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 A2PoetryLove Sonnets of an Office BoyDive into the heartfelt and whimsical world of an office boy's love, captured in a series of sonnets that reveal the charm, longing, and everyday poetry found amidst the humdrum of…
Level C2PoetryLove SongsDive into a world where beauty and longing intertwine through delicate, evocative verses that explore love’s joys and sorrows—from whispered kisses to silent yearnings beneath star…
Level C1RomanceLove Letters of a Violinist, and Other PoemsDiscover the mysterious love letters of a violinist, whose poetic confessions blend classical beauty with heartfelt passion, drawing readers into an ethereal world of music, dreams…
Level C1PoetryLouise Chandler Moulton, Poet and FriendExplore the life of a gifted poet whose lyrical spirit shapes not only her art but her wide circle of compassionate friendships.
Level A2PoetryLost NellieYoung Nellie’s innocent prayers and wandering spirit lead her into a touching journey of faith and hope, while other heartfelt tales explore kindness, perseverance, and the comfort…
Level C2PoetryLook! We Have Come Through!Experience the raw journey of a man grappling with love, loss, and self-discovery during the tumultuous passage into maturity, where passion and conflict intertwine beneath the moo…
PoetryLondon TownImmerse yourself in poetic reflections that capture the vibrant spirit and intricate life of London Town, weaving imagery and feeling into a vivid urban tapestry.
Level C2PoetryLondon SonnetsExplore the vibrant streets and hidden corners of London through evocative sonnets that capture everyday life, love, and war, painting a poetic portrait of a city alive with storie…
Level C1PoetryLondon LyricsExplore gentle, reflective verses capturing London life with subtle humor and tender melancholy, as a thoughtful poet observes everyday moments with grace and understated wit.
Level C1HistoricalLives of the Poets, Volume 1Explore the lives and works of England’s greatest poets through candid biographies that reveal their characters, controversies, and the moral lessons behind their art, all delivere…
Level C1HistoricalLives of the English Poets: Gay, Thomson, Young, Gray, &c.Explore the lives and works of English poets from the late 17th and early 18th centuries, revealing their literary contributions, personal struggles, and the cultural backdrop of t…
Level A2PoetryLittle peopleExplore a vivid alphabet where each letter introduces a different culture or character from around the world, brought to life through charming verses and colorful illustrations.
Level B2PoetryLittle WillieA whimsical glimpse into the mischievous world of Little Willie, where bedtime rituals and childhood antics stir both humor and curiosity in this charming collection of poetry.
Level B2PoetryLittle Wideawake: A story book for little childrenJoin Rosie, a spirited little girl, and her lively siblings on a snowy countryside adventure filled with playful mischief, unexpected thrills, and heartwarming moments that capture…
Level B1PoetryLittle SongsDelight in charming rhymes and gentle melodies that invite children into a world of gardens, moons, lullabies, and playful creatures, blending whimsical verses with tender lessons…
Level B2PoetryLittle SarahA determined girl races through each step of growing grain to bake her grandmother’s Johnny-cake in record time, discovering the patience and effort behind simple blessings.
Level C1PoetryLittle Engel: a ballad; with a series of epigrams from the PersianA bold young knight, Little Engel, seizes a maiden and seeks refuge in a church besieged by a hundred armed men.
PoetryLittle Bo-Peep: A Nursery Rhyme Picture BookCharming nursery rhymes come to life with whimsical illustrations, weaving familiar tales of Little Bo-Peep's lost sheep, playful hens, and bedtime adventures that delight young re…
PoetryLittle Ann, and Other PoemsStep into a charming collection of poems that explore childhood adventures, gentle lessons, and the simple joys of nature through vivid, heartfelt verses that capture the innocence…
Level C1PoetryLiterary Fables of YriarteExplore sharp, witty fables crafted to expose the follies of scholars through clever animal allegories, blending moral lessons with graceful verse in a unique collection translated…
Level C1PoetryLincoln & other poemsExplore stirring poems that celebrate historic moments and figures, from Lincoln’s legacy to the dawn of a new century, blending powerful imagery with reflections on justice, faith…
Level C1PoetryLilithDiscover the myth of Lilith, Adam’s mysterious first wife, reimagined beyond legend as a figure of intellect and maternal love whose story echoes through the haunting lullabies of…
Level B2PoetryLife on the Farm; in Amusing RhymeDiscover the charm and humor of rural life brought to life through playful and entertaining verse, capturing the everyday joys and quirks of the farm in amusing rhyme.
Level C1PoetryLife of Robert BrowningExplore the early life and poetic evolution of a visionary writer, from youthful inspirations to literary society encounters, as he crafts groundbreaking monodramatic works and nav…
Level C1PoetryLife of John Keats: His Life and Poetry, His Friends, Critics and After-FameExplore the intimate life and enduring poetry of John Keats, tracing his friendships, inspirations, and the critical world that shaped him.
Level C1PoetryLife of John KeatsExplore the vibrant life and poetic journey of a young Londoner whose passion for verse blooms amid personal loss, literary friendships, and a battle with illness, capturing the st…
Level C1PoetryLife and Remains of John Clare, The "Northamptonshire Peasant Poet"Discover the intimate life and heartfelt poetry of John Clare, the Northamptonshire peasant poet, through his letters, diary entries, and poignant verses written even during his ti…
RomanceLife and Adventures of Mr. Pig and Miss Crane: A Nursery TaleJoin Mr.
Level C1HistoricalLife Without and Life Within; or, Reviews, Narratives, Essays, and Poems.Explore the parallel streams of outward experience and inner spiritual life as one soul reflects on culture, literature, and the divine, revealing a rich interplay between external…
Level C2PoetryLife Immovable. First PartAmidst fierce cultural and political turmoil in early 20th-century Greece, a poet wrestles with identity, language, and national heritage, capturing the passions and conflicts of h…
Level C1PoetryLibrary of the World's Best Literature, Ancient and Modern — Volume 15Explore the origins and essence of folk-song as a communal expression rooted in dance and tradition, revealing how collective emotion shapes simple, sincere lyrics passed down thro…
Level C1PoetryLibrary of the World's Best Literature, Ancient and Modern — Volume 08Explore the life of John Calvin, a brilliant scholar whose sharp intellect and unwavering faith shaped Protestant theology and reformed Geneva’s church and state, revealing the pro…
Level C1PoetryLibrary of the World's Best Literature, Ancient and Modern — Volume 07Explore the vivid landscapes of 19th-century American life through the poetic and prose works of Henry Cuyler Bunner, whose warm realism and gentle humor illuminate the spirit of N…
Level C1PoetryLewesdon Hill, with other poemsAscend Lewesdon Hill on a May morning and explore vivid landscapes imbued with local lore and natural beauty.
Level C1PoetryLetters Concerning Poetical Translations: And Virgil's and Milton's Arts of Verse, &c.Explore the art of poetical translation by comparing the swift, fiery style of Homer with the majestic, deliberate verse of Virgil, revealing how capturing an author's unique voice…
Level C1PoetryLegends, Tales and PoemsStep into the enchanting world of old Spain, where poetic dreams and haunting legends weave together along the banks of the Guadalquivir.
Level C1HistoricalLegends of the Saxon SaintsDive into the stirring era when Anglo-Saxon kingdoms embraced Christianity, witnessing saintly rulers, grand cathedrals rising from ancient temples, and the birth of missions that…
Level C1PoetryLegends of the North: The Guidman O' Inglismill and The Fairy BrideImmerse yourself in the enchanting world of Scottish folklore where the mischievous yet benevolent fairies dwell, weaving tales of magic, temperance, and nostalgia in the rich Dori…
Level C1PoetryLegends and Lyrics. Part 2In a quiet convent by the Mediterranean, Sister Angela tends her daily prayers and floral offerings, embodying innocence amid an ancient legend.
Level C1PoetryLegends and Lyrics. Part 1A collection of heartfelt poems weaving legends, personal reflections, and lyrical beauty, accompanied by an intimate introduction revealing the secret identity of the poet behind…
Level C1HistoricalLectures on the English Poets; Delivered at the Surrey InstitutionExplore the vivid world of English poetry as it unfolds from Chaucer to the living poets, revealing how imagination and passion shape our deepest human experiences through verse.
Level C2PoetryLectures on Poetry: Read in the Schools of Natural Philosophy at OxfordDelve into the intricate art of poetry as explored through engaging lectures that balance classical wisdom with original insight.
Level C1HistoricalLectures on English poetsExplore a series of insightful lectures revealing the essence and impact of English poets through vivid imagery, thoughtful criticism, and poetic prose, delivered by a scholar-poet…
Level C2PoetryLeaves of GrassA vibrant celebration of individuality, democracy, and the human spirit unfolds through expansive, free-flowing verse that explores life, nature, war, and the boundless sea, inviti…
Level C1PoetryLeaves for a Christmas Bough: Love, Truth, and HopeCelebrate the joys and lessons of childhood through heartfelt letters, sketches, and reminiscences that capture the spirit of Christmas and the warmth of friendship, kindness, and…
Level C2FantasyLe Corbeau = The RavenIn a midnight chamber haunted by sorrow for lost Lenore, a mysterious raven appears, its eerie presence stirring dreams and fears beyond mortal reckoning.
PoetryLazy Matilda, and Other TalesDive into whimsical poems that bring to life mischievous children, magical creatures, and timeless tales, inviting readers to explore lessons and laughter through vivid, playful st…
Level C1HistoricalLays of the Scottish Cavaliers and Other PoemsAmid the devastating defeat at the Battle of Flodden in 1513, Scottish nobles and commoners alike face harrowing loss and unyielding valor.