A Level English Set Texts
Browse a comprehensive list of A level English set texts across all major UK boards. Find classic and modern novels, plays and poetry, from Austen and Shakespeare to Atwood, Morrison and Ishiguro.
Recommended reading books for primary & secondary aged children in the UK
Henrik Ibsen was a Norwegian playwright and poet, widely recognised for his significant influence on modern drama. He was born in Skien, Norway, and began his career working at various theatres, including the Norwegian Theatre in Bergen. Ibsen wrote in both Norwegian and Danish, and his early works included historical dramas and verse plays.
Ibsen is known for his realistic plays that challenged social norms and explored complex psychological themes. Among his most notable works are A Doll’s House (1879), which examines issues of marriage and individual freedom, and Ghosts (1881), which addresses topics such as morality and societal expectations. His play An Enemy of the People (1882) explores the conflict between truth and the interests of the community, while Hedda Gabler (1890) is recognised for its portrayal of a complex female protagonist.
Throughout his career, Ibsen’s plays were performed widely across Europe and contributed to the development of modernist theatre. His works have been translated into numerous languages and continue to be studied and performed internationally. Ibsen’s influence extends to both literature and theatre, with many later playwrights citing him as a key inspiration.
Henrik Ibsen’s play The Master Builder was first published in 1892.
Browse a comprehensive list of A level English set texts across all major UK boards. Find classic and modern novels, plays and poetry, from Austen and Shakespeare to Atwood, Morrison and Ishiguro.
Disclosure: If you buy books linked to our site, we may earn a commission from Bookshop.org, whose fees support independent bookshops, or Waterstones.com, or Blackwells.co.uk.
Keep up to date with our email newsletter and our latest social media posts about reading, children's books and literacy.
Our latest reading national curriculum year group recommended reading lists:
Picture books for the under 5s | Books for Reception | Books for Year 1 | Books for Year 2 | Books for Year 3 | Books for Year 4 | Books for Year 5 | Books for Year 6 | Books for Year 7 | Books for Year 8 | Books for Year 9 | Books for Year 10 | Books for Year 11