logo

36 pages 1 hour read

Mortimer J. Adler, Charles Van Doren

How to Read a Book: The Classic Guide to Intelligent Reading

Mortimer J. Adler, Charles Van DorenNonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 1940

A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.

Book Brief

logo
Mortimer J. Adler, Charles Van Doren

How to Read a Book

Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 1940
Book Details
Pages

426

Format

Book • Nonfiction

Setting

1940s

Publication Year

1940

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

Roundup icon

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.

Informative

Challenging

Contemplative

Reviews & Readership

4.3

32,615 ratings

75%

Loved it

17%

Mixed feelings

8%

Not a fan

Roundup icon

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 this

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.

4.3

32,615 ratings

75%

Loved it

17%

Mixed feelings

8%

Not a fan

Book Details
Pages

426

Format

Book • Nonfiction

Setting

1940s

Publication Year

1940

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

Continue your reading experience

Subscribe now to unlock the rest of this Study Guide plus our full library, which features expert-written summaries and analyses of 8,000+ additional titles.