How to Read a Book is a book by the American philosopher Mortimer J. Adler. Originally published in 1940, it was heavily revised for a 1972 edition, co-authored by Adler with editor Charles Van Doren. The 1972 revision gives guidelines for critically reading good and great books of any tradition. In addition, it deals with genres, as well as inspectional and syntopical reading. No. 1 on The New York Times Nonfiction best seller list for 1 week, from the issue of April 29, 1940. Wiki link