This current blog series on Thoughts is intended to encourage Christians to read more vigorously by providing a beginner’s guide to selected Christian classics in areas such as theology, philosophy, and apologetics. Hopefully, a very brief introduction to these important Christian texts will motivate believers today, as St. Augustine was called to do during his dramatic conversion to Christianity, to “take up and read” (Latin: Tolle light) these classic books.
This week’s book is not a Christian classic but rather a contemporary reading classic entitled How to read a book by Mortimer J. Adler and Charles Van Doren. This volume revolutionized my reading comprehension and became one of the most important books I have ever read. I have learned so much from this work that I return to it every year for continued review and study of the art and science of reading.
Why is this author remarkable?
Mortimer J. Adler (1902-2001) is arguably the most educated person of the 20th century. An American educator, philosopher, and best-selling author, he has been associated with Columbia University and the University of Chicago. He was also editor-in-chief of British Encyclopedia as well as co-founder The great books of the Western world series. During his long career, he authored more than 50 scientific and popular works. Having written books about God and religion, Adler converted to Christianity late in life.
What is this book about?
Adler first wrote How to read a book in 1940, and it became a best-seller on the subject of classical reading. He revised the book extensively in 1972 with the help of co-author Charles Van Doren, an educator who worked with him on the British Encyclopedia. By exploring all phases of reading, the work is divided into the following four parts:
The first part covers the different dimensions of reading, including the art and activity of reading. The authors distinguish between reading to obtain information and reading to deepen understanding. They also explore learning through instruction rather than discovery. Part 1 also covers the first two levels of reading, including elementary (or basic) reading and inspection (skimming) reading. The authors argue that most readers do not use inspection reading which allows for rapid reading and review of a book to determine whether further reading is advisable.
The second part examines a deeper level of reading called analytical reading. This review of a book calls for more deliberate reading, which involves asking a series of questions as you read. The goal is to understand the author’s message by identifying the author’s key phrases, propositions, and arguments. There are also instructions for treating the point of view expressed in a book fairly. This section also offers tips on how to mark and describe a book for better understanding and future review.
The third part covers the different types of reading that a person encounters. Tips are provided on how to read works such as how-to books, literature, plays and poems, as well as books that cover the themes of history, science and mathematics, philosophy and social sciences. The authors provide many practical suggestions for navigating different genres and types of reading.
Part 4 covers the final and ultimate level of reading, called syntopic reading. Syntopic reading involves reading multiple books on a single topic and evaluating the topic independently of the sources read. This approach to reading is similar to developing a thesis or dissertation on a research topic.
How to read a book concludes with a discussion of the crucial importance of reading for the continued growth of the human spirit. The authors argue that reading good and great books is the best way to develop and preserve the mind throughout life.
Here is Adler and Van Doren’s advice on the types of books one should read to gain insight: