Many people are turned off to literature because of its subjectivity, its flowery language, or its hidden meanings proposed by annoying critics and professors (of which I am, sometimes, guilty). But perhaps there could be a mathematical or scientific way of approaching literature. Perhaps statistical analysis has a place alongside close reading.
Ben Blatt's new book, Nabokov's Favorite Word is Mauve is one of the most fun and interesting books about literature I've read in a while. And even if you aren't a fan of classic lit, you will find something entertaining here. Blatt writes a lot of commentary on pop culture, but he has also appeared in the Wall Street Journal, and this book is a blend of both worlds.
By using computer analysis, Blatt dissects prominent works of literature, looking for clues into the minds of authors and the public who reads them. He looks for how many times authors use -ly adverbs, how men and women use language differently, and whether page count may influence literary success. He looks for the "fingerprints" of authors like J.K. Rowling and Stephen King to see if we can uncover the mysteries of anonymous authors. And he even explores how often authors use animal cliches, such as "quiet as a mouse," or "sly as a fox." The data? John Steinbeck uses such figures of speech at one of the highest rates, about 15 times per 100,000 words. Edith Wharton has one of lowest at only two times per 100,000 words.
Blatt tells us authors' favorite words--as the title states, Nabokov's seems to be "mauve." Ray Bradbury uses a weird amount of "spearmint" and "nutmeg" in his writing, and James Joyce loves "onion" and "lemon." Dickens uses lots of exclamation points; Hemingway uses hardly any. And books on the best-seller list have, over time, steadily employed writing at lower grade levels. Does this mean readers are getting dumber, or that authors are just trying to reach the widest possible audience?
This is a book that prompts us to ask different questions about literature, ones that elicit answers that can be just as illuminating as in-depth textual criticism. Nabokov's Favorite Word is Mauve not only has a fun title, it has fun and insightful literary topics to be pondered. If you are looking for a new and scientific take on literary criticism, this is a great read that is enjoyable for all types of readers. Go pick it up!
Ben Blatt's new book, Nabokov's Favorite Word is Mauve is one of the most fun and interesting books about literature I've read in a while. And even if you aren't a fan of classic lit, you will find something entertaining here. Blatt writes a lot of commentary on pop culture, but he has also appeared in the Wall Street Journal, and this book is a blend of both worlds.
By using computer analysis, Blatt dissects prominent works of literature, looking for clues into the minds of authors and the public who reads them. He looks for how many times authors use -ly adverbs, how men and women use language differently, and whether page count may influence literary success. He looks for the "fingerprints" of authors like J.K. Rowling and Stephen King to see if we can uncover the mysteries of anonymous authors. And he even explores how often authors use animal cliches, such as "quiet as a mouse," or "sly as a fox." The data? John Steinbeck uses such figures of speech at one of the highest rates, about 15 times per 100,000 words. Edith Wharton has one of lowest at only two times per 100,000 words.
Blatt tells us authors' favorite words--as the title states, Nabokov's seems to be "mauve." Ray Bradbury uses a weird amount of "spearmint" and "nutmeg" in his writing, and James Joyce loves "onion" and "lemon." Dickens uses lots of exclamation points; Hemingway uses hardly any. And books on the best-seller list have, over time, steadily employed writing at lower grade levels. Does this mean readers are getting dumber, or that authors are just trying to reach the widest possible audience?
This is a book that prompts us to ask different questions about literature, ones that elicit answers that can be just as illuminating as in-depth textual criticism. Nabokov's Favorite Word is Mauve not only has a fun title, it has fun and insightful literary topics to be pondered. If you are looking for a new and scientific take on literary criticism, this is a great read that is enjoyable for all types of readers. Go pick it up!