Now in paperback—the national bestseller that offers a dramatic and entertaining account of some of the greatest works of literature, a persuasive defense of the magnificence of the Western literary tradition, and a thrilling personal odyssey of one man's return to academia.

THE NATIONAL BESTSELLER

At the age of forty-eight, writer and film critic David Denby returned to Columbia University and re-enrolled in two core courses in Western civilization to confront the literary and philosophical masterpieces — the “great books” — that are now at the heart of the culture wars. In “Great Books, ” he leads us on a glorious tour, a rediscovery and celebration of such authors as Homer and Boccaccio, Locke and Nietzsche. Conrad and Woolf. The resulting personal odyssey is an engaging blend of self-discovery, cultural commentary, reporting, criticism, and autobiography — an inspiration for anyone in love with the written word.

Review
Jane Smiley“Chicago Tribune Books”He sustains a variety of tone, subject matter and approach that keeps “Great Books” alluring and readable throughout...I was torn between getting out a copy of the book he had just discussed and reading it and going on with Denby. In every case. I went on with Denby.

David Denby has been film critic and staff writer at“The New Yorker ”since 1998; prior to that he was film critic of N“ew York ”magazine. His reviews and essays have also appeared in “The New Republic”, “The Atlantic”, and “The New York Review of Books”. He lives in New York City.