Great Books of the Western World

Great Books of the Western World The Great Books of the Western World is a series of books that was conceived by Mortimer Adler in 1949. The series aimed to compile a comprehensive and authoritative collection of the most influential and thought-provoking works of literature from the Western world. The project was undertaken by Encyclopædia Britannica, with Mortimer Adler as the general editor. The series has had a profound impact on literary scholarship and education.

Overview and conception

The idea for the Great Books of the Western World was born out of Mortimer Adler's passion for classical literature and his desire to make the great works of the Western world more accessible to a wider audience. In 1949, Adler, a renowned scholar and editor, proposed the idea to Encyclopædia Britannica, which agreed to publish the series. The project was ambitious, aiming to include 30 volumes of works from ancient Greece to the 20th century. Robert Maynard Hutchins, a prominent educator and president of the University of Chicago, was a key collaborator and contributor to the project.

Content and selection criteria

The Great Books of the Western World series comprises 54 volumes, featuring 443 works from 118 authors. The selection criteria were rigorous, with works chosen for their significance, influence, and enduring relevance. The series includes works from famous authors such as Homer, Aristotle, Plato, William Shakespeare, Jane Austen, and Charles Dickens, among others. The series also features works from lesser-known authors, such as Petrarch, Boccaccio, and Rabelais. The content ranges from classical texts like The Iliad and The Republic to modern works like Don Quixote and Crime and Punishment.

Publication history and editions

The first edition of the Great Books of the Western World was published in 1952 by Encyclopædia Britannica. The series was a huge success, and subsequent editions were published in 1963 and 1990. In 1990, the series was revised and updated, with new translations and introductions. The series has been widely praised for its scholarship, design, and production quality. Encyclopædia Britannica has continued to publish new editions and spin-offs, including a CD-ROM version and an online edition.

Reception and criticism

The Great Books of the Western World has received widespread critical acclaim for its scope, scholarship, and accessibility. Many scholars and educators have praised the series for its comprehensive coverage of Western literature and its role in promoting literary education. However, some critics have argued that the series is too focused on Western literature and neglects the contributions of other cultures. Others have criticized the selection criteria, arguing that the series is too narrow in its focus on traditional canonical works. Lionel Trilling, a prominent literary critic, was a vocal critic of the series, arguing that it was too focused on intellectualism and neglected the role of literature in shaping cultural values.

Influence and legacy

The Great Books of the Western World has had a profound impact on literary scholarship and education. The series has sold millions of copies worldwide and has been widely adopted in schools and universities. The series has also inspired numerous spin-offs, including the Great Books Foundation, which promotes literary education and literacy. The series has also influenced popular culture, with references in films, literature, and music. Mortimer Adler's vision for the series has been widely recognized as a landmark achievement in literary publishing, and the series continues to be a vital resource for scholars, educators, and readers around the world. Harvard University, University of Chicago, and Stanford University are among the many institutions that have adopted the series as part of their curriculum.

Category:Great Books of the Western World