With half a million copies in print, How to Read a Book is the best and most successful guide to reading comprehension for the general reader, completely rewritten and updated with new material.

A CNN Book of the Week: “Explains not just why we should read books, but how we should read them. It's masterfully done.” –Farheed Zakaria

Originally published in 1940, this book is a rare phenomenon, a living classic that introduces and elucidates the various levels of reading and how to achieve them—from elementary reading, through systematic skimming and inspectional reading, to speed reading. Readers will learn when and how to “judge a book by its cover,” and also how to X-ray it, read critically, and extract the author’s message from the text.

Also included is instruction in the different techniques that work best for reading particular genres, such as practical books, imaginative literature, plays, poetry, history, science and mathematics, philosophy and social science works.

Finally, the authors offer a recommended reading list and supply reading tests you can use measure your own progress in reading skills, comprehension, and speed.

About the Author

Dr. Mortimer J. Adler was Chairman of the Board of the Encyclopedia Britannica, Director of the Institute for Philosophical Research, Honorary Trustee of the Aspen Institute, and authored more than fifty books. He died in 2001.

Dr. Charles Van Doren earned advanced degrees in both literature and mathematics from Columbia University, where he later taught English and was the Assistant Director of the Institute for Philosophical Research. He also worked for Encyclopedia Britannica in Chicago.

"About this title" may belong to another edition of this title.

Store Description

We are a division of Goodwill Industries of the Columbia Willamette, headquartered in Portland, Oregon, U.S.A. When you buy from Goodwill Books not only will you feel happy about the money you save, you'll feel good knowing your purchase helps Goodwill provide vocational opportunities to people with barriers to employment. For more information please visit our website: www.goodwillbooks.com

Visit Seller's Storefront

Seller's business information

Goodwill Books
2920 SE Century Blvd, Hillsboro, OR, 97123, U.S.A.

Sale & Shipping Terms

Terms of Sale

All books subject to prior sale. Books shipped via USPS Media Mail or Priority Mail. Extra postage required for heavy books and sets unless otherwise noted. Payment in U.S. dollars via VISA/MASTERCARD/DISCOVER. Sorry, we do not accept checks or money orders. Purchases may be returned within 14 days of receipt for refund; refund will be initiated upon receipt of returned book.

Goodwill Books
2920 SE Century Blvd
Hillsboro, OR 97123
gicwbook@gicw.org

Shipping Terms

Shipping costs are based on books weighing 2.2 LB, or 1 KG. If your book order is heavy or oversized, we may contact you to let you know extra shipping is required.

Shipping rates within U.S.A.

Shipping rates within U.S.A.
Order quantity	5 to 14 business days	3 to 6 business days
First item	US$ 3.99	US$ 7.00

Delivery times are set by sellers and vary by carrier and location. Orders passing through Customs may face delays and buyers are responsible for any associated duties or fees. Sellers may contact you regarding additional charges to cover any increased costs to ship your items.