>[!citation] >Adler, M. J. (1997). _How to read a book_. (C. L. Van Doren, Ed.). Fine Communications. > [!abstract] > *How to Read a Book* is a book by the American philosopher Mortimer J. Adler. Originally published in 1940, the heavily revised 1972 edition gives guidelines for critically reading good and great books of any tradition. In addition, it deals with genres (including, but not limited to, poetry, history, science, and fiction), as well as inspectional and syntopical reading (Wikipedia, 2025). > [!note] Reading notes >Four levels of reading: >1. Elementary: read lightly for entertainment. >2. Inspectional: read to be informed about the topic. >3. Analytical: read deeply to understand the topic. >4. Syntopical: compare and contrast books to master the topic.