Poetry
Read Poetry Classics in English
1,084 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.
- 1,084
- books
Level C1PoetryDebits and creditsIn a world shaped by divine forces and cosmic struggles, the creation of Adam unfolds amid celestial commands, earthly lamentations, and the cunning of dark forces.
Level C1HistoricalDe Libris: Prose and VerseExplore the rich history and curious associations behind rare books, from Bacon’s reflections on life to the artistic legacy of Thomas Bewick, uncovering captivating stories that l…
Level C1PoetryDarkey Ways in DixieImmerse yourself in poignant and vibrant verses capturing the rhythms, struggles, and everyday life of African American communities in the South.![Cover of Danish ballads by E. M. [Translator] Smith-Dampier](https://dsx1pat3ljtul.cloudfront.net/books/da92bfdnmvfc73bikctg.webp)
Level C1PoetryDanish balladsAncient Danish ballads come alive with metrical fidelity and rich cultural insight, revealing a world where dance and song blend communal tradition with individual genius in mediev…
Level C1PoetryDalziels' Illustrated GoldsmithStep into the turbulent world of 18th-century literature, where a young Irishman confronts the fading era of patronage to forge his own path as a writer, guided by honesty and gene…
Level C1PoetryDaddy Do-Funny's Wisdom JinglesAn aging ex-slave known as Daddy Do-Funny shares his sharp, playful wisdom and vivid stories from plantation life, captivating children and neighbors alike with his unique blend of…
Level C1PoetryCuster, and Other Poems.Explore the stirring depths of human spirit and transformation through vivid, heartfelt poems that challenge fate, celebrate kindness, and reveal the undiscovered country within th…
Level C1PoetryCricket SongsCelebrate the timeless spirit of cricket through vivid, lyrical poems that capture the game's charm, camaraderie, and the thrill of the pitch.
Level C1PoetryCowperExplore the life of a sensitive poet caught between the fading elegance of 18th-century verse and the stirring currents of religious revival and social reform.
Level C1PoetryCowley's EssaysExplore the early life and poetic development of a young scholar whose passion for verse blooms amidst the fields, friendships, and academic trials of 17th-century England.
Level C1PoetryCowboy songs, and other frontier balladsExperience the rugged spirit of the American frontier through authentic cowboy songs and ballads that capture the life, challenges, and legends of the Old West, preserved with care…
Level C1PoetryCornish Catches, and Other VersesImmerse yourself in vivid Cornish life through lyrical verses that capture the rhythms of the sea, local characters, and timeless traditions, all brought to life with heartfelt war…
Level C1PoetryContrasted SongsExplore a rich tapestry of poems that journey from the sea to the fields, weaving themes of remembrance, nature, and patriotism with heartfelt reflections and legendary tales rende…
Level C1PoetryComplete Poetical WorksImmerse yourself in vivid poems that capture the rugged spirit and diverse tales of California’s early days—from battlefields and legends to lively characters and frontier life, al…
Level C1PoetryCollected Poems in Two Volumes, Vol. IIImmerse yourself in a rich collection of evocative poems, from whimsical ballads and dramatic vignettes to reflective dialogues and literary fables, capturing diverse scenes and ti…
Level C1PoetryColeridge's Ancient Mariner and Select PoemsSet against the dramatic backdrop of revolutionary Europe, immerse yourself in the visionary poetry of a young Romantic genius whose works, including "The Ancient Mariner," capture…
Level C1PoetryCocke Lorelles BoteA satirical poem from early Tudor England offers sharp, fleeting portraits of various social classes, led by the notorious rogue Cocke Lorell, who navigates London's underworld wit…
Level C1PoetryCobwebs from a Library CornerDive into a witty collection of literary poems that playfully explore the art of writing, the trials of authorship, and the colorful world of books, blending humor with sharp obser…
Level C1PoetryClaudian, volume 1 (of 2): With an English translation by Maurice PlatnauerAmid the turmoil of late Roman Empire, witness the rise and fall of leaders and armies as they battle invading Goths and internal treachery.
Level C1PoetryCivil service jingles and other thingsDive into a witty, satirical collection of poems that reveal the comic struggles and sly intrigues of civil servants, blending humor and sharp observation in entertaining jingles t…
Level C1PoetryCity BalladsTwo outsiders—a young student and an old farmer—experience the bustling city for the first time, capturing its dramas, characters, and contrasts through poignant poems and reflecti…
Level C1PoetryChristmas offeringReflecting on life’s joys and sorrows through tender verse, this collection offers heartfelt poems on creation, family, and the quiet beauty of winter, inviting readers into intima…
Level C1PoetryChristmas at the hallStep into a heartfelt Christmas gathering where family, love, and memories intertwine through diverse poems capturing festive spirit and personal reflection.
Level C1PoetryChristmas SunshineCelebrate the spirit of the season with a heartfelt collection of poems and hymns that evoke the peace, joy, and sacred wonder of Christmas, inviting readers to reflect on its divi…
Level C1PoetryChristmas Penny Readings: Original Sketches for the SeasonIn a harsh London winter, Hezekiah Thornypath faces crushing loss and poverty, struggling to provide for his family amid the festive season's stark contrasts.
Level C1PoetryChristmas Carols and Midsummer SongsCelebrate the magic of the season through heartfelt carols, silent wonders, and winter's quiet beauty, where children’s voices—spoken and unheard—join in a timeless chorus of hope,…![Cover of Chinese Poems by Charles [Translator] Budd](https://dsx1pat3ljtul.cloudfront.net/books/daci5s5l9p5c73fhjurg.webp)
Level C1PoetryChinese PoemsExperience the timeless emotions and vivid imagery of ancient China through evocative translations that reveal the universal nature of human feelings across millennia.
Level C1PoetryChildhood's happy home, and other versesExplore heartfelt verses that reflect on family milestones, memories, and loss, capturing the tender moments and enduring bonds within a loving home.
Level C1PoetryChildhood's Favorites and Fairy Stories: The Young Folks Treasury, Volume 1Delve into a carefully curated treasury of fairy tales, myths, and legends designed to nourish young imaginations and prepare children for a life of learning, heroism, and beauty.
Level C1PoetryChild Verse: Poems Grave & GayDiscover a collection of poems that dance between whimsy and wisdom, capturing the innocence and imagination of childhood through verses both lighthearted and profound.
Level C1PoetryChenodia: Or, the Classical Mother GooseNursery rhymes take on classical form and ancient languages in a playful collection blending Latin, Greek, and English verses.
Level C1RomanceChaucer's Works, Volume 2 — Boethius and TroilusImprisoned and awaiting execution, a philosopher confronts fate and seeks solace in reason, exploring fortune, free will, and the divine order.
Level C1PoetryCharmides, and Other PoemsA Grecian youth returns from Sicily, drawn into a mystical temple where ancient gods stir amid sacred rites and haunting visions, blending youthful adventure with timeless myth in…
Level C1PoetryCharles Baudelaire: A StudyDive into the complex world of Baudelaire’s genius, where personal vision shapes sharp critique and sensual torment intertwines with a relentless pursuit of beauty, revealing the s…
Level C1PoetryCharacters from Life; Or, Moral Hints. In VerseExplore a vivid tableau of rural life and moral struggles, where farmers, landlords, and townsfolk grapple with temptation, pride, and the consequences of excess.
Level C1HistoricalChants for the BoerAmid the turmoil of the Boer War, passionate verses confront imperial aggression and champion the resilient spirit of the Boer people.
Level C1PoetryChants for SocialistsVoices rise in vivid chants envisioning a future where work is fulfilling, rewards are just, and society is reshaped by revolution for the common good.
Level C1Science FictionCaxton's Book: A Collection of Essays, Poems, Tales, and Sketches.Explore a rich collection of essays, poems, and tales born from a brilliant mind torn between law and literature, blending wit, pathos, and scientific imagination that captivates a…
Level C1PoetryCaw! Caw! Or, The Chronicle of Crows, A Tale of the Spring-timeAs spring breathes life into the countryside, a community of crows builds nests, cares for their young, and faces the challenges of survival against farmers determined to protect t…
Level C1HistoricalCarry On!Amid the shadows of war, brave souls answer the call to defend freedom, their courage and sacrifice woven into a stirring tapestry of hope and remembrance.
Level C1PoetryCarols of CockayneExplore witty, lyrical reflections on ambition, identity, and everyday life through a lively collection of songs and poems that capture the humor and heart of London’s vibrant cult…
Level C1PoetryCarols of Canada, Etc., Etc.Explore a heartfelt collection of poems reflecting on Canada’s past, its hopeful future, and the spirit of freedom that defines this vast land.
Level C1PoetryCaroling duskAn anthology capturing the vibrant voices of emerging Negro poets, reflecting the creative spirit and evolving artistry within a pivotal cultural renaissance.
Level C1PoetryCarolina chansonsImmerse yourself in the vivid legends and landscapes of coastal Carolina, where colonial history, haunting folklore, and the unique Low Country environment blend into poetic portra…
Level C1PoetryCaptain Sword and Captain Pen: A PoemIn a stirring poetic narrative, two captains—Sword and Pen—clash amid war's brutal realities and aftermath, challenging the glorified tales of battle with raw reflections on its tr…
Level C1PoetryCape Cod Ballads, and Other VerseVivid ballads capture the spirit of Cape Cod’s coastal life, weaving tales of sea-farers, village characters, and the rugged beauty of New England shores through heartfelt and evoc…
Level C1PoetryCap and Gown: A Treasury of College VerseCelebrate the joys and reflections of undergraduate life through light, graceful, and sometimes serious verse capturing youth, love, and the bittersweet transition from carefree da…
Level C1PoetryCaoidh airson cor na Gaidhealtachd agus fogradh nan GaidhealA poignant Gaelic lament reflects on the fading language and the forced emigration from the Highlands, mourning lost traditions and the transformation of ancestral lands into pastu…