How to Read a Book
The Classic Guide to Intelligent Reading
About the book
Philosopher Mortimer J. Adler first published his guide to reading in 1940 and rewrote it heavily for a 1972 edition with editor Charles Van Doren. It treats reading for understanding as a skill most people can learn with the right instruction, and moves through levels from elementary and inspectional reading to analytical reading, in which the reader grasps a book's structure, interprets its terms and arguments, and only then judges it. It also covers particular kinds of writing, including practical books, fiction, poetry, history, science, mathematics and philosophy, as well as syntopical reading. A recommended reading list and tests for measuring progress are included.
Sergey Brin was reported to count it among his most recommended books, and Mailchimp co-founder Ben Chestnut said he is teaching its tips to his children so they read faster and enjoy it more.
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This book has 3 recommendations
Sergey Brin (Co-Founder/Google)
Sergey Brin had “How to Read a Book” by Mortimer J. Adler as one of his most recommended books.
Daylon Soh (Product, Growth & Design Architect)
Read books on subjects that you're interested in. Read books that challenge you and elevate your thinking. If you absolutely need a recommendation, read How to Read a Book by Moritimer J. Adler. Adler shares this idea of Syntopical Reading which will help you learn about a subject with depth.
Ben Chestnut (Founder & CEO/MailChimp)
I also love How to Read a Book by Mortimer Adler. I’m teaching its tips to my children while they’re young, so they can consume books much faster and have more fun reading.
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Sergey Brin, Daylon Soh, Ben Chestnut
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Mortimer J. Adler, Charles Van Doren