Why we should read--

Mais, S. P. B. (Stuart Petre Brodie), 1885-1975Project Gutenberg · United StatesDec 2019

2.8

Word count: 555K words
Chapters: 56

Summary

Project Gutenberg was the first provider of free electronic books, or eBooks. Michael Hart, founder of Project Gutenberg, invented eBooks in 1971 and his memory continues to inspire the creation of eBooks and related technologies today.Why we should read-- by S. P. B. MaisAuthor: Mais, S. P. B. (Stuart Petre Brodie), 1885-1975,Language: English, Class: PN: Language and Literatures: Literature: General, Criticism, Collections, Release Date: Nov 4, 2012

Editor's review

This book is an essayistic discussion of "why we should read" by the British writer and critic S. P. B. Mais, belonging to literary criticism and reading culture. Its value lies not in providing reading lists or speed-reading techniques but in returning to a more fundamental question: what does reading actually mean for a person's inner life? Mais discusses in essayistic prose the relationship between reading and life experience, thinking ability, and aesthetic taste; the tone is warm and carries the composure and sincerity of early twentieth-century English essays. For today's readers, the book can serve as a mirror: in an environment of information overload and fragmented reading, re-examine why you open a book. It is not a rigorously systematic work of reading theory, and is better read slowly in quiet moments, jotting down passages that move you, then reflecting on your own reading habits. Since the original is a public-domain English e-book, Chinese readers can use it as English essay reading material, gaining both language practice and inspiration about reading.

Who it's for

A good fit for

General readers interested in the meaning of reading and reading culture
People who want to rebuild reading habits and escape fragmented reading
English learners who want to practice reading through English essays
Readers with humanities and social science backgrounds interested in literary criticism and essay writing

Not a good fit for

Practical readers looking for specific book lists or speed-reading methodology
Researchers expecting systematic reading theory or academic argumentation
Readers who prefer strong plot and fast-paced content

Reading tips

Read one or two essays a day, then write three to five lines of your own reflections; don't chase progress.
Keep a pen handy to mark sentences relevant to your current reading struggles, and after finishing, compile them into a personal reading manifesto.
Read alongside other essays on reading to compare how different eras understood the value of reading.
When reading the English original, first grasp the general meaning of a paragraph, then look up key unfamiliar words; avoid word-by-word translation.

About the publisher

Project Gutenberg United States · Founded in 1971

Project Gutenberg is a digital publishing project focused on public-domain ebooks. Its publishing direction centers on classic literary works whose copyright has expired, covering genres such as poetry, drama, fiction, and epic. Representative books include Lyrical Ballads by Wordsworth and Coleridge, Proust's Du côté de chez Swann, Shakespeare's Macbeth and The Complete Works of William Shakespeare, Homer's The Iliad, Dante's La Divina Comèdia: Purgatòri, Cervantes's The History of Don Quixote, Volume 2, and Grahame's The Wind in the Willows. Its author resources consist mainly of classic Western writers such as Wordsworth, Proust, Shakespeare, Homer, Dante, Cervantes, Grahame, and Tolstoy. Its publishing feature is the provision of freely accessible ebooks in EPUB and Kindle formats; it is not a traditional publisher, and publicly available information is limited.

FAQ

Does this book provide a specific recommended reading list?

No. The book focuses on discussing the meaning and value of reading for people, not on listing books. It is more like a sincere conversation about reading, helping readers think clearly about why and how they read, rather than telling you what to read next. If you need a book list, look for reading guides or bibliographies instead.

Can someone with average English read this book?

You can try, but it requires some patience. This is an early twentieth-century English essay, with sentence patterns and vocabulary bearing the marks of its era; it is not light reading. Read a few paragraphs first to gauge the difficulty and read in sections with a dictionary; if your goal is language learning, treat it as intensive reading material rather than something to race through.

Is this book suitable for rebuilding reading habits?

It is suitable as a conceptual starting point. It does not offer checklists or habit-building steps, but it can help you re-understand why reading is worth persisting in. In practice, turn the book's ideas into your own small goals—such as reading at a fixed time and writing a short review after finishing—translating ideas into actionable steps.

What should I note when reading the e-book?

This is a public-domain e-book; layout and annotations vary by edition, so focus on the main text. Use a reader with adjustable font size to reduce eye strain from prolonged screen time; mark unfamiliar words and look them up together later to avoid constantly interrupting your reading rhythm.

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About the author

Mais, S. P. B. (Stuart Petre Brodie), 1885-1975 Author · British · 1885–1975

S. P. B. Mais (Stuart Petre Brodie Mais, 1885–1975) was a British writer and broadcaster. Public information about his early education and professional career is limited; what can be confirmed is that he long made his living by writing and broadcasting, addressing a general readership. His works include travel books, essays and books for young people, often concerned with reading, travel and everyday observations. His style is plain and approachable, with an emphasis on readability. The library holds his work Why We Should Read--, which, as the title suggests, discusses the reasons for reading and reflects his tendency to promote reading among the public through print and radio. Overall, he was one of those twentieth-century British writers who took part in public cultural life through popular writing.