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 Yorkshire Lyrics: Poems written in the Dialect as Spoken in the West Riding of Yorkshire. To which are added a Selection of Fugitive Verses not in the Dialect, XXXII Ballades in Blue China [1885] and Within a Budding Grove. 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.
- 973
- books
Level C2PoetryDivine Comedy, Longfellow's Translation, HellLost in a dark forest and pursued by terrifying beasts, a man meets the ancient poet Virgil who offers to guide him through a harrowing journey into the underworld, revealing the t…
Level C2PoetryDivine Comedy, Longfellow's Translation, CompleteLost in a dark forest and blocked by fearsome beasts, a troubled soul embarks on a harrowing journey guided by a revered poet through the eternal realms of the afterlife, where des…
Level C2PoetryDivine Comedy, Cary's Translation, PurgatoryJourney through the second realm where souls purge their sins and prepare for Heaven’s ascent, guided by celestial beings and ancient wisdom.
Level C2PoetryDivine Comedy, Cary's Translation, ParadiseJourney through the celestial spheres guided by Beatrice, as the soul ascends beyond mortal sight to witness divine order and eternal light.
Level C2PoetryDivine Comedy, Cary's Translation, HellLost in a dark, forbidding forest, a weary traveler encounters three terrifying beasts blocking his path and meets the ancient poet Virgil, who offers to guide him through a harrow…
Level C2PoetryDivine Comedy, Cary's Translation, CompleteLost in a dark forest, the narrator confronts terrifying beasts blocking his path and encounters the ancient poet Virgil, who offers to guide him through a harrowing journey across…
Level C2PoetryDivine Adventures: A Book of VerseEmbark on a lyrical journey through love, nature, and myth, where poetic musings bring to life timeless tales and heartfelt reflections.
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 C2HistoricalDiego Collado's Grammar of the Japanese LanguageExplore the early 17th-century Japanese language through a detailed Latin grammar that applies classical Latin frameworks to a non-Indo-European tongue, offering unique insights in…
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 C2HistoricalDepartmental ditties and Ballads and Barrack-room balladsExplore the ironies and intrigues of colonial life through sharp, satirical verse that reveals the timeless struggles of ambition, favoritism, and bureaucracy within the British Em…
Level C2PoetryDemocritus PlatonissansDive into a profound poetic exploration where faith and reason intertwine, as the soul's immortality and the divine nature of existence are passionately debated and celebrated thro…
Level C2PoetryDays and Dreams: PoemsImmerse yourself in a lyrical journey of longing, conversation, and song, where voices intertwine in a poetic dance of dreams and reflections across time and mood.
Level C2PoetryDark of the MoonExplore a luminous collection of poems that capture the shifting moods of nature, seasons, and the human heart, from starlit nights to autumnal reflections and midsummer dreams.
Level C2RomanceCymbelineIn a kingdom shadowed by sorrow and banishment, a princess defies royal expectations by marrying a humble gentleman, igniting tensions that stir hearts and courts alike.
Level C2HistoricalCursory Observations on the Poems Attributed to Thomas Rowley (1782)Dive into the heated 18th-century debate over the authenticity of poems attributed to a mysterious 15th-century priest, as expert analysis unpacks linguistic and historical clues t…
Level C2HistoricalCromwell: A Drama, in Five ActsAmid England’s turbulent past, a young man returns to a village shadowed by political strife and familial betrayal, while a proud woman resists a forced marriage that threatens her…
Level C2PoetryCottage PoemsA humble poet’s rustic muse paints simple, heartfelt scenes of nature, faith, and human struggles, weaving meditations on life’s storms and heavenly hope.
Level C2PoetryCosmosJourney through the ages as humanity grapples with the mysteries of life, death, and the cosmos, challenging old creeds and seeking truth beyond superstition and science.
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 C2PoetryConnected PoemsExplore a series of interconnected poems that delve into idealized societies and celestial virtues, inspired by philosophical reflections on humanity, friendship, and divine love.
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 C2PoetryConfessio Amantis; Or, Tales of the Seven Deadly SinsExplore a medieval world where love battles the seven deadly sins amid shifting fortunes, justice, and discord.
Level C2HistoricalConcerning the bi-literal cypher of Francis Bacon discovered in his worksUncover secret histories hidden within Francis Bacon's works through a complex bi-literal cipher, revealing forbidden truths about Queen Elizabeth and coded dramas that challenge a…
Level C2PhilosophyComplete Works of Plutarch — Volume 3: Essays and MiscellaniesExplore profound reflections on nature, the universe, and the soul through philosophical essays that investigate the essence of existence, the cosmos, and human perception, invitin…
Level C2HistoricalComplete Prose Works: Specimen Days and Collect, November Boughs and Goodbye My FancyExperience vivid reflections on war, nature, and American life through personal anecdotes, battlefield scenes, and tranquil landscapes that capture the spirit of a nation in transf…
Level C2PoetryColorExplore a profound collection of poems that delve into identity, love, struggle, and heritage, capturing the vibrant spectrum of human experience through powerful, evocative verse.
Level C2PoetryCollected Poems 1897 - 1907, by Henry NewboltVividly evoking naval valor and historic battles, these stirring poems celebrate England’s seafaring heroes—from Drake’s drum to Nelson’s daring—immersing readers in tales of coura…
Level C2HistoricalCodex Junius 11Angelic hosts once basking in celestial bliss face rebellion and exile, as divine justice casts down prideful spirits into eternal torment.
Level C2PoetryClear CrystalsDelve into a collection of finely crafted poems that reflect a rich tapestry of emotions and moments, each piece shimmering like a clear crystal in the light of human experience.
Level C2PoetryClaudian, volume 2 (of 2): With an English translation by Maurice PlatnauerAmidst a world shaped by Love and Good Faith, a noble warrior balances power and mercy, guiding an empire through loyalty, justice, and the sacred duties of leadership.
Level C2HistoricalClassical Enigmas, Adapted to Every Month in the Year: Composed from the English and Roman Histories, Heathen Mythology and Names of Famous Writers: Meant to Amuse Youths of All Ages, and at the Same Time Exert Their Memories, by Calling to Mind What They Have Read at Different TimesChallenge your memory and wit with enigmas drawn from English and Roman histories, mythology, and famous writers, each tailored to a different month of the year to entertain and ed…
Level C2PoetryChristmas EveOn a stormy Christmas Eve, a reluctant stranger braves a crowded chapel filled with society’s outcasts, confronting cold stares and warm humanity alike as he seeks meaning amid the…
Level C2HistoricalChoyce Drollery: Songs and Sonnets: Being a Collection of Divers Excellent Pieces of Poetry, of Several Eminent Authors.Amidst the turmoil of the English Commonwealth, a rare collection of songs and sonnets offers a secret glimpse into royalist hopes and pastoral dreams, treasured and hunted in equa…
Level C2PoetryChinese literatureJourney through ancient Chinese wisdom with the teachings of Confucius, the poetic odes of the Shi-King, and the epic travels of Fâ-hien, revealing a rich tapestry of philosophy, h…
Level C2PoetryChildren of the NightExplore the haunting reflections of those lost in darkness, wrestling with fate, faith, and the search for meaning amid sorrow and hope.
Level C2PoetryChilde Harold's PilgrimageA disillusioned young noble, wearied by riotous pleasures and hollow admiration, embarks on a soul-searching journey beyond his homeland, seeking meaning in distant lands and refle…
Level C2PoetryChild Maidelvold, and Other BalladsIn a world of royal secrets and forbidden love, Sidselil’s heart is ensnared by Child Maidelvold, sparking a desperate flight through dark forests and painful truths.
Level C2PoetryChaucerian and Other Pieces: Being a Supplement to the Complete Works of Geoffrey ChaucerExplore a fascinating supplement to Chaucer's works, featuring a curated selection of poems attributed to Chaucer and his contemporaries, complete with scholarly notes and historic…
Level C2PoetryChaucer's Works, Volume 6 — Introduction, Glossary, and IndexesDive into the rich world of Middle English with detailed introductions, extensive glossaries, and precise indexes that illuminate Geoffrey Chaucer’s authentic works, separating gen…
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 C2PoetryChaucer's Works, Volume 3 — The House of Fame; The Legend of Good Women; The Treatise on the Astrolabe; The Sources of the Canterbury TalesJourney through a visionary realm where an eagle guides the poet into the mysterious House of Fame, exploring themes of love, myth, and celestial knowledge.
Level C2PoetryChaucer's Works, Volume 1 — Romaunt of the Rose; Minor PoemsDive into medieval verse with tales of love, chivalry, and philosophy, meticulously restored from ancient manuscripts to reveal the rich language and spirit of Geoffrey Chaucer’s e…
Level C2HistoricalChaucer and His TimesStep into the world of 14th-century England as the life and language of Geoffrey Chaucer unfold through detailed linguistic notes and historical insights, revealing the mysteries b…
Level C2HistoricalCharles Di Tocca: A TragedyAmidst the haunting ruins of Apollo's temple and the vibrant revelry of bacchanals, power, passion, and betrayal intertwine in a dramatic tale set within the castle of Charles di T…
Level C2PoetryChamber MusicDelicate strings and twilight melodies weave through these intimate poems, capturing love’s tender moments and gentle yearnings amid nature’s soft embrace.
Level C2PoetryCastaraExperience the refined courtship of a cultured English gentleman as he woos a noble beauty, weaving tender poems of love, friendship, and life's trials beneath the gentle shade of…
Level C2PoetryCaliforniaImmerse yourself in a lyrical celebration of California's majestic landscapes and rich spirit, where mountains, seas, and valleys sing in harmony.