How to Read a Book
by Mortimer J. Adler and Charles Van Doren
The 1940 classic on reading levels: elementary, inspectional, analytical, syntopical, with rules for each. Dry and transformative for serious readers.
Read it if…
you want to read difficult books well.
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Skip it if…
you read for pleasure only.
Try instead: How to Take Smart Notes →
Three things you will actually use
- Inspect before you read.
- Come to terms with the author.
- Read syntopically across books.
Do this first
Inspect your next nonfiction book for fifteen minutes before reading.
Our verdict
Reading, as a skill.
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