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 C1PoetryCan Grande's castleAmidst the shadows of war, a poet turns to history, weaving vivid visions through a new form of "polyphonic prose" that blurs the line between past and present, prose and verse, to…
Level C1PoetryBy the Sea, and Other VersesExplore heartfelt verses that celebrate kindness, devotion, and the beauty of everyday moments, weaving history and personal reflections into a tapestry of inspiration and hope.
Level C1PoetryBy Trench and Trail in Song and StorySongs and stories echoing from lumber camps to war trenches reveal the rugged spirit of timber workers and soldiers, blending humor, patriotism, and the raw beauty of nature in a h…
Level C1PoetryBy Scarlet Torch and BladeImmerse yourself in vivid poems that celebrate the beauty and spirit of nature, from towering trees and mountain tops to the rhythms of life in western hills, inviting reflection,…
Level C1PoetryBuzz a Buzz; Or, The BeesDiscover the bustling world of bees through witty verses and vivid illustrations that reveal the hive’s secret life, from vigilant sentinels to the queen’s grand fete, blending hum…
Level C1PoetryBurlesque Plays and PoemsDive into sharp, witty parodies that mock storytelling excesses and chivalric tales, from Chaucer’s loquacious knights to satirical stage plays, blending humor and critique in a li…
Level C1PoetryBulchevy's Book of English VerseExplore a curated journey through English verse from the 13th to the 19th century, featuring lyrical and epigrammatic poems chosen for their enduring beauty and emotional power, wi…
Level C1PoetryBrowning's Shorter PoemsExplore vivid poems brimming with lively narration, high optimism, and profound reflections on the soul’s journey, crafted to engage young readers with imagination and insight thro…
Level C1HistoricalBrowning as a Philosophical and Religious TeacherExplore the profound moral and religious philosophy woven through Browning’s poetry, where poetic art meets deep ethical inquiry and idealistic faith, inviting readers to consider…
Level C1HistoricalBrowning and the Dramatic MonologueExplore the challenges of understanding Browning’s innovative dramatic monologues, where traditional storytelling gives way to deep psychological insight and complex human motives,…
Level C1HistoricalBrowning and His CenturyExplore the intense 19th-century clash between mind and spirit as evolving scientific knowledge challenges inherited religious and moral traditions, revealing a profound struggle s…
Level C1PoetryBrown leaves and other versesExplore heartfelt reflections on nature, life’s seasons, and the tender moments that connect childhood, love, memory, and hope in a collection of verses that celebrate the beauty a…
Level C1PoetryBrown William, The Power of the Harp, and Other BalladsA haunting ballad recounts the betrayal and tragic fate of Brown William, a noble patriot whose murder shakes the Isle of Man, weaving themes of envy, justice, and revenge in a sti…
Level C1PoetryBroad Grins: Comprising, With New Additional Tales in Verse, Those: Formerly Publish'd Under the Title "My Night-Gown and: Slippers."In lively verse, three friends debate the merits and follies of modern poets, dramatists, and novelists, exposing the quirks of literary taste and criticism with sharp wit and humo…
Level C1PoetryBorth LyricsA school community faces upheaval and displacement, seeking refuge by the sea in the Welsh village of Borth.
Level C1HistoricalBooks and Habits, from the Lectures of Lafcadio HearnExplore the Western world through the eyes of Japanese students as these lectures unravel the exotic and often puzzling customs of Western civilization, especially its unique views…
Level C1PoetryBohemian Days: Three American TalesSeven destitute Confederate exiles gather in a Paris tenement, clinging to fading luxuries and desperate schemes like roulette systems, as they confront starvation, lost status, an…
Level C1HistoricalBoer War LyricsExplore poignant verses born amid the turmoil of the Boer War, capturing the clash between moral right and overwhelming might in a struggle that reshaped nations and tested human c…
Level C1PoetryBlack Beetles in AmberDive into a haunting collection of verses steeped in Pacific Coast lore, where satire and mystery intertwine, and dreams blur with dark reality—each poem revealing the eerie echoes…
Level C1PoetryBertha's Christmas Vision: An Autumn SheafIn a weather-beaten house lives Martin Kendrick, a miser whose bitterness and solitude grow after tragic losses and his daughter's estrangement.
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 C1PoetryBeowulf: An Anglo-Saxon Epic PoemIn a kingdom terrorized by the monstrous Grendel, a heroic warrior named Beowulf sails to aid King Hrothgar, confronting ancient evils in a saga of courage, loyalty, and legendary…
Level C1PoetryBennie and the TigerA young English boy in colonial India faces a perilous encounter when a tiger snatches him from his home, testing his innocence and trust amid looming danger.
Level C1PoetryBees in Amber: A Little Book of Thoughtful VerseExplore thoughtful, reflective verses that capture timeless ideas and spiritual wisdom, offering comfort and inspiration through poetic expressions of faith, hope, and the journey…
Level C1PoetryBeadle's Dime National Speaker, Embodying Gems of Oratory and Wit, Particularly Adapted to American Schools and FiresidesA treasury of powerful speeches and stirring verses designed for American schools and homes, blending serious and humorous pieces to inspire, instruct, and entertain readers of all…
Level C1PoetryBay of Seven Islands, and other poems: Part 7 From Volume I of The Works of John Greenleaf WhittierA young skipper braves icy northern seas to the remote Seven Islands Bay, where forbidden love blooms between him and a fisherman's daughter amid harsh coastal traditions and jealo…
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 C1PoetryBarclay of Ury, and other poems: Part 3 From Volume I of The Works of John Greenleaf WhittierFollow the dignified Barclay of Ury, a venerable soldier turned Quaker, as he faces relentless persecution with unwavering faith and patience, embodying the struggle between honor,…
Level C1PoetryBallads, Founded on Anecdotes Relating to AnimalsLoyal to a fault, Fido the dog embodies true friendship and bravery, risking all to protect his beloved master from hidden dangers.
Level C1PoetryBallads of Scottish Tradition and Romance: Popular Ballads of the Olden Times - Third SeriesDive into the rich tapestry of Scottish history and romance through spirited ballads that blend tradition, mystery, and legend.
Level C1PoetryBallads of Romance and Chivalry: Popular Ballads of the Olden Times - First SeriesImmerse yourself in ancient oral traditions where timeless tales of romance and chivalry come alive through stirring ballads passed down across generations in England and Scotland.
Level C1PoetryBallads of Mystery and Miracle and Fyttes of Mirth: Popular Ballads of the Olden Times - Second SeriesDelve into a captivating collection of ballads steeped in superstition, the supernatural, sacred origins, riddles, and mirth, revealing haunting tales and lyrical mysteries from th…
Level C1PoetryBallads of BooksCelebrate the magic and mystery of books through a rich collection of poems honoring their beauty, rarity, and the joy they bring to bibliophiles.
Level C1PoetryBallads of BeautyExplore the delicate beauty and tender emotions of love, nature, and life’s fleeting moments through a collection of vivid, heartfelt ballads and lyrical poems.
Level C1PoetryBallads of American braveryExplore stirring poems that celebrate verified acts of American valor, from Paul Revere’s legendary ride to heroic battles and unsung heroes, capturing the spirit of bravery that r…
Level C1PoetryBallads from the Danish and Original VersesDive into haunting tales and ancient legends brought to life through faithful translations of Danish ballads and original verses, weaving a tapestry of kings, trolls, and timeless…
Level C1HistoricalBallads and Other PoemsExperience the fiery spirit and pivotal moments that ignited the American Revolution through vivid ballads capturing the struggles, ideals, and voices of colonial resistance agains…
Level C1PoetryBallads and Lyrics of Old France, with Other PoemsDiscover a rich tapestry of French lyric poetry, from medieval ballads to Renaissance sonnets, capturing love, loss, and timeless beauty through the voices of masters like Villon,…
Level C1PoetryBalladsImmerse yourself in vivid legends of Tahiti and the West Highlands, where heroes, treachery, and ancient songs intertwine.
Level C1HistoricalBalladsStep into the vivid tales of old Pierre, a seasoned drummer recounting generations of military history, battles, and shifting fortunes across Europe and America, where honor clashe…
Level C1HistoricalBallades and Rondeaus, Chants Royal, Sestinas, Villanelles, etc.Explore the enchanting world of traditional fixed-form poetry, from ballades to villanelles, as this anthology showcases the revival and artistry of old French rhythms adapted into…
Level C1PoetryBallad BookDive into the enchanting world of ancient ballads where superstition, tradition, and romance intertwine in rugged language and haunting refrains, inviting readers to discover the r…![Cover of Babylonian and Assyrian Literature by Epiphanius etc.] Wilson](https://dsx1pat3ljtul.cloudfront.net/books/dagil34up3dc73d99be0.webp)
Level C1PoetryBabylonian and Assyrian LiteratureUnearth the ancient world of Assyria and Babylonia through their enduring cuneiform tablets, revealing epic poems, hymns, and royal inscriptions that illuminate a civilization olde…
Level C1PoetryAwd Isaac, The Steeple Chase, and Other Poems: With a glossary of the Yorkshire DialectExplore heartfelt poems rooted in Yorkshire life and dialect, blending local tales with moral reflections and spiritual grace.
Level C1HistoricalAvril: Being Essays on the Poetry of the French RenaissanceExplore the vivid poetry of the French Renaissance through essays that reveal the cultural and historical ties shaping Europe’s literary heritage, as England and France begin to re…
Level C1PoetryAutumnal leaves: tales and sketches in prose and rhymeIn a world divided by class and beauty, a young man’s admiration for a humble, radiant nursery maid challenges societal norms and sparks quiet rebellion against convention and prej…
Level C1PoetryAutumn Leaves: Original Pieces in Prose and VerseIn a quiet New England town, a mysterious old man and a lively group in vintage attire gather to revive Christmas traditions in a warmly decorated church, sparking wonder in a loca…
Level C1PoetryAutumn LeavesExplore the cycles of life and hope through heartfelt poems that reflect on love, loss, and renewal amid nature’s changing seasons.