Your Gateway to The Great Books
The great books have shaped our world and the lives of people living in that world.
We’ve created a place where anyone can read and enjoy these works.
There won’t be any tests here. There won’t be any essays to write. This is a community for people who want to talk about things that matter.
Why GBGD?
Reading the great books can seem daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. That’s why we created a community where you can:
Get “Unstuck”
Discuss Big Ideas
Gain Confidence
with the guidance of experienced readers and guides.
in a way that fits your lifestyle and availability.
as a reader, thinker, speaker, and listener.
Gain Confidence
as a reader, thinker, speaker, and listener.
Discuss Big Ideas
in a way that fits your lifestyle and availability.
Get “Unstuck”
with the guidance of experienced readers and guides.
What Do We Read?
Great books address the big, basic questions of human existence. They challenge us to stretch ourselves, to justify our beliefs, and to see the world in new and unexpected ways.
At GBGD you’ll find us reading the great, foundational works of literature, drama, philosophy, theology, history, psychology, science. They’ve set many of the terms by which we shape our lives. But, great ideas sometimes come from surprising places―so you’ll find some unexpected works here, as well.
The best way for you to see what we mean is to have a look around and see what we have on offer.
What Do We Read?
Great books address the big, basic questions of human existence. They challenge us to stretch ourselves, to justify our beliefs, and to see the world in new and unexpected ways.
At GBGD you’ll find us reading the great, foundational works of literature, drama, philosophy, theology, history, psychology, science. They’ve set many of the terms by which we shape our lives. But, great ideas sometimes come from surprising places―so you’ll find some unexpected works here, as well.
The best way for you to see what we mean is to have a look around and see what we have on offer.
Where Do You Start?
Whether you want to dip your toe into the great books or you’re ready to take the plunge,
we have several ways for you to get started, all designed to fit your lifestyle and availability:
Attend a Free Community Event
Attend a Free Community Event
We like to read and talk about short works (5-30 pages) with anyone who is interested! This is a great chance to learn what we’re all about.
Event #1
Free – October 11th, 2024
Lorum Ipsum, Senatus Popolusque Romanus, Aurora Borealis, Veni Vedi Vici.
Lorum Ipsum, Senatus Popolusque Romanus.
Event #2
Free – October 11th, 2024
Lorum Ipsum, Senatus Popolusque Romanus, Aurora Borealis, Veni Vedi Vici.
Lorum Ipsum, Senatus Popolusque Romanus.
Event #3
Free – October 11th, 2024
Lorum Ipsum, Senatus Popolusque Romanus, Aurora Borealis, Veni Vedi Vici.
Lorum Ipsum, Senatus Popolusque Romanus.
Event #1
Free – October 11th, 2024
Lorum Ipsum, Senatus Popolusque Romanus, Aurora Borealis, Veni Vedi Vici.
Lorum Ipsum, Senatus Popolusque Romanus.
Event #2
Free – October 11th, 2024
Lorum Ipsum, Senatus Popolusque Romanus, Aurora Borealis, Veni Vedi Vici.
Lorum Ipsum, Senatus Popolusque Romanus.
Event #3
Free – October 11th, 2024
Lorum Ipsum, Senatus Popolusque Romanus, Aurora Borealis, Veni Vedi Vici.
Lorum Ipsum, Senatus Popolusque Romanus.
Sign-up For An Upcoming Specialty Seminar
Sign-up For An Upcoming Course
Take deep dive into a text, topic, or great idea. Or harvest some practical wisdom from the great books. Here are some of our upcoming courses:
What the Great Books Can Teach You About Writing
8-meeting seminar
Beginning January 18, 2026
You know the Great Books make you smarter, more thoughtful, and more confident. But they can also help you become a much more effective writer and speaker.
Wisdom, Folly, and Coping with the World
12-week seminar
Beginning January 05, 2026
What is wisdom? And what is its supposed opposite, folly? How are we to act in the world when the world does not behave as we expect? Is the human being rational by nature? Or irrational?
A Year of Homer: The Iliad and Odyssey
Two, 24-week seminars
Beginning January 2026
Of the many books we read in a lifetime, a small percentage are worth going back to — to really read them. Join us for a year-long deep read of these two greatest of epic poems.
What the Great Books Can Teach You About Writing
8-meeting seminar
Beginning January 18, 2026
You know the Great Books make you smarter, more thoughtful, and more confident. But they can also help you become a much more effective writer and speaker.
Wisdom, Folly, and Coping with the World
12-week seminar
Beginning January 05, 2026
What is wisdom? And what is its supposed opposite, folly? How are we to act in the world when the world does not behave as we expect? Is the human being rational by nature? Or irrational?
A Year of Homer: The Iliad and Odyssey
Two, 24-week seminars
Beginning January 2026
Of the many books we read in a lifetime, a small percentage—are worth going back to really read them. Join us for a year-long deep read of these two greatest of epic poems.
Join Our GBGD Core Conversation Seminar Program
Are you ready to encounter the great books in a grand sweep from the ancients to today? Our flagship, multi-year GBGD Core Conversation Seminar Program takes you on a big-picture journey through the Great Conversation contained in the Great Books. Learn about our unique Core Converstion Program and sign up here:
Join the GBGD Core Conversation Seminar Program
Are you ready to see the grand sweep of the great books from the ancients to today? Our flagship GBGD Core Conversation Seminar Program takes you on a big-picture journey through the Great Conversation contained in the Great Books. Learn about our unique Core Converstion Program and sign up here: