reference

Some 15 years ago, I bought the 54 volume version of the great books of the western civilization -and spent ten years reading them (aside from making a living and raising two children). These books have affected my life in various ways, all very positive I believe. If my comment can at least encourage one person in the world to go ahead and read this extraordinary collection, I would be very happy. The publishers have been wise in avoiding footnotes and erudite biographical notes, and of course, in the selection of the works. R Roose from Mexico City

My brother bought this collection when we were eight - a ridiculous request to any parent, undoubtedly - but whatever their reasons it still rests with us today, well-thumbed, especially the Syntopicons. The beauty of this collection is that it's a good introduction to aesthetics, to history and western thought. It generally captures the milestones - big or small - that permeates in influence over the world today. In America there is a growing redudancy to Freud, and Darwin relies on its PRs, extentionists who carry on his legacy in different colors. These are just some superficial examples. The only danger is that the reader may have to take a lot of effort in seeing how it has evolved and been adapted - to update themselves and not get caught with the raw material. as we grow up ( I'm eighteen now, my brother twenty one ) we still find it profound and delightful, and as we read, we learn to respect it more, we grow to liking it, like a blur picture that slowly comes into focus as the years unravel. It was a juvenile effort to cram such intellectual backbones before we hit puberty - but it doesn't come to any loss. The only problem I have with it is that it is in its core text, without much explanation besides the Syntopicon and a book that accompanies it ( timelines, etc) and I think they overlook some great people, like John Donne and include some ideas that are rather diluted in application today, like Spinoza. Of course, that's in my humble opinion, and well - it's debatable among the academias. It's a good book, with patience and some commitment it's rewarding, I'm sure.

I used this set of books to cure myself of various dimensions of my own illiteracy.

Suffering from a lack, perhaps, of desirable introductions featured in other editions of the same works, the consistency of printed style makes it slightly more accessible for a serious reader. The overall aesthetics of the set may add to speed and comprehension.

I would not necessarily, however, read every word : page thru, and see what catches your eye ...

... and add such readings as Joyce's ULYSSES, FINNEGAN'S WAKE, Prousts' REMEMBRANCE, and Musil's MAN WITHOUT QUALITIES. Great Books lists abound. . .

...of course, one ought not to stop there . . . supplement your "great books" with the "missing features" included in Dr.Eliots' earlier five foot shelf of Harvard Classics.

... any student lavishing several hours on each of the classic volumes included in these sets would be well-prepared, to a considerable extent, for any college curriculum. This is entirely apart from the increased appreciation of literature and other things one derives from the Great Books.