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pmeilaen
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| Posted: Aug 25 2012 at 2:03pm | IP Logged
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Does anybody know what the difference is between the older edition just written by Mortimer J. Adler and the newer one by Adler and Charles Van Doren?
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Eva
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Mackfam
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| Posted: Aug 25 2012 at 6:06pm | IP Logged
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There is a great and significant difference in the two versions, Eva.
The first edition was written by Mortimer Adler in 1940. The second version was rewritten to address a number of very timely and pertinent topics by Mortimer Adler and his very good friend and associate, Mr. Charles Van Doren. Mr. Van Doren and Mr. Adler worked very closely together on assembling what now stands as a series of books we consider The Great Books of the Western World. As part of their discussion groups and their experiences together they uncovered many new insights that went into the revision of the 1972 version (and current version) of the book, How To Read a Book.
Here are some of the reasons for the revision as listed by Mr. Adler (keeping in mind the first book was written in the 40's):
** By the 70's, there were many more students completing high school and going on to college for a college degree.
** A shift in interest from reading fiction to nonfiction
** Educators began to focus on early reading as a paramount educational goal
** Reading instruction was/is only taught through 6th grade but high school/upper level reading requires more aptitude in comprehending written expositions, economic arguments, critical passages in order for the reader to be competent. In general, high school students were entering college and college level reading with 6th grade comprehension skills.
** In early childhood reading instruction, speed reading began to be emphasized along with read/reward methods...."get a glittery little prize if you read "x" number of pages or books"
These new changes required a different emphasis and understanding in the topics covered.
In addition, by the 70's there were new insights into the problems of learning how to read which formed some of the understanding of the writing. Adler felt it was important to expound on the art of reading and the need to develop higher levels of skill in the art of reading.
A great deal was added to the newer book (Adler/Van Doren) if you compare the Tables of Contents.
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This is a synopsis of the newer book by Adler/Van Doren. I'll list some notes since only one of these sections is actually in the original book:
Part One - The dimensions of reading
Is a brand new section and sets the tone for the entire book, outlining the changes and difference in this revision. This section is NOT in the 1940 edition, and just as an example, I'll list the chapter titles for this section.
1) The Activity and Art of Reading
2) The Levels of Reading
3) The First Level of Reading: Elementary
4) The Second Level of Reading: Inspectional
5) How to Be a Demanding Reader
Part Two - The Third Level of Reading: Analytical Reading
This section, though still largely revised, comprises the bulk of what was contained in the 1940's edition.
Part Three - Approaches to Different Kinds of Reading Matter
This section discusses the different ways to approach different reading types like: imaginative lit (including poetry), history, science, math, philosophy, reference, current journalism, advertising, etc.. It is an addition to what was contained in the 1940's edition.
Part Four - Syntopical Reading
The fourth section of the newer, revised book on Syntopical Reading is completely new and in my opinion, quite significant to anyone undertaking a study of a topic using two or more books. Syntopical reading, and knowing how to do so effectively, is so important for any student initiating research on a topic, whether that is academically related (a school research project) or personally motivated. The need for objectivity is discussed and is so relevant, but I find is only treated minimally in reading at this level. I truly appreciated the chapter.
In general, I would advise the reading of the Adler/Van Doren book for high schoolers/adults. The revised book still contains the same general idea, but speaks to different reading in a much more expansive, yet still accessible way.
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Jen Mackintosh
Wife to Rob, mom to dd 19 , ds 16, ds 11, dd 8, and dd 3
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pmeilaen
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| Posted: Aug 27 2012 at 9:07am | IP Logged
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Thank you, Jen. That was very helpful. My husband has the older edition of this book in his office, but we don't have the newer one. Maybe we will read both in high school, first the old one, then the new one!
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Eva
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4Real Forums : High School Years and Beyond
Topic: How to Read a Book
