Although the competition program is renewed each year, there are nevertheless certain manuals that are always very useful to have: classics of French literature, language manuals, dictionaries, or even general philosophy manuals, discover in this article all the useful books to have in each subject when you are in charge.
In French
In French, it is recommended to acquire a book dealing with theoretical and critical texts. For both the ENS and BCE exams, the juries place great value on quotes from literary critics: in fact, quotes generally have the effect of starting your thinking in a relevant way and bringing a more striking dimension to your arguments. In this perspective, it is good to obtain the collection “150 texte théories et critiques” published by Armand Colin, which lists the major and essential references of literary analysis. In addition, it is wise to obtain classics of French literature that are not on the syllabus, because this will enrich your copy with literary references outside the syllabus (about a third of the references in an essay).
In philosophy
If your philosophy course is already dense enough that you don’t have to burden yourself with additional books, the final year philosophy textbook remains a must: essential concepts and canonical texts will be popularized, which can allow you to have an initial approach to the theme on the year’s program, or even to remind yourself of the most classic references.
IHistoryry
Here again, the history program is so dense that filing additional books is not an absolute obligation. However, if you are behind on the program, want to get ahead, or are particularly interested in the subject, you can first go back to the basic textbooks to situate the major stages of globalization from 1880 to the mid-1930s (program milestones), and also browse the bibliography given by the ENS in its framework letter.
In geography
It is useful to know that each year, the Atlanta edition publishes (sometimes late) a book exclusively devoted to the theme of the year in geography: it is a very dense manual with examples and case studies, which you can read in addition to your course, or from which you can pick a few well-targeted examples u feel that you are missing some. An excellent alternative for the classic khâgnes who do not take geography courses but who nevertheless wish to take the ENS de Lyon competition.
In ancient languages
For Latin, in terms of grammar, it is always useful to have with you your Précis de grammaire de lettres latines (Morisset – Gason – Thomas – Baudiffier), a reference for Latinis d you can also find it online in pdf format. For Latin as for Greek, concerning the literary and civilizational aspect, you can easily obtain the Aide-mémoire de laLatinnd Aide-mémoire de grGrecMaurice Rat), which will give you the essential notions to understand these two civilizations in terms of geography, history, mythology, literature, and daily life .
In modern languages
Although the English test is not on the syllabus, it is essential to have with you a grammar manual, a vocabulary book, and an English literature manual. Concerning grammar, any book will do; concerning vocabulary, the Vocabulary Guide Édition Nathan is particularly complete; finally, A Literary Guide is perfectly adapted for prep students who are discovering English literature and offers precise points of analysis as well as numerous bibliographical elements.
As with English, it is still useful to have a grammar and vocabulary manual. The Germanist’s Memento (Jean-Pierre Vasseur edition) lists all Latin grammar (declensions, conjugations, clauses, etc.), thematic vocabulary as well as numerous exercises and corrections.