"Originally written in 1940 and first published by Simon & Schuster in 1972, How to Read a Book introduces and elucidates the various levels of reading and how to achieve them in order to gain the most understanding and insight from any book. From elementary reading, through systematic skimming and inspectional reading, to speed reading and beyond, readers will learn when and how to 'judge a book by its cover,' perceive structure no matter the prose, read critically, and extract an author's message from any text. Also included are specific reading techniques that work best for particular genres, whether they be practical books, imaginative literature, plays, poetry, history, science and mathematics, philosophy or social science works. A recommended reading list and multiple reading comprehension tests are incorporated as well in order to measure progress in reading skills, speed, and understanding."-- Provided by publisher.