CEFR C2 · Proficient
Read Proficient Classics in English (C2)
82 books graded at CEFR C2 (proficient) — learn English by reading the stories worth reading at exactly your level. Tap any word for an instant translation, listen to the narration, and save the vocabulary you meet. Start with a free sample.
What are the best C2 books to read in English?
The best C2 books to read in English are well-known classics whose own language sits at that level — start with Mirror for Magistrates, Volume 2, Part 2, Milton's Comus and Memories of Lincoln. Each is the complete book, labelled CEFR C2 (proficient), with tap-to-translate, narration and saved vocabulary, so you read a real story while building the English you actually meet in it.
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![Cover of More toasts: Jokes, stories and quotations by Marion Dix [Editor] Mosher](https://dsx1pat3ljtul.cloudfront.net/books/dagknnmicedc739b5tpg.webp)
Level C2ClassicsMore toasts: Jokes, stories and quotationsDive into a vast collection of witty toasts, jokes, stories, and quotations arranged by topic, perfect for sparking laughter or inspiration at any gathering or speech.
Level C2ClassicsMeasure for MeasureA Duke entrusts strict Angelo with his authority to govern Vienna, challenging mercy against justice in a city teetering on the edge of corruption and control.
Level C2ClassicsMark Twain's Letters — Complete (1853-1910)Explore the life and times of a legendary writer through decades of candid, insightful letters revealing his travels, literary pursuits, personal trials, and friendships from his e…
Level C2ClassicsMarcel Proust, an English TributeExplore a rich collection of reflections and critiques from English writers on Marcel Proust’s life and work, unveiling the unique charm and complexity of a literary figure whose i…
Level C2ClassicsMacbethAmid thunder and prophecy, three witches set the stage for a Scottish general whose valor in battle earns him a dark new title—igniting a tale of ambition, fate, and the deadly cos…
Level C2ClassicsLove's Labour's LostFour noblemen swear to forsake love and live in scholarly seclusion for three years, but their resolve is tested by the very passions they vow to deny in a court set to become a ha…
Level C2ClassicsLocrine: A TragedyIn a kingdom shadowed by loss and divided loyalties, a queen grapples with sorrow and silence while her son confronts the harsh truths of legacy and love.
Level C2ClassicsLocrineAs Brutus faces his final moments, he recounts a heroic journey from exile to triumph, leading loyal lords through battles and alliances that shape their destiny in a land fraught…
Level C2ClassicsLittle Rivers: A Book of Essays in Profitable IdlenessEscape the weariness of city life to wander by gentle rivers, where nature’s music and quiet streams invite reflection, friendship, and simple joys.
Level C2ClassicsLife of Johnson, Volume 1: 1709-1765Follow the remarkable journey of Samuel Johnson from his early studies to his rise as a towering literary figure, revealing his correspondence, conversations, and unpublished works…
Level C2ClassicsLibrary of the World's Best Literature, Ancient and Modern — Volume 06Explore a rich collection of literary gems and historical insights, featuring voices from renowned poets, historians, and philosophers across centuries, illuminating the tapestry o…
Level C2ClassicsLibrary of the World's Best Literature, Ancient and Modern — Volume 04Dive into a vast anthology showcasing timeless works across history and genres, including poetry, essays, and speeches by renowned figures.
Level C2ClassicsLibrary of the World's Best Literature, Ancient and Modern — Volume 03Dive into a vast treasury of timeless wisdom and storytelling, featuring reflections, fables, poems, and essays from legendary authors and thinkers across history.
Level C2ClassicsLibrary of the World's Best Literature, Ancient and Modern — Volume 02Explore timeless wisdom and epic tales spanning cultures and centuries, from ancient Greek philosophy to Arabian Nights, through insightful essays and legendary stories that illumi…
Level C2ClassicsLetters to Severall Persons of HonourExplore a collection of eloquent, heartfelt letters addressed to noble recipients, blending spiritual reflection and personal devotion amid the backdrop of 17th-century London’s st…
Level C2ClassicsKing LearA aging king decides to divide his kingdom among his three daughters, sparking a tense battle for power and loyalty that will unravel family bonds and ignite a tragic struggle for…
Level C2ClassicsIphigenia in TaurisIn a sacred grove before Diana's temple, Iphigenia serves as a priestess far from home, while Orestes and his loyal friend Pylades arrive, setting the stage for a dramatic reunion…
Level C2ClassicsI, Mary MacLane: A Diary of Human DaysA fiercely introspective diary delves into the restless mind of a woman confronting her complex, contradictory self amid solitude and societal estrangement.
Level C2ClassicsHousehold Gods: A ComedyA Roman nobleman's love fades into mystery as his wife retreats into the wild woods, where ancient gods and forbidden desires stir beneath the moonlight.
Level C2ClassicsHermione and Her Little Group of Serious ThinkersStep into a quirky salon where a vibrant cast of artists, mystics, and thinkers gather to debate art, society, and the soul, while Hermione seeks sincerity and meaning by transform…
Level C2ClassicsHamletOn a cold, restless night, sentinels encounter a ghostly apparition resembling the deceased king, stirring fear and curiosity.
Level C2ClassicsGurre Kamilaroi,: or, Kamilaroi Sayings (1856)Explore the rich Kamilaroi language and wisdom through sacred sayings and teachings, revealing the spiritual and cultural heritage of an ancient people as conveyed by a devoted mis…
Level C2ClassicsFour Plays of Gil VicenteStep into the vibrant world of 16th-century Portugal, where Gil Vicente's plays blend lyrical beauty, sharp satire, and rich cultural insight to explore themes of religion, patriot…
Level C2ClassicsFilm Truth; November, 1920A scathing critique emerges from the shadows of early cinema, exposing the tension between art and exploitation through the lens of seduction, censorship, and the battle over a rev…
Level C2ClassicsFaust: A TragedyA scholar, disillusioned with life’s limits, makes a daring pact to transcend human experience and knowledge.
Level C2ClassicsErechtheusIn a world where gods and mortals intertwine, Erechtheus faces divine challenges that test fate, loyalty, and sacrifice.
Level C2ClassicsDionysius of Halicarnassus On Literary Composition: Being the Greek Text of the De Compositione VerborumExplore the art of literary composition through the eyes of a master critic who reveals the harmony of word order, sound, and style in Greek poetry and prose, illuminating the endu…
Level C2ClassicsDiccionario Ingles-Español-Tagalog: Con partes de la oracion y pronunciacion figuradaExplore a comprehensive trilingual dictionary bridging English, Spanish, and Tagalog, complete with parts of speech and phonetic guidance to deepen your linguistic understanding an…
Level C2ClassicsCoriolanusAmidst a city on the brink of rebellion, citizens plot against the proud warrior Caius Martius, whose fierce loyalty and fiery temper ignite conflict between the ruling elite and t…
Level C2ClassicsConfession; Or, The Blind Heart. A Domestic StoryA lonely orphan struggles against neglect and distrust in a harsh world, where youthful passions and folly lead to soul-deep penalties.
Level C2ClassicsChaucer's Works, Volume 5 — Notes to the Canterbury TalesDelve into detailed scholarly notes that unravel the complex manuscript history and authorship debates surrounding the Canterbury Tales, offering critical insights into Chaucer's g…
Level C2ClassicsBook of illustrations : Ancient TragedyIn the shadow of Troy's fall, a watchman anxiously awaits the signal of victory, while dark secrets and ancient curses loom over the House of Atreus.
Level C2ClassicsBiographia Epistolaris, Volume 2: being The Biographical Supplement of Coleridge's Biographia LiterariaJourney alongside a restless poet as he sails from England to Malta, serving as a government secretary while reflecting on friendship, health, and the vivid landscapes of Gibraltar…
Level C2ClassicsBeaumont and Fletcher's Works, Vol. 06 of 10In a richly woven tragicomedy set in Corinth, noble characters navigate disguise, wit, and courtly intrigue, where loyalty and deception intertwine amid political and romantic tens…
Level C2ClassicsBeaumont and Fletcher's Works, Vol. 04 of 10Step into the intrigues of imperial Rome with senators, soldiers, and emperors clashing in a gripping tragedy, then shift to the lively comedy of Monsieur Thomas, where love, wit,…
Level C2ClassicsBeaumont and Fletcher's Works, Vol. 02 of 10: the Humourous LieutenantAmidst courtly intrigue and sharp wit, a spirited young woman navigates the pomp and power of royal audiences and embassies, challenging the rigid hierarchy and revealing the fiery…
Level C2ClassicsAylwinCaught in a perilous ebbing tide, a man clings to life and memories of love as his loyal dog races to seek help.
Level C2ClassicsAs You Like ItA young gentleman, neglected and undervalued by his older brother, struggles against the constraints imposed on him and contemplates how to reclaim his dignity and rightful place.
Level C2ClassicsArden of FevershamIn a quiet Kent town, a gentleman’s life unravels as his disloyal wife conspires with dangerous men to plot his murder.
Level C2ClassicsApocolocyntosisIn a sharp satirical journey through the afterlife, the ghost of Emperor Claudius faces judgment and cosmic comedy, revealing the absurdities of power and fate with biting wit and…![Cover of Anthologica Rarissima: The Way of a Virgin: Being excerpts from rare, curious and diverting books by L. C. [Compiler] Brovan](https://dsx1pat3ljtul.cloudfront.net/books/daf5n8oe1ofc73dhbjs0.webp)
Level C2ClassicsAnthologica Rarissima: The Way of a Virgin: Being excerpts from rare, curious and diverting booksExplore a unique anthology unveiling rare, curious excerpts on virginity from global folklore, literature, and erotic traditions—translated and annotated for the student, collector…
Level C2ClassicsAnimaduersions uppon the annotacions and corrections of some imperfections of impressiones of Chaucer's workesDelve into a 16th-century critique revealing the intricacies of editing Chaucer’s works, intertwined with the storied lineage and literary influence of the Thynne family, guardians…
Level C2ClassicsAnima PoetæDive into the intimate pocket-books of a restless mind, where poetry, philosophy, and personal reflection intertwine in a tapestry of unfiltered thoughts and spiritual yearnings.
Level C2ClassicsAnecdotes of the Learned Pig: With Notes, Critical and Explanatory, and Illustrations from Bozzy, Piozzi &c. &c.A remarkable pig, born amid political turmoil and steeped in controversy, navigates a world of factional conflicts and royal favors.
Level C2ClassicsAn Essay on CriticismDive into a sharp exploration of literary judgment and taste, where examples of sublime and flawed writing reveal the art of "right thinking" and ignite a spirited debate on Englis…
Level C2ClassicsAmong My Books. Second SeriesExplore the rich history and timeless artistry of Florence, where Dante’s legacy and the city’s majestic monuments intertwine with the lives of poets, painters, and thinkers who sh…
Level C2ClassicsAll's Well That Ends WellIn a court shadowed by the King's mysterious illness, a young woman of rare skill and virtue seeks to navigate love, duty, and fate.
Level C2ClassicsAlaeddin and the Enchanted LampJourney into a world of magic and mystery as a humble youth discovers an enchanted lamp with the power to change his destiny forever in this timeless Arabian tale of adventure and…