#189: The Classical Education You Never Had

The Well-Educated Mind provides brief, entertaining histories of six literary genres—fiction, autobiography, history, drama, poetry, and science—accompanied by detailed instructions on how to read each type. The book includes annotated lists of recommended readings, ranging from ancient works to contemporary literature, and encourages readers to make connections between ancient traditions and contemporary writing. It reassures readers who worry about their reading speed or comprehension, offering practical advice on allocating time to reading, mastering difficult arguments, and making personal and literary judgments about what they read.

The Well-Trained Mind is a detailed guide to classical education at home, co-authored by Jessie Wise and Susan Wise Bauer. The book offers a structured approach to homeschooling, based on the classical Trivium method, which includes the stages of grammar, logic, and rhetoric. It provides updated ordering information for curricula and books, new and expanded curricula recommendations, and advice on practical matters such as using computers, distance learning resources, working with local school boards, preparing high school transcripts, and applying to colleges. The authors draw from their personal experiences in homeschooling and education to equip parents with the tools and confidence to provide a superior education for their children.