Michael,

Definitions of the "classical" education can be remarkably varied, everything from a Hutchins/Adler-inspired "great books" education to the quasi-medieval program in the "trivium" that Dorothy Sayers inspired with her essay "The Lost Tools of Learning" (and which Bauer's books are a direct descendant of, if memory serves) to an education rooted in the classical languages, Greek and Latin, which has been advocated by, inter alia, Thomas Jefferson, John Henry Newman, John Jay Chapman, Albert Jay Nock, C. S. Lewis and Tracy Lee Simmons.

So, I would recommend you read an introduction to these schools of thought (for which there is indeed some overlap) before proceeding further. Sayers' essay "The Lost Tools of Learning" is enjoyable and brief. Adler's How to Read a Book is longer, but includes reading lists in case he persuades you, so you'll know where to go next. Tracy Lee Simmons' Climbing Parnassus is a peerless introduction to the classical education as it was classically understood (and if you would like a speedy introduction to Greek and Latin after reading him, Peter Jones' Learn Latin and Learn Greek will get you off to a running start.)

Good luck,
--fq

Thank you very much, FQ. I appreciate the book recommendations. I began Adler's Aristotle for Everyone, and found it a bit...simplistic, I guess. I understand it's meant to be entry level, but I felt it could have been a bit deeper and more nuanced, at least from the few chapters I read (I think I read the first 3). Perhaps How To Read a Book is better.

For my personal definition of a Classical education is a cross between the trivium of grammar, logic and rhetoric, and Adler's great books program. Ultimately, I'd like to have a thorough knowledge of Western history and culture so that I can make connections between events and ideas, such as what Caesar's conquest of Gaul can tell us about Vietnam and Iraq/Afghanistan. And of course, being an artist, I'd like to be able to bring all this into my art, be drawn/painted or written.

I'd like to learn Latin and Greek, but I'm hesitant to try because I'm currently trying to learn Spanish.

I'm also curious if there is any Eastern equivalent of a Western Classic education. Although, right now, I suppose that's neither here nor there.

Michael and Fides quaerens,

While you need to read Dorothy Sayers' essay, take care how you apply her observations. The Bauers', and Douglas Wilson's (Logos School, Moscow, ID), application of her observations would probably surprise her. The Bauers' and Wilson's philosophy and practice of "classical education" would also surprise many medieval educators.

To balance Sayers, the Bauers, and Wilson, you should read Robert Littlejohn and Charles Evans' book "Wisdom and Eloquence." Although Littlejohn and Evans' analysis of Christian liberal arts education (classical education) has its shortcomings, it is currently the best treatment of the subject.

I agree with Michael that Adler, Lewis, Simmons are useful sources. Lewis' "Abolition of Man" belongs on the "must read" list for people interested in "classical education." Two others to add to your reading list are Jacques Barzun ("Teaching in America," etc.), and Sister Miriam Joseph ("The Trivium: The Liberal Arts of Logic, Grammar, and Rhetoric").

Roy Williams, Ph.D.
North Hills Classical Academy
Grand Rapids MI
www.classicaled.org

Michael,
Another option for you to look at is taking online courses (probably part-time since you are going to school for your animation right now)from George Wythe University.
Their curriculum is based off the Great Books of Western Civilization, and they have awesome mentors that guide you through the process of getting a classical education.

Their website is www.gw.edu

Good luck with your quest!