Established in 1947 by a group of prominent citizens led by University of Chicago Chancellor Robert Maynard Hutchins and Mortimer Adler, the Great Books Foundation began as a grassroots movement to promote continuing liberal education for the general public. In 1960 the Foundation extended its mission to children with the introduction of Junior Great Books.
The Great Books Foundation was established in 1947 by a group of prominent citizens including University of Chicago Chancellor Robert Maynard Hutchins and Mortimer Adler; it initially focused on promoting liberal education for the general public. In 1960, the organization expanded its mission to include children with Junior Great Books.