Western World, unveiling the mysteries of America’s discovery and it…
Level C1HistoricalPeter Parley's Own Story: From the Personal Narrative of the Late Samuel G. Goodrich, ("Peter Parley")Follow the vivid personal narrative of a man who journeys from his early days in Ridgefield through war, literary pursuits, and diplomatic service, offering intimate glimpses of 19…
Level B2AdventurePeter Biddulph: The Story of an Australian SettlerAn orphaned boy rises from poverty on the banks of the Thames, navigating hardship and hope as he searches for a lost diamond ring that could change his fate.
Level C1HistoricalPersonal Sketches and Tributes: Part 2 from Volume VI of The Works of John Greenleaf WhittierExplore stirring personal sketches and heartfelt tributes to notable figures like Charles T.
Level B2HistoricalPersonal Recollections of Joan of Arc — Volume 2Amid the turmoil of war, a fearless young woman leads France with unshakable conviction, foretelling both victory and a tragic fate that haunts those around her.
Level C1HistoricalPersonal Recollections of Joan of Arc — Volume 1A young peasant girl rises from humble beginnings to command the French army, inspiring courage and honor in a brutal, corrupt age.
Level C1HistoricalPersian Literature, Ancient and ModernExplore the rich tapestry of Persian literature, tracing its origins from ancient civilizations through seven poetic eras marked by legendary poets known as “The Persian Pleiades.
Level C1HistoricalPerpetua. A Tale of Nimes in A.D. 213In ancient Nemausus, a sacred fountain sustains the city’s life, but every seven years, a young girl is chosen by fate as a sacrificial offering to the god Nemausus.
Level C1AdventurePerils in the Transvaal and ZululandA young assistant master, determined to find his missing mother and sister, embarks on a daring journey from England to the distant colonies of Australia.
Level C1AdventurePercival KeeneAmidst grand estates and whispered scandals, a young valet with charm but little wit serves a captain whose frequent visits stir hearts and rumors alike.
Level C1HistoricalPenshurst Castle in the Time of Sir Philip SidneyIn the turbulent Elizabethan era, Mary Gifford faces family strife and harsh judgment while her spirited sister Lucy longs for freedom beyond their rural life.
Level C1GothicPenelope Brandling: A Tale of the Welsh coast in the Eighteenth CenturyAmidst the rugged Welsh coast in the eighteenth century, a young widow turns to her journal to unravel the mysterious calamities that uprooted her family from peaceful Switzerland…
Level C1HistoricalPen Pictures, of Eventful Scenes and Struggles of LifeAmid the untamed Mississippi River and its rugged frontier towns, an intrepid young man navigates treacherous waters, wild races, and perilous encounters, revealing vivid scenes of…
Level C1HistoricalPelle the Conqueror — CompleteAmid the misty dawn of a Baltic fishing town, a young boy’s journey unfolds from rural apprenticeships to urban struggles, capturing the spirit of the labor movement and the resili…
Level C1AdventurePelham — CompleteBorn into a world of high society and scandal, a young heir navigates family secrets, debts, and eccentric relatives while uncovering the delicate balance between appearances and r…
Level C1HistoricalPeggy O'NealIn a nation divided, a resolute General fights to preserve the Union, driven by a fierce loyalty to a vulnerable woman scorned by society.
Level C1HistoricalPeg WoffingtonIn 18th-century London, struggling playwright Triplet wrestles with his fading dreams amid the gritty theater world, while a wealthy gentleman becomes captivated by the radiant and…
Level C1HistoricalPeculiar: A Tale of the Great TransitionIn a modest New York room, Emily Charlton battles illness and fading beauty while navigating strained family ties and a loveless marriage.
Level C1HistoricalPearl-Maiden: A Tale of the Fall of JerusalemIn the turbulent Roman province of Palestine, prisoners face brutal gladiatorial combat and Christians await a savage fate in the amphitheatre, while political and religious tensio…
Level C1RomancePeak's Island: A Romance of Buccaneer DaysShipwrecked and alone on a storm-lashed shore, young Anna Vyvyan awakens to a world of loss and survival in the treacherous days of buccaneers.
Level B2HistoricalPeace with HonourA soldier returns home after years on a harsh frontier, reluctant to rejoin society until persuaded by his sister to visit a hospital where his bravery has inspired admiration and…
Level C1HistoricalPeaceIn a war-weary Greece, rustic Trygaeus mounts a giant dung-beetle to confront the gods and rescue the imprisoned goddess Peace, rallying the fractured city-states for a bold bid to…
Level C1HorrorPausanias, the Spartan; The Haunted and the Haunters: An Unfinished Historical RomanceAmid the turbulent aftermath of the battle of Plataea, a Spartan regent rises to unparalleled power and influence across Greece, concealing a dark conspiracy that could reshape his…
Level B2HistoricalPaula the WaldensianIn a serene valley, Paula, a tender-hearted country girl, navigates childhood and faith amid the echoes of an ancient convent and village tales.
Level B2HistoricalPaul the Peddler; Or, The Fortunes of a Young Street MerchantA resourceful fourteen-year-old street merchant in New York sells prize packages filled with candy and surprise coins, navigating competition, setbacks, and clever schemes in his q…
Level C1AdventurePaul Prescott's ChargeA determined boy faces strict discipline and mischievous adventures under the watchful eye of his stern father, while carrying the weight of a solemn charge from his dying parent t…
Level C1AdventurePaul JonesA daring naval commander fights to establish the American navy’s honor during the Revolutionary War, facing overwhelming odds with unmatched skill and bravery.
Level C1AdventurePaul Gerrard, the Cabin BoyCaught in a fierce November storm, a young cabin boy aboard the frigate Cerberus navigates the harsh realities and camaraderie of naval life, where loyalty and courage are tested o…
Level C1RomancePatsyAn aging earl mourns lost ancestral lands stolen centuries ago, while his grandson, restless and ambitious, dreams of carving his own path beyond the weight of heritage.
Level C1AdventurePatrañas; or, Spanish Stories, Legendary and TraditionalA journey to a remote Spanish village turns into an unexpected adventure when a storm traps two travelers in a rustic inn, leading to captivating tales of local legends and the ric…
Level C1HistoricalPastiche and prejudiceExplore the delicate art of literary pastiche as theatrical imitators attempt to revive Sheridan’s classic characters, blending historical style with modern theatrical nuances in a…
Level C1HistoricalPassages from the French and Italian Notebooks, Volume 2.Explore the rich history and art of Florence through vivid descriptions of the Uffizi gallery's masterpieces, ancient busts, and the enigmatic characters behind them, revealing the…
Level C1HistoricalPassages from the French and Italian Notebooks, Volume 1.Embark on a wintry journey through England and France, where biting cold and unfamiliar customs challenge a traveler’s resolve and reveal the stark beauty and subtle hardships of 1…
Level C1HistoricalPassages from the French and Italian Notebooks, CompleteEmbark on a chilly mid-19th century journey from England to France, where frosty landscapes and cultural barriers set the stage for a thoughtful exploration of travel, language, an…
Level C1HistoricalPassages from the English Notebooks, Volume 2.Step into the intellectual heart of 1856 London, where dissenters and influential writers gather at the Milton Club, sharing speeches, debates, and revealing glimpses of the era’s…
Level C1HistoricalPassages from the English Notebooks, Volume 1.Step into the private journals of a keen observer navigating 1850s England, where candid reflections and vivid insights reveal the mind behind the artist.
Level C1HistoricalPassages from the English Notebooks, CompleteExperience the reflective journey of an American artist living in England, as he shares candid journal entries revealing his keen insights, personal doubts, and the delicate balanc…
Level C1RomanceParzival: A Knightly Epic (vol. 2 of 2)Gawain embarks on perilous quests filled with enchantments, fierce battles, and complex alliances, weaving through castles and courts where love, honor, and magic collide in a rich…
Level C1HistoricalPartial PortraitsExplore the refined intellectual world of a man whose life unfolds quietly in Concord, shaped by literature, nature, and a serene moral landscape.
Level C1AdventureParson KellyIn snowy 1719 Paris, two old friends—one a deposed parson, the other a one-armed colonel—reunite amidst political plots and secret dealings, setting the stage for a daring adventur…
Level C2HistoricalParadise RegainedA divine battle unfolds as the Son of God faces the Tempter's cunning in the wilderness, testing obedience and faith to reclaim paradise lost by one man's disobedience.
Level C2HistoricalParadise LostIn a cosmic battle between Heaven and Hell, fallen angels plot eternal war after their fiery exile, while mankind’s first disobedience sets the stage for a profound struggle over f…
Level C1HistoricalPan Tadeusz; or, The last foray in Lithuania: a story of life among Polish gentlefolk in the years 1811 and 1812Amidst the fading world of Polish nobility in 1811-1812 Lithuania, rival families and old customs clash in a richly detailed saga of honor, love, and national identity.
Level C1AdventurePan Michael: An Historical Novel of Poland, the Ukraine, and TurkeyAmidst the turbulent 17th-century conflicts involving Poland, the Ukraine, and Turkey, a fierce war unfolds as the Turks invade, challenging the fragile alliances and stirring epic…
Level C1RomancePamela Pounce: A tale of tempestuous petticoatsIn 1788, amid the rustling petticoats and powdered curls of a society ruled by charm and wit, a young woman navigates the delicate dance of romance, fashion, and feminine allure in…
Level C1HistoricalPalaces and prisonsIn the opulent Grand Trianon, a mysterious healer with uncanny gifts confronts a ruthless countess desperate to extend the king’s life, setting the stage for a tense clash between…
Level C1HistoricalPages from an Old Volume of Life; A Collection of Essays, 1857-1881Amid the turmoil of war, society clings to bread and newspapers as lifelines, while emotions run high and restless minds struggle to focus.
Level B2AdventurePaddy FinnIn the heart of Ireland, young Terence navigates the trials of Castle Ballinahone with his wise uncle, Major McMahon, whose military past and sharp prudence contrast the family's g…