IGX

This is what our once great Universities were capable of producing. This series was developed on a bet that a solid Liberal Educational Foundation could be obtained from a Five foot bookcase. Originally intended for Citizens and Businessmen who did not go to university. Yes, at one time successful tradesmen and businessmen didn't need to go to college. This before the stupid idea that every kid has to go to college meme was sold the the US by the educational Industrial complex and their butt slaves amongst the chattering class.

Link to free downloads of the entire series of volumes. Educate yourselves!


http://www.archive.org/search.php?query ... %29&page=1

I read these while in high school and to absolutely honest, did a better job of preparing me for life than college ever did. College was IMO a waste of fucking time and money. It was ticket punching at its finest.

I'm currently working on The Great Books of the Western World Series.

Which by the way, I was able to score a set for $200 several years ago. Both the Harvard Classics and the Great Books can be found for cut rate deals at Friends of the Library book stores and on Craig's list.

Good post, Batboy.
I agree that college is largely a bullshit con.

I bought the Great Books of the Western World series for $200.00 on eBay two months ago.
Published in 1989 and look like they sat on a shelf untouched for the last 22 years. Score!
It will take a while to get through them all though....

Fantastic post - so much quality stuff is out there for free and reading through lists like that I am embarrassed by what I haven't read.

I have found several sets of the Harvard shelf over the years for free ("just carry them out") and give them to students who need a little boost. "Two Years Before the Mast" (I think) was a great surprise.

Get started with the Great Illustrated Classics for your kids and get them hooked early. My boy still talks about Oliver Twist. Made a real impact on him.

A Wall Street trader I know is adamant that you can learn everything you need to know about human nature (aside from learning it the hard way) by reading Extraordinary Popular Delusions And The Madness Of Crowds, and the complete work of Charles Dickens.

WildGorillaMan wrote:A Wall Street trader I know is adamant that you can learn everything you need to know about human nature (aside from learning it the hard way) by reading Extraordinary Popular Delusions And The Madness Of Crowds, and the complete work of Charles Dickens.

Everybody should read the former book.