From the ancient classics to recent masterpieces, the Great Books of the Western World is the ultimate introduction to the ideas, stories, and discoveries that have shaped modern civilization. Authoritative and accurate, this collection represents the essential core of the Western literary canon, compiling 517 of the most significant achievements in literature, history, philosophy, and science.

Over 500 Classics in 60 Beautiful Volumes

The four subject areas—History and Social Science, Imaginative Literature, Mathematics and the Natural Sciences, and Philosophy and Theology—are easily identified by the color-coded binding.

The Syntopicon®

Volumes 1 and 2 make up the Syntopicon, a unique guide that enables you to investigate a particular idea, such as courage or democracy, and compare what different authors have to say about it.

The Great Conversation

This compilation features fascinating background information, extensive timelines, photos, and quotes from the classic works and their authors. A special section in The Great Conversation offers advice on how to get the most out of the Great Books collection and includes a 10-year reading plan.