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 C1HistoricalHomer and His AgeExplore the world behind the Homeric epics through a detailed investigation of the culture and lifestyle depicted, challenging critical assumptions and uncovering the unity and con…
PoetryHome PoemsExplore heartfelt reflections and timeless emotions through a collection of poems that celebrate home, faith, love, and life's enduring moments.
Level C1PoetryHome Lyrics: A Book of PoemsDelve into poignant poems that celebrate love, loss, and nature through tender reflections and vivid storytelling, including heartfelt tributes and charming tales of childhood inno…
Level C1PoetryHome Again with MeA devoted father welcomes his daughter home after her schooling, navigating the joys and sorrows of family life with heartfelt tenderness and nostalgic reflection.
Level C2PoetryHis Lady of the SonnetsAwakened from slumber, a soul is stirred by the enchanting presence of a beloved, inspiring visions of timeless love and mystical beauty.
Level C1PoetryHindustani LyricsExplore the rich tapestry of Urdu poetry, where mystic love, heroic tales, and spiritual quests intertwine in lyrical verses that celebrate the beauty and complexity of Indian cult…
Level C1PoetryHindu literature : Comprising The Book of good counsels, Nala and Damayanti, The Ramayana, and SakoontalaAncient tales and timeless wisdom unfold as a wise sage teaches princely heirs the art of policy through fables of friendship and strategy, revealing the heart of India's rich heri…
Level C1PoetryHilaria. The Festive BoardExplore the joyous fusion of love and wine as this poetic collection celebrates the pleasures of conviviality, laughter, and spirited gatherings—inviting readers to savor the essen…
Level A2PoetryHesperus: and Other Poems and LyricsExplore a collection of heartfelt poems and lyrics that journey through faith, hope, and the mysteries of life, inviting readers to embrace the sacred fires of music and the gifts…
Level C1PoetryHesiod, the Homeric Hymns, and HomericaExplore the origins and evolution of early Greek epic poetry, tracing the transition from heroic romantic tales to practical, moral, and genealogical themes, revealing the lasting…
Level C2PoetryHero and Leander and Other PoemsAcross the Hellespont, young Leander braves the treacherous waters to reach Hero, a radiant priestess of Venus, sparking a passionate romance shadowed by fate’s cruel hand in this…
Level C2PoetryHero and LeanderAcross the divided shores of Hellespont, the beautiful Hero and the passionate Leander are drawn together by a love that defies Neptune’s might and the watchful eyes of gods and mo…
Level C1RomanceHermann and DorotheaAs refugees fleeing the turmoil of the French Revolution arrive in a peaceful German village, the lives of Hermann and Dorothea intertwine amidst a backdrop of political upheaval a…
Level C2PoetryHere foloweth a lytell treatyse of the beaute of women newly translated out of Frenshe in to EnglysheExplore a delicate poetic treatise celebrating the beauty of women, presented in its original medieval form with authentic spelling and structure, inviting readers into a timeless…
Level C1PoetryHere are LadiesIn a world where kindness could transform nature itself, a fiercely jealous stockbroker confronts the clash between possession and love when his wife asserts her independence, chal…
Level C1PoetryHerbs and ApplesExplore a vivid collection of poems that weave nature, life, and human emotion into lyrical reflections, inviting readers to wander through heartfelt moments and timeless truths ca…
PoetryHer Letter, His Answer & Her Last LetterA poignant exchange unfolds through letters and poetry, revealing the emotional depths of love, hope, and farewell.
Level C2PoetryHephaestus, Persephone at Enna, and Sappho in LeucadiaGods and mortals entwine in a poignant tale of love and loss, as Hephaestus relinquishes Aphrodite to Ares while grappling with the immortal and mortal forces that bind desire, fat…
Level B2HistoricalHello, Boys!Poignant verses capture the spirit and sacrifice of soldiers and sailors during the Great War, offering heartfelt tributes from the battlefields and camps of France to the shores o…
Level C2PoetryHelen of Troy, and Other PoemsHaunted by beauty and divine wrath, Helen of Troy reflects on her eternal legacy of desire and destruction, trapped between life’s allure and the shadow of death.
Level C1PoetryHelen of TroyIn the grand halls of Lacedaemon, a mysterious prince arrives bearing gifts and tales of distant lands, stirring curiosity and fate alike.
Level C2PoetryHelen Redeemed and Other PoemsStep into the twilight of Troy’s tenth year, where Helen’s women confront fate amid incense and whispers to Aphrodite, weaving epic drama and lyrical passion in a powerful poetic r…
Level C1PoetryHeavens and EarthExplore a poetic journey through myth and legend, where ancient visions of Helen of Troy intertwine with haunting encounters and timeless wonders, revealing the mystical ties betwe…
Level C1PoetryHeartsease and RueExplore a rich tapestry of poems blending sentiment, fancy, humor, and satire, reflecting personal memories, nature, and timeless themes with wit and depth.
Level C1PoetryHeart of New EnglandImmerse yourself in stirring poems that evoke the spirit of New England’s Pilgrim legacy, from prayers aboard the Mayflower to the struggles and triumphs of a new generation forgin…
Level C1PoetryHeart of ManAmid the misty Sicilian landscape, a poet reflects on the deep connections between nature, spirit, and human experience, as the haunting presence of Mount Etna shapes a world where…
Level C1PoetryHeart Utterances at Various Periods of a Chequered LifeExplore heartfelt reflections and varied emotions through poetry, from tender kindness and nature’s awe to hope’s illusions and the soul’s search for faith amid life’s trials and l…
Level C2PoetryHawthorn and Lavender, with Other VersesExplore a vivid tapestry of nature’s cycles and human emotions, where rich imagery and poignant harmonies reveal the clash between life's fleeting joys and the shadow of despair, a…
PoetryHarry's Ladder to LearningExplore a charming collection of illustrated lessons, nursery rhymes, and simple verses designed to introduce young learners to everyday objects, animals, and playful scenes, nurtu…
Level C2MysteryHarryA chance smile at a passion-flower sparks an unexpected love between a strong, handsome soldier and a carefree young woman, setting their lives on an enchanting path of romance and…
PoetryHarrison's Amusing Picture and Poetry BookDive into a whimsical collection where seventy captivating engravings meet playful poetry, inviting readers to explore humor and imagination through vivid imagery and clever verse.
Level C1PoetryHarps Hung up in BabylonIn a kingdom shadowed by rebellion, a captive’s bold words challenge a king’s judgment, weaving a tale of mercy, truth, and power.
PoetryHarmoniumDive into a rich tapestry of vivid imagery and thought-provoking reflections, where nature, imagination, and everyday life intertwine in a symphony of poetic expression.
Level C1PoetryHappy days; carolings of Colorado, etc.Immerse yourself in poetic reflections born from the rugged beauty of Colorado’s plains and mountains, where wild nature and memories of a changing frontier inspire heartfelt verse…
Level A2PoetryHappy and Gay Marching AwayDelight in charming scenes of childhood wonder and whimsy, where little hearts set a bird free, dance in springtime joy, and navigate the bittersweet moments of growing up with pla…
Level C2PoetryHappy Ending: The Collected Lyrics of Louise Imogen GuineyA man battles inner doubts and ancient foes, urged by his angel to fight on beyond visible defeat.
Level B2AdventureHappy Days for Boys and GirlsStep into a charming old English garden where young Polly, guided by her wise grandmother, discovers the simple joys of nature, imagination, and family through apple seeds, playful…
Level B2PoetryHappy DaysCelebrate everyday joys and whimsical reflections in this lively collection of toasts and poems, where even the humble floor and elusive hope receive heartfelt tributes full of hum…
Level C2PoetryHamewithJourney to the distant Transvaal where the spirit of Scotland endures in heartfelt verses that echo the landscapes, language, and lost traditions of a homeland left behind but neve…
Level C1PoetryHalloween, a Romaunt; with Lays Meditative and DevotionalA soul caught between life and death reflects on the haunting beauty of existence and the longing for love beyond the grave.
PoetryHafiz in LondonAncient Persian verses find new life amid the bustling streets of London, weaving timeless longing and fate into a poetic dialogue between East and West.
Level C1RomanceHafbur and Signe: a balladCaught between rival kings and enchanted realms, a bold prince pursues a dream of love and destiny, weaving his fate through elfin maidens, royal intrigue, and secret nights.
Level A2PoetryGypsy VersesDiscover the rhythms and emotions of a wandering soul through vivid, heartfelt poems that capture the essence of autumn and the spirit of the gypsy life.
Level C1HistoricalGustavus Vasa: and other poemsA young poet ambitiously chronicles the rise of Gustavus Vasa, capturing the fervor and patriotism of a historic rebellion.
Level C1RomanceGuingamor, Lanval, Tyolet, Bisclaveret: Four lais rendered into English proseStep into a world where knights and fairies mingle at Arthur’s court, blending myth, history, and enchantment in tales of love, loyalty, and otherworldly realms that reveal the roo…
Level C1RomanceGudrunIn a kingdom where beauty and strength command respect, the proud Princess Gudrun spurns all suitors, igniting rivalries among kings determined to claim her hand—will love or war d…
PoetryGriselda: a society novel in rhymed verseIn a society woven through rhymed verse, explore a narrative that unfolds with poetic rhythm and keen social insight, inviting you to uncover the layers beneath its structured stan…
Level C1PoetryGrimmer and Kamper, The End of Sivard Snarenswayne, and Other BalladsIn a land where valor and honor shape fate, young warriors like Grimmer and Mimmering face fierce battles and daring challenges for love and glory.