How to Read a Book

The Classic Guide to Intelligent Reading

By: Mortimer J. Adler, Charles Van Doren

Narrated by: Edward Holland

A CNN Book of the Week: “Explains not just why we should read books, but how we should read them. It’​s masterfully done.” (Farheed Zakaria)

Originally published in 1940, this book is a rare phenomenon, a living classic that introduces and elucidates the various levels of reading and how to achieve them - from elementary reading, through systematic skimming and inspectional reading, to speed reading. Audiences will learn when and how to “judge a book by its cover,” and also how to X-ray it, read critically, and extract the author’s message from the text.

Also included is instruction in the different techniques that work best for reading particular genres, such as practical books, imaginative literature, plays, poetry, history, science and mathematics, philosophy, and social science works.

©2021 Mortimer J. Adler, Charles Van Doren (P)2021 Simon & Schuster Audio

Not just how to read but why

Mortimer Adler takes your hand and guides you through not only knowing how to read different types of books but also why you should read them. Tremendously Edifying work.

I learned a LOT.

This book sharpened my ability to read. Moving forward after reading this book, everything will be different when it comes to learning and reading. Very clear and concise.

It doesn't matter how old your are, GET this book!

I never would have thought that at 50 years old, I would need to know how to read a book. This book should be mandatory to teach in Junior High, High School, and College. It should be introduced to all people multiple times throughout their lives, similar to reading philosophical works like Marcus Aurelius' Meditations, or Aristotle's Meditations, and the Enchiridion of Epictetus. It is a perishable skill and one that is worth its weight in gold.

It's title says it all...

...and quite honestly as you read/listen to the book you will understand why the accuracy of a book's title is the first step in ensuring you know how to analytically read a book.

This a great practical book

I like the ideas that is ok n the book they are very practical.
Suggest this book to anyone that is interested in improving there reading habits.

the format of this book is golden

I wish I read this in high school before I touched any readings I was forced into during that time

Educational

Highly recommend a book it provides great insights for people with experience beginners and more

classic guide all readers can use to improve

this book covers quite a bit of content. It can be trying to get through some parts I found however as a whole it all comes together great

An excellent book.

Mortimer and Charles work on how to read a book was an excellent aid to divine commandment to mankind to "read".

Companion to the Great Books of the Western World

I read this for work/school. I had to read it before starting my Master's program. Written by the same authors of the GBWW, this companion piece does great breaking down literally how to read a book with an open mind, no matter the genre you read (though the main focus in this work is nonfiction works). A highly recommended read, especially when it comes to reading in a higher-learning level (college courses & up).