Poetry
Read Poetry Classics in English
2,580 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 Winona, a Dakota Legend; and Other Poems, Wings of youth and Wings of silver. 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.
- 2,580
- books
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 B2PoetryThe Entertaining History of Jobson & NellIn a lively village near the Bell, cobbler Jobson and his wife Nell navigate the humorous trials of daily life, from missed church shoes to stolen roast beef, blending mischief and…
Level B2PoetryThe Englishman and Other PoemsExplore a stirring collection of poems that celebrate the spirit and heritage of the Englishman, the bonds between England and its colonies, and the call of progress and destiny in…
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 C2PoetryThe East I knowExplore a profound poetic journey blending drama, thought, and mysticism, where characters confront fate, society, and spiritual truth across a tapestry of vivid, symbolic narrativ…
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 B2PoetryThe Ducks and Frogs, a Tale of the Bogs.In a sunlit brook, two curious Ducks encounter a solemn assembly of Frogs petitioning for mercy from humans who threaten their peaceful bog home.
Level C2PoetryThe DruriadStep into the vibrant world behind Drury-Lane Theatre’s curtains, where wit and satire expose the virtues and vices of actors amidst London’s theatrical scene, blending sharp criti…
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…
PoetryThe Dread Voyage: PoemsEmbark on a haunting journey through nature, history, and human emotion as vivid poems explore icy voyages, storms, and timeless reflections, weaving a tapestry of adventure, sacri…
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 B2PoetryThe Diving Bell; Or, Pearls to be Sought forDive beneath the surface with tales and fables that invite you to think deeply and discover hidden wisdom, much like exploring the depths with a diving bell.
Level C2PoetryThe Divine Vision, and Other PoemsJourney through twilight realms where ancient gods and faery lights awaken forgotten dreams and immortal moods, weaving a poetic tapestry of love, freedom, and the eternal quest fo…
Level C2PoetryThe Divine Comedy, Volume 3, ParadiseDante, guided by Beatrice, ascends through the celestial spheres of Paradise, encountering radiant spirits and divine truths that challenge his understanding of faith, love, and sa…
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 C2PoetryThe Divine Comedy by Dante, Illustrated, Purgatory, CompleteJourney through a realm where the human spirit is cleansed of sin, guided by divine forces and ancient wisdom, as a soul ascends from darkness toward heavenly light.
Level C2PoetryThe Divine Comedy by Dante, Illustrated, Paradise, CompleteJourney through realms of divine light where a pilgrim guided by Beatrice ascends beyond mortal limits to witness the eternal harmony that shapes the universe and the soul’s destin…
Level C2HistoricalThe Divine Comedy by Dante, Illustrated, Hell, Volume 10Descend into a frozen abyss where tormented souls endure eternal punishment, their frozen anguish revealing dark betrayals and sins.
Level C2PoetryThe Divine Comedy by Dante, Illustrated, Hell, Volume 09Journey through the haunting depths of Hell, where tormented souls bear the scars of their sins and ancient punishments unfold amid eerie landscapes, revealing the grim fates of al…
Level C2PoetryThe Divine Comedy by Dante, Illustrated, Hell, Volume 08Journey through a haunting underworld where tormented souls bear heavy burdens and dark secrets unfold.
Level C2PoetryThe Divine Comedy by Dante, Illustrated, Hell, Volume 07Descend into the fiery depths of Malebolge, where sinners endure relentless torment amid rocky trenches and demonic lashes, revealing tales of deceit, corruption, and unending puni…
Level C2PoetryThe Divine Comedy by Dante, Illustrated, Hell, Volume 06Journey through a shadowed forest where twisted trees whisper tormented souls’ tales, and monstrous Harpies prey, revealing dark punishments of the damned.
Level C2PoetryThe Divine Comedy by Dante, Illustrated, Hell, Volume 05Descend into the darkest depths of the underworld, where ancient horrors and relentless torment await.
Level C2PoetryThe Divine Comedy by Dante, Illustrated, Hell, Volume 04Descend through the harrowing circles of Hell, where souls suffer eternal justice for their earthly sins, and witness the clash of divine wrath and human folly in a vivid, poetic j…
Level C2HistoricalThe Divine Comedy by Dante, Illustrated, Hell, Volume 03Journey through the harrowing second circle of Hell, where lustful souls are swept endlessly by a fierce storm, and witness tragic figures caught in eternal torment as their past p…
Level C2PoetryThe Divine Comedy by Dante, Illustrated, Hell, Volume 02Descend into a shadowed realm where souls wander lost, punished by divine justice and haunted by eternal despair.
Level C2PoetryThe Divine Comedy by Dante, Illustrated, Hell, Volume 01Lost in a dark and terrifying forest, a weary traveler encounters three fearsome beasts blocking his path and meets the ghost of the ancient poet Virgil, who offers to guide him th…
Level B2PoetryThe Diverting History of John Gilpin: Showing How He Went Farther Than He Intended, and Came Safe Home AgainA frugal London linendraper sets off on a holiday ride with his family, but his horse has other plans, galloping wildly and sending John on an unexpected, riotous adventure beyond…
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 C2PoetryThe Deserted CityIn a world cloaked in darkness and doubt, a soul wanders through desolate houses of night, faith, and love, seeking light, mercy, and meaning beyond death’s shadow.
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…