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
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Level C1PoetryThe AeneidAfter years of wandering, Aeneas and the remnants of Troy face Juno’s wrath and a deadly storm as they seek a new homeland in Italy, while divine forces and fateful passions shape…
PoetryThe Adventures of the Little Woman, Her Dog and the PedlarEmbark on a whimsical journey alongside a spirited little woman, her faithful dog, and a wandering pedlar as their intertwined tales unfold through charming verses of love and adve…
Level B2AdventureThe Adventures of Seumas Beg; The Rocky Road to DublinJourney alongside Seumas Beg through enchanting orchards, mysterious woods, and bustling Dublin streets, where playful adventures and curious encounters bring the vibrant Irish cou…
Level A2AdventureThe Adventures of Puss in BootsA clever cat dons boots and embarks on surprising adventures that blend wit, courage, and charm.
Level B2FantasyThe Adventures of A Brownie: As Told to My Child by Miss MulockA tiny, mischievous Brownie living unseen in a Devonshire coal-cellar faces a crisis when his nightly bowl of milk goes missing, prompting him to venture out into the kitchen and d…
Level B2FantasyThe Adventure of Two Dutch Dolls and a 'Golliwogg'On a magical Christmas Eve, two wooden Dutch dolls awaken to explore a world where toys come alive, facing thrilling rides, mischievous tricks, and enchanting new friends like the…
Level C2HistoricalThe Advance of English Poetry in the Twentieth CenturyExplore the evolution of English poetry as it responds to the upheavals of the early twentieth century, from the impact of the Great War to the voices of new and established poets…
PoetryThe Absurd ABCDive into a whimsical world where the alphabet takes on playful, nonsensical twists, turning each letter into a delightful surprise that challenges your imagination and tickles you…
PoetryThe 3 Little KittensThree playful kittens embark on a charming adventure filled with lost mittens, gentle washing, and the unexpected arrival of Sir Mouser, weaving a delightful tale of curiosity and…
Level C1PoetryThamyrisWhen the ancient Muses perform before the Heavenly Host, their haunting melodies stir unexpected emotions, yet modern poetry's evolving forms perplex the angels.
Level C1PoetryThalaba the DestroyerAn epic tale unfolds beneath the roots of the sea in a seminary of evil magicians, where ancient Arabian myths come alive through a rich, flowing verse that captures the harmony of…
Level C1HistoricalTh' History o' Haworth Railway: fra' th' beginnin' to th' end, wi' an ackaant o' th' oppnin' serrimonyIn a quaint Yorkshire town long overlooked, locals rally to build a railway that will bring progress and connection to their remote city.
Level C1PoetryTerrible Tractoration, and Other PoemsDive into a sharp-witted satire where Dr.
Level C1PoetryTennyson's Life and Poetry: And Mistakes Concerning TennysonExplore the life and works of Alfred Tennyson through a comprehensive study that uncovers errors in previous biographies and offers accurate insights into his poetry and personal h…
Level C1PoetryTennysonExplore the delicate harmony between art and nature through the eyes of a poet who captures beauty not in raw wilderness but in the crafted elegance of human creation, amid a world…
Level C2PoetryTender Buttons: Objects—Food—RoomsExplore everyday objects through a kaleidoscope of language where glass, color, and texture shift in unexpected ways, inviting you to see the ordinary anew in a playful dance of wo…
Level C1PoetryTargum: Or Metrical Translations From Thirty Languages And DialectsDive into a rich tapestry of poetic voices from thirty languages, revealing the soul and character of diverse cultures through metrical translations.
Level C1PoetryTar-Heel Tales in Vernacular VerseDive into vivid, vernacular verse capturing the tales of Tar-Heel refugees during Sherman’s campaign in North Carolina, blending humor, hardship, and local color through the eyes o…
Level C1PoetryTannhäuserA visionary seeker battles illusions, doubts, and cosmic ironies in a mystical quest to penetrate the deepest truths of existence, challenging old religious symbols and uncovering…
Level C2PoetryTam O'ShanterOn a stormy Scottish night, Tam O'Shanter rides home through eerie woods, only to stumble upon a wild dance of witches and warlocks at the haunted Kirk-Alloway—where the devil hims…
Level C1PoetryTales of a Wayside InnStep into a cozy inn where travelers share captivating tales—from daring midnight rides to legendary sagas of kings and warriors—woven into an enchanting tapestry of poetry that br…
Level C1PoetryTales of Ind, and Other PoemsIn a lush Indian valley, love blossoms between Seeta and Rama amid vibrant village life, but a devastating famine soon shatters their paradise, forcing them to confront hunger, los…
Level C1PoetryTales and Novels of J. de La Fontaine — CompleteDive into a rich collection of fables, tales, and poetic stories that blend wit, wisdom, and timeless human nature, revealing the quirks and morals of society through charming char…
PoetryTalesExplore vivid poetic narratives that delve into human nature, society, and morality, revealing timeless tales through rich verse and keen observation.
Level C2PoetrySword Blades and Poppy SeedExplore the delicate craft of poetry where beauty reigns above all, and the poet's voice seeks fresh rhythms and vivid images to capture the essence of emotion and the universe wit…
Level A2PoetrySweets for Leisure Hours: Amusing Tales for Little ReadersDelight in charming tales and gentle poems accompanied by colorful engravings, inviting young readers to explore kindness, contentment, and imagination through familiar stories and…
PoetrySweet HoursExplore a heartfelt collection of poems that delve into themes of memory, solitude, and nature’s quiet moments, weaving reflection and emotion through evocative verses that invite…
Level C2PoetrySwamp DemonsPhosphorescent lights beckon travelers into a treacherous swamp where ancient curses and vengeful spirits linger beneath the muck.
Level C2PoetrySun-Up, and Other PoemsAmid flickering shadows and whispered dreams, a child's world unfolds—where fierce love, haunting fears, and vivid imagination intertwine against the backdrop of everyday struggles…
Level C2PoetrySummer of LoveExperience a heartfelt journey through love’s many shades with poems that blend tender emotion and timeless reflection, capturing the warmth and complexity of a summer transformed…
Level C2PoetrySummer Morning: A poemAwaken to the serene beauty of a summer morning, captured in vivid poetic imagery that celebrates nature’s quiet splendor and the gentle rhythms of rural life.
Level B2PoetrySugar and Spice: Comical Tales Comically DressedChildren transform daily chores into lively adventures, from playful parties to inventive boot-making and garden games, revealing the joy and lessons hidden in everyday moments.
Level C1PoetrySuccessful RecitationsDiscover a curated collection of stirring poems and dramatic pieces designed to captivate any audience, blending patriotism, vivid imagery, and timeless themes that command attenti…
Level C1HistoricalStudies on Homer and the Homeric Age, Vol. 3 of 3: I. Agorè: Polities of the Homeric Age. II. Ilios: Trojans and Greeks Compared. III. Thalassa: The Outer Geography. IV. Aoidos: Some Points of the Poetry of Homer.Explore the political foundations, cultural contrasts, and geographical context of the Homeric Age, revealing how early Greek society shaped enduring ideals of governance and ident…
Level C1HistoricalStudies on Homer and the Homeric Age, Vol. 2 of 3: Olympus; or, the Religion of the Homeric AgeExplore the complex blend of theology and mythology in the Homeric age, where ancient traditions meet inventive storytelling, revealing a rich but inconsistent supernatural system…
Level C1HistoricalStudies on Homer and the Homeric Age, Vol. 1 of 3: I. Prolegomena II. Achæis; or, the Ethnology of the Greek RacesDelve into the fierce scholarly debate surrounding the authenticity and value of Homer’s epics, exploring their enduring significance and the evolving understanding of their place…
Level C1HistoricalStudies of the Greek Poets (Vol 2 of 2)Explore the origins and unique conditions that shaped Greek tragedy, focusing on Euripides' revolutionary contributions amid Athens' vibrant cultural and political scene, revealing…
Level C1HistoricalStudies of the Greek Poets (Vol 1 of 2)Explore the origins and evolution of Greek poetry through deep historical and mythological insights, tracing its development from Homeric epics to the philosophical and artistic he…
Level C1HistoricalStudies of Contemporary PoetsExplore the vibrant voices shaping modern poetry, as they capture the spirit of their time with social conscience, mysticism, and a deep connection to everyday life.
Level C1HistoricalStudies in the Poetry of Italy, Part II. ItalianExplore the rich origins and evolution of Italian literature, tracing its roots from the ancient Roman legacy through the influence of Germanic tribes and the transformation of Lat…
Level C1HistoricalStudies in the Poetry of Italy, Part I. RomanExplore the origins of Roman poetry through its dramatic, satiric, and epic phases, tracing Rome’s cultural growth amid conquest and lawmaking as Greek art and harsh realities shap…
Level C2PoetryStudies in Song, A Century of Roundels, Sonnets on English Dramatic Poets, The Heptalogia, Etc.: From Swinburne's Poems Volume V.Explore a rich tapestry of lyrical forms, from roundels and sonnets to odes, as poetic reflections delve into English dramatic poets, timeless themes, and personal elegies, weaving…
Level C2PoetryStudies in SongExplore a rich tapestry of poetic homage, translation, and lyrical invention that bridges classical genius with English verse, capturing the spirit of history, art, and human exper…
Level C1HistoricalStudies in Folk-Song and Popular PoetryExplore the rich world of folk-song and popular poetry as this collection delves into the melodies and stories that shaped cultures across America, Britain, and beyond, revealing t…
PoetryStruwwelpeter: Merry Stories and Funny PicturesDive into a collection of whimsical and cautionary tales where mischievous children face humorous consequences for their antics, brought to life through lively verses and vivid, un…
Level C1PoetryStray Pebbles from the Shores of ThoughtExplore a rich tapestry of reflections, memories, and heartfelt moments woven into verse, capturing the spirit of home, nature, and personal connections across time and place.
Level C2PoetryStray BirdsDelight in a collection of lyrical, contemplative verses that capture fleeting moments of nature, love, and existence with delicate imagery and profound insight.
Level B2PoetryStories of Many LandsJourney across continents to meet children from England to China, discovering that despite cultural differences, their joys, mischiefs, and dreams are remarkably alike.