Poetry
Read Poetry Classics in English
1,083 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 The Milkmaid: R. Caldecott's Picture Books, The Military Adventures of Johnny Newcome: With an Account of his Campaign on the Peninsula and in Pall Mall and The Middle English Poem, Erthe Upon Erthe. 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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- books
Level C1PoetryThe Farmer's Boy: A Rural PoemA young boy’s life unfolds through the changing seasons of rural England, capturing the simplicity, tenderness, and natural beauty of country living.
Level C1PoetryThe Fall of the NibelungsIn a realm of noble knights and fierce valor, a fair maiden’s haunting dream foretells love and tragedy, while the heroic Siegfried rises to fame amid tournaments and courtly splen…
Level C1PoetryThe Fall of TroyAmid the final chapters of the Trojan War, witness the battles and betrayals that unfold after Hector’s funeral, as gods and heroes clash in a tale weaving Homeric spirit with fres…
Level C1HistoricalThe Fall of Jerusalem: A PoemAmidst divine judgment and national upheaval, witness the poignant tale of Jerusalem’s downfall as a young poet recounts its tragic fate with heartfelt sincerity and humble ambitio…
Level C1PoetryThe Fairy Changeling and Other PoemsIn a world where fairies swap children under moonlight, a desperate father seeks to reclaim his stolen son from a changeling’s grasp.
Level C1PoetryThe Expedition to Birting's Land, and Other BalladsIn a land ruled by King Diderik, a bold expedition sets out to Birting’s land, where fierce warriors and savage foes await.
Level C1PoetryThe Esperantist, Vol. 1, No. 2Dive into the vibrant world of Esperanto enthusiasts striving to spread the international language through poetry, stories, and lively discussions, while navigating critiques and a…
Level C1HistoricalThe Epic: An EssayExplore the origins of epic poetry as it emerges from the fiery Heroic Age, where private individuality bursts forth from rigid tribal societies, shaping the timeless tales of Home…
Level C1PoetryThe Epic of SaulA fierce opponent of early Christians, Saul of Tarsus embarks on a relentless campaign against the new faith, only to face profound inner conflict and transformation.
Level C1HistoricalThe Epic of PaulAmidst deadly conspiracies and Roman trials, an apostle’s journey unfolds—from Jerusalem’s plots to a fateful voyage to Rome—revealing his steadfast faith, stirring speeches, and t…
Level C1PoetryThe Epic of Hades, in Three BooksJourney beyond the fabled river into the shadowy realm of Hades, where restless souls endure eternal solitude and torment.
Level C1PoetryThe Epic of Gilgamish: A Fragment of the Gilgamish Legend in Old-Babylonian CuneiformIn ancient Erech, the mighty king Gilgamish dreams of a wild companion, Enkidu, who must be tamed by civilization’s rites.
Level C1PoetryThe Emperor's RoutExplore a vivid world where moths and caterpillars reveal their secret lives, from silk-producing cocoons to eerie Death’s Head markings, blending natural history with poetic intri…
Level C1PoetryThe Emigrant: or Reflections While Descending the OhioA young emigrant journeys down the Ohio River, capturing his somber reflections and the unfolding American frontier in verse.
Level C1PoetryThe Emigrant Mechanic and Other Tales in Verse: Together with Numerous Songs Upon Canadian SubjectsFollow the journey of a skilled mechanic whose rural hardships, moral reflections, and Christian faith shape his emigration from England to the Canadian bush, capturing the trials…
Level C1PoetryThe Elephant's Ball, and Grand Fete Champetre: Intended as a Companion to Those Much Admired Pieces, the Butterfly's Ball, and the Peacock "At Home."Join a grand fête where majestic elephants and wild beasts gather in a lively celebration, brought to life with elegant engravings and charming verses that delight readers of all a…
Level C1HistoricalThe Elene of Cynewulf translated into English proseEmperor Constantine faces a vast barbarian horde threatening the Roman realm, but a divine vision offers hope: a radiant warrior reveals a heavenly sign that could turn the tide of…
Level C1PoetryThe Elegies of Tibullus: Being the Consolations of a Roman Lover Done in English VerseA Roman lover shuns the glory and greed of empire for the tender, playful pain of lost loves, longing for simple country life and true fidelity amidst the restless backdrop of war…
Level C1PoetryThe Elder Eddas of Saemund Sigfusson; and the Younger Eddas of Snorre SturlesonDive into ancient Norse mythology and heroic sagas, where kings like Gunther wrestle with passion and loyalty, and legendary figures like Volund the smithy shape a world of magic,…
Level C1PoetryThe Earthly Paradise: A Poem (Part II)In a land where beauty rivals the gods, Psyche, a mortal princess, becomes the target of Venus's wrath and must endure perilous trials to reclaim her lost love, Cupid, and find her…
Level C1PoetryThe Early Poems of Alfred Lord TennysonExplore the evolution of a master poet through early lyrical works written from youth to early manhood, offering insight into his developing genius, methods, and themes across a ri…
Level C1PoetryThe Dying Indian's Dream: A PoemIn a Nova Scotia wigwam, a dying Mic-Mac Indian named John Paul shares his serene vision of heaven and the comfort of faith amid threats and hardship, revealing a powerful story of…
Level C1AdventureThe Dyak chief, and other versesVenture deep into the jungles of Central Borneo alongside a traveler who encounters the fierce Dyak tribes, including elusive head-hunters, and experiences a vivid world of adventu…
Level C1PoetryThe Dreamers: And Other PoemsDive into a collection of evocative poems exploring themes of identity, longing, and everyday moments, capturing the delicate emotions of life through vivid, lyrical storytelling.
Level C1PoetryThe Dream of GerontiusA soul’s final journey unfolds in a vivid poetic meditation on death and judgment, as Gerontius faces the moment of passing from life to the afterlife, supported by prayers and div…
Level C1PoetryThe Dramatic Works of John Dryden, Volume 1: With a Life of the AuthorExplore the meticulously edited works and life of a master poet and dramatist, revealing his enduring influence and the editorial challenges of preserving his legacy for modern rea…
Level C1HistoricalThe Dixie Book of DaysExplore the rich history and literature of the Old South through a curated collection of prose and verse that reveals the region's profound influence on America’s founding, culture…
Level C1PoetryThe Divine Comedy, Volume 2, PurgatoryJourney through the realm where souls undergo purification, ascending the mountain of Purgatory to shed their sins.
Level C1PoetryThe Divine Comedy, Volume 1, HellLost in a dark forest, a poet meets the ancient Roman Virgil, who offers to guide him through the harrowing realms of the afterlife.
Level C1PoetryThe Divine Comedy of Dante Alighieri: The InfernoJourney through a vivid underworld where the poet himself navigates the harrowing circles of Hell, revealing his deepest fears, strengths, and a poignant plea to his native Florenc…
Level C1PoetryThe Deserted VillageA once-thriving village brims with joyful community and simple pleasures, now fading into desolation under the weight of wealth and change.
Level C1HistoricalThe Departing Soul's Address to the Body: A Fragment of a Semi-Saxon Poem: Discovered Among the Archives of Worcester CathedralAn ancient fragment uncovered from Worcester Cathedral archives reveals a haunting dialogue between soul and body, illustrating early English moral poetry and the language’s transi…
Level C1RomanceThe Defence of Guenevere and Other PoemsStep into a world of chivalry and enchantment, where angels arm noble knights and legends like Sir Galahad and Rapunzel unfold through lyrical tales of love, valor, and mystical qu…
Level C1PoetryThe Death-Wake: or Lunacy; a Necromaunt in Three ChimerasA young poet haunted by medieval fantasies and the macabre crafts a haunting meditation on death and madness, blending lyrical romance with dark, original melodies.
Level C1PoetryThe Death of Saul and other Eisteddfod Prize Poems and Miscellaneous VersesExplore a rich tapestry of heartfelt and varied poetry spanning twenty-five years, including the award-winning "Death of Saul," where the poet reflects on creativity, restraint, an…
Level C1PoetryThe Day of Doom; Or, a Poetical Description of the Great and Last JudgementWitness the vivid and solemn portrayal of the Last Judgment, as Puritan theology comes alive in verse, revealing the terrors of sin and the hope for salvation on the Day of Doom.
Level C1PoetryThe Day Before YesterdayChildhood fantasies come alive in a dusty attic cupboard transformed into a pirate ship, where paper boats sail enchanted seas and mice become fierce rats, inviting readers to reli…
Level C1HistoricalThe Dawn and the Day; Or, The Buddha and the Christ, Part IExplore the profound parallels and contrasts between Buddhism and Christianity as ancient truths, shared values, and spiritual hopes intertwine across cultures and epochs, challeng…
Level C1PoetryThe Daughter of the Storage: And Other Things in Prose and VerseAmid the vast, orderly corridors of a fire-proof storage warehouse, a family unpacks trunks filled with cherished memories and forgotten treasures, as a child's playful imagination…
Level C1PoetryThe Dark Ages, and Other PoemsExplore a world where the so-called Dark Ages reveal unexpected beauty, faith, and poetry, challenging the shadows cast by history with vivid imagery and timeless reflections on ho…
Level C1PoetryThe Dalby Bear, and Other BalladsA fearsome bear terrorizes Dalby moors until a mysterious knight confronts the beast, revealing a tale of enchantment, betrayal, and redemption.
Level C1PoetryThe Daisy, or, Cautionary Stories in Verse.: Adapted to the Ideas of Children from Four to Eight Years Old.Charming cautionary tales in verse invite children aged four to eight into a world of playful lessons and delightful illustrations, blending humor and wisdom to teach kindness, hon…
Level C1PoetryThe Curse of Kehama, Volume 2 (of 2)A sweeping epic of gods, curses, and ancient realms unfolds as warriors retreat and mystical forces descend upon the city of Baly.
Level C1PoetryThe Curse of Kehama, Volume 1 (of 2)In a world where prayers and sacrifices wield undeniable power, a fierce struggle unfolds among gods and mortals alike, inspired by the complex and potent myths of Hinduism.
Level C1PoetryThe Cup of Comus: Fact and FancyImmerse yourself in delicate, nature-inspired poetry that brings the landscapes of Kentucky to life with warmth, mystery, and a touch of the ethereal.
Level C1PoetryThe Culprit Fay, and Other PoemsUnder a moonlit sky, a fairy breaks ancient laws by loving a mortal maiden, facing a mystical trial as the elfin court convenes to judge the Culprit Fay’s fate amid enchanted woods…
Level C1PoetryThe Crooked Man and Other RhymesDive into a charming collection of playful rhymes and whimsical verses that capture the imagination with bright, lively language and delightful twists.
Level C1PoetryThe Crescent MoonImmerse yourself in lyrical reflections on childhood, nature, and the tender bonds of home as twilight fades and the world whispers its quiet mysteries.