How to Read a Book

Mortimer J. Adler

Book Synopsis

"How to Read a Book" by Mortimer J. Adler is a comprehensive guide that illuminates the art of reading and understanding texts. This classic book provides readers with the tools and techniques needed to become active, critical readers.

In the first section, Adler introduces the four levels of reading: elementary, inspectional, analytical, and syntopical. He explores the different goals and approaches required for each level, allowing readers to effectively tailor their reading strategy to the type of text they encounter.

The book also covers the vital skills of interpreting and evaluating what is read. Adler emphasizes the importance of asking questions and engaging with the material, encouraging readers to form their own opinions and develop their critical thinking abilities.

Adler presents invaluable advice on how to read different genres, including practical tips on reading novels, essays, scientific texts, and more. He offers guidance on extracting information and understanding the author's intended meaning while avoiding common pitfalls.

In addition, he tackles the challenge of reading difficult books, guiding readers through complex subjects with clarity and depth. Adler teaches readers how to engage with challenging texts, increase their comprehension, and develop a lifelong love for learning.

With its straightforward and concise writing style, "How to Read a Book" equips readers with the skills needed to navigate the vast ocean of literature and make the most out of their reading experience. It is an invaluable resource for students, individuals seeking personal improvement, and anyone who wishes to become a more astute reader.

Explore More Books

See All
Astrophysics for People In a Hurry
Guns, Sails, and Empires
At Play in the Fields of the Lord
Faraday, Maxwell, and the Electromagnetic Field
Writing My Wrongs
Dance to the Tune of Life
Bet The Farm
The Interpretation of Dreams
The True Believer
American Prison
National Economic Planning
Seeing Is Forgetting the Name of the Thing One Sees
Memos From The Chairman
Darwin's Blind Spot
Once a Warrior
The Intel Trinity
Power Failure
Trust Me, I'm Lying
Expectations Investing
Everything All At Once
Glass
The Sun Also Rises
History of the World
Code
The Jungle Book
The Creative Society
The Most Important Thing
The Ordeal of Civility
Good Calories, Bad Calories
Awareness
A Universe From Nothing
DeMark Indicators
The Red Queen
Walter Benjamin
The Man Without a Face
Moorish Spain
End The Fed
Rational Ritual
Being You
The Blue Sweater
The Remains Of The Day
Influence
I Am Not a Tractor
The Trump Century
The Little Prince
A Magic Web
The Outsiders
On The Principles of Political Economy and Taxation
Dreamland
The Dao of Capital
The Hour Between Dog and Wolf
My Inventions
Your Dad Stole My Rake
Nixonland
Long Walk to Freedom
It's About Damn Time
A Higher Loyalty
Sex, Drugs, and Rock 'n' Roll
Dream Yoga
Sam Walton
The Quest
The Knowledge
In the Company of Giants
The Enchiridion
The Creative Act
Democracy In America
Blink
Hillbilly Elegy
War
Small Is the New Big
The Language Instinct
The Snowball
Slow Horses
Anything You Want
Children of Dune
A History of the English-Speaking Peoples
Financial Derivatives
Born Standing Up
When I Say No, I Feel Guilty
Self Reliance
End of Illness
Defend The Border and Save Lives
Innovating Out of Crisis
Reamde
Burn
The Immortality Key
Joy on Demand
The New Science of Strong Materials
The Invention of Air
When The Facts Change
Shantaram
The Order of Time
Built from Scratch
#AskGaryVee
Blitzscaling
Billion Dollar Whale
100 Best-Loved Poems
Man's Search for Meaning
Perfectly Reasonable Deviations from the Beaten Track
Surely You're Joking Mr. Feynman