He is an adjunct professor at the University of Connecticut, Torrington Campus. Adler the author of A History of Knowledge (which sold 30,000 copies in hardcover and 150,000 in paperback) and the author or editor of The Idea of Progress, Great Treasury of Western Thought, The Annals of America, Second Chance: An American Story, as well as several novels for young people and Webster's American biographies. Also offered is a unique ten-year reading plan, made up of a grand variety of the world's greatest books.Ĭharles Van Doren is the coauthor of the classic How to Read a Book with philosopher Mortimer J. The Joy of Reading delves into a wide range of genres: fiction, poetry, drama, children's books, philosophy, history, and science. This engaging love letter to reading explores the work of the authors who transformed the world from Aristotle and Herodotus in ancient Greece to Salinger and Vonnegut in 20th century America.ĭivided chronologically by the eras in which these books were written, each work is put in historical context and brought to life by Van Doren's sometimes surpising and always insightful comments. Like a professor whose enthusiasm inspires his students, Charles Van Doren explains what's wonderful in the classic and contemporary books you've missed, and awakens your desire to reopen the works you've loved. 'This book is as contagious as it was intended to be.'