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15th out of 138 books
—
43 voters
Invitation to the Classics: A Guide to Books You've Always Wanted to Read (Masterworks)
by
Louise Cowan ,
Os Guinness
Practically a classic itself, Invitation to the Classics is a popular guide to those great works of literature that you always meant to read. Full color and engaging, this book is a gateway to the fulfilling pursuit of understanding our culture by exploring its most enduring writings.
"These sparkling essays remind us of the deep pleasures of literature and its power to in...more
"These sparkling essays remind us of the deep pleasures of literature and its power to in...more
Paperback, 384 pages
Published
August 1st 2006
by Baker Books
(first published August 1st 1998)
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This book is a Christian guide to the great classics of Western literature. It provides an introduction to each work, as well as a list of discussion questions, centered on how Christians should respond to the work. It is on a somewhat introductory level, so those with a strong background in western culture/literature will probably find this a review, but it is a good introduction to the uninitiated. It would likely be useful in a homeschooling setting as well.
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This was a rather interesting book; the 'Biblical' critique was more a sequence of questions to examine while reading the classic, not an exploitation of the anti-Biblical ideologies employed in most of the classics. I find also that the authors of this book attempted to 'Christianize' or baptize some works which simply are not in line with a Biblical world-view. It did help me to decide which of the works which I will not want to read.
I enjoyed this overview of the classics as well as the brief biographical information included for each book. The book also included comments on interpreting the works from a christian perspective - some of which I could agree with, and some which I did not. This is a fine collection of suggested reads.
Great series of essays coming from a Christian perspective. Guidelines for translations, questions and themes to focus on, and secondary sources.
Jul 26, 2011
Maria Vargason
added it
I love this book. I have glaring holes in my education! I'm using this book to try to fill some of those holes. Never to late....
A synopsis of classics. Not a book I've read cover to cover. I use it as a reference.
Great resource, but surprised at some classics not included.
In no hurry, I took about 2 years to read this book! I know a little more about many different classic authors and works now, and my list of books "to read" has grown massively. It also serves as a history of literature, taking all the essays together.
Very abbreviated, but a handy overview.
I love this book, it helps me focus.
Fun, a really fun sampler.
LIBRARY BOOKSHELVES
A great reading guide for high school students, or anyone for that matter. This book will walk with the reader through the what the authors consider to be the best in Western literature with a slant towards Christian influences. The commentary and pictures are good and this would be a great start for anyone wanting to learn about a lot that has been written about and thought over the last 2000 years in the West.
I used to buy copies of this for every college-bound teen at our church. It features articles by a very eclectic mix of Christian literary critics (though evangelical Reformed/Presbyterians and Roman Catholics predominate). It is fair and balanced in its treatment of works that are often very hostile to the faith. Beautifully illustrated.
A very unique and interesting book!
This is a book with short descriptions of most of the classics. I enjoyed it because now I know what I do and don't want to read.
I use this reference book often.
May 17, 2013
Squarekitty
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