How to Read a Book

Most of us read the way we were taught at primary school — from the first word to the last, hoping something sticks. Adler argues that this is only one of four levels of reading, and that most books do not deserve to be read that way at all. First published in 1940 and revised in 1972, it is still the best guide to getting the most out of a difficult book — and to spotting quickly the one that is not worth it.