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.
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![Cover of Anti-Achitophel (1682): Three Verse Replies to Absalom and Achitophel by John Dryden by Harold Whitmore [Editor] Jones](https://dsx1pat3ljtul.cloudfront.net/books/daeois8e1ofc73dh7fqg.webp)
Level C2PoetryAnti-Achitophel (1682): Three Verse Replies to Absalom and Achitophel by John DrydenThree poetic replies challenge a famous verse allegory, offering sharp political and moral counterpoints through allegorical verse and satire.![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 C2PoetryAndromeda, and Other PoemsA coastal kingdom faces ruin as a monstrous sea creature demands a royal sacrifice to appease the gods, setting the stage for a tale of divine wrath, pride, and fate entwined with…
Level C2HistoricalAn encyclopedist of the dark ages: Isidore of SevilleExplore the mind of Isidore of Seville, a seventh-century scholar who compiles the scattered remnants of ancient science and knowledge into a vast encyclopedia, revealing the intel…
Level C2PoetryAn Introduction to the Prose and Poetical Works of John Milton: Comprising All the Autobiographic Passages in His Works, the More Explicit Presentations of His Ideas of True Liberty.Explore the passionate prose and poetry of a visionary who champions intellectual freedom and individual rights, weaving autobiographical insight with powerful arguments for true l…
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 C2PoetryAn Epic of Women, and Other PoemsImmerse yourself in a rich tapestry of poems that explore the depths of love, history, and timeless beauty, from whispered graves to the legendary Cleopatra.
Level C2HistoricalAn English Garner: Ingatherings from Our History and Literature (8 of 8)Step into the epic campaign of King Henry V as he rallies his knights and sets sail for Normandy, preparing for the fateful Siege of Harfleur and the legendary Battle of Agincourt,…
Level C2PoetryAn Elogy to the Memory of the late Wm. Palgrave, Esq., with Other PiecesIn a heartfelt tribute, a life marked by justice, kindness, and steadfast friendship is remembered amidst the fleeting fortunes and trials of mortal existence, inviting reflection…
Level C2PoetryAn Alphabet of HistoryExplore history’s most iconic figures from Alexander the Great to Zenobia through a vibrant alphabet of poetry and illustrations, blending timeless stories with playful verse that…
Level C2PoetryAmours De VoyageJourney through ancient Rome and beyond as a traveler wrestles with history’s ruins, cultural clashes, and spiritual disillusionment, capturing the restless search for meaning amid…
Level C2PoetryAmores: PoemsDive into a vivid exploration of passion, nature, and the human soul through evocative poems that unravel intimate desires, childhood struggles, and the wild rhythms of youth, all…
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 C2PoetryAll Round the YearExperience the cycle of nature and human emotion through vivid, lyrical poems that celebrate the resilience of life, the promise of spring, and the tender moments woven throughout…
Level C2PoetryAlcyoneJourney through cosmic wonder and earthly renewal in evocative poems that explore the timeless dance of stars, the fleeting beauty of spring, and the haunting echoes of ancient cit…
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…
Level C2PoetryAgainst This AgeIn a surreal exploration of death and memory, a man discovers that his imagination reshapes reality itself, transforming familiar surroundings into a fluid world where desire and r…
Level C2PoetryAfterwhilesJourney through tender reflections and serene landscapes where memories and longing intertwine, guiding you from bustling city streets to tranquil country retreats and beyond, into…
Level C2PoetryAfternoonMaturity deepens love amid the fading garden’s summer glow, as two souls find joy and repose in the quiet intensity of shared moments.
Level C2PoetryAfterglowExplore a collection of reflective and evocative poems delving into themes of time, love, faith, and the soul’s journey, each piece offering a glimpse into moments of quiet contemp…
Level C2PoetryAcross the Sea and Other Poems.Journey across the sea through evocative poems that explore childhood’s lost innocence, the allure of distant shores, and the poignant beauty of memory and life's uncertain voyage.
Level C2PoetryAccolon of Gaul, with Other PoemsIn a mystical forest where ancient magic stirs, a knight wanders through dreams of legendary love and enchantment, drawn into the haunting allure of Morgane and the spellbound real…
Level C2PoetryAbraham Lincoln: An Horatian OdeWitness the profound mourning and tribute to a humble man who rose from rustic roots to lead a nation through its greatest trial, only to fall by a tragic act of betrayal that shak…
Level C2PoetryA-Naughty-Biography and other poemsA mischievous child recounts a lively and challenging infancy filled with family love, illness, and childhood antics on a small farm, navigating early hardships and the sudden loss…
Level C2RomanceA rogue's tragedyAmid the ethereal Alps, two lovers find their world transformed by a transcendent passion that blurs the line between dream and reality.
Level C2PoetryA happy New Year, and other versesExplore a rich tapestry of emotions and landscapes through evocative verses that capture moments from springtime gardens to historic elections and distant battles, blending persona…![Cover of A dialoge or communication of two persons: Deuysyd and set forthe in the late[n] tonge, by the noble and famose clarke. Desiderius Erasmus intituled [the] pylgremage of pure deuotyon. Newly tra[n]slatyd into Englishe. by Desiderius Erasmus](https://dsx1pat3ljtul.cloudfront.net/books/dagkgg6icedc739b5sn0.webp)
Level C2PhilosophyA dialoge or communication of two persons: Deuysyd and set forthe in the late[n] tonge, by the noble and famose clarke. Desiderius Erasmus intituled [the] pylgremage of pure deuotyon. Newly tra[n]slatyd into Englishe.Two voices engage in a profound dialogue exploring the true path of Christian devotion, exposing the dangers of idolatry and false worship while guiding believers toward faith, red…
Level C2PoetryA chant of love for England, and other poemsPassionate poems evoke England’s spirit, from heroic soldiers and historic ballads to tender reflections and stirring sonnets, weaving a rich tapestry of love, loss, and national p…
Level C2PoetryA book of Christmas verseJourney through timeless Christmas carols and evocative poems that capture the spirit of the season, from ancient hymns to heartfelt modern verses celebrating joy, faith, and the n…
Level C2HistoricalA Very Pleasaunt & Fruitful Diologe Called the EpicureA thoughtful dialogue explores the true treasures of the mind—learning, wisdom, and virtue—beyond worldly riches and fame.
Level C2HistoricalA Treatise of Daunses, Wherin It is Shewed, That They Are as It Were Accessories and Dependants (Or Thynges Annexed) to Whoredome: Where Also by the Way is Touched and Proued, That Playes Are Ioyned and Knit Togeather in a Rancke or Rowe with Them (1581)Explore a fiery argument against dances and plays, portrayed as gateways to moral corruption, as the author challenges their place in Christian society and calls for a thorough ref…
Level C2PoetryA Summer's PoemsImmerse yourself in a collection of reflective poems inspired by six weeks spent amid the majestic mountains of Upper Austria, exploring nature, life’s journey, and fleeting moment…
Level C2ClassicsA Short View of the Immorality, and Profaneness of the English Stage: Together with the Sense of Antiquity on this ArgumentA scathing critique exposes how the English stage corrupts virtue by promoting vice, lewdness, and irreverence, challenging the morality and purpose of contemporary plays.
Level C2PoetryA Sheaf of Verses: PoemsExplore vivid emotions and reflections on nature, love, and life through a collection of lyrical poems that celebrate youth, beauty, and the poetic spirit in every moment.
Level C2PoetryA Selection from the Lyrical Poems of Robert HerrickDive into a rich tapestry of lyrical poems exploring themes of love, nature, and the passage of time, where pastoral beauty and heartfelt emotion intertwine in graceful verse.
Level C2ClassicsA Select Collection of Old English Plays, Volume 11Dive into the witty world of early 17th-century drama where Nathaniel Field’s sharp comedies explore the fickle nature of women and society, blending humor and serious reflection i…
Level C2ClassicsA Select Collection of Old English Plays, Volume 07In a tale of tragic love and bitter revenge, a queen and her beloved earl meet a sorrowful fate, while a grieving father contemplates a final, desperate act to join them in death.
Level C2ClassicsA Select Collection of Old English Plays, Volume 03Step into the world of early English drama where witty moralities and comedies unfold through vibrant characters like Perverse Doctrine and Ralph Roister Doister, revealing the soc…
Level C2HistoricalA Roman Lawyer in Jerusalem : First CenturyIn first-century Jerusalem, a Roman lawyer wrestles with the mysterious figure of Christus and the controversial betrayal by Judas Iscariot, seeking truth amid political turmoil an…
Level C2PoetryA Reading of Life, with Other PoemsYouth faces a vital choice between the fierce freedom of Artemis and the seductive allure of Aphrodite, as the poem explores the passionate, wild chase of life and love’s compellin…
Level C2PoetryA PreludeA weary soul finds solace hidden in a quiet wood, torn between the yearning for freedom and the peace of acceptance.
Level C2ClassicsA Portrait of the Artist as a Young ManA young boy named Stephen navigates the complex world of childhood, school, and family through vivid memories and sensory impressions.
Level C2PoetryA Nonsense AnthologyDive into a whimsical collection of playful and absurd poems, featuring nonsense verses, quirky ballads, and fantastical tales that delight with their imaginative language and humo…
Level C2PoetryA Minor Poet, and Other VerseExplore a vivid tapestry of emotions and classical drama through poetry that delves into mythic characters like Medea alongside intimate reflections and sonnets, blending ancient t…