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 C2PoetryClaudian, volume 2 (of 2): With an English translation by Maurice PlatnauerAmidst a world shaped by Love and Good Faith, a noble warrior balances power and mercy, guiding an empire through loyalty, justice, and the sacred duties of leadership.
Level C1PoetryClaudian, volume 1 (of 2): With an English translation by Maurice PlatnauerAmid the turmoil of late Roman Empire, witness the rise and fall of leaders and armies as they battle invading Goths and internal treachery.
Level C2HistoricalClassical Enigmas, Adapted to Every Month in the Year: Composed from the English and Roman Histories, Heathen Mythology and Names of Famous Writers: Meant to Amuse Youths of All Ages, and at the Same Time Exert Their Memories, by Calling to Mind What They Have Read at Different TimesChallenge your memory and wit with enigmas drawn from English and Roman histories, mythology, and famous writers, each tailored to a different month of the year to entertain and ed…
Level C1PoetryCivil service jingles and other thingsDive into a witty, satirical collection of poems that reveal the comic struggles and sly intrigues of civil servants, blending humor and sharp observation in entertaining jingles t…
Level C1PoetryCity BalladsTwo outsiders—a young student and an old farmer—experience the bustling city for the first time, capturing its dramas, characters, and contrasts through poignant poems and reflecti…
Level C1PoetryChristmas offeringReflecting on life’s joys and sorrows through tender verse, this collection offers heartfelt poems on creation, family, and the quiet beauty of winter, inviting readers into intima…![Cover of Christmas in Poetry: Carols and Poems by Carnegie Library School. Association [Compiler]](https://dsx1pat3ljtul.cloudfront.net/books/daf26h8e1ofc73dhan60.webp)
PoetryChristmas in Poetry: Carols and PoemsCelebrate the spirit of the season through a rich collection of carols and poems that evoke the wonder, joy, and traditions of Christmas from around the world.
Level C1PoetryChristmas at the hallStep into a heartfelt Christmas gathering where family, love, and memories intertwine through diverse poems capturing festive spirit and personal reflection.
Level B2PoetryChristmas Tales and Christmas VerseA young man named Norss sails across mysterious seas guided by a dream to find his bride, encountering magical beings and wondrous adventures that lead to the birth of a remarkable…
Level C1PoetryChristmas SunshineCelebrate the spirit of the season with a heartfelt collection of poems and hymns that evoke the peace, joy, and sacred wonder of Christmas, inviting readers to reflect on its divi…
Level B2PoetryChristmas Stories: "Jest 'Fore Christmas" and "The Night Before Christmas"On the quiet night before Christmas, a jolly St.
Level A2PoetryChristmas RosesDelight in a charming collection of heartwarming poems that celebrate the magic of Christmas, childhood innocence, and the simple joys of life, from hopeful wishes to playful tales…
Level C1PoetryChristmas Penny Readings: Original Sketches for the SeasonIn a harsh London winter, Hezekiah Thornypath faces crushing loss and poverty, struggling to provide for his family amid the festive season's stark contrasts.
Level C2PoetryChristmas EveOn a stormy Christmas Eve, a reluctant stranger braves a crowded chapel filled with society’s outcasts, confronting cold stares and warm humanity alike as he seeks meaning amid the…
Level C1PoetryChristmas Carols and Midsummer SongsCelebrate the magic of the season through heartfelt carols, silent wonders, and winter's quiet beauty, where children’s voices—spoken and unheard—join in a timeless chorus of hope,…
Level C2HistoricalChoyce Drollery: Songs and Sonnets: Being a Collection of Divers Excellent Pieces of Poetry, of Several Eminent Authors.Amidst the turmoil of the English Commonwealth, a rare collection of songs and sonnets offers a secret glimpse into royalist hopes and pastoral dreams, treasured and hunted in equa…
Level C2PoetryChinese literatureJourney through ancient Chinese wisdom with the teachings of Confucius, the poetic odes of the Shi-King, and the epic travels of Fâ-hien, revealing a rich tapestry of philosophy, h…![Cover of Chinese Poems by Charles [Translator] Budd](https://dsx1pat3ljtul.cloudfront.net/books/daci5s5l9p5c73fhjurg.webp)
Level C1PoetryChinese PoemsExperience the timeless emotions and vivid imagery of ancient China through evocative translations that reveal the universal nature of human feelings across millennia.
Level B2PoetryChinese Mother Goose RhymesDiscover a vibrant collection of traditional Chinese nursery rhymes, where playful creatures, loving family moments, and everyday wonders come to life through charming verses and i…
Level C2PoetryChildren of the NightExplore the haunting reflections of those lost in darkness, wrestling with fate, faith, and the search for meaning amid sorrow and hope.
PoetryChildren of Christmas, and OthersExplore a collection of evocative poems that weave Christmas traditions, childhood memories, and timeless legends into a tapestry of warmth and wonder, inviting readers to rediscov…
Level C1PoetryChildhood's happy home, and other versesExplore heartfelt verses that reflect on family milestones, memories, and loss, capturing the tender moments and enduring bonds within a loving home.
Level C1PoetryChildhood's Favorites and Fairy Stories: The Young Folks Treasury, Volume 1Delve into a carefully curated treasury of fairy tales, myths, and legends designed to nourish young imaginations and prepare children for a life of learning, heroism, and beauty.
Level C2PoetryChilde Harold's PilgrimageA disillusioned young noble, wearied by riotous pleasures and hollow admiration, embarks on a soul-searching journey beyond his homeland, seeking meaning in distant lands and refle…
Level C1PoetryChild Verse: Poems Grave & GayDiscover a collection of poems that dance between whimsy and wisdom, capturing the innocence and imagination of childhood through verses both lighthearted and profound.
PoetryChild Songs of CheerDelight in a joyful collection of poems that celebrate childhood’s simple wonders—from dandelions and puppies to fireflies and festive holidays—inviting young readers to embrace ch…
Level C2PoetryChild Maidelvold, and Other BalladsIn a world of royal secrets and forbidden love, Sidselil’s heart is ensnared by Child Maidelvold, sparking a desperate flight through dark forests and painful truths.
Level C1PoetryChenodia: Or, the Classical Mother GooseNursery rhymes take on classical form and ancient languages in a playful collection blending Latin, Greek, and English verses.
Level C2PoetryChaucerian and Other Pieces: Being a Supplement to the Complete Works of Geoffrey ChaucerExplore a fascinating supplement to Chaucer's works, featuring a curated selection of poems attributed to Chaucer and his contemporaries, complete with scholarly notes and historic…
Level C2PoetryChaucer's Works, Volume 6 — Introduction, Glossary, and IndexesDive into the rich world of Middle English with detailed introductions, extensive glossaries, and precise indexes that illuminate Geoffrey Chaucer’s authentic works, separating gen…
Level C2PoetryChaucer's Works, Volume 3 — The House of Fame; The Legend of Good Women; The Treatise on the Astrolabe; The Sources of the Canterbury TalesJourney through a visionary realm where an eagle guides the poet into the mysterious House of Fame, exploring themes of love, myth, and celestial knowledge.
Level C1RomanceChaucer's Works, Volume 2 — Boethius and TroilusImprisoned and awaiting execution, a philosopher confronts fate and seeks solace in reason, exploring fortune, free will, and the divine order.
Level C2PoetryChaucer's Works, Volume 1 — Romaunt of the Rose; Minor PoemsDive into medieval verse with tales of love, chivalry, and philosophy, meticulously restored from ancient manuscripts to reveal the rich language and spirit of Geoffrey Chaucer’s e…
Level B2HistoricalChatterbox Stories of Natural HistoryExplore the fascinating lives of animals from the majestic Golden Eagle to the playful American black bear, capturing their instincts, habitats, and tender bonds in vivid, engaging…
Level C1PoetryCharmides, and Other PoemsA Grecian youth returns from Sicily, drawn into a mystical temple where ancient gods stir amid sacred rites and haunting visions, blending youthful adventure with timeless myth in…
Level C1PoetryCharles Baudelaire: A StudyDive into the complex world of Baudelaire’s genius, where personal vision shapes sharp critique and sensual torment intertwines with a relentless pursuit of beauty, revealing the s…
Level C1PoetryCharacters from Life; Or, Moral Hints. In VerseExplore a vivid tableau of rural life and moral struggles, where farmers, landlords, and townsfolk grapple with temptation, pride, and the consequences of excess.
Level C1HistoricalChants for the BoerAmid the turmoil of the Boer War, passionate verses confront imperial aggression and champion the resilient spirit of the Boer people.
Level C1PoetryChants for SocialistsVoices rise in vivid chants envisioning a future where work is fulfilling, rewards are just, and society is reshaped by revolution for the common good.
Level C2PoetryChamber MusicDelicate strings and twilight melodies weave through these intimate poems, capturing love’s tender moments and gentle yearnings amid nature’s soft embrace.
Level A2PoetryCecily Parsley's Nursery RhymesStep into a whimsical world where mischievous animals and charming characters come alive through playful nursery rhymes and enchanting illustrations, perfect for young readers and…
Level C1Science FictionCaxton's Book: A Collection of Essays, Poems, Tales, and Sketches.Explore a rich collection of essays, poems, and tales born from a brilliant mind torn between law and literature, blending wit, pathos, and scientific imagination that captivates a…
Level C1PoetryCaw! Caw! Or, The Chronicle of Crows, A Tale of the Spring-timeAs spring breathes life into the countryside, a community of crows builds nests, cares for their young, and faces the challenges of survival against farmers determined to protect t…
Level C2PoetryCastaraExperience the refined courtship of a cultured English gentleman as he woos a noble beauty, weaving tender poems of love, friendship, and life's trials beneath the gentle shade of…
Level C1HistoricalCarry On!Amid the shadows of war, brave souls answer the call to defend freedom, their courage and sacrifice woven into a stirring tapestry of hope and remembrance.
Level C1PoetryCarols of CockayneExplore witty, lyrical reflections on ambition, identity, and everyday life through a lively collection of songs and poems that capture the humor and heart of London’s vibrant cult…
Level C1PoetryCarols of Canada, Etc., Etc.Explore a heartfelt collection of poems reflecting on Canada’s past, its hopeful future, and the spirit of freedom that defines this vast land.
Level C1PoetryCaroling duskAn anthology capturing the vibrant voices of emerging Negro poets, reflecting the creative spirit and evolving artistry within a pivotal cultural renaissance.