Reading Through History Book Club Information

The aim of the book club is to read through the eras of history (via Classics, primary sources and relevant commentaries) over the course of four years. We will read works published during the time period and works written about the time period. There will also be "extra credit" assignments of memorization work.

The breakdown of history will be as follows: Ancients through Medieval (5000 BC-AD 400), Medieval through Early Renaissance (400-1600), Late Renaissance through Early Modern (1600-1850), and Modern (1850-present).

While I'm a fan of starting at the beginning and working until you reach the end, I've decided to ease us into our studies by beginning with the Late Renaissance/Early Modern period, as I think it will be a little more familiar and far less intimidating to start with.

I will post the book selection(s) one month in advance in order to allow everyone the opportunity to acquire their personal copy with time to spare.

Discussion Framework:

On the 5th of each month I will post my thoughts regarding the last month's book selection. In turn, each participant can either post their thoughts, or provide a link to their thoughts on their own blog, in the comments section of my post.

Also on the 5th of the month, I will post a poll with possible choices for the next month's reading selection. Please vote on which work(s) you would like to read.

On the 10th of the month, the voting will end and I will announce which work(s) we will be reading the next month; and, using some sort of random choosing gizmo, select one of the commentors to receive a prize (think gift card) from yours truly. It is the responsibility of the chosen commentor to contact me via email and provide their mailing address so I can send them their copy.

Around the 15th of the month, I will do an "in between" post. It will be a fun question, extra information, etc.

If you're interested, here's some suggested reading that Mrs. Brooke (the club founder)and I found beneficial regarding reading and education through the Classics:

• How to Read a Book, by Mortimer J. Adler


• "Invitation to the Pain of Learning," by Mortimer J. Adler


• The Well-Trained Mind, by Jessie Wise and Susan Wise Bauer


• A Thomas Jefferson Education, by Oliver Van DeMille


• A Thomas Jefferson Education Home Companion, by Oliver Van DeMille et al.