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
| Title | Chapters | Level |
|---|---|---|
| "Stella Australis": Poems, verses and prose fragments | 4 | C1 |
| "Smiles": A Book of Recitations for Girls | 1 | A2 |
| "Horse Sense" in Verses Tense | 2 | B2 |
| "Excelsior" | 1 | C1 |
| "England and Yesterday": A Book of Short Poems | 45 | — |
| A Child's Garden of Verses | 65 | A2 |
| Erotica Romana | 24 | C2 |
| The Complete Works of William Shakespeare | 44 | C2 |
| The Lady of the Lake | 190 | C2 |
| The Rámáyan of Válmíki, translated into English verse | 5 | C2 |
Level C1Poetry"Stella Australis": Poems, verses and prose fragmentsExperience a lyrical journey through Australia's landscapes, history, and spirit, where evocative poems and prose awaken memories, honor pioneers, and celebrate nature’s beauty wit…
Level A2Poetry"Smiles": A Book of Recitations for GirlsA charming collection of recitations designed especially for girls, offering delightful pieces to speak from early childhood through the joys of growing up.
Level B2Poetry"Horse Sense" in Verses TenseSharp-witted verses unveil the everyday struggles and ironies of life, from a tireless hen to the weary milkman’s dawn duties.
Level C1Poetry"Excelsior"A determined youth travels through a village, tirelessly promoting Sapolio, a miraculous cleaning product, leaving its name shining on every surface from fences to mountain peaks.
Poetry"England and Yesterday": A Book of Short PoemsExplore evocative sonnets and lyrics capturing the essence of England’s historic cities, landscapes, and timeless moments—from the foggy streets of London to the quiet beauty of Ox…
Level A2PoetryA Child's Garden of VersesStevenson's beloved collection of short, musical poems about childhood — swings, shadows, ships, and bedtime.
Level C2PoetryErotica RomanaThe classic romance novel by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe.
Level C2ClassicsThe Complete Works of William ShakespeareThe classic poetry novel by William Shakespeare.
Level C2PoetryThe Lady of the LakeThe classic romance novel by Walter Scott.
Level C2PoetryThe Rámáyan of Válmíki, translated into English verseThe classic fantasy novel by Valmiki.