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 B1PoetryA Present for Infants; or, Pictures for the NurseryGentle verses paired with charming illustrations introduce young minds to everyday scenes and simple lessons—from farm animals and gardening to acts of kindness—inviting children t…
Level C2PoetryA PreludeA weary soul finds solace hidden in a quiet wood, torn between the yearning for freedom and the peace of acceptance.
Level C1PoetryA Poetical Review of the Literary and Moral Character of the late Samuel Johnson (1786)Explore a lively poetic tribute that delves into the literary and moral character of Samuel Johnson, revealing the vibrant eighteenth-century world of wit, friendship, and controve…
Level C1PoetryA Poem to the Memory of our late lamented Queen Caroline of EnglandA stirring poetic tribute captures the trials and tribulations of Queen Caroline, exposing court intrigues, corruption, and the call for reform in England.
Level C1PoetryA Pindarick Ode on Painting: Addressed to Joshua Reynolds, Esq.Explore a richly varied ode that celebrates painting through shifting rhythms and inventive rhyme, addressing artistic ideals and critiques in a witty, learned tribute to Joshua Re…
Level C1PoetryA Phenomenal FaunaWhimsical verses introduce a parade of fanciful creatures—from the lively Reg'lar Lark to the mysterious Iron Spider—each blending humor, satire, and imagination in a playful explo…
PoetryA Parody on "Mary's Ghost;" or, The Doctors and Body-snatchers.: A Pathetic Tale, With Numerous Additions.Dive into a witty poetic parody that twists the eerie tale of "Mary's Ghost," blending humor and satire to explore the macabre world of doctors and body-snatchers in a delightfully…
Level C1PoetryA Parody AnthologyA witty collection celebrates the art of parody, blending sharp humor with refined taste to cleverly mimic and amuse.
PoetryA Nursery Rhyme Picture Book: With Drawings in Colour and Black and WhiteDelight in a charming collection of beloved nursery rhymes brought to life with vibrant color and black-and-white illustrations, inviting children and adults alike into a whimsical…
Level C2PoetryA Nonsense AnthologyDive into a whimsical collection of playful and absurd poems, featuring nonsense verses, quirky ballads, and fantastical tales that delight with their imaginative language and humo…
PoetryA Moral AlphabetExplore a whimsical journey through virtues and vices, where each letter reveals a moral lesson with wit and insight, inviting reflection on character and conduct in a unique poeti…
Level C2PoetryA Minor Poet, and Other VerseExplore a vivid tapestry of emotions and classical drama through poetry that delves into mythic characters like Medea alongside intimate reflections and sonnets, blending ancient t…
Level C2PoetryA Midsummer Holiday and Other PoemsDive into a collection where vivid emotions and classical influences intertwine, capturing moments of celebration, reflection, and poetic homage through rich, evocative verse.
Level C1PoetryA Masque of Days: From the Last Essays of Elia: Newly Dressed & DecoratedStep into a whimsical banquet where every day of the year gathers to celebrate the passing of time, from festive holidays to rainy afternoons, each with its own character and story…
Level C2PoetryA Lute of Jade : Selections from the Classical Poets of ChinaExplore the graceful world of ancient Chinese poetry, from heartfelt ballads to the luminous verses of Tang dynasty masters, revealing timeless emotions and serene reflections that…
Level C1PoetryA Lowden Sabbath MornExperience a tranquil Scottish Sabbath morning through vivid poetry and heartfelt reflection, capturing the spirit of rural parish life and the timeless presence of its ministers a…
Level C2PoetryA Lover's Diary, Volume 2.A journey through longing, love, and loss unfolds in vivid poetic scenes—from stormy seas and haunted dreams to sacred moments and shattered hopes—inviting readers to explore the d…
Level C1PoetryA Lover's Diary, Volume 1.A young man’s soul unravels through sonnets of love, doubt, and self-discovery, revealing a tender journey from innocence to poignant parting.
Level C1RomanceA Lover's Diary, CompleteA young mind wrestles with love, doubt, and societal conventions, revealing a soul transformed by passion and self-renunciation.
Level C2PoetryA Lover's ComplaintA heartbroken maiden tears apart love letters by a riverside, consumed by sorrow and betrayal.
Level C2PoetryA London Plane-Tree, and Other VerseExplore vivid scenes and heartfelt reflections on London life, love, and nature through a rich collection of poetry that captures moments from bustling streets to quiet gardens.
Level C1PoetryA Little WindowExplore a collection of evocative verses that peer through a "little window" onto nature’s beauty, serene moments, and heartfelt reflections, inviting readers to find joy and meani…
Level B2PoetryA Little Present for a Good ChildDiscover a charming collection of nature-inspired verses that celebrate animals, seasons, and simple joys, inviting young readers into a world of gentle lessons and playful imagery…
Level B2PoetryA Little Girl to her Flowers in VerseA young girl celebrates the beauty and charm of flowers through heartfelt verses, inviting readers to explore nature’s colorful wonders and the divine artistry behind them.
Level C1PoetryA Little Book of Western VerseExplore heartfelt reflections and tender memories woven through evocative poetry that honors love, loss, and the enduring bonds of family.
Level C2PoetryA Little Book of Old Time Verse: Old Fashioned FlowersExplore timeless verses that evoke the charm of old-fashioned flowers and the sweet memories of days gone by, gathered from poets spanning centuries.
Level B2PoetryA Little Book of BoresDive into a whimsical collection of humorous verses and lively illustrations that bring playful animal antics to life, blending simple fun with irresistible charm on every page.
Level B2PoetryA Life's Story, In Poetry. Other PoemsA journey through a lifetime unfolds in heartfelt verse, tracing the growth from childhood wonder to skilled tradesman and family man amid the changing American landscape.
Level C1PoetryA Legend of Old Persia and Other PoemsIn an ancient Persian land of endless summers, a young lord faces a haunting tradition as he carries his frail father to mysterious caverns, uncovering secrets that challenge custo…
Level C1PoetryA Legend of Goat IslandAmidst the roaring waters at Niagara Falls, a priest’s sacred mission challenges ancient superstitions on Goat Island, inspiring warriors to embrace a new faith.
Level C1PoetryA Leaf from the Old ForestJourney into the heart of the Old Forest, where nature’s beauty and timeless friendships intertwine through poetic reflections on life, loss, and the enduring spirit of art and mem…
Level C1HistoricalA Key to Lord Tennyson's 'In Memoriam'Explore the profound grief and consolation woven through a journey to the quiet English villages that shaped a timeless tribute to loss and hope.
Level C2PoetryA Jongleur Strayed: Verses on Love and Other Matters Sacred and ProfaneExplore a poetic journey through love’s many facets, from tender devotion to playful heartbreak, as a wandering jongleur crafts verse that captures the sacred and profane moments o…![Cover of A Jolly Jingle-Book by Laura [Compiler] Chandler](https://dsx1pat3ljtul.cloudfront.net/books/daeoveoe1ofc73dh7kpg.webp)
Level B1PoetryA Jolly Jingle-BookDelight in whimsical poems that capture the playful imagination and bedtime adventures of childhood, where dolls quarrel, dreams dance, and simple joys like a rubber ball spark end…
Level C1PoetryA Jar of Honey from Mount HyblaDelight in a festive blend of poetry, piety, revelry, and storytelling inspired by old and new Christmas traditions.
Level C2HistoricalA Ioyfull medytacyon to all Englonde of the coronacyon of our moost naturall souerayne lorde kynge Henry the eyght: (A Joyful Meditation of the Coronation of King Henry the Eighth)Celebrate the coronation of King Henry VIII through a poetic meditation that honors his royal lineage, virtues, and the hopes of England united under his reign.
Level C1PoetryA Household Book of English Poetry: Selected and Arranged with NotesExplore a curated selection of English poetry, blending familiar favorites with rare gems drawn from deep literary archives.
Level C1PoetryA Hidden Life and Other PoemsA young farmer embraces the pride and promise of his ancestral land, discovering the profound beauty in simple toil and the cycles of life and death beneath the sunlit fields.
Level C1PoetryA Hermit of Carmel, and Other PoemsIn a rugged wilderness where faith battles doubt, a weary hermit and a young knight cross paths, each seeking solace and redemption amid spiritual trials and looming dangers.
Level C1PoetryA Handy Guide for Beggars: Especially Those of the Poetic Fraternity: Being Sundry Explorations, Made While Afoot and Penniless in Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, Tennessee, Kentucky, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania. These Adventures Convey and Illustrate the Rules of Beggary for Poets and Some Others.Journey through the American South as a penniless poet, relying on wit, verse, and the kindness of strangers while living by a unique code of beggary.
Level C1PoetryA Golfing Idyll; Or, The Skipper's Round with the Deil On the Links of St. AndrewsOn the storied links of St Andrews, an old caddie known as the Skipper recounts a vivid, animated tale of an extraordinary encounter with the Devil himself, blending rugged Scottis…
Level B2RomanceA Frog He Would A-Wooing GoA determined frog sets out on a whimsical wooing adventure, joined by a rat and a mouse, but their merry-making is soon interrupted by unexpected dangers in this lively animal fabl…
PoetryA Flower Wedding: Described by Two WallflowersStep into a whimsical celebration where flowers come alive to join in a vibrant wedding, unfolding through the eyes of two shy observers.
PoetryA Few More VersesDelve into a stirring collection of heartfelt verses exploring faith, doubt, love, and the human spirit, each poem inviting reflection and inspiration through vivid imagery and pro…
Level C1PoetryA Few Figs from ThistlesFiery and rebellious poems ignite passionate defiance and delicate introspection, weaving vivid images of love, life, and identity with sharp wit and lyrical grace.
Level C2PoetryA Father of Women, and Other PoemsPoignant poems honor the strength and legacy of fathers, the sacrifice of soldiers, and the delicate beauty of nature, weaving reflections on war, love, and art into a tapestry of…
Level C1PoetryA Fable for CriticsDive into a witty poetic medley that playfully critiques and celebrates contemporary poets with sharp humor and lively rhythm, offering a unique glimpse into the literary scene thr…
Level C1FantasyA Draught of the Blue, together with An Essence of the DuskIn a land where death is but an illusion and the color blue holds mystical power, witness a tale woven with cosmic echoes and eternal consequences, where every action reverberates…