36 pages • 1 hour read
Mortimer J. Adler, Charles Van DorenHow to Read a Book: The Classic Guide to Intelligent Reading
Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 1940A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
How to Read a Book by Mortimer J. Adler and Charles Van Doren is a comprehensive guide to reading that was extensively revised in 1972 to include educational updates since its original 1940 publication. The book is organized into four sections detailing the levels of reading: elementary, inspectional, analytical, and syntopical, explaining concepts like active reading, reading genres, and offering practical reading instruction. Two appendixes provide a recommended reading list and developmental exercises.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
How to Read a Book by Mortimer J. Adler and Charles Van Doren is praised for its comprehensive guide to analytical reading across genres, making it invaluable for avid readers and students. However, some critics find its language dense and examples dated. Overall, it remains a classic tool for enhancing reading skills and critical thinking.
Who Should Read How to Read a Book?
How to Read a Book by Mortimer J. Adler and Charles Van Doren caters to intellectually curious readers who seek to deepen their reading comprehension and analytical skills. Fans of The Well-Educated Mind by Susan Wise Bauer or Reading Like a Writer by Francine Prose will appreciate its methodical approach to understanding complex texts.