Harvard Classics VS The Great Books Of The Western World | And... How Much Did I Pay?

Summary

In this video, the speaker explores the differences between *The Great Books of the Western World* and *The Harvard Classics*, two major collections of classic literature. They compare the size, structure, and study features of each set, highlighting the unique chronological organization of the Great Books and the more varied approach of the Harvard Classics. The speaker also discusses how to study and purchase these sets, offering advice on finding them at affordable prices. Ultimately, the speaker favors *The Great Books* for its organization and subject index, while encouraging readers to engage deeply with both series.

Takeaways

• 📚 The transcript compares two classic series: The Great Books of the Western World and the Harvard Classics.
• 🧾 The Great Books set is much larger (about double the pages) and uses a smaller, denser font, while the Harvard Classics is shorter with larger, easier-to-read type.
• 📜 The Great Books are organized roughly chronologically, letting readers follow the development of Western thought over time.
• 🔀 The Harvard Classics are organized non-chronologically—mixing eras and genres—so readers encounter a wider variety of material early on.
• 🔎 The Great Books include a two-volume Syntopicon (index by topic) that makes targeted study and creating custom curricula easy.
• ⏱️ The Harvard Classics include a built-in reading guide (15 minutes/day program) and lectures to help readers complete the set in a year or get an overview.
• 🎨 Many editions of The Great Books are color-coded by category (imaginative literature, history/social science, natural science/mathematics, philosophy/theology) to help navigation.
• 💡 Both series have overlapping content but different organization and study approaches—one favors chronological depth, the other curated variety and a guided program.
• 🛒 Buying tip: sets can be expensive new; used sets on Facebook Marketplace, eBay, or local sellers often offer much better deals and lower shipping hassle.
• 💸 The speaker purchased the Great Books for about $400 and the Harvard Classics for about $375 + shipping after patient searching.
• 📝 Translations in both series may be outdated; readers who struggle with older translations should consider modern versions for clarity.
• 👍 Personal recommendation from the speaker: if they had to pick one, they'd choose The Great Books of the Western World for how it's put together, but both are valuable.
• 📖 Suggested approaches: use the Harvard reading guide/lectures for a one-year plan or use the Syntopicon to build topic-focused study from The Great Books.
• ☕ Final encouragement: actually open and read the books—treat them as a self-directed education, and enjoy them (and coffee) while reading.

Q & A

What is the primary difference between the Great Books of the Western World and the Harvard Classics?

The Great Books of the Western World is a larger set, totaling 37,844 pages, while the Harvard Classics is smaller at 23,000 pages. The Great Books are arranged chronologically, whereas the Harvard Classics are not, providing a more varied approach to content.

How is the content organized in the Great Books of the Western World?

The Great Books are organized chronologically, starting with works from Homer and moving through history, including Greek and Roman literature, medieval texts, the Reformation, American Revolution, and 20th-century authors. The final volume includes imaginative literature from authors like Virginia Woolf and George Orwell.

How does the Harvard Classics differ in content organization?

The Harvard Classics does not follow a chronological order. It begins with Benjamin Franklin's autobiography in Volume 1, then moves across different historical periods, jumping from colonial America to classical works by Plato and Aristotle, and then to 17th-century English literature.

What makes the Great Books of the Western World unique in terms of study?

The Great Books includes a two-volume index called the **Syntopicon**, which organizes the content by subject in alphabetical order. This allows readers to study specific topics like 'Liberty', 'Education', or 'Peace' by referencing the volumes, authors, and pages that address these themes.

How does the Harvard Classics facilitate studying the series?

The Harvard Classics offers a **15-minute-a-day Reading Guide** that helps readers navigate the series by reading 15-20 pages daily, taking them through the entire collection in about a year. The last two volumes include an index and lectures that summarize the series, which can aid in structuring a study plan.

Which series is considered easier to study from, the Great Books or the Harvard Classics?

The Great Books is generally considered easier to study due to its chronological order, which provides a clearer understanding of historical progress. The Syntopicon also allows for targeted subject-specific study. However, the Harvard Classics' 15-minute reading guide makes it more structured for casual readers.

What are the color-coded categories in the Great Books of the Western World?

The Great Books series is color-coded into four categories: yellow for imaginative literature, blue for history and social science, green for mathematics and natural sciences, and red for philosophy and theology. This organization helps readers easily navigate the series based on interest or subject matter.

How should one approach reading the Harvard Classics?

It's recommended to start with the **Reading Guide** and **Lectures** (Volumes 49 and 50) to get an overview of the series. From there, readers can follow the 15-minute-a-day guide, which provides a subject-specific reading path, or read the volumes in a way that aligns with personal interests.

What are the benefits of buying secondhand versions of these sets?

Buying secondhand sets from platforms like Facebook Marketplace or eBay can save a significant amount of money. You can find well-maintained sets for a fraction of the cost of new ones. Additionally, these books often come from people who no longer need them, allowing buyers to find rare or older versions.

If given a choice, which series should one choose for a more comprehensive library?

If you are looking for a more structured and in-depth journey through Western thought and literature, the Great Books of the Western World is a better choice due to its organization, subject categories, and chronological approach. However, if you prefer a more varied reading experience with flexibility, the Harvard Classics is a solid option.