Poetry
Read Poetry Classics in English
2,602 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.
- 2,602
- books
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…
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 B1PoetryThe Death and Burial of Cock RobinA whimsical assembly of birds takes part in the funeral of Cock Robin, each stepping forward to claim a role in his burial.
Level B2PoetryThe Deaf Shoemaker: To Which Are Added Other Stories for the YoungIn a world where every soul embarks on a tempestuous voyage towards eternity, a noble hero’s fearless rescue amid a fiery shipwreck offers hope—and a life-preserver named Christ.
Level B2PoetryThe Dead Men's Song: Being the Story of a Poem and a Reminiscent Sketch of its Author Young Ewing AllisonDive into the haunting tale behind the creation of the infamous pirate poem "Fifteen Men on the Dead Man’s Chest," intertwined with personal recollections and rare manuscripts reve…
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 B2PoetryThe Dance of DinwiddieStep into a vivid tapestry of voices and melodies where dancers gather on a rustic acre, weaving tales of love, dreams, and quarrels through evocative songs and stories that echo t…
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 C2PoetryThe Daemon of the WorldA radiant spirit awakens beside the Daemon of the World, embarking on a celestial journey through infinite stars and cosmic wonders, revealing profound truths beyond mortal grasp.
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 C2HistoricalThe Cruise of the Catalpa: A PoemA stirring poetic account unfolds aboard the ship Catalpa, capturing the daring rescue of Fenian prisoners from Fremantle, Australia.
PoetryThe Cross and CrownExplore a powerful poetic journey contrasting sacrifice and triumph, delving into themes of faith, struggle, and redemption through vivid imagery and stirring verse.
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.
Level A2PoetryThe Cowslip; Or, More Cautionary Stories, in VerseTender lessons unfold through charming verses as children navigate mischief, kindness, and learning—from sharing stories and facing punishment to discovering courage and compassion…
Level B2PoetryThe Courtship, Marriage, and Pic-Nic Dinner of Cock Robin & Jenny Wren: With the Death and Burial of Poor Cock RobinFollow the whimsical journey of Cock Robin and Jenny Wren as they navigate courtship, marriage, a festive picnic, and the unexpected trials that follow, brought to life with charmi…
Level C1RomanceThe Courtship of Miles Standish:: With Suggestions for Study and NotesIn a time of religious strife and exile, a determined band of Puritans embarks on a perilous journey to the New World, seeking freedom to worship and a place to build a new life am…
Level C1PoetryThe Court of Chancery: a satirical poem.Dive into a sharp satire exposing the endless delays and corrupt practices of the Court of Chancery, where legal battles drain clients’ resources and patience alike.