Poetry
Read Poetry Classics in English
2,014 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.
- 2,014
- books
Level C2PoetryRhymes of a RoughneckIn a harsh northern wilderness forged by devilish design, men are drawn by gold and ambition to a land where nature itself seems hostile and fortune is a deadly gamble.
Level C2PoetryRhymes of Old PlimouthStep into the spirit of early Plymouth through evocative poems that celebrate its history, people, and landscapes—honoring the enduring legacy of the Old Colony and its storied pas…
Level C1PoetryRhymes of Northern Bards: Being a Curious Collection of Old and New Songs and Poems, Peculiar to the Counties of Newcastle upon Tyne, Northumberland, and DurhamDiscover a lively collection of songs and poems capturing the spirit, history, and local color of Newcastle upon Tyne, Northumberland, and Durham, preserving the voices and tales o…
Level C2PoetryRhymes from the RussianDiscover faithful English translations of Russia’s finest poets, capturing the spirit and soul of a society where poetry unites nobles, soldiers, and peasants alike, revealing the…
Level B2PoetryRhymes for the nurseryDelight in gentle, soothing verses that capture the tender moments of childhood—from morning wake-ups to bedtime lullabies—inviting little ones to explore the world through simple…
Level C1PoetryRhymes for Harry and His Nurse-MaidGentle rhymes guide young children and their caregivers through early lessons in care, discipline, and virtue, blending simple narratives with practical advice to nurture good habi…
Level A2PoetryRhymes and JinglesDiscover a delightful collection of playful rhymes and jingles that capture the charm of childhood, nature, and everyday adventures, inviting young readers into a world of imaginat…
Level C2PoetryRhymes a la ModeJourney to an enchanted island where time stands still and immortal souls roam beneath eternal silver dawns.![Cover of Rhymes Old and New : collected by M.E.S. Wright by M. E. S. [Compiler] Wright](https://dsx1pat3ljtul.cloudfront.net/books/dagoip25dk3s73eg9990.webp)
Level C1PoetryRhymes Old and New : collected by M.E.S. WrightDelight in a rich collection of rhymes gathered from diverse regions and traditions, blending timeless nursery verses with local variations and weather lore, perfect for children a…
Level C2FantasyRhyme? and reason?Dive into a whimsical collection of poems and riddles where nonsense and reason intertwine, guided by curious voices and playful rhythms that challenge the mind and delight the sen…
Level C1PoetryRevised Edition of PoemsA lifetime of heartfelt musings unfolds in verse, celebrating local heroes, humble lives, and the spirit of a Yorkshire town.
Level C2PoetryResponsibilities, and other poemsDive into a world where ancient myths and personal reflections entwine, as a poet wrestles with heritage, faith, and the haunting echoes of history through stirring verse and evoca…
Level B2PoetryRequired Poems for Reading and Memorizing: Third and Fourth Grades, Prescribed by State Courses of StudyDive into a rich collection of poems embraced by schoolchildren, where playful adventures, mysterious unseen friends, and the changing seasons come alive through captivating verses…
Level C1PoetryRenascence: A Book of VerseDive into a rich collection of evocative poems exploring themes of love, memory, time, and renewal, adorned with vivid imagery and lyrical beauty that awaken the spirit and stir th…
Level C2PoetryRenascence, and Other PoemsA profound meditation on existence unfolds as a soul confronts the vastness of the universe, bearing the weight of infinite knowledge, sorrow, and compassion.
Level C1HistoricalRenaissance in Italy, Volume 5 (of 7): Italian Literature, Part 2Dive into the vibrant world of Renaissance Italy through the lens of epic poetry, exploring the artistic evolution and cultural shifts that shaped masterpieces like Orlando Furioso…
Level C1PoetryReminiscent Poems: Part 3 From Volume II of The Works of John Greenleaf WhittierExplore vivid memories and heartfelt reflections through lyrical portraits of nature, youth, and enduring spirit, where past dreams and emotions weave a timeless tapestry of beauty…
Level C2PoetryRemedia Amoris; or, The Remedy of Love: Literally Translated into English Prose, with Copious NotesA witty guide to love’s trials offers remedies for those ensnared by passion, teaching how to heal the wounds Cupid’s arrows inflict before they grow too deep.
Level C1RomanceReliques of Ancient English Poetry, Volume 3 (of 3): Consisting of Old Heroic Ballads, Songs and Other Pieces of Our Earlier Poets Together With Some Few of Later DateDive into a rich collection of ancient English ballads and romantic tales, exploring legendary tests of fidelity like enchanted mantles and magical horns that reveal truth and hono…
Level C1RomanceReliques of Ancient English Poetry, Volume 2 (of 3): Consisting of Old Heroic Ballads, Songs and Other Pieces of Our Earlier Poets Together With Some Few of Later DateDive into a collection of ancient English ballads and songs that reveal the fiery spirit and satire of medieval times, capturing battles, betrayals, and the age-old struggle for po…
Level C1RomanceReliques of Ancient English Poetry, Volume 1 (of 3): Consisting of Old Heroic Ballads, Songs and Other Pieces of Our Earlier Poets Together With Some Few of Later DateDive into a rich collection of old heroic ballads, songs, and metrical romances that reveal the voices and stories of England’s earliest poets and minstrels.
Level C1PoetryReligious Studies, Sketches and PoemsExplore deep reflections on faith, suffering, and love through meditations and poems that center on Christ as the enduring source of strength in life's trials, offering solace amid…
Level C2PoetryReligious Poems, SelectedExplore a collection of deeply spiritual poems that evoke biblical stories, sacred hymns, and reflections on faith, capturing moments from Bethlehem to ancient sacrifices with reve…
Level C2PoetryReligious Poems, Part 2.: Part 6 From Volume II of The Works of John Greenleaf WhittierExplore profound reflections on faith, doubt, and divine love through evocative verses that grapple with human weakness, the mystery of God's goodness, and the soul’s quest for spi…
Level C2PoetryReligious Poems, Part 1.: Part 5 From Volume II of The Works of John Greenleaf WhittierJourney through vivid spiritual landscapes where faith, nature, and ancient rites intertwine—from the hopeful Star of Bethlehem blossoming in foreign soil to the haunting downfall…
Level C2PoetryReligious PoemsExplore profound faith and devotion through stirring verses that reflect on sacrifice, divine presence, and the soul’s journey beyond life, inspired by stories of saints, sacred mo…
Level C1PoetryRejected Addresses; Or, The New Theatrum PoetarumA witty collection of poetic imitations emerges from a theatrical contest to craft the perfect opening address for Drury Lane Theatre's grand reopening, blending satire and homage…
Level C2PoetryReincarnationsImmerse yourself in a lyrical journey through love, loss, and longing as vivid voices and haunting images evoke timeless human emotions and the enduring spirit of life’s many reinc…
Level C1HistoricalReginald Bateman, Teacher and Soldier: A Memorial Volume of Selections from His Lectures and Other WritingsExplore the life of a scholar turned soldier, whose inspiring lectures and writings reveal the courage and sacrifice behind a promising academic career cut short by war.
Level C1PoetryRecollections of Dante Gabriel RossettiExplore the intimate friendship and literary correspondence with a deeply troubled poet whose genius and personal struggles unfold through heartfelt letters and vivid recollections…
Level C1HistoricalRecollections of Bytown and Its Old InhabitantsStep back into the early days of Bytown, where memories of its original inhabitants and unfolding history come alive through heartfelt recollections, preserving names and stories t…
Level C1PoetryRecitations for the Social Circle. Selected and OriginalDiscover a curated collection of poetry, speeches, and recitations designed to stir the soul with quiet power and sincere expression.
Level C1PoetryRebel VersesExperience the raw, unvarnished lives of Lincolnshire's folk through verses that reveal their struggles, humor, and enduring spirit in a world shaped by war and tradition.
Level C2PoetryReadings from Latin Verse; With NotesExplore the rich world of classical Latin poetry through carefully selected verses, from Ennius' legendary laments to Lucretius' profound reflections on nature and superstition, ac…
Level C2PoetryRandom Rhymes and RamblesExplore heartfelt musings and rustic wisdom through rough-hewn verse and prose, as an untrained rhymer captures life's struggles, kindness, and resilience in candid Yorkshire diale…
Level C1PoetryRampolliExplore a world where night holds mysterious power and sacred beauty, unveiling hidden depths of the soul beyond the reach of daylight.
Level C1PoetryRambles in Waltham ForestExplore the rich history and serene beauty of Waltham Forest through poetic reflections that weave together royal legends, local lore, and timeless nature, inviting readers to jour…
Level C1PoetryRainbow gold; poems old and new selected for boys and girlsDiscover a vibrant collection of poems chosen to delight young imaginations, blending timeless ballads and lively verses that invite children into a world of color, rhythm, and sto…
PoetryRain and rosesDelve into a heartfelt collection where nature’s gentle rain mingles with the delicate beauty of roses, capturing moments of reflection and emotion through poetic verses.
PoetryR.E.H.Explore a poignant tribute woven through sparse lines, reflecting on loss and memory in a brief, haunting poetic form.
PoetryR. Caldecott's Picture Book (No. 2): The Three Jovial Huntsmen—Sing a Song for Sixpence—The Queen of Hearts—The Farmer's BoyDelight in a charming collection of timeless nursery rhymes and lively poems brought to life with whimsical illustrations, featuring jovial huntsmen, playful songs, and heartwarmin…
Level C1PoetryR. Caldecott's First Collection of Pictures and SongsJoin John Gilpin on a wild, unexpected ride as he sets out for a simple holiday, only to find chaos, humor, and lively mishaps along the way.
Level C1PoetryQueen Summer; Or, The Tourney of the Lily and the RoseIn a vibrant garden kingdom, noble Roses and Lilies vie in a dazzling tourney for Queen Summer's favor, their floral rivalry unfolding in a spirited dance of color, chivalry, and h…
Level C1HistoricalQueen Moo's Talisman: The Fall of the Maya EmpireDelve into the rich spiritual and cultural tapestry of the ancient Maya, exploring their beliefs in immortality, divine intelligence, and sacred rituals, all woven through traditio…
Level C1PoetryQueen Berngerd, The Bard and the Dreams, and Other BalladsEnter a realm where queens wield iron chains and kings face curses, where kindness blooms amid war and ruin, and a wandering bard’s melodies awaken flowers and dreams—each ballad w…
Level C2PoetryQuartz from the UplandsA powerful call to awaken the creative spirit within a world dulled by convention and industry’s roar, urging a deep communion with nature’s cycles and a fierce critique of society…
Level C1PoetryQuaint Gleanings from Ancient Poetry: A Collection of Curious Poetical Compositions of the XVIth, XVIIth, and XVIIIth CenturiesDiscover a rich tapestry of rare poems from the 16th to 18th centuries, blending heartfelt love, political satire, and historical reflections unearthed from dusty manuscripts and f…
Level C1PoetryPygmalion and the ImageAn artist’s obsession with his own creation blurs the line between craftsmanship and passion in a tale where beauty, longing, and divine intervention intertwine to breathe life int…