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    How to Read a Book

    The Classic Guide to Intelligent Reading

    By Mortimer J. Adler and Charles van Doren

    Published 01/1940



    About the Author

    Mortimer J. Adler was an American philosopher, educator, and popular author. He was a long-time advocate for the Great Books program and the idea that education should focus on teaching people how to think critically. Alongside his co-author, Charles Van Doren, Adler aimed to provide readers with the tools to understand and analyze literature deeply. Van Doren, an academic and editor, brought a keen editorial eye and a passion for effective communication to their collaboration on "How to Read a Book."

    Main Idea

    The central premise of "How to Read a Book" is that reading is an active, not passive, activity. Adler and Van Doren argue that to truly understand and benefit from reading, one must engage with the material critically and systematically. They present a series of techniques and questions designed to improve one's reading skills, enhance comprehension, and integrate knowledge from multiple sources.

    Table of Contents

    1. Introduction: The Premise of How to Read
    2. Elementary and Inspectional Reading
    3. Analytical Reading
    4. Comparative Reading
    5. How to Make Reading Work for You

    Introduction: The Premise of How to Read

    The authors begin by discussing the importance of learning how to read intelligently beyond basic literacy skills taught in childhood. They argue that many adults read at an elementary level, focusing on collecting facts rather than comprehending and synthesizing information. This book aims to teach readers how to read for understanding and critical thinking.

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