How to Read a Book, originally published in 1940, has become a rare phenomenon, a living classic. It is the best and most successful guide to reading comprehension for the general reader. And now it has been completely rewritten and updated.

You are told about the various levels of reading and how to achieve them -- from elementary reading, through systematic skimming and inspectional reading, to speed reading, you learn how to pigeonhole a book, X-ray it, extract the author's message, criticize. You are taught the different reading techniques for reading practical books, imaginative literature, plays, poetry, history, science and mathematics, philosophy and social science.

Finally, the authors offer a recommended reading list and supply reading tests whereby you can measure your own progress in reading skills, comprehension and speed.

Some of us like reading, the act of picking up a book or article or whatever our interests may be, and carefully skimming through its contents for information. There are others among us however, who are addicted to our books. We're borderline book snobs who cringe at the idea of buying paperback. We usually buy a bookmark, and some writing materials for each book that we buy or we have a special place set aside in another notebook for note taking before, during and after we've gone on this latest adventure. We secretly want our spouses to turn down the TV or just go shopping. And while we understand addiction or compulsion on any level for any reason is bad, very bad; we still ache for those precious moments of uninterrupted, better than sex, quiet time that allow us to selfishly disappear into another world. OK, maybe not that good but you get the gist. We love the idea of settling into a comfortably quiet, private space with nothing on our agenda but a schedule free weekend and a great book. If you fall into that category, (and keep in mind, if you're reading this review, YOU KNOW YOU DO) then this book is for you. With, How to Read a Book, Mortimer Adler and Charles Van Doren, softly uncover the step by step method for properly quantifying and enjoying quality books. They start with explaining the four levels of reading: elementary, inspectional, analytical and synoptical, and the expectations of each level. From there they explain the basic principles of gaining an anticipatory understanding of the book you're attempting to read. The importance this concept holds simply cannot be underestimated. For instance, it's critical that you first read, understand and think about (and I stress, think about) the jacket, title, contents, index, preface and the introduction; in that sequence, before moving into the contents of the book. It then moves on to the importance of classifying (theoretical or practical), coming to terms, questioning, understanding and believing or not believing the author and their work or premise. In essence, How to Read... brings a new level of focus to reading that makes for a much more satisfying and enlightening experience. The authors also make a strong case for reading the classics. Having read a few of the classics, I tend to support their claim that reading and understanding the classics often adds a level of philosphical depth to ones life. And as an additional twist, I've added Warren Buffet and Charles T. Mungers, 25 most recommended books to my reading list as well. All in all, if you are a book lover you will love this book. I really wish I would've happened upon this book in high-school or my early college years. It has had a tremendous affect on my well loved approach and appreciation to books and what they have to offer. Bon Appetite!

The book arrived in excellent condition. I was impressed that it arrived so soon.

Life changing book. Still remarkably applicable even though it is over 30 years old. But, I was a little bit distracted by the overwhelming amount of passive sentences. Oh well

We have recently made an exciting discovery--three years after writing the wonderfully expanded third edition of How to Read a Book, Mortimer Adler and Charles Van Doren made a series of thirteen 14-minute videos on the art of reading. The videos were produced by Encyclopaedia Britannica. For reasons unknown, sometime after their original publication, these videos were lost.

When we discovered them and how intrinsically edifying they are, we negotiated an agreement with Encyclopaedia Britannica to be the exclusive worldwide agent to make them available.

For those of you who teach, this is great for the classroom.

I cannot over exaggerate how instructive these programs are--we are so sure that you will agree, if you are not completely satisfied, we will refund your donation.

Please go here to see a clip and learn more:

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This book has greatly helped me. I think this should be required reading in any school, be it home or public. I will certainly have my new born read it (well, once she is old enough). Now I have so many more tools available to me while reading. You will not read the same after reading this book. If you apply this book your skill will greatly increase. It has help me love to read!

Daniel Fuller, John Piper's hermeneutics teacher uses this book for his class. He doesn't believe in special hermeneutics but general hermeneutics. You can learn more here: http://www.desiringgod.org/ResourceLibrary/ConferenceMessages/ByDate/1994/ and http://www.desiringgod.org/ResourceLibrary/Articles/ByDate/2006/1625_Where_can_I_learn_more_about_the_Bible_study_method_called_arcing/