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 B2AdventureMetipom's hostageIn the tense early days of King Philip’s War, sixteen-year-old David Lindall wakes to a mysterious red glow signaling danger nearby.
Level C1AdventureMesser Marco PoloA young man is summoned to care for a mysterious ninety-year-old Ulster clansman living far from home, sparking a journey steeped in haunting Irish legends, ancient traditions, and…
Level C1HistoricalMerry TalesAmid the turmoil of the Civil War, a group of inexperienced men form the Marion Rangers, a makeshift militia led by a spirited young captain and a second lieutenant caught between…
Level C1HistoricalMerrie England in the Olden Time, Vol. 2Step into the lively world of Tudor England, where ballad-singers, festive garlands, and Queen Elizabeth's spirited escapades paint a vivid picture of merriment, music, and the col…
Level C1HistoricalMere literature, and other essaysExplore the clash between scientific skepticism and the enduring power of literature as this collection examines how education shapes our understanding of classic works, challengin…
Level C1AdventureMercedes of Castile; Or, The Voyage to CathaySet in 15th-century Spain, this adventure follows the perilous voyage inspired by Columbus’s quest to reach Cathay, intertwining historical figures and untold stories amid treacher…
Level C1HistoricalMenotah: A Tale of the Riel RebellionAmidst the shadowed forests of the Canadian North-West, a passionate tale unfolds, revealing the harsh realities behind the Riel Rebellion and the struggle for justice faced by Ind…
Level C1HistoricalMenexenusExplore the intricate debates surrounding the authenticity of ancient writings attributed to a legendary philosopher, as scholars weigh evidence, tradition, and style to distinguis…
Level C1HistoricalMen, Women, and BooksExplore the sharp contrasts in the life and work of Dean Swift, whose biting wit and coarse humor clash with moments of genuine affection and literary brilliance.
Level C1HistoricalMen, Women and GunsAmid the shattered fields and silent trenches near Ypres, experience the harrowing reality of war through vivid depictions of shelling, shattered villages, and the tense moments be…
Level C1FantasyMen of IronIn a turbulent England shadowed by plots and betrayals, young Myles Falworth faces the fallout of his father’s downfall and blindness, navigating danger and loyalty amid the ruthle…
Level C1HistoricalMen in WarAmid the quiet charm of a small Austrian town, the brutal realities of war seep in as wounded soldiers gather in a secluded hospital garden, caught between the haunting echoes of b…
Level C1HistoricalMemories of Jane Cunningham Croly, "Jenny June"Explore the inspiring life and legacy of Jane Cunningham Croly, a pioneering woman whose vibrant personality and tireless efforts shaped the women’s club movement in America.
Level C1HistoricalMemories grave and gayDive into a rich tapestry of 19th-century philanthropy and family life, where heroic deeds, intellectual salons, and heartfelt memories intertwine in the lives of Dr.
Level C1HistoricalMemoirs of the Life of the Rt. Hon. Richard Brinsley Sheridan — Volume 02Dive into the turbulent political and personal life of Richard Brinsley Sheridan, from fiery parliamentary speeches and dramatic theatre management to royal intrigues and revolutio…
Level C1HistoricalMemoirs of the Life of the Rt. Hon. Richard Brinsley Sheridan — Volume 01Explore the early life and literary beginnings of Richard Brinsley Sheridan, born into a family of celebrated authors and educators, as he navigates education, family influences, a…
Level C1HistoricalMemoirs of the Life of Sir Walter Scott, Volume 5 (of 10)Delve into the vibrant literary world of the early 19th century, following a passionate collector of ancient lore who aids a renowned author by unearthing ballads, local legends, a…
Level C1HistoricalMemoirs of a Surrey Labourer: A Record of the Last Years of Frederick BettesworthA weathered Surrey labourer shares vivid tales of village life, work, and fading strength, revealing a poignant glimpse into the passing of an era through his candid conversations…
Level C1AdventureMemoirs of a Cavalier: A Military Journal of the Wars in Germany, and the Wars in England.: From the Year 1632 to the Year 1648.A young gentleman embarks on a perilous journey from Oxford to the battlefields of Europe, serving as a volunteer officer in the Swedish army before fighting for King Charles I dur…
Level C1AdventureMemoirs of Major Alexander Ramkins (1718)A young Highland officer joins the fierce battles and political intrigues of 17th-century Europe, revealing the harsh realities of war, loyalty, and cunning diplomacy through his t…![Cover of Memoirs of Benjamin Franklin; Written by Himself. [Vol. 1 of 2]: With His Most Interesting Essays, Letters, and Miscellaneous Writings; Familiar, Moral, Political, Economical, and Philosophical, Selected with Care from All His Published Productions, and Comprising Whatever Is Most Entertaining and Valuable to the General Reader by Benjamin Franklin](https://dsx1pat3ljtul.cloudfront.net/books/daeudh8e1ofc73dh9d1g.webp)
Level C1HistoricalMemoirs of Benjamin Franklin; Written by Himself. [Vol. 1 of 2]: With His Most Interesting Essays, Letters, and Miscellaneous Writings; Familiar, Moral, Political, Economical, and Philosophical, Selected with Care from All His Published Productions, and Comprising Whatever Is Most Entertaining and Valuable to the General ReaderRising from humble beginnings, a self-taught printer’s apprentice shares the secrets of his extraordinary journey to wealth, wisdom, and influence.
Level C1HistoricalMemoirs and resolutions of Adam Graeme of Mossgray, including some chronicles of the borough of FendieBorn into solitude and sorrow, Adam Graeme of Mossgray reflects on a life shaped by loss, a distant father, and the haunting legacy of his ancestral home.
Level C1HistoricalMemoirsA reflective scholar recounts his candid journey from a Quaker childhood in Philadelphia to scholarly pursuits across Europe, offering intimate glimpses into the transformative 19t…
Level C1FantasyMelmoth the Wanderer, Vol. 3Trapped in a shadowy chamber filled with ominous symbols, a young man faces a harrowing choice between faiths under his father's intense and desperate guidance—an intense struggle…
Level C1HistoricalMedieval rhetoric and poetic to 1400Explore the evolution of medieval rhetoric and poetry through key texts and teachings that shaped education, literature, and composition up to 1400.
Level C1HistoricalMedieval English LiteratureExplore the rich tapestry of medieval English literature, tracing its roots from Gothic art to legendary tales like those of Arthur and Dante, revealing how curiosity and history i…
Level C1HistoricalMedical Thoughts of ShakespeareExplore the rich medical insights woven through Shakespeare’s plays, revealing his deep understanding of physicians, diseases, and treatments from nervous disorders to surgical pra…
Level C1HistoricalMediaeval TalesDive into a rich tapestry of medieval romance and legend, from the heroic deeds of Charlemagne and Roland to spirited Spanish ballads and timeless tales of Faustus, blending histor…
Level C1AdventureMazeppaTwo young cousins, Mazeppa and his rival, navigate the treacherous world of Polish court life and Cossack loyalty, caught between education, ambition, and the fight for independenc…
Level C1HistoricalMayan NomenclatureExplore the intricate vigesimal systems used by the Maya to count days and years, uncovering the nuanced debates among scholars over their calendar nomenclature and the ancient evi…
Level B2AdventureMavericksIn a sunlit mountain valley, a fierce young teacher confronts a bold rider whose playful kiss sparks a fiery clash of pride and passion.
Level C1AdventureMaurice Tiernay, Soldier of FortuneCaught in the turbulent days of revolution and war, Maurice Tiernay navigates loyalty, honor, and fortune as a soldier amid historic battles and shifting allegiances.
Level C1AdventureMatilda Montgomerie; Or, The Prophecy FulfilledAmid the tranquil beauty of Amherstburg on the eve of the War of 1812, tensions rise as a small frontier fortress and its surrounding wilderness become the stage for a gripping tal…
Level C1HistoricalMatelda and the cloister of HellfdeIn a 13th-century convent near Mansfeldt, the devout Matelda and her companions navigate spiritual revelations and divine teachings within the cloister's walls, offering a profound…
Level C1HistoricalMated from the Morgue: A Tale of the Second EmpireIn the cold, damp streets of 1866 Paris’s Latin Quarter, a proud but penniless young man grapples with hunger, poverty, and shattered ambitions.
Level C1HistoricalMasters of the GuildIn a lively medieval castle, a young pigeon keeper with a special bond to his birds crosses paths with a wandering troubadour, setting the stage for tales of loyalty, music, and th…
Level C1HistoricalMasters of the English Novel: A Study of Principles and PersonalitiesExplore the evolution of the English novel through the lenses of realism and romanticism, tracing the cultural and intellectual shifts that shaped its masters and their timeless st…
Level C1HistoricalMasterpieces of Negro Eloquence: The Best Speeches Delivered by the Negro from the days of: Slavery to the Present TimeExplore powerful speeches that chronicle the journey from slavery to freedom, capturing the voices and hopes of African Americans as they claim their rightful place in history and…
Level C1HistoricalMaster Olof: A Drama in Five ActsAmid the turmoil of 16th-century Sweden’s fight for independence and religious reform, a bold clergy member challenges the established Catholic order, igniting fierce conflicts bet…
Level C1HistoricalMaster Humphrey's ClockIn a cozy chamber, Master Humphrey and his friends gather to share tales that weave together fiction and friendship, inviting readers into a world where stories come alive by the t…
Level C1HistoricalMassacre at ParisAmid political and religious turmoil in 16th-century France, royal alliances mask deadly plots as noble houses clash over power and faith.
Level B2AdventureMass' George: A Boy's Adventures in the Old SavannahA young boy embarks on a perilous journey to colonial Georgia with his father, facing wild beasts, hostile natives, and untamed wilderness, all while being cared for by devoted com…
Level C1HistoricalMarzio's Crucifix, and ZoroasterIn a Roman silversmith's workshop, a master craftsman and his talented apprentice grapple with art, politics, and the fading glory of tradition, as they shape intricate sacred obje…
Level C1HistoricalMary: The Queen of the House of David and Mother of Jesus: The Story of Her LifeExplore the profound life of Mary, the Queen of the House of David, through a journey that reveals the strength, grace, and influence of womanhood amidst faith, compassion, and tow…
Level C1HistoricalMary of LorraineAmidst the cold halls of Fawside Castle, a tale unfolds of political intrigue, violent feuds, and shifting loyalties in 16th-century Scotland, where noble families clash and secret…
Level C1HistoricalMary of Burgundy; or, The Revolt of GhentIn a richly detailed fifteenth-century world, the young Mary of Burgundy faces political turmoil and personal sacrifice as Ghent rebels rise under the idealistic Albert Maurice.
Level C1HistoricalMary Stuart: A TragedyImprisoned and stripped of all but secrets and jewels, a queen's dignified captivity unfolds amid suspicion and intrigue, as her captors seek proof of treason to justify her downfa…
Level C1HistoricalMary Seaham: A Novel. Volume 1 of 3Amidst the fading echoes of a wedding celebration, Mary Seaham faces the solitude of her family estate and the uncertainty of leaving home, as she navigates the challenges of loss,…