How to Read a Book

This book, originally published in 1940, is a guide to reading comprehension for the general reader.

It teaches about the various levels of reading and how to achieve them—from elementary reading, through systematic skimming and inspectional reading, to speed reading. Readers learn how to pigeonhole a book, X-ray it, extract the author's message, criticize. It teaches different reading techniques for practical books, imaginative literature, plays, poetry, history, science and mathematics, philosophy and social science.

Finally, the authors offer a recommended reading list and supply reading tests with which you can measure your own progress in reading skills, comprehension and speed.