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 C1HistoricalAnglo-Saxon LiteratureExplore the roots of modern European literature through the lens of Anglo-Saxon works, shaped by the powerful influence of Latin culture and its ancient traditions in poetry and pr…
Level B2HistoricalAngelot: A Story of the First EmpireAmid the turmoil of 1811 France, Angelot navigates the harsh realities of war’s toll on rural families and the fading glories of the old empire.
Level C1HistoricalAngel: A sketch in Indian inkAmid the sweltering heat of colonial India, Angel Gascoigne, a neglected and forlorn child, waits at the gate of her faded family home, caught between the harsh realities of her fr…
Level C1HistoricalAngel Agnes: The Heroine of the Yellow Fever Plague in ShreveportWhen a deadly yellow fever outbreak ravages Shreveport, a devoted young woman risks everything to nurse the sick and dying, becoming a beacon of hope amid despair and death in a ci…
Level C1HistoricalAndréAmid the vibrant early American theatre scene, a determined young playwright navigates the challenges of staging his debut work, encountering colorful personalities and the shiftin…
Level C1HistoricalAndrew Golding: A Tale of the Great PlagueAmid the terror of the Great Plague in 1665 London, two sisters hide in a deserted house, grappling with loss and uncertainty.
Level C1HistoricalAndreas Hofer: An Historical NovelIn 1809 Austria stands on the brink of war against France, but Emperor Francis hesitates to act, leaving Archduke John to wrestle with powerlessness and hope as he prepares the mil…
Level C1AdventureAndivius Hedulio: Adventures of a Roman Nobleman in the Days of the EmpireA Roman nobleman’s tranquil life unravels when an unexpected visit triggers a chain of trivial yet disastrous events, forcing him into a daring disguise and desperate escape amidst…
Level C1HistoricalAnde Trembath: A Tale of Old Cornwall EnglandA remote Cornish manor is shaken by a series of mysterious vandalism and the brutal killing of the squire’s loyal dog, Borlase.
Level C1HistoricalAncient rhetoric and poeticExplore the foundations of ancient rhetoric and poetic through the voices of Aristotle, Cicero, and Vergil, revealing timeless principles of composition that shaped Western literar…
Level C1AdventureAnabasisAmidst Persian royal intrigue and secret alliances, a Greek-led mercenary force embarks on a perilous march to aid Cyrus in his quest to claim the throne from his brother Artaxerxe…
Level C1HistoricalAn outline of humor: Being a true chronicle from prehistoric ages to the twentieth centuryTrace the evolution of humor from prehistoric times to the dawn of the twentieth century in a sweeping chronicle that highlights the enduring human spirit of wit, laughter, and mir…
Level C1HistoricalAn open verdictIn a world where titles and pride clash with harsh realities, a young woman’s fate intertwines with society’s expectations and the hopes of well-meaning guardians.
Level C1HistoricalAn odeCelebrate the rich history and spirit of Boston through a stirring poem delivered at the city's centennial, capturing the pride and perseverance of its people on a landmark Septemb…
Level C1HistoricalAn inland voyageTwo friends embark on a daring canoe voyage through the rivers and canals of Europe, facing unpredictable weather, challenging portages, and the thrill of uncharted adventure.
Level C1HistoricalAn imperial loverAmidst the intrigue of Peter the Great’s Russia, a French marshal embarks on a secret diplomatic mission, uncovering a transformed court where old customs clash with bold reforms,…
Level C2HistoricalAn encyclopedist of the dark ages: Isidore of SevilleExplore the mind of Isidore of Seville, a seventh-century scholar who compiles the scattered remnants of ancient science and knowledge into a vast encyclopedia, revealing the intel…
Level C1HistoricalAn account of some recent discoveries in hieroglyphical literature, and Egyptian antiquitiesUnravel the mysteries of ancient Egypt through groundbreaking discoveries in hieroglyphics and rare manuscripts, revealing the painstaking efforts behind decoding a language lost f…
Level B2RomanceAn Unwilling Maid: Being the History of Certain Episodes during the American Revolution in the Early Life of Mistress Betty Yorke, born WolcottAmid the Connecticut hills during the American Revolution, a young soldier lost behind enemy lines encounters two spirited sisters, stirring tension and unexpected connections in a…
Level C1HistoricalAn Unofficial PatriotA Southern clergyman and former slave-owner struggles with his conscience and the law in a turbulent Virginia steeped in religious revival and shifting moral landscapes.
Level C1AdventureAn Undivided UnionFollow Major Deck Lyon and the Riverlawn Cavalry through daring Civil War battles around Murfreesboro, Chickamauga, and Chattanooga, as they navigate perilous campaigns and fierce…
Level C1RomanceAn Uncrowned King: A Romance of High PoliticsIn the turbulent halls of power, Viscount Usk faces political betrayal and personal rebellion as he navigates the ruthless game of high-stakes government and society, caught betwee…
Level C1HistoricalAn Outline of Russian LiteratureExplore the rich origins of Russian literature, tracing its roots from ancient Slavic settlements and Norse influences to the profound impact of Eastern Christianity and Byzantine…
Level C1RomanceAn Original BelleAmid the glitter of high society and the turmoil of the Civil War, a young belle confronts the limits of her beauty and charm, embarking on a journey of self-discovery and moral aw…
Level B2HistoricalAn Old-Fashioned GirlA spirited young girl from the countryside arrives to stay with a city family, challenging modern fashions and attitudes with her old-fashioned charm and values, sparking both curi…
Level C1HistoricalAn Old Man's PrayerAn intimate tale unfolds through the heartfelt reflections of an old man, capturing the quiet moments and enduring bonds of New England life with poignant simplicity and grace.
Level C1HorrorAn Occurrence at Owl Creek BridgeA condemned man stands on a bridge, bound and facing imminent execution by hanging, yet his mind races with desperate plans for escape and the haunting ticking of his watch.
Level C1HistoricalAn I.D.B. in South AfricaIn the heart of the Kimberley Diamond Fields, secrets and suspicion swirl around a dazzling woman and a mysterious diamond dealer whose arrest sparks a thrilling mystery of betraya…
Level C1MysteryAn Historical Mystery (The Gondreville Mystery)In 1803, amid the grandeur of the Gondreville estate, a tense family moment unfolds as Michu, a man with a fearsome gaze and a rifled carbine, prepares to hunt an elusive lynx—whil…
Level C1HistoricalAn Estimate of the Value and Influence of Works of Fiction in Modern TimesExplore the profound impact of fiction on modern thought through the eyes of a philosopher who champions intellectual rigor and elevates literary criticism beyond the superficial,…
Level C1HistoricalAn Essay on the Lyric Poetry of the AncientsExplore the origins of lyric poetry through a neoclassical lens, tracing its roots in imagination, pastoral scenes, and ancient myth-making, while revealing its role in civilizatio…
Level C1HistoricalAn Essay on Satire, Particularly on the DunciadExplore the nature and value of satire through a detailed examination of The Dunciad, challenging traditional views that rank satire low among literary genres and defending its sop…
Level C1HistoricalAn Essay Toward a History of Shakespeare in NorwayExplore the early journey of Shakespeare’s works in Norway through translations, criticism, and performances, revealing the nation's intellectual awakening amid Danish dominance an…
Level C1HistoricalAn Episode under the TerrorAmid the chilling silence of revolutionary Paris, an elderly noblewoman haunted by fear and poverty seeks refuge from unseen dangers stalking the streets under the Terror.
Level B2FantasyAn Entertaining History of Tom ThumbDiscover the whimsical tale of Tom Thumb, a tiny hero navigating a world much larger than himself, filled with adventure and enchantment that captivates readers of all ages.
Level C2HistoricalAn English Garner: Ingatherings from Our History and Literature (8 of 8)Step into the epic campaign of King Henry V as he rallies his knights and sets sail for Normandy, preparing for the fateful Siege of Harfleur and the legendary Battle of Agincourt,…
Level C1HistoricalAn English Garner: Ingatherings from Our History and Literature (4 of 8)An English merchant embarks on a perilous 16th-century voyage from Bristol to the bustling ports of Spain and the mysterious riches of the West Indies and Mexico, navigating politi…
Level C1HistoricalAn English Garner: Critical Essays & Literary FragmentsExplore the evolution of English literature and social life through critical essays and fragments from the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries, revealing insights into literary cr…
Level C1RomanceAn Enemy to the King: From the Recently Discovered Memoirs of the Sieur de la TournoireA young nobleman, newly freed from his sheltered life, rides to Paris seeking adventure, love, and the thrill of the unknown amid the intrigue and passion of the royal court.
Level C1HistoricalAn Egyptian Princess — CompleteIn a vivid blend of history and imagination, the story transports readers to sixth-century BC Egypt and Greece, exploring the intimate lives and cultures of ancient civilizations t…
Level B2HistoricalAn Echo Of Antietam: 1898As a regiment prepares to march from the town of Waterville to war, Lieutenant Philip King faces a poignant farewell with his beloved Grace Roberts, torn between duty, love, and th…
Level C1HistoricalAn Easter Disciple: The Chronicle of Quintus, the Roman KnightAmid the Roman occupation of Jerusalem, a young Roman knight named Quintus embarks on a quest for truth amid ancient beliefs and the rising message of Christ.
Level C1HistoricalAn Eagle Flight: A Filipino Novel Adapted from Noli Me TangereAmid the turmoil of colonial oppression and failed uprisings, a gifted Filipino patriot rises, blending artistry and intellect to challenge injustice through powerful writings and…
Level B2HistoricalAn Armenian princessIn a remote Anatolian village shadowed by ancient ruins, the lives of Turkish peasants and Armenian villagers intertwine amid traditions, rivalries, and the stirrings of change.
Level C1HistoricalAn Apology for the Life of Mr. Colley Cibber, Volume 2 (of 2)Amidst theatre rivalries and managerial battles in early 18th-century London, actors strive to revive the stage’s glory through ambition, subscriptions, and creative adaptations, r…
Level C1HistoricalAn Apology for the Life of Mr. Colley Cibber, Volume 1 (of 2)Step behind the curtain to explore the vibrant world of Restoration theatre through the eyes of an actor and manager whose candid memoir reveals the triumphs, intrigues, and rivalr…
Level C1HistoricalAn Apache Princess: A Tale of the Indian FrontierAmidst the tense peace between settlers and Apaches on the frontier, a soldier’s young daughter encounters a mysterious Apache girl by a quiet pool, signaling the arrival of an une…
Level C1HistoricalAn American SuffragetteA celebrated doctor returns from India to New York amid media frenzy, where socialites and skeptics clash over progress and power.