Examines Bloom's ideas on reading and books, suggesting that his stance on determining greatness is philosophically flawed and arguing that his prime criterion for selecting great texts is premised on a problematic theory of legitimation and greatness, leading to a restrictive view of possibilities for university-level reading. The Freirean notion…

Asserts that great books, the standard classics that decades ago were fare in school curriculum, teach young readers the subtlety and nuance of how language works. Suggests that, given the difficulty college freshmen have in writing essays, perhaps it is time to reintroduce great books in schools. (EV)

Questions the current trend of publishing modern classics of children's literature in lush, expensive, newly illustrated editions. (FL)

The annotated book list in this article was inspired by the scramble to concoct a college-prep curriculum for all students. The author begins with recommendations for rereading certain classics for inspiration and perhaps also for descriptions of follies and commentaries on them. Other reading suggestions are also included.

The debate over teaching the "canon," a collection of great books authored by Homer, Plato, Shakespeare, Kant, Darwin, and others that has traditionally represented the Western intellectual tradition, as a core of the college curriculum, is examined. Discussion begins with a description of how the canon has been taught from ancient…