Poetry
Read Poetry Classics in English
1,353 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 Thrills of a Bell Boy, Three Women and Three Sunsets and Other Poems. 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 C1PoetryThe Story of an Ostrich: An Allegory and Humorous Satire in Rhyme.Discover a witty and profound allegory where an ostrich’s folly reveals deeper truths about human nature, society, and the quest for harmony, all conveyed through charming rhyme an…
Level C1FantasyThe Story of Sigurd the Volsung and the Fall of the NiblungsJourney through the heroic saga of Sigmund and his son Sigurd as they battle foes, forge legendary swords, and confront cursed treasures amidst gods and kings.
Level C1RomanceThe Stars in the Pool: A Prose Poem for LoversIn a realm of enchanted forests and a gleaming castle, a young sculptor named Flame arrives to win the heart of Princess Roseheart, whose beauty mirrors the dawn itself.
Level C1PoetryThe Spook BalladsDive into a whimsical world of ghostly tales and eerie legends, where humor and haunting blend in lively, illustrated ballads that charm with both sprightly verse and clever wit.
Level C1HistoricalThe Southern war poetry of the Civil WarExplore the powerful, heartfelt poetry born in the Confederate South during the Civil War, revealing the raw emotions and cultural spirit often overlooked in history.
Level C1PoetryThe Sonnets of Michael Angelo Buonarroti and Tommaso Campanella; Now for the First Time Translated into Rhymed EnglishExplore the profound sonnets of a Renaissance master and a daring philosopher, whose verses reveal a clash of artistic beauty and revolutionary ideas amid Italy's turbulent cultura…
Level C1PoetryThe Song of the Flag: A National OdeExperience a passionate journey through lyrical landscapes where love, music, and nature intertwine in vivid odes and sonnets, capturing the triumph and redemption of the heart wit…
Level C1RomanceThe Song of RolandAs King Charles conquers Spain, the besieged pagan King Marsile plots peace through deceit, sending envoys bearing olive branches to negotiate while preparing for betrayal.
Level C1HistoricalThe Song of Lancaster, Kentucky: To the statesmen, soldiers, and citizens of Garrard County.Journey to the rugged wilderness of early Kentucky, where peaceful forests and native tribes give way to the fierce struggles of settlers and pioneers like Daniel Boone carving a n…
Level C1PoetryThe Song of HiawathaJourney into the rich legends of the Ojibway and other North American tribes through the haunting, lyrical tales sung by the musician Nawadaha, revealing the birth and deeds of Hia…
Level C1PoetryThe Song Book of Quong Lee of LimehouseIn the bustling Limehouse district, a shopkeeper surrounded by the scents of his homeland reflects on life, music, and fleeting encounters, revealing a poignant blend of cultural m…
Level C1PoetryThe Snow-Drop: A Holiday GiftWritten from a place of solitude and inspired by nature’s gentle beauty, these heartfelt poems explore themes of loss, faith, and hope, inviting readers to find solace and reflecti…
Level C1PoetryThe Singing Man: A Book of Songs and ShadowsA man sings the toil and triumph of labor under the sun, yet faces a world where others claim his hard-earned bread, leaving him broken and forgotten in mills, mines, and prisons.
Level C1HistoricalThe Silk-Hat Soldier, and Other Poems in War TimeAmid the stirring call to arms, men from every walk of life cast aside their peace and play to fight for England’s honor.
Level C1PoetryThe Ship of Fools, Volume 1A vivid satire unfolds aboard a ship filled with fools, each embodying human folly and vice in sharp verse and striking woodcuts.
Level C1AdventureThe Ship in the DesertJourney across the untamed American West reveals wild landscapes, fierce encounters, and the enduring spirit of pioneers forging paths through deserts, rivers, and unknown wilderne…
Level C1PoetryThe Second Book of Modern Verse: A Selection from the Work of Contemporaneous American PoetsExplore a rich collection of contemporary American poetry capturing the spirit and voices of the early 20th century, featuring diverse themes and styles from a vibrant generation o…
Level C1PoetryThe Scarlet Gown: Being Verses by a St. Andrews ManImmerse yourself in the tranquil rhythms and heartfelt verses inspired by life in St.
Level C1PoetryThe Satires, Epistles, and Art of Poetry of HoraceDive into the sharp wit and timeless reflections of Roman satire and epistles, where playful persiflage meets profound insight.
Level C1PoetryThe Satires of Juvenal, Persius, Sulpicia, and Lucilius: Literally translated into English prose, with notes, chronological tables, arguments, &c.Scathing Roman satires expose the vices and follies of Domitian's court through the sharp wit of a poet who risks exile to speak truth to power.
Level C1FantasyThe San Francisco Fairy: A Tale of Early TimesA young maiden longing to win her lover's heart embarks on a mystical journey beneath the lake, where a giant fish leads her to the enchanting realm of the San Francisco Fairy and…
Level C1HistoricalThe Saint's TragedyIn a stirring historical drama, human passions and struggles unfold beyond mere moral lessons, inviting readers to explore timeless conflicts and the depths of conscience through v…
Level C1PoetryThe Rāmāyana, Volume 4. Uttara KāndaAfter defeating the demon king Rāvaṇa, Rāma is visited by revered sages who honor his triumph and discuss the restoration of order and righteousness in his kingdom.
Level C1PoetryThe Rāmāyana, Volume 3. YuddhakāndamAs Rāma rejoices at Hanumān's daring mission into the impenetrable city of Lankā, he faces the daunting challenge of crossing the vast ocean with his monkey allies to rescue Sītā.
Level C1PoetryThe Rubáiyát of a Persian KittenExplore whimsical verses that blend charm and humor through the eyes of a Persian kitten, inviting readers into a playful poetic world filled with delightful observations and gentl…
Level C1PoetryThe Rubaiyat of Omar KhayyamExplore the life and legacy of Omar Khayyam, a Persian astronomer-poet whose friendship with powerful figures and deep pursuit of knowledge shaped a remarkable era of science, poet…
Level C1PoetryThe Rowley PoemsExplore the life of a brilliant, restless boy whose hunger for knowledge and mysterious parchments lead him to create imaginative verse and forge a legacy shrouded in intrigue and…
Level C1PoetryThe Rose-JarImmerse yourself in a collection of evocative poems that reflect on love, memory, nature, and the passage of time, each verse capturing fleeting moments and deep emotions with haun…
Level C1RomanceThe Romaunce of the Sowdone of Babylone and of Ferumbras His Sone Who Conquerede RomeAmidst the legendary exploits of Charlemagne, a fierce Saracen warrior named Fierabras challenges the valor of France’s greatest knights, igniting a saga of combat, honor, and myst…
Level C1HistoricalThe Romance of a Princess: A Comedy; and Other PoemsIn a richly imagined medieval world, Princess Emma navigates courtly intrigue, ancient legends, and the passage of time, revealing the enduring power of myth and love amid the shif…
Level C1HistoricalThe Roman Poets of the Republic, 3rd editionExplore the evolution of Roman poetry from its indigenous roots through the works of pioneers like Ennius and Lucretius to the comedic genius of Plautus and Terence, revealing the…
Level C1HistoricalThe Roman Poets of the Augustan Age: VirgilExplore the rich literary world of the Augustan Age, tracing Virgil’s life and poetry within the transformative era from the Republic’s fall to the rise of the Empire, revealing th…
Level C1PoetryThe Remains of Hesiod the Ascræan, Including the Shield of HerculesExplore ancient Greek life, mythology, and philosophy through the poetic fragments of Hesiod, whose vivid allegories and heroic visions reveal the origins of gods, mankind, and the…
Level C1PoetryThe Real Robert BurnsDiscover the true character of Robert Burns beyond gossip and myth, revealing his sincere devotion to religion, democracy, and human brotherhood through his poetry and letters, cha…
Level C1PoetryThe Re-echo ClubDiscover the whimsical musings of a mysterious club as they craft playful poems inspired by the legendary Purple Cow, blending humor and literary homage in a lively celebration of…
Level C1FantasyThe Raven, and The Philosophy of CompositionDive into the haunting depths of a mournful poem and its creator’s revealing essay on the art of composition, where every eerie detail and deliberate choice unfolds the mystery beh…
Level C1PoetryThe Rape of the Lock, and Other PoemsA witty, satirical poem unfolds around a trivial social quarrel transformed into a grand heroic battle, revealing the absurdities of vanity and pride in high society through sparkl…
Level C1PoetryThe Rape of LucreceAmidst a Roman siege, a noblewoman's unwavering chastity becomes the target of a prince's dark desire, igniting a tragic tale of betrayal, honor, and the fierce consequences of vio…
Level C1PoetryThe Quadrupeds' Pic-NicStep into a whimsical world where animals gather for a lively picnic, sharing songs and stories that reveal charming tales and gentle morals through playful verse and imagination.
Level C1PoetryThe ProphetA beloved prophet prepares to leave the city that has been his home for twelve years, grappling with the sorrow of departure and the desire to share his hard-won wisdom before emba…
Level C1PoetryThe Prophecy of Merlin, and Other PoemsDive into a rich tapestry of poems weaving prophecy, history, and myth—from Merlin’s enigmatic visions to poignant reflections on kings, seasons, and timeless human experiences—eac…
Level C1PoetryThe Professor at the Breakfast-TableEngage in lively conversations that blend wit, wisdom, and reflection, as a thoughtful professor shares keen observations on life, belief, and society over breakfast.
Level C1PoetryThe Posy Ring: A Book of Verse for ChildrenDelight in a charming collection of poems that celebrate the playful wonders of childhood, nature, and imagination, carefully selected to inspire and enchant young readers througho…
Level C1HistoricalThe Political Songs of England: From the Reign of John to That of Edward IIDive into the turbulent political landscape of medieval England through stirring songs that capture the voices of oppressed people, bold satirists, and shifting powers from King Jo…
Level C1PoetryThe Poets and Poetry of Cecil County, MarylandExplore the heartfelt verses of Cecil County’s native poets, gathered to honor a cherished school commissioner’s memory and reveal the rich literary talents inspired by the region’…
Level C1PoetryThe Poetry of WalesDiscover the rich heritage of Welsh poetry, where ancient bards sing of valor, love, and spirituality, weaving the spirit of a nation through heroic odes, romantic ballads, and sac…
Level C1PoetryThe Poetical Works of William Wordsworth — Volume 5 (of 8)Follow the Wanderer, Solitary, and Pastor as they navigate the depths of human experience, reflecting on education, faith, and the impacts of society during turbulent times.
Level C1PoetryThe Poetical Works of William Wordsworth — Volume 4 (of 8)Experience the serene reflections and vivid portraits of rural life through heartfelt poems inspired by friendship, nature, and the quiet labors of a devoted farmer.