Poetry
Read Poetry Classics in English
1,416 poetry 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 poetry classics to read in English as a learner?
The best poetry classics for English learners are the well-known titles you can read in the original — start with Ægle and the elf, a fantasy, Zophiel and Zephyrs. 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.
- 1,416
- books
Level C1PoetrySappho: Memoir, text, selected renderings, and a literal translationUnearth the lyrical world of an ancient poetess through newly discovered fragments and evocative translations, enriched by scholarly insights and rare reproductions that bring her…
Level C1PoetrySappho: A New RenderingStep into the ancient world where Sappho's haunting fragments whisper of love, longing, and divine enchantment, preserved only in echoes yet alive with timeless beauty and mystery.
Level C1HistoricalSapphoExplore the vibrant world of ancient Lesbos, where a flourishing culture shapes the life and lyric poetry of Sappho.
Level C1PoetrySagittulae, Random VersesIn a spirited poetic lay, the battle over women's higher education unfolds within Cambridge's ancient halls, as determined ladies confront a staunch assembly of fellows defending t…
Level C1PoetrySaga of the oak, and other poemsExplore evocative poems that journey through nature, history, and remembrance—from the silent woods of early Cincinnati to tributes honoring visionary educators—each verse inviting…
Level C1PoetryRural Tales, Ballads, and SongsStep into the heart of rural England where village life, simple joys, and timeless nature paint vivid scenes through ballads and tales.
Level C1PoetryRubáiyát of Omar Khayyám, and Salámán and Absál: Together with a Life of Edward Fitzgerald and an Essay on Persian Poetry by Ralph Waldo EmersonDelve into the translated verses of Omar Khayyám, brought to life through Edward FitzGerald’s poetic mastery, accompanied by insights into Persian poetry and the remarkable life of…
Level C1PoetryRubáiyát of Omar Khayyam, Rendered into English VerseExplore a timeless collection of Persian quatrains blending whimsical philosophy, skeptical inquiry, and celebration of life's fleeting pleasures, brought to life through a lyrical…
Level C1RomanceRowena & Harold: A Romance in Rhyme of an Olden Time, of Hastyngs and NormanhurstIn a land of fierce feuds and forbidden love, a proud maiden defies her Norman father's will to follow her heart for a noble Saxon knight.
Level C1PoetryRose Leaf and Apple LeafExplore a passionate vision of art’s pure beauty, where sorrow and joy intertwine through exquisite poetry that celebrates form, color, and musicality beyond moral or metaphysical…
Level C1PoetryRomantic Ballads, Translated from the Danish; and Miscellaneous PiecesVivid translations of ancient Danish and Scandinavian ballads evoke a world of fierce warriors, haunting elves, and mythical creatures, capturing the raw spirit and barbaric grande…
Level C1PoetryRobin Hood: A collection of all the ancient poems, songs, and ballads, now extant, relative to that celebrated English outlaw. To which are prefixed historical anecdotes of his life.Delve into the legendary life of Robin Hood, the noble outlaw who retreats to Sherwood Forest with his band of loyal archers, challenging injustice and carving a place in English f…
Level C1PoetryRobert F. Murray (Author of the Scarlet Gown): His Poems; with a MemoirExplore the poignant life and poetry of a young writer whose delicate humor, tender reflections, and love of letters reveal the struggles and ideals of a soul striving for excellen…
Level C1PoetryRobert Burns: How To Know HimExplore the life of a fiercely passionate and independent poet who rises from humble beginnings amid hardship and family struggles in 18th-century Scotland.
Level C1PoetryRobert BurnsExplore the turbulent early life of a gifted poet born into hardship in Ayrshire, whose stormy passions and steadfast family shaped the verses that would captivate generations.
Level C1PoetryRobert Browning: How to Know HimExplore the life and poetic genius of Robert Browning through vivid interpretations of his work, revealing his unique style, paradoxes, and optimism shaped by a privileged upbringi…
Level C1PoetryRobert BrowningExplore the inner journey of a poet whose mind reshaped spiritual understanding, revealing how his works reflect a profound optimism that challenges materialism and illuminates the…
Level C1PoetryRio Grande's Last Race, and Other VersesA fearless jockey faces a haunting dream where ghostly champions guide him to ride the legendary Rio Grande in a race that blurs the line between life and death.
Level C1PoetryRiley Songs of FriendshipCelebrate the warmth of friendship and the sweetness of everyday moments through a collection of heartfelt poems that bloom with charm, humor, and tender reflections on life’s simp…
Level C1PoetryRiley Love-LyricsDelve into tender verses that weave memories of youthful love, dreams, and longing, where each poem unfolds the delicate beauty and bittersweet echoes of old sweethearts and heartf…
Level C1HistoricalRig Veda Americanus: Sacred Songs of the Ancient Mexicans, With a Gloss in NahuatlExplore the ancient sacred hymns of the Mexicans, preserved in intricate manuscripts and shrouded in mystical language, offering a rare glimpse into their archaic religion, mytholo…
Level C1RomanceRichardson's New London fashionable gentleman's valentine writer, or, the lover's own book for this yearDiscover a charming collection of original and popular valentines paired with heartfelt answers, capturing the hopes and hesitations of love across all ranks and walks of life in t…
Level C1AdventureRhymes of the Survey and FrontierVenture into the solitary, perilous world of pioneers who carve civilization from the wilderness, facing relentless hardships and forging a nation's future through courage and sacr…
Level C1PoetryRhymes of the East and Re-collected VersesExplore vivid verses reflecting life, culture, and humor from British India, blending local color with universal themes in this evocative collection of reprinted and revised poems…
Level C1PoetryRhymes of Northern Bards: Being a Curious Collection of Old and New Songs and Poems, Peculiar to the Counties of Newcastle upon Tyne, Northumberland, and DurhamDiscover a lively collection of songs and poems capturing the spirit, history, and local color of Newcastle upon Tyne, Northumberland, and Durham, preserving the voices and tales o…
Level C1PoetryRhymes for Harry and His Nurse-MaidGentle rhymes guide young children and their caregivers through early lessons in care, discipline, and virtue, blending simple narratives with practical advice to nurture good habi…![Cover of Rhymes Old and New : collected by M.E.S. Wright by M. E. S. [Compiler] Wright](https://dsx1pat3ljtul.cloudfront.net/books/dagoip25dk3s73eg9990.webp)
Level C1PoetryRhymes Old and New : collected by M.E.S. WrightDelight in a rich collection of rhymes gathered from diverse regions and traditions, blending timeless nursery verses with local variations and weather lore, perfect for children a…
Level C1PoetryRevised Edition of PoemsA lifetime of heartfelt musings unfolds in verse, celebrating local heroes, humble lives, and the spirit of a Yorkshire town.
Level C1PoetryRenascence: A Book of VerseDive into a rich collection of evocative poems exploring themes of love, memory, time, and renewal, adorned with vivid imagery and lyrical beauty that awaken the spirit and stir th…
Level C1HistoricalRenaissance in Italy, Volume 5 (of 7): Italian Literature, Part 2Dive into the vibrant world of Renaissance Italy through the lens of epic poetry, exploring the artistic evolution and cultural shifts that shaped masterpieces like Orlando Furioso…
Level C1PoetryReminiscent Poems: Part 3 From Volume II of The Works of John Greenleaf WhittierExplore vivid memories and heartfelt reflections through lyrical portraits of nature, youth, and enduring spirit, where past dreams and emotions weave a timeless tapestry of beauty…
Level C1RomanceReliques of Ancient English Poetry, Volume 3 (of 3): Consisting of Old Heroic Ballads, Songs and Other Pieces of Our Earlier Poets Together With Some Few of Later DateDive into a rich collection of ancient English ballads and romantic tales, exploring legendary tests of fidelity like enchanted mantles and magical horns that reveal truth and hono…
Level C1RomanceReliques of Ancient English Poetry, Volume 2 (of 3): Consisting of Old Heroic Ballads, Songs and Other Pieces of Our Earlier Poets Together With Some Few of Later DateDive into a collection of ancient English ballads and songs that reveal the fiery spirit and satire of medieval times, capturing battles, betrayals, and the age-old struggle for po…
Level C1RomanceReliques of Ancient English Poetry, Volume 1 (of 3): Consisting of Old Heroic Ballads, Songs and Other Pieces of Our Earlier Poets Together With Some Few of Later DateDive into a rich collection of old heroic ballads, songs, and metrical romances that reveal the voices and stories of England’s earliest poets and minstrels.
Level C1PoetryReligious Studies, Sketches and PoemsExplore deep reflections on faith, suffering, and love through meditations and poems that center on Christ as the enduring source of strength in life's trials, offering solace amid…
Level C1PoetryRejected Addresses; Or, The New Theatrum PoetarumA witty collection of poetic imitations emerges from a theatrical contest to craft the perfect opening address for Drury Lane Theatre's grand reopening, blending satire and homage…
Level C1HistoricalReginald Bateman, Teacher and Soldier: A Memorial Volume of Selections from His Lectures and Other WritingsExplore the life of a scholar turned soldier, whose inspiring lectures and writings reveal the courage and sacrifice behind a promising academic career cut short by war.
Level C1PoetryRecollections of Dante Gabriel RossettiExplore the intimate friendship and literary correspondence with a deeply troubled poet whose genius and personal struggles unfold through heartfelt letters and vivid recollections…
Level C1HistoricalRecollections of Bytown and Its Old InhabitantsStep back into the early days of Bytown, where memories of its original inhabitants and unfolding history come alive through heartfelt recollections, preserving names and stories t…
Level C1PoetryRecitations for the Social Circle. Selected and OriginalDiscover a curated collection of poetry, speeches, and recitations designed to stir the soul with quiet power and sincere expression.
Level C1PoetryRebel VersesExperience the raw, unvarnished lives of Lincolnshire's folk through verses that reveal their struggles, humor, and enduring spirit in a world shaped by war and tradition.
Level C1PoetryRampolliExplore a world where night holds mysterious power and sacred beauty, unveiling hidden depths of the soul beyond the reach of daylight.
Level C1PoetryRambles in Waltham ForestExplore the rich history and serene beauty of Waltham Forest through poetic reflections that weave together royal legends, local lore, and timeless nature, inviting readers to jour…
Level C1PoetryRainbow gold; poems old and new selected for boys and girlsDiscover a vibrant collection of poems chosen to delight young imaginations, blending timeless ballads and lively verses that invite children into a world of color, rhythm, and sto…
Level C1PoetryR. Caldecott's First Collection of Pictures and SongsJoin John Gilpin on a wild, unexpected ride as he sets out for a simple holiday, only to find chaos, humor, and lively mishaps along the way.
Level C1PoetryQueen Summer; Or, The Tourney of the Lily and the RoseIn a vibrant garden kingdom, noble Roses and Lilies vie in a dazzling tourney for Queen Summer's favor, their floral rivalry unfolding in a spirited dance of color, chivalry, and h…
Level C1HistoricalQueen Moo's Talisman: The Fall of the Maya EmpireDelve into the rich spiritual and cultural tapestry of the ancient Maya, exploring their beliefs in immortality, divine intelligence, and sacred rituals, all woven through traditio…
Level C1PoetryQueen Berngerd, The Bard and the Dreams, and Other BalladsEnter a realm where queens wield iron chains and kings face curses, where kindness blooms amid war and ruin, and a wandering bard’s melodies awaken flowers and dreams—each ballad w…