CEFR C2 · Proficient
Read Proficient Classics in English (C2)
973 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 Theodore Watts-Dunton: Poet, Novelist, Critic, Theaetetus and The works of Richard Hurd, volume 3 (of 8). 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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Level C2PoetryGay gods and merry mortals: some excursions in verseExplore vivid verses that bring ancient myths to life, weaving tales of gods and mortals with charm, passion, and timeless emotion through a series of poetic excursions steeped in…
Level C2FantasyGargantua and Pantagruel, Illustrated, Book 5Embark on a fantastical voyage to mysterious islands inhabited by bizarre creatures and curious societies, where riddles, enchanted temples, and whimsical adventures challenge the…
Level C2FantasyGargantua and Pantagruel, Illustrated, Book 3Embark on a fantastical journey as Pantagruel transports a colony of Utopians to the strange land of Dipsody, while his companion Panurge wrestles with the complexities of marriage…
Level C2PoetryFruit-GatheringA poetic journey through life's seasons, exploring themes of growth, loss, and spiritual yearning, as a soul gathers the fruits of experience and seeks freedom, wisdom, and union b…
Level C2PoetryFrom the Lips of the SeaImmerse yourself in evocative verses that summon the sea’s timeless mysteries, from ancient mariners’ legends to haunting mists and the eternal dance of wind and tide.
Level C2PoetryFrom a London gardenExplore vivid reflections on life, time, and the human spirit through a collection of evocative poems set against the backdrop of London’s streets and gardens.
Level C2PoetryFringilla: Some Tales In VerseJourney into ancient Egypt where the river’s rise signals a sacred festival entwined with beauty, mystery, and a bridal prize tied to the flood’s terrifying power.
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 C2PoetryForty-Two PoemsExplore a haunting journey through memory, loss, and longing in a collection of 42 poems that evoke timeless emotions—from the silent voices of the dead to tender moments in Camden…
Level C2PoetryForest Pictures in the AdirondacksImmerse yourself in vivid scenes and original poems capturing the serene beauty and wild spirit of the Adirondack wilderness, from rushing rapids to tranquil forests and towering m…
Level C2PoetryFlame and ShadowImmerse yourself in vivid, lyrical reflections on nature, love, and the fleeting beauty of life, where each poem ignites the soul with the fierce glow of flame and the gentle myste…
Level C2PoetryFires of DriftwoodDelve into a sea of vivid imagery and poignant reflection as drifting remnants of past glories ignite a delicate fire of memory and longing.
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…![Cover of Fifty Christmas poems for children by Florence B. [Compiler] Hyett](https://dsx1pat3ljtul.cloudfront.net/books/dabnpso9638s73a33fbg.webp)
Level C2PoetryFifty Christmas poems for childrenCelebrate the magic of Christmas through fifty enchanting poems that capture the wonder, joy, and timeless traditions of the holiday season, perfect for children and families to ch…
Level C2ClassicsFaust: A TragedyA scholar, disillusioned with life’s limits, makes a daring pact to transcend human experience and knowledge.
Level C2PoetryEyes of Youth: A Book of Verse by Padraic Colum, Shane Leslie, Viola Meynell, Ruth Lindsay, Hugh Austin, Judith Lytton, Olivia Meynell, Maurice Healy, Monica Saleeby & Francis Meynell. With four early poems by Francis Thompson & a foreword by Gilbert K. ChestertonDiscover a rich tapestry of brief yet profound poems that explore timeless themes from love and loss to cosmic revelation, brought to life by a diverse chorus of voices united by v…
Level C2PhilosophyEureka: A Prose PoemEmbark on a profound exploration of the universe's essence, origin, and destiny, blending physical, metaphysical, and mathematical insights into a sweeping vision that challenges c…
Level C2HistoricalEuphorion - Vol. I: Being Studies of the Antique and the Mediaeval in the RenaissanceDelve into a profound exploration of the Renaissance as the mystical child of ancient Antiquity and medieval longing, embodied by Faust and Helena.
Level C2PhilosophyEssays — First SeriesExplore the boundless human spirit as it connects individual experience with the vast tapestry of history, revealing how every thought, law, and revolution reflects the universal m…
Level C2HistoricalEssaysExplore subtle portraits of literary and historical figures marked by elusive charm and unfulfilled promise, as critical essays delve into the delicate interplay of personality, cr…
Level C2ClassicsErechtheusIn a world where gods and mortals intertwine, Erechtheus faces divine challenges that test fate, loyalty, and sacrifice.
Level C2PoetryEnoch Arden, &c.In a coastal village, childhood friends Enoch, Philip, and Annie grow into love and rivalry amid the sea’s ever-changing tides.
Level C2HistoricalEnglish fragments from Latin medieval service-booksDiscover fragments of medieval English woven into Latin service-books, revealing prayers and ceremonies from baptisms, marriages, and visitations of the sick, exposing the intimate…
Level C2PoetryEnglish and Scottish Ballads, Volume IDive into a rich collection of English and Scottish ballads, weaving tales of fairies, tragic love, heroes, outlaws, and historic events, each preserved in authentic versions that…
Level C2PoetryEnglish Songs and BalladsDiscover a rich collection of beloved English songs and ballads that capture the spirit and tastes of the people, from tender love poems to stirring tales of history and nature’s b…
Level C2PoetryEnglish Poems, Volume 02 (of 2)Explore a collection of evocative poems capturing moments of love, life, and introspection, set against the backdrop of early 20th-century Lisbon.
Level C2PoetryEnglish Poems, Volume 01 (of 2)Dive into a lyrical journey through two distinct poetic sequences, exploring themes of memory, identity, and the passage of time with evocative language and introspective depth.
Level C2PoetryEnglish PoemsIn a world where love is bound by duty and desire ignites in secret, a young couple risks everything for a forbidden passion that defies age, honor, and fate.
Level C2RomanceEndymion: A Poetic RomanceA young dreamer embarks on a poetic journey through lush forests and sacred altars, seeking beauty and meaning amid nature’s timeless splendor.
Level C2PoetryEnamels and Cameos and other PoemsImmerse yourself in a world where beauty and art merge in vivid, poetic visions—from marble goddesses to delicate roses and timeless love—each poem a shimmering jewel capturing pas…
Level C2PoetryEmblems of LoveAmid a starry night and looming wolf attacks, two warriors face a fierce struggle between man and beast, while love’s profound mysteries echo through poetic hymns and ancient disco…
Level C2PoetryEmbers, Volume 2.Dive into a rich tapestry of love, loss, and longing woven through lyrical poems that journey from playful springtime hunts to haunting reflections on life, death, and the eternal…
Level C2PoetryElias: An Epic of the AgesJourney through ages of divine inspiration and human endeavor as a visionary spirit, Elias, guides the epic tale of progress, prophecy, and the eternal quest for truth and restorat…
Level C2PoetryElfin land: and other poemsStep into a realm where myth and memory entwine through evocative verse, exploring enchanted landscapes, timeless heroes, and profound reflections on love, loss, and destiny.
Level C2HistoricalElene; Judith; Athelstan, or the Fight at Brunanburh; Byrhtnoth, or the Fight at Maldon; and the Dream of the Rood: Anglo-Saxon PoemsDive into heroic tales of faith, battle, and vision where empresses seek the true cross, warriors clash in fierce historic fights, and a mystical cross reveals the story of redempt…
Level C2PoetryEire, and other poemsImmerse yourself in vivid verses that evoke Ireland’s mystique, blending ancient legends, heartfelt longing, and lyrical beauty through a rich tapestry of poems and sonnets.
Level C2PoetryEighteen Hundred and ElevenAmid the thunder of war and the storm of nations, Britain faces the harsh toll of conflict, from shattered freedoms to the fading bloom of youth and beauty.
Level C2Children'sEight illustrations to Shakespeare's TempestDive into a magical world where sorcery, spirits, and star-crossed love unfold on a mysterious island, brought to life through eight enchanting illustrations capturing key moments…
Level C2HistoricalEdward the SecondIn a kingdom torn by rivalry and loyalty, the favored Gaveston returns from exile to reignite fierce tensions between King Edward II and his defiant nobles.
Level C2PoetryEast and West: PoemsIn a fog-shrouded seaport, thirteen children drift away on a ghostly hulk, sparking eerie legends and haunting memories.
Level C2PoetryEarly English Alliterative Poems: in the West-Midland Dialect of the Fourteenth CenturyDive into the rich world of 14th-century English poetry with alliterative verses drawn from a unique manuscript, revealing medieval tales and dialects that illuminate the knightly…
Level C2PoetryDriftingA soul drifts peacefully over Vesuvian Bay, sailing among purple peaks and crystal inlets, embraced by the tranquil harmony of sea, sky, and distant mountains where dreams and natu…
Level C2PoetryDreams and DustEvoking dreams, faith, and the vivid pulse of life, these poems journey through hope, love, and the eternal search for meaning amid the fleeting beauty and struggles of existence.
Level C2PoetryDreams and Days: PoemsA stirring collection of poems captures the vibrant pulse of youth, nature, and the struggles of life, weaving hope and truth through vivid imagery and heartfelt reflections.
Level C2PoetryDream tapestriesExplore vivid imagery and delicate emotions woven through a collection of poems that range from nature’s quiet beauty to intimate moments of memory and reflection.
Level C2PoetryDon JuanA biting poetic critique unfolds as a disillusioned narrator challenges the lofty claims of contemporary poets and political figures, setting the stage for a satirical journey thro…
Level C2PoetryDivine Comedy, Longfellow's Translation, PurgatoryJourney through a mystical realm where souls cleanse their sins to ascend toward paradise, guided by celestial beings and illuminated by divine light.
Level C2PoetryDivine Comedy, Longfellow's Translation, ParadiseJourney through the celestial spheres where divine light and order shape the universe, as a soul guided by Beatrice seeks to comprehend the eternal harmony and profound mysteries o…