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 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.
Level C1PoetryThe Poetical Works of William Lisle Bowles, Vol. 2Explore a vivid comparison of eighteenth and nineteenth-century poetry, revealing how shifts in style, sentiment, and subject reflect the evolving spirit of their times.
Level C1PoetryThe Poetical Works of William Lisle Bowles, Vol. 1: With Memoir, Critical Dissertation, and Explanatory Notes by George GilfillanExperience the heartfelt reflections and melancholy musings of a solitary poet whose sonnets, born from personal sorrow and inspired by nature's serene landscapes, reveal the raw e…
Level C1PoetryThe Poetical Works of William Collins; With a MemoirExplore the tender verses of a poet whose genius blossomed amid struggle and obscurity, tracing his journey from hopeful scholar to a literary adventurer in London, capturing the d…
Level C1PoetryThe Poetical Works of Thomas Traherne, 1636?-1674, from the original manuscriptsDiscover the radiant spiritual reflections of a 17th-century poet whose passionate fervor and noble character shine through his heartfelt meditations and verse, revealing a deeply…
Level C1PoetryThe Poetical Works of Thomas HoodExplore the heartfelt and witty poetry shaped by a life shadowed by illness and loss, revealing the quiet humor and deep family devotion of a poet who navigates personal hardship w…
Level C1PoetryThe Poetical Works of Thomas CampbellJourney through the vivid landscapes of hope, love, and war as a young Scottish poet rises from humble beginnings to literary fame, inspired by nature’s beauty and turbulent times.
Level C1PoetryThe Poetical Works of Sir Edward Bulwer Lytton, Bart. M.P.Dive into a rich collection of revised and newly unveiled poems exploring timeless themes and vivid imagery, accompanied by insightful historical and mythological footnotes that de…
Level C1PoetryThe Poetical Works of Oliver Wendell Holmes — Volume 08: Bunker Hill and Other PoemsExperience the tense moments of the Battle of Bunker Hill through vivid, personal recollections as a grandmother recounts the clash of muskets and cannon fire, capturing the courag…
Level C1PoetryThe Poetical Works of Oliver Wendell Holmes — Volume 07: Songs of Many SeasonsExperience a journey through the changing seasons and the human heart in a collection of heartfelt poems, from joyful gatherings to solemn farewells, capturing moments of history,…
Level C1PoetryThe Poetical Works of Oliver Wendell Holmes — Volume 03: Medical PoemsStep quietly into the intimate world of the sickroom, where the art of healing blends science with kindness, and the true challenge lies in being the patient, not the doctor.
Level C1PoetryThe Poetical Works of Oliver Wendell Holmes — Volume 02: Additional Poems (1837-1848)Journey through vivid visions of Pilgrim endurance and the relentless spirit of a nation forging its destiny, as stirring poems evoke icy frontiers, fierce battles, and the dawn of…
Level C1PoetryThe Poetical Works of Mrs. LeprohonExplore heartfelt poems that capture the dawn of Canadian literature, celebrating patriotism, hope, and the beauty of a young nation's struggles through the compassionate eyes of a…
Level C1PoetryThe Poetical Works of Mark AkensideExplore the journey of a young poet born in humble origins, whose early verses sparkle with political zeal and imagination, as he navigates the challenges of faith, ambition, and c…
Level C1PoetryThe Poetical Works of John Skelton, Volume 1 (of 2)Dive into the sharp wit and rich language of a 15th-century poet whose works, painstakingly collected and restored, reveal the vibrant voice of early English verse, blending praise…
Level C1PoetryThe Poetical Works of John Dryden, Volume 2: With Life, Critical Dissertation, and Explanatory NotesExplore the complex legacy of a poet wielding immense influence in a turbulent age, as his works reflect both the spirit and the moral challenges of his time.
Level C1PoetryThe Poetical Works of John Dryden, Volume 1: With Life, Critical Dissertation, and Explanatory NotesExplore the early life and education of a young poet navigating family ties, scholarship, and ambition in 17th-century England, setting the stage for a literary journey marked by w…
Level C1PoetryThe Poetical Works of James BeattieExplore the early life and poetic inspirations of a young Scottish scholar who finds solace in nature, music, and classical studies while navigating humble beginnings, academic cha…
Level C1PoetryThe Poetical Works of Henry Kirk White : With a Memoir by Sir Harris NicolasA gifted boy from humble beginnings channels his early struggles, vivid imagination, and poetic passion into a life marked by heartfelt verses and letters, offering a deeply person…
Level C1PoetryThe Poetical Works of Elizabeth Barrett Browning, Volume 1Dive into a world of heartfelt verse and personal reflection, where poetic aspirations intertwine with family bonds and classical influences, revealing the inner life and trials of…
Level C1PoetryThe Poetical Works of Edmund Spenser, Volume 5Amid the ruins of a once-glorious city, a sorrowful woman mourns the fleeting nature of worldly splendor and the vanishing of noble spirits.
Level C1PoetryThe Poetical Works of David GrayImmerse yourself in a heartfelt collection of poetry that traces the life and dreams of a young poet whose ambition and melancholy shaped his pursuit of literary fame.
Level C1PoetryThe Poet at the Breakfast-TableEngage in lively Breakfast-Table conversations where poets, scientists, and philosophers explore the vastness of knowledge, human nature, and the mysteries of life with wit and pro…
Level C1PoetryThe Poems of Richard Corbet, late bishop of Oxford and of NorwichWitty and sharp, these poems emerge from the life of a 17th-century bishop who navigates religious strife, academic rivalry, and royal ceremonies with humor and boldness, revealing…
Level C1PoetryThe Poems of Philip Freneau, Poet of the American Revolution. Volume 1 (of 3)Dive into the revolutionary era through stirring poems that chronicle the fierce political debates, personal trials, and fiery spirit of a poet once scorned but now celebrated for…
Level C1PoetryThe Poems of Oliver GoldsmithExplore the vibrant life and sharp wit of a young Irish poet as he navigates harsh tutors, travels across Europe on a shoestring, and sharpens his humor through keen observations o…
Level C1PoetryThe Poems of Madison Cawein, Volume 5 (of 5): Poems of meditation and of forest and fieldImmerse yourself in meditative verses and vivid imagery of forests and fields, where nature and introspection intertwine in a lyrical celebration of beauty, mystery, and the passag…
Level C1PoetryThe Poems of Madison Cawein, Volume 3 (of 5): Nature poemsImmerse yourself in vivid verse that captures the beauty and mysteries of nature—from whispering winds to quiet woods, each poem invites you to explore the seasons, landscapes, and…
Level C1PoetryThe Poems of Madison Cawein, Volume 2 (of 5): New world idylls and poems of loveImmerse yourself in lyrical eclogues and evocative verses that weave the changing seasons with tender moments of love and longing, set against the enchanting backdrop of nature’s N…
Level C1PoetryThe Poems of Madison Cawein, Volume 1 (of 5): Lyrics and old world idyllsImmerse yourself in vivid lyric poems and idyllic scenes that weave old-world charm with meditative reflections on nature and life, capturing the serene spirit of Kentucky’s landsc…
Level C1PoetryThe Poems of Goethe, Translated in the Original MetresExplore the profound spirit of nature and human feeling through meticulously translated poems that capture the original metre and depth of thought, revealing the timeless artistry…
Level C1PoetryThe Poems of Giacomo LeopardiExplore the passionate verses of a poet whose intense love of beauty, patriotism, and deep philosophical reflections blend sorrow and aspiration in stirring odes and lyrics, reveal…
Level C1PoetryThe Poems of Felicia HemansExplore the heartfelt journey of a gifted poet from childhood to adulthood, tracing her inspirations, triumphs, and intimate reflections through a lifetime of evocative verse and l…
Level C1PoetryThe Poems of Emma Lazarus, Volume 2: Jewish poems: TranslationsExplore the poignant reflections and haunting melodies of a sensitive spirit wrestling with identity, loss, and heritage.