Liberal Art Books

[Valeoz]

I have to do some reading on liberal arts and I have no idea where to start. I'm not looking for books about liberal arts. Instead, I'm looking for good books that would be categorized liberal art. Or maybe you'd categorize liberal art.

If you can share any, thanks.

 

[Jokerman]

Any book that's not specific to particular occupations is a liberal arts book. So, any classic novel, philosophy, or history book is a liberal arts book.

 

[Valeoz]

I know what liberal art is, I was asking for recommendation of where to start. I can start reading Plato, but which book? If I was to start Shakespeare, which play? I don't have all the time in the world to read each Shakespeare play nor Plato book. This is what I'm asking.

 

[Jokerman]

Plato: The Apology-short and easy to follow.

Shakespeare: Hamlet or Romeo & Juliet.

That's where you start for those two. And you can't say it in the singular: "liberal art." It's always "arts."

 

[Valeoz]

And you can't say it in the singular: "liberal art." It's always "arts."

Why is that?

 

[Jokerman]

Because "liberal arts" is considered one word: a plural noun. It only means what it does as a plural noun. You can write it like you did, but it's rarely done, and you did it the worng way when you said, "I know what liberal art is." That would be art that's liberal.

It can be written like this though: "Should walking be a liberal art?" But few have used it and it should probably be avoided.

You should read about the history of the term "liberal arts." I suggest Wikepedia.