A solid introduction to the classics. Some of the descriptions made me eager to read this or that book right now, Van Doren's enthusiasm is so contagious. On the other hand, it's obvious what books and authors he included out of duty instead of love, as the text becomes conspicuously terse. A good book to split up with other reading, use as a reference, or find a foothold in the wall that is The Classics.

So far, zero surprises. It's very standard stuff.

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There's nothing wrong with this book, I guess, but it doesn't really inspire, surprise, or do much of anything.

If you want a bird's eye tour of Western classics in literature, I guess this is an okay place to start.