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
PoetryGrimm Tales Made GayStep into a whimsical world where beloved Grimm fairy tales are playfully reimagined with wit and charm, blending humor and unexpected twists in poetic form that delight and surpri…
Level C1PoetryGrimhild's Vengeance: Three BalladsDive into the mysterious world of Scandinavian heroic ballads, where history intertwines with fantasy and legendary tales are preserved through enchanting verse.
Level C2PoetryGreybeards at Play: Literature and Art for Old GentlemenOld age becomes a playground for wit and wonder as two lifelong friends embrace childlike joy and curiosity, exploring nature, philosophy, and the quirks of life with humor and hea…
PoetryGreetings from LongfellowExplore a collection of evocative poems that weave history, legend, and human emotion into timeless verses, inviting you to climb the ladder of inspiration and journey through hear…
Level C1PoetryGreen Fields and Running Brooks, and Other PoemsStep into serene landscapes where green fields and running brooks invite quiet reflection, childhood memories, and the gentle rhythms of nature captured in vivid, heartfelt poetry.
Level C2PoetryGreen Bays. Verses and ParodiesDive into a world of wit and whimsy where Oxford verses meet lively parodies, weaving tales of love, loss, and legend through vivid imagery and playful rhythm.![Cover of Great Poems of the World War by William Dunseath [Editor] Eaton](https://dsx1pat3ljtul.cloudfront.net/books/daf7qooe1ofc73dhc8ng.webp)
Level C1HistoricalGreat Poems of the World WarVoices rise from the chaos of the Great War—poetic echoes of heroism, hope, and heartbreak from soldiers and civilians alike.
Level C2PoetryGrass of ParnassusExplore timeless verses weaving friendship, change, and memory with delicate translations and original poems inspired by ancient muses and landscapes.
Level C2HistoricalGrandmother's Story of Bunker Hill Battle, as She Saw it from the BelfryAn eighty-year-old grandmother recalls the harrowing sights and sounds of the Battle of Bunker Hill, as cannon fire roars and soldiers clash just beyond the river.
Level B2PoetryGrandma's MemoriesAn elderly grandmother drifts through memories of childhood, youth, and marriage as a gentle lullaby stirs the past, weaving a tender portrait of life's stages and the enduring bon…
Level C1PoetryGrand'ther Baldwin's Thanksgiving, with Other Ballads and PoemsIn a timeless farmhouse, Grand'ther Baldwin’s Thanksgiving gathers family and memories beneath a warmly blazing hearth, where childhood laughter echoes and a bountiful feast celebr…
Level C1PoetryGraded Poetry: Seventh YearDelight in the rhythmic beauty and timeless wisdom of poetry as it unfolds through the voices of Shakespeare, Milton, and more, capturing childhood's joy and youth's awakening in v…
Level C1PoetryGraded Memory SelectionsExplore a carefully curated collection of graded poems designed to enrich young minds with beauty, moral strength, and timeless wisdom—nurturing culture through memorable verses su…
Level C1HistoricalGovernor Winthrop's Return to Boston: An Interview with a Great CharacterA visionary poem brings Governor Winthrop back to a transformed Boston, reflecting on the city's growth, the enduring church covenant he authored, and the spiritual legacy of the C…
Level C1HistoricalGolden Stars, and Other Verses Following "The Red Flower"Amid the turmoil of war, a devoted lover of peace channels righteous wrath and hope into stirring verses that reflect the struggle for liberty and the dream of lasting democracy.
Level C2PoetryGolden Numbers: A Book of Verse for YouthImmerse yourself in a curated collection of inspiring poems that celebrate nature, seasons, and youthful wonder, drawn from timeless voices and crafted to ignite the imagination of…
Level B2PoetryGolden Moments: Bright Stories for Young FolksAt a beloved teacher's birthday celebration, a group of schoolgirls weave wreaths and share heartfelt moments, revealing kindness and friendship in simple acts.![Cover of Golden Grain Garnered from the World's Great Harvest-field of Knowledge: Comprising Selections from the Ablest Modern Writers of Prose, Poetry, and Legendary Lore by Joshua C. [Editor] Chilton](https://dsx1pat3ljtul.cloudfront.net/books/daf3770e1ofc73dhb1v0.webp)
Level C1PoetryGolden Grain Garnered from the World's Great Harvest-field of Knowledge: Comprising Selections from the Ablest Modern Writers of Prose, Poetry, and Legendary LoreAn inspiring collection of prose, poetry, and legendary lore from modern writers, offering pure, uplifting reflections on nature, liberty, and life's noble pursuits to enrich the m…
Level C1PoetryGoing-to-the-SunEmbark on a rugged journey through the towering peaks of Glacier Park alongside two friends whose debates span history, hieroglyphics, and the essence of tea.
Level C1PoetryGoethe and Schiller's XenionsTwo towering poets unite to unleash sharp, satirical epigrams targeting the narrow-minded critics and cultural stagnation of their time, crafting a bold literary rebellion that cha…
Level C1PoetryGod's drum, and other cycles from Indian loreImmerse yourself in vivid cycles of nature, spirit, and tradition where Pueblo art, dance, and ritual reveal the deep harmony between earth, sky, and human life.
Level C1PoetryGodExplore a groundbreaking theology that harmonizes science, nature, and spirituality, unveiling the dynamic union of love and wisdom as the driving force behind existence and evolut…
Level B2PoetryGobolinks; or, Shadow Pictures for Young and OldDiscover the whimsical world of Gobolinks—mysterious inkblot creatures born from folded ink-spots on paper.
Level C1PoetryGoblins and PagodasExplore a profound meditation on art, literature, and human emotion amid the upheavals of early 20th-century thought.
Level C2PoetryGoblin Market, The Prince's Progress, and Other PoemsTwo sisters encounter mysterious goblin merchants tempting them with exotic fruits, but their curiosity and desire lead to unforeseen consequences in this hauntingly lyrical tale o…
Level C2PoetryGloucester Moors and Other PoemsExplore a rich tapestry of reflections and emotions inspired by historical moments, haunting landscapes, and profound dialogues, each poem inviting you to pause and ponder the dept…
Level C1PoetryGleams of Sunshine: Optimistic PoemsExplore heartfelt poems that seek light and love amid human struggle, offering hopeful reflections on faith, brotherhood, and the pursuit of peace in a world shadowed by war and ha…
Level C1PoetryGitanjaliExperience a journey through profound spiritual and poetic reflections that blend nature, love, and divine contemplation, revealing a rich cultural tradition where poetry and relig…
Level B2PoetryGinevraIn a gloomy English castle, young Lady Ginevra grows under the watchful protection of loyal guardians, destined for sorrow despite her gentle spirit and beauty.![Cover of Gifts of Genius: A Miscellany of Prose and Poetry by American Authors by Samuel etc.] Osgood](https://dsx1pat3ljtul.cloudfront.net/books/daglnfmicedc739b63o0.webp)
Level C1PoetryGifts of Genius: A Miscellany of Prose and Poetry by American AuthorsA heartfelt collection of original prose and poetry by distinguished American authors, united to support a beloved teacher who, after losing her sight, inspires through resilience…
Level C1HistoricalGiant Hours with Poet PreachersExplore the stirring call for a new social order where Christian ideals transform society, weaving brotherhood and justice into the fabric of industry and civilization through the…
Level C2PoetryGeorgian Poetry 1918-19In a dimly lit tavern, a fierce woman wields an uncanny power to summon a distant man back to her, sparking tension and awe among onlookers as a desperate runner pounds the streets…
Level C2PoetryGeorgian Poetry 1916-1917Immerse yourself in a vivid collection of poems that evoke distant lands, magical nature scenes, and haunting memories, capturing moments of wonder, loss, and the mysterious beauty…
Level C2PoetryGeorgian Poetry 1913-15In a realm shadowed by illness and watchful eyes, a queen's mysterious suffering unfolds amid whispers of loyalty and betrayal, where sleep and wakefulness blur the lines between l…
Level C2PoetryGeorgian Poetry 1911-1912A man wrestles with fear and faith as he prepares to journey to India by sea, confronting visions of danger and the relentless power of nature.
Level C1PoetryGeorge Crabbe: Poems, Volume 3 (of 3)Explore a rich collection of poems revealing early drafts, unpublished pieces, and detailed notes on landscapes and portraits, offering an intimate glimpse into the creative proces…
Level C1PoetryGeorge Crabbe: Poems, Volume 2 (of 3)Explore vivid human tales and reflective poetry that delve into society, intellect, and personal merit, framed by a voice that honors greatness while revealing the poet’s own grati…
Level C2PoetryGeorge Crabbe: Poems, Volume 1 (of 3)Explore the early poetic works and unpublished verses of a keen observer of life’s subtleties, tracing the evolution of his voice from youthful reflections to mature insights in th…
Level C1PoetryGeography and PlaysDive into a groundbreaking exploration of language where words are revived, reshaped, and given new life beyond their usual roles.
Level C1PoetryGenesis ADive into an ancient retelling of Genesis, where celestial beings revel in divine majesty until pride leads one angel astray, setting the stage for a timeless battle between innoce…
Level C2FantasyGeneral William Booth Enters into Heaven, and Other PoemsA bold and visionary march through heaven’s gates follows General William Booth as he leads society’s outcasts—lepers, convicts, and lost souls—into a transformed, radiant afterlif…
Level B2PoetryGems of Poetry, for Girls and BoysCelebrate the joys of nature, childhood, and simple pleasures through a collection of charming poems that invite young readers to laugh, play, and appreciate the world around them.
Level B2PoetryGems Gathered in Haste: A New Year's Gift for Sunday SchoolsIn a spirited tale of quick thinking and teamwork, a determined group races against time to create a meaningful New Year’s gift for Sunday Schools.
Level C1PoetryGebir, and Count JulianIn a tale of ambition and love, Gebir, prince of Boetic Spain, faces a fateful vow to invade Egypt but finds his conquests challenged by deeper passions and the haunting consequenc…
Level C2PoetryGay gods and merry mortals: some excursions in verseExplore vivid verses that bring ancient myths to life, weaving tales of gods and mortals with charm, passion, and timeless emotion through a series of poetic excursions steeped in…
FantasyGawayne and the Green Knight: A Fairy TaleA mysterious Green Knight challenges the noble Gawayne to a daring test of courage and honor, setting in motion a fantastical quest filled with magic and chivalry.
Level C1PoetryGaudeamus! Humorous PoemsDive into a witty journey through history and humanity, where prehistoric creatures, ancient civilizations, and student revelry collide in humorous ballads that blend scientific cu…
Level C1PoetryGammer Gurton's Garland; Or, The Nursery Parnassus: A Choice Collection of Pretty Songs and Verses for the Amusement of All Little Good Children Who Can Neither Read nor Run.Delight in a charming collection of whimsical songs and verses crafted to entertain little children who are yet to read or run, featuring playful tales of animals, nursery rhymes,…