How to Read a Book

HOW TO READ A BOOK: The Classic Guide to Intelligent Reading

by Mortimer J. Adler, Charles Van Doren

Most people read without fully understanding or intenalizing what they have read. Reading is actually a complex activity. In this book, the authors Mortimer J. Adler and Charles Van Doren explain how to read a book intelligently to maximize your learning and growth. The skills and approach are relevant for all types of material (including magazines or news articles). However, they’re the most valuable for reading great books with solid, timeless insights.

In this summary, you’ll learn: 

• The difference between reading for information vs reading for enlightenment.

• The 4 key questions you must habitually answer when reading any book, and how to mark a book as you read.

• A step-by-step guide to master 4 progressive levels of reading: elementary reading, inspectional reading, analytical reading, and syntopical reading. These allow you to fully understand a book, and learn a complex topic.

• How to read different types of books or material, including practical books, imaginative literature, history, math/science, philosophy and social science books.

Who should read this:
• Readers of all ages, academics, students, and researchers; and
• Anyone who wishes to read and learn more effectively.