I bought this set as an aide to help me round out my own education and find that the books are a great aid in delving into these dense subjects. I like that the readings are grouped by topic as earlier readings provide the underpinnings for later readings. I will also be using this in homeschooling my grandchildren as they get older; their parents definitely want to pursue a classical education for them.
I have the entire Great Books Set but also have the 10 volume program set. Also, the Gateway to the Great Books. Lol😂. I might go back and forth between Gateway and GB program set.
I love videos like this, but they - and the comments - make me feel ignorant. I have so much to learn, so much to read, but at 57, I feel I'm running out of time 😢
Now, I’m on the hunt for this set to utilize alongside the GBWW set. I did some prep work prior to beginning The Iliad but this series may offer a more streamlined approach.
I just did a quick check on eBay, and there's loads of sets of The Great Ideas Program for sale. They are out there! I like how the readings are relatively manageable. For instance, for Plato's Republic, you read the first two books (chapters) not the whole thing. So it's a nice way to ease into the GBWW.
I am sticking to the 10 year plan for now - I might re-read in the future according to this approach. I still think an essential part to reading the great books of the western world is the challenge, your reflections and attempts to understand. I’ll try to steer away from further readings that might color them differently.
I have both these and The Gateway To The Great Books Series as well as the post-1990 60 Vol. newer version of GBWW, (in process of purchasing my own complete 1989 version of GBWW original 54 Vol. Series. ) I wanted to ask You, for somebody who wants to get the MOST out of my Liberal Education, Which of these series of Books would be the best to Start out with?? It looks like “The Gateway to The Great Books,” 10 Vol. Series” may possibly be an easier introduction to start reading GBWW than this series, Also do You recommend a person reading “How To Read A Book,” by Mortimer Adler and Charles Van Doren, 1st before anything else or for a person to begin with “The Gateway To The Great Booka,” series?? Thanka in advance, I’m currently 40 going on 41 in August and am currently reading How To Read A Book, 1st before anything else. Then doing Gateway To the Great Books then “Great Ideas Program,” along with GBWW; but I have younger Niblings (nieces and Nephews etc) who I want to start actually reading these materials also when they come of age, (for Gateway To the Great Books) my Guess is 6th grade or so! What are your thoughts on this and many Thanks in advance!
Thanks for the comment. Great collection of GBWW sets! The Gateway series is certainly an easier point of entry. I do recommend "How to Read a Book" for anyone who wants some guidance on reading difficult texts. It's very practical! I'm planning on doing a comparison of the first edition GBWW with the 1990 edition. The newer edition is preferred if you are interested in 20th century writers. I think you are on the right track, and good luck with your great books journey!
