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.
- 4,982
- books
Level C1AdventureBeyond the sunsetAn exiled adventurer builds a new life on the wild frontier of New York, but memories of lost love and the challenges of the untamed wilderness test his spirit and courage.
Level C1RomanceBeyond the Frontier: A Romance of Early Days in the Middle WestIn the midst of early Middle West frontier intrigue, a young woman recalls a tender encounter with the elusive Sieur de la Salle, whose return stirs jealousy and danger.
Level C1RomanceBeyond The Rocks: A Love StoryA spirited young woman faces a loveless marriage to a wealthy, much older man to support her struggling family, all while longing for the passion and freedom she’s been denied.
Level C1MysteryBetween two thievesIn a tranquil Alpine village, an old invalid envisions a future where daring aviators use their machines not for war's destruction but to rescue the wounded—an invention that promi…
Level B2HistoricalBetween WhilesIn a rough New England wilderness, the wealthy and eccentric Willan Blaycke marries the bold and scandalous innkeeper's daughter, Jeanne Dubois, igniting tensions that ripple throu…
Level C1HistoricalBetween Sun and Sand: A Tale of an African DesertIn the harsh expanse of Bushmanland, nomadic Trek-Boers struggle to survive amid relentless droughts, scarce water, and a barren desert landscape.
Level B2HistoricalBetty ZaneIn the rugged Ohio Valley during the American Revolution, a courageous young woman faces danger and daring feats that will shape the fate of a frontier settlement.
Level C1HistoricalBetty Alden: The first-born daughter of the PilgrimsBorn into the harsh new world of the Pilgrims, Betty Alden's story unfolds amidst the struggles, faith, and unmarked graves of Plymouth Colony, revealing the silent strength of a f…
Level B2HistoricalBessie's Fortune: A NovelIn a picturesque New England town, a young woman transforms her family estate into a grand showplace inspired by European elegance, while hidden secrets linger within the lives of…
Level C1HistoricalBertrand of BrittanyIn 14th-century Brittany, an unloved and unruly eldest son, Bertrand, struggles against his mother's harsh disdain and his rough upbringing, threatening to upend the expectations o…![Cover of Bertha's Visit to Her Uncle in England; vol. 3 [of 3] by Mrs. Marcet](https://dsx1pat3ljtul.cloudfront.net/books/da8nundnmvfc73bif6c0.webp)
Level C1HistoricalBertha's Visit to Her Uncle in England; vol. 3 [of 3]A curious journey unfolds as Bertha explores the natural wonders of England and delves into profound discussions on biblical history and geology with her learned uncle, blending pe…![Cover of Bertha's Visit to Her Uncle in England; vol. 2 [of 3] by Mrs. Marcet](https://dsx1pat3ljtul.cloudfront.net/books/da8nuklnmvfc73bif6ag.webp)
Level B2HistoricalBertha's Visit to Her Uncle in England; vol. 2 [of 3]A curious visit unfolds through detailed letters revealing exotic agricultural practices, local anecdotes, and thoughtful reflections on ancient traditions, inviting readers into a…![Cover of Bertha's Visit to Her Uncle in England; vol. 1 [of 3] by Mrs. Marcet](https://dsx1pat3ljtul.cloudfront.net/books/da8nuhtnmvfc73bif690.webp)
Level C1HistoricalBertha's Visit to Her Uncle in England; vol. 1 [of 3]A young girl, sent from Brazil to visit her English uncle after her father’s death, keeps a vivid journal of her voyage and new surroundings, blending natural wonders and personal…
Level B2AdventureBert Wilson at PanamaThree young American friends journey through a Mexico torn by revolution and danger, bound for the grand opening of the Panama Canal.
Level B2RomanceBerlin and Sans-Souci; Or, Frederick the Great and His FriendsIn the serene gardens of Charlottenburg, secretive whispers of alchemy and ambition stir as a young man and the king’s favorite plot to summon the devil himself—seeking forbidden k…
Level C1AdventureBeric the Briton : a Story of the Roman InvasionAmid the Roman conquest of Britain, Beric, a young Briton raised among Romans, must reconcile admiration for their civilization with fierce loyalty to his native land as he navigat…
Level C1HistoricalBeowulf: An Introduction to the Study of the Poem with a Discussion of the Stories of Offa and FinnDelve into the origins and historical context of the epic Beowulf, exploring its manuscript, royal genealogies, and legendary Scandinavian stories through a scholarly lens that bri…
Level C1AdventureBenton of the Royal Mounted: A Tale of the Royal Northwest Mounted PoliceIn the rugged landscapes of South Alberta, a lone rider returns to the storied Royal Northwest Mounted Police Post, where camaraderie and duty define a fading era.
Level C1AdventureBennie Ben Cree: Being the Story of His Adventure to Southward in the Year '62Amid the bustling wharves and weathered warehouses of the Commodore Inn, young Bennie Ben Cree navigates a world rich with seafaring tales, family legacy, and the call of adventure…
Level B2HistoricalBenefits Forgot: A Story of Lincoln and Mother LoveIn a small Ohio town before the Civil War, twelve-year-old Jason navigates the challenges of a strict Methodist community and his family's modest life while dreaming of books, educ…
Level C1HistoricalBeneath an Umbrella (From "Twice Told Tales")On a bleak winter night, a solitary figure braves rain and mud in a quiet New England town, seeking to escape the shadows of his own imagination and confront the stark, uneasy real…
Level C1HistoricalBen-Hur: A tale of the ChristA mysterious traveler journeys through the rugged deserts east of Judea, guided by unseen forces toward an unknown destiny.
Level B2AdventureBen, the Luggage Boy; Or, Among the WharvesA teenage luggage boy navigates the bustling wharves and fierce competition of New York’s streets, dreaming of a better life amid hardship and fleeting moments of joy.
Level B2AdventureBen's Nugget; Or, A Boy's Search For FortuneA determined sixteen-year-old miner and his rugged companion guard a valuable gold claim while caring for an injured friend in a remote Sierra Nevada mountain cabin, facing challen…
Level C1HistoricalBen o' Bill's, the Luddite: A Yorkshire TaleIn a turbulent Yorkshire village, a former Luddite recounts the desperate struggle of weavers against ruthless mill owners and mechanization, revealing the human side of a misunder…
Level B2AdventureBen ComeeBorn into a struggling colonial family in pre-Revolutionary Lexington, Ben Comee’s tale unfolds amid frontier dangers, Indian wars, and the brewing conflict that will soon ignite a…
Level C1RomanceBeltane the SmithIn the heart of a mystical forest, Beltane the Smith lives a solitary life, skilled in ancient wisdom and woodcraft but naive to the ways of men and women.
Level C1HistoricalBelshazzar: A Tale of the Fall of BabylonJourney down the Euphrates to Babylon's fabled gates, where politics, passion, and power collide as a Persian prince grapples with love and loyalty amid the looming shadow of a cit…
Level C1AdventureBellarion the FortunateA brilliant scholar nurtured in a convent sets forth into a world rife with conflict and corruption, grappling with a daring belief that sin does not exist.
Level C1HistoricalBel Ami; Or, The History of a Scoundrel: A NovelA penniless ex-soldier with charm and ambition navigates the gritty streets of Paris, seeking fortune and status.
Level C1HistoricalBel Ami (A Ladies' Man): The Works of Guy de Maupassant, Vol. 6In the sweltering streets of Paris, a charming but penniless former soldier, George Duroy, navigates the city's cafés and women with a hunger for love and ambition, daring to trans…
Level B2AdventureBegumbagh: A Tale of the Indian MutinyAmid the scorching heat and dust of colonial India, a determined regiment marches through hardship during the Indian Mutiny, guided by the spirited Harry Lant and narrated by the b…
Level C2HistoricalBeggars Bush: A Comedy: From the Works of Francis Beaumont and John Fletcher (Volume 2 of 10)In a war-torn Flanders, political intrigue and betrayal swirl as a usurping general seizes power, challenging loyalties and honor within a fractured court.
Level B2HistoricalBefore the Dawn: A Story of the Fall of RichmondAmidst the looming fall of Richmond, a young soldier returns home weary but hopeful, encountering mysterious strangers and the bustling life of a city caught in the throes of war.
Level C2HistoricalBeechenbrook: A Rhyme of the WarAmid the turmoil of the Civil War, this poignant poetic tribute honors the sacrifices and enduring grief of Southern women, weaving sonnets and lays that reflect on loss, valor, an…
Level C1HistoricalBeechcroft at RockstoneWhen Lieutenant-General Sir Jasper Merrifield suffers a severe accident abroad, his family must rally together, facing upheaval and uncertainty at their country estate.
Level C2HistoricalBedouinsDive into the vivid world of Mary Garden, a fiercely talented and complex operatic star whose multiple personalities and indomitable spirit challenge conventions and captivate audi…
Level C1AdventureBeauchamp; or, The Error.In the unpredictable spring of a Georgian reign, a young gentleman's journey through the West of England unfolds amidst shifting fortunes and hidden dangers, promising adventure wh…
Level C1RomanceBeatrix of ClareA noble knight, Sir Aymer de Lacy, finds himself unexpectedly captured by mysterious archers during a forest encounter, setting the stage for intrigue, danger, and a clash of wills…
Level C1HistoricalBattlewrackAmid thick morning fog and the ominous rumble of distant artillery, a young subaltern leads a battery toward its first battle, grappling with fear, duty, and the relentless advance…
Level C1HistoricalBattle-Pieces and Aspects of the WarPoignant verses and reflections chart the turmoil and trials of the American Civil War, capturing the clash of convictions and the relentless march of battles from Manassas to Gett…
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 B2AdventureBarney Blake, the Boy Privateer; or, The Cruise of the Queer FishSet sail in 1813 aboard the Queer Fish, a lively privateer bristling with guns and crewed by a colorful band of sailors.
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…