Discover the Classics: The Great Books of the Western World by Mortimer J. Adler

The Great Books of the Western World is one of the most comprehensive and influential collections of books ever assembled. Edited by renowned literary scholar, Mortimer Adler, this set brings together the best and brightest works from some of the world’s greatest thinkers. Spanning a range of topics from philosophy to science, these books have been hailed as timeless masterpieces that have shaped modern society.

From classic works such as Plato’s “The Republic” and Machiavelli’s “The Prince” to groundbreaking scientific treatises like Darwin’s “On the Origin of Species”, The Great Books of the Western World provides an unparalleled look into the minds of history’s greatest thinkers. With its beautiful leather-bound volumes and accompanying readings guides, this collection is sure to become a treasured part of any library or classroom.

The Great Books of the Western World Review

Guides100 Logo
The Great Books of the Western World is a must-have for any serious reader! This collection of 52 volumes from Mortimer Adler and the Encyclopedia Britannica brings together the essential works of literature, philosophy, history, and science from ancient Greece to the 20th century.
Key Features:

  1. A comprehensive collection of classic works, including Plato’s Republic and Aristotle’s Metaphysics
  2. Each volume features detailed introductions by experts in their field
  3. Includes essays on each book’s historical context and its impact on modern thought
  4. An invaluable sourcebook for anyone interested in Western civilization

The Great Books of the Western World stands as one of the crowning achievements of human culture. This set captures some of humanity’s greatest accomplishments – from Homer’s Iliad, to Shakespeare’s Hamlet, to Darwin’s On the Origin of Species. It offers readers a chance to explore centuries of timeless wisdom and knowledge that can still be found relevant today. Whether you’re reading for pleasure or studying for an academic qualification, this collection will provide hours upon hours of intellectual stimulation.

Product Details

Product Description
The Great Books of the Western World A collection of the greatest works of literature from western civilization, compiled by editors Mortimer J. Adler and Robert M. Hutchins.
Editor(s) Mortimer J. Adler and Robert M. Hutchins
Number of Volumes 54 volumes
Format Hardcover
Size 5″ x 8″
Publisher Encyclopaedia Britannica, Inc.
Publication Date 1991

The Great Books of the Western World Pros and Cons

1. Pros
The Great Books of the Western World is a collection of the most influential books in Western civilization. It includes classic works from ancient Greece, Rome, and other civilizations. The collection also includes works from the Middle Ages, Renaissance, and modern era. Each volume offers an introduction to its author and an overview of their work. It is a great resource for anyone interested in exploring the history and development of Western culture.

2. Some key advantages include:

  • In-depth knowledge: Readers gain access to some of the most influential books ever written and can deepen their understanding of Western culture.
  • Wide range of topics: From philosophy to literature, science to religion, this set covers a broad range of subjects.
  • High-quality content: Each book has been carefully chosen for its quality and importance.
  • Easy to use: The volumes are arranged in chronological order and feature an introduction to each author.

3. Cons
While The Great Books of the Western World is a valuable resource, it does have some drawbacks. Not all readers may be familiar with some of the authors or their works, making it more difficult to appreciate their significance. Additionally, some readers may find the introductions too brief or lacking in detail. Finally, depending on the edition, there may be some missing works that could be important for certain topics.

Who are They for

The Great Books of the Western World is the ultimate library for intellectual exploration. This collection features the most influential and important works from throughout history, from ancient Greece to modern times. Containing over 5,000 pages of timeless wisdom, this set includes classic works by Plato, Aristotle, Shakespeare, Darwin, Freud and many more. With this collection you can explore the world’s greatest literature at your own pace and learn about some of the most fascinating topics that have ever been written about. This is an incomparable resource for anyone looking to broaden their understanding of the world.

For centuries, Great Books of the Western World has been a staple in libraries and classrooms around the globe. It provides readers with an unparalleled opportunity to explore thought-provoking ideas and gain insights into human behavior and society through some of history’s most essential texts. From philosophical works like Plato’s “The Republic” to scientific discoveries like Darwin’s “Origin of Species”, these writings provide invaluable insight into how our world has evolved over time.

This set also contains a comprehensive introduction to each author along with multiple indices which make it easy to quickly find any work included in the collection. An ideal addition to any home library, Great Books of the Western World will help readers expand their knowledge and gain new perspectives on life, culture and society. Whether you are a student or a lifelong learner, this set is sure to become an indispensable part of your collection!

My Experience for The Great Books of the Western World

Lloyd Kaufman

It was an exciting day when I first opened my copy of The Great Books of the Western World by Mortimer Adler. I had heard so much about it and couldn’t wait to dive in and start exploring!

I’m sure I wasn’t alone in feeling a bit overwhelmed as I perused the 54-volume set, containing some of the greatest works ever written. From Plato to Freud, Homer to Darwin, this was an incredible collection of literature, philosophy, science and history.

At first, I was intimidated by the sheer amount of material included, but after a few days I got into the groove of things. Every morning I would wake up early, pour myself some coffee and crack open one of the volumes. It quickly became part of my daily routine and before long I found myself inspired by all that I was reading.

These books are truly amazing in their scope and breadth. They offer an incredible window into the minds of some of our most influential thinkers throughout history. The insights they provide can be applied to our lives today, from understanding politics to appreciating art.

For anyone looking for an intellectually stimulating experience, The Great Books of the Western World is a must-have!

 

What I don’t Like

1. Pricey: The Great Books of the Western World is a pricey set, so it may not be feasible to purchase for everyone.
2. Heavy: This set is heavy to lift and transport.
3. Time Consuming: Reading through all of the books in this collection can take a significant amount of time.
4. Limited Availability: The Great Books of the Western World is currently out of print and hard to find in stores.
5. Outdated Content: Some of the content in the books may be outdated or no longer relevant to modern society.

How to Become an Expert in the Western World with The Great Books of the Western World

Do you want to become an expert on the great works and ideas of the Western world? The Great Books of the Western World from Mortimer Adler is the perfect resource to start your journey. This comprehensive collection includes famous works such as Plato’s Republic, Aristotle’s Nicomachean Ethics, Machiavelli’s The Prince, and much more. With this book set, you can begin to explore the history, philosophy, literature and science of the Western world.

Step 1: Choose Your Reading

To get started on a journey through The Great Books of the Western World, it’s important to select individual books that interest you. Spend some time browsing through titles or searching for key words related to topics that fascinate you. As you find books that look interesting, make a list so that you can keep track of what you want to read.

Step 2: Read with Focus and Intention

Once you have chosen your reading material, it’s time to dive in! Make sure to take notes as you read and ask yourself questions about what you are learning. If something doesn’t make sense, try taking a break and looking into other sources for clarification. Also, don’t be afraid to challenge new concepts or ideas—this will help deepen your understanding.

Step 3: Discuss What You Learn

After completing a book or two from The Great Books of the Western World, discuss your experiences with friends or colleagues who also share an interest in the subject matter. Be prepared to defend arguments and opinions that were presented in the book while also sharing any thought-provoking questions that may arise during discussion.

By following these steps and utilizing The Great Books of the Western World, you can become an expert in the field of Western culture and strengthen your understanding of its contributions throughout history.

Questions about The Great Books of the Western World

 

What is The Great Books of the Western World?

The Great Books of the Western World is a set of books originally published in 1952, featuring a collection of classic works that shaped Western civilization. This comprehensive set includes works by some of history’s greatest thinkers, including Plato, Aristotle, Augustine, Galileo, and Descartes.

What kind of books are included in The Great Books of the Western World?

The Great Books of the Western World set includes over 60 volumes of literature, philosophy, science, history, and more from ancient, medieval, and modern sources. It features world-renowned authors like Homer, Shakespeare, Darwin, and Freud.

How do I purchase The Great Books of the Western World?

The Great Books of the Western World can be purchased online at Amazon.com or other retailers. It is available in both physical and digital formats.

Lloyd Kaufman

Hi, my name is Lloyd and I'm a book enthusiast. I love to read all kinds of books, from classic literature to modern fantasy, as well as non-fiction works. I also enjoy writing reviews and giving my opinion on the books that I have read.

Leave a Comment