Interpretive Stage: The second stage of analytical reading involves constructing the author's arguments. Lastly, the reader must find out what problems the author is trying to solve. Further, Adler says that the reader must note any divisions in the book, and that these are not restricted to the divisions laid out in the table of contents. Adler says that the reader must distinguish between practical and theoretical books, as well as determining the field of study that the book addresses. It begins with determining the basic topic and type of the book being read, so as to better anticipate the contents and comprehend the book from the very beginning. Structural Stage: The first stage of analytical reading is concerned with understanding the structure and purpose of the book.

Adler names the readings 'structural', 'interpretative', and 'critical', in that order. He claims that three distinct approaches, or readings, must all be made in order to get the most possible out of a book, but that performing these three levels of readings does not necessarily mean reading the book three times, as the experienced reader will be able to do all three in the course of reading the book just once. Here, Adler sets forth his method for reading a non-fiction book in order to gain understanding. How to Read a Book is divided into four parts, each consisting of several chapters. In addition, it deals with genres (including, but not limited to, poetry, history, science, and fiction), as well as inspectional and syntopical reading. The 1972 revision gives guidelines for critically reading good and great books of any tradition. Originally published in 1940, it was heavily revised for a 1972 edition, co-authored by Adler with editor Charles Van Doren. How to Read a Book is a book by the American philosopher Mortimer J.

Charles van doren history of knowledge