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.
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Level C1PoetryAn elegy written among the ruins of an abbeyAmid the silent ruins of an ancient abbey, mourn the passage of time and the fading echoes of faith in a poignant, reflective elegy that captures loss and memory in haunting verse.
Level C1HistoricalAn Old Man's PrayerAn intimate tale unfolds through the heartfelt reflections of an old man, capturing the quiet moments and enduring bonds of New England life with poignant simplicity and grace.
Level C1PoetryAn Old Babylonian Version of the Gilgamesh EpicJourney alongside the hero Gilgamesh as he grapples with grief and the search for immortality, confronting the harsh truth that death is humanity's inescapable fate, framed by anci…
Level C1PoetryAn Irish Crazy-Quilt: Smiles and tears, woven into song and storyFive drummers in Dublin hatch a mischievous plan to challenge the fiery new magistrate, Major Boomerang, whose tales of tiger hunts and harsh rule promise a clash of wit and will o…
Level C1PoetryAn Introduction to the Study of Robert Browning's PoetryExplore the intricate world of poetic psychology through detailed analysis of dramatic monologues and linguistic nuances, revealing the complex genius behind the soul’s deepest exp…
Level C1PoetryAn Introduction to the Study of BrowningExplore the multifaceted genius of Robert Browning, whose poetry blends drama, philosophy, humor, and lyricism into a vast, passionate vision.
Level C2PoetryAn Introduction to the Prose and Poetical Works of John Milton: Comprising All the Autobiographic Passages in His Works, the More Explicit Presentations of His Ideas of True Liberty.Explore the passionate prose and poetry of a visionary who champions intellectual freedom and individual rights, weaving autobiographical insight with powerful arguments for true l…
Level C1PoetryAn Heroic Epistle to the Right Honourable the Lord Craven (3rd Ed.)A satirical poetic letter unfolds around Lord Craven’s commanding presence and a notable legal dispute, revealing sharp wit and social commentary in 18th-century England’s politica…
Level C1HistoricalAn Essay on the Lyric Poetry of the AncientsExplore the origins of lyric poetry through a neoclassical lens, tracing its roots in imagination, pastoral scenes, and ancient myth-making, while revealing its role in civilizatio…
Level C1PoetryAn Essay on War, in Blank Verse; Honington Green, a Ballad; the Culprit, an Elegy; and Other Poems, on Various SubjectsExplore the life of Nathaniel Bloomfield, a humble apprentice turned devoted family man, whose poetic reflections intertwine faith, resilience, and the quiet dignity of everyday st…
Level C1PoetryAn Essay on Man; Moral Essays and SatiresExplore profound questions about human nature, divine justice, and the harmony of the universe through poetic reflections that challenge skepticism and seek to "vindicate the ways…
Level C1PoetryAn Essay on CriticismExplore the delicate balance between true genius and flawed judgment in poetry and criticism, as verse unravels the rare art of discerning wit from folly and the perils of misguide…
Level C2PoetryAn Epic of Women, and Other PoemsImmerse yourself in a rich tapestry of poems that explore the depths of love, history, and timeless beauty, from whispered graves to the legendary Cleopatra.
Level B2FantasyAn Entertaining History of Tom ThumbDiscover the whimsical tale of Tom Thumb, a tiny hero navigating a world much larger than himself, filled with adventure and enchantment that captivates readers of all ages.
Level C2PoetryAn Elogy to the Memory of the late Wm. Palgrave, Esq., with Other PiecesIn a heartfelt tribute, a life marked by justice, kindness, and steadfast friendship is remembered amidst the fleeting fortunes and trials of mortal existence, inviting reflection…
Level A2PoetryAn Elegy on the Glory of Her Sex, Mrs. Mary BlaizeDelve into a poetic tribute that reflects on the virtues and complexities of womanhood, blending wit and elegance to celebrate the enduring spirit of Mrs.
Level B2PoetryAn Elegy on the Death of a Mad DogA darkly comic poem recounts the unexpected demise of a mad dog, blending humor and tragedy in a quirky elegy that challenges the boundaries between man and beast.
Level C1PoetryAn Elegy Wrote in a Country Church Yard (1751) and The Eton College ManuscriptAs dusk settles over a quiet country churchyard, reflections on life, death, and unrecognized virtue unfold with calm dignity and universal resonance, inviting readers to ponder th…
Level C1PoetryAn Anthology of Jugoslav Poetry; Serbian LyricsDiscover the rich tapestry of Serbian rural life through heartfelt folk songs revealing love, loss, celebration, and ancient customs.
Level C1PoetryAn Anthology of Australian VerseExplore a vivid collection of short poems capturing the spirit, landscapes, and life of Australia and New Zealand, arranged chronologically and enriched with biographical notes on…
Level A2PoetryAn Alphabet of Old FriendsDelight in a whimsical journey through familiar nursery rhymes and playful verses, where crows, black sheep, and merry old souls come to life in charming, rhythmic tales that capti…
Level C2PoetryAn Alphabet of HistoryExplore history’s most iconic figures from Alexander the Great to Zenobia through a vibrant alphabet of poetry and illustrations, blending timeless stories with playful verse that…
Level C1PoetryAn Alphabet of CelebritiesDiscover a whimsical journey through an alphabet of notable figures, each letter bringing to life a playful portrait and verse that celebrate the charm and quirks of celebrities in…
PoetryAn Almanac of Twelve SportsExplore the vibrant world of twelve sports through evocative poetry that captures the spirit and rhythm of hunting, racing, fishing, cricket, boxing, and more, celebrating the pass…
Level C1HistoricalAn Address, Delivered Before the Was-ah Ho-de-no-son-ne or New Confederacy of the Iroquois: Also, Genundewah, a PoemIn a gathering inspired by the ancient Iroquois confederacy, a new brotherhood of letters unites to cultivate history, science, and literature rooted in American soil, aiming to fo…
Level C1PoetryAn Address to a Wealthy Libertine: or, the Melancholy Effects of Seduction; with a Letter from an Unfortunate Farmer's Daughter, to her Parents in NorfolkA wealthy libertine’s reckless seduction leaves a once-happy woman shattered, her family torn by disgrace and sorrow.
Level C1PoetryAmusing Trial in which a Yankee Lawyer Renders a Just VerdictIn a gripping poetic trial, a clever Yankee lawyer confronts the harsh realities of slavery, weaving justice and mercy into a powerful verdict that challenges cruelty and champions…
Level C2PoetryAmours De VoyageJourney through ancient Rome and beyond as a traveler wrestles with history’s ruins, cultural clashes, and spiritual disillusionment, capturing the restless search for meaning amid…
Level C2PoetryAmores: PoemsDive into a vivid exploration of passion, nature, and the human soul through evocative poems that unravel intimate desires, childhood struggles, and the wild rhythms of youth, all…
PoetryAmong the Trees AgainStep into a serene world where whispers of the forest and the gentle sway of trees invite reflection and a deep connection with nature’s quiet beauty.
PoetryAmong the Millet and Other PoemsImmerse yourself in vivid scenes of nature and human emotion through a rich tapestry of poems and sonnets that explore seasons, solitude, love, and the quiet moments that shape lif…
Level C1PoetryAmong the Hills, and other poems: Part 5 From Volume I of The Works of John Greenleaf WhittierBask in the serene beauty of rural life and the quiet dignity of honest toil, as vivid scenes of nature and homestead struggles unfold in poetic reflections on love, labor, and the…
Level C1HistoricalAmerican War Ballads and Lyrics, Volume 2 (of 2): A Collection of the Songs and Ballads of the Colonial Wars, the Revolutions, the War of 1812-15, the War with Mexico and the Civil WarExplore the stirring songs and ballads that capture the spirit and strife of America’s wars, from colonial battles to the Civil War, revealing the voices of soldiers and citizens t…
Level C1HistoricalAmerican War Ballads and Lyrics, Volume 1 (of 2): A Collection of the Songs and Ballads of the Colonial Wars, the Revolutions, the War of 1812-15, the War with Mexico and the Civil WarDive into a stirring collection of American war ballads spanning from colonial conflicts to the Civil War, capturing the spirit, sentiments, and voices of soldiers and patriots thr…
Level C1PoetryAlong the ShoreImmerse yourself in a world where the changing shore mirrors the shifting moods of life, blending nature’s beauty with profound reflections on love, time, and the human spirit thro…
Level C1AdventureAll the World Over: Interesting Stories of Travel, Thrilling Adventure and Home LifeJourney through vibrant Spanish cities alive with colorful characters—from muscular beggars with secret codes to dancers and musicians who bring the streets to life.
Level C2PoetryAll Round the YearExperience the cycle of nature and human emotion through vivid, lyrical poems that celebrate the resilience of life, the promise of spring, and the tender moments woven throughout…
Level C1HistoricalAlhalla, or the Lord of Talladega: A Tale of the Creek War.: With Some Selected Miscellanies, Chiefly of Early Date.Amid the turbulent aftermath of the Creek War, a fierce Native American leader grapples with loyalty, power, and survival as his people face relentless conflict and cultural upheav…
Level C1AdventureAlf the Freebooter, Little Danneved and Swayne Trost, and Other BalladsA daring pirate known as Sir Alf commands the seas, capturing ships and challenging kings, while facing capture and royal wrath in a tale of adventure, honor, and redemption.
Level C2PoetryAlcyoneJourney through cosmic wonder and earthly renewal in evocative poems that explore the timeless dance of stars, the fleeting beauty of spring, and the haunting echoes of ancient cit…
Level C1PoetryAladdin or The Wonderful LampStep into a world of colorful wonder and magic where a mysterious lamp holds secrets beyond imagination, enchanting children with tales as vivid as the finest illustrated alphabets…
Level C2PoetryAgainst This AgeIn a surreal exploration of death and memory, a man discovers that his imagination reshapes reality itself, transforming familiar surroundings into a fluid world where desire and r…
Level C2PoetryAfterwhilesJourney through tender reflections and serene landscapes where memories and longing intertwine, guiding you from bustling city streets to tranquil country retreats and beyond, into…
Level C2PoetryAfternoonMaturity deepens love amid the fading garden’s summer glow, as two souls find joy and repose in the quiet intensity of shared moments.
Level C2PoetryAfterglowExplore a collection of reflective and evocative poems delving into themes of time, love, faith, and the soul’s journey, each piece offering a glimpse into moments of quiet contemp…
PoetryAfter Two Nights of the Ear-acheA haunting exploration of pain and reflection unfolds after two nights of relentless earache, capturing the raw intensity of suffering through evocative, lyrical poetry.
Level C1PoetryAesthetic PoetryExplore a realm where poetry transcends time, blending medieval mysticism and romantic passion into an ethereal "earthly paradise.
Level B2PoetryAesop, in Rhyme: Old Friends in a New DressTimeless fables come alive in witty verse, revealing sharp lessons through the cunning wolf, clever fox, and other memorable characters—each tale blending humor and wisdom to explo…