Nabokov's Favorite Word Is Mauve : What the Numbers Reveal About the Classics, Bestsellers, and Our Own Writing (Paperback)

from shabacus

It is a simple premise -- use modern statistical techniques to data mine for patterns in classic and modern literature. The method is applied over and over, but Ben Blatt's writing style keeps a potentially dull subject from getting too dry. Instead, he poses several fascinating questions and pro...

from Laura400

A slim volume, and uneven, but I very much enjoyed the bulk of it. And I learned a lot.

from

This was a fun book about books and statistics. The author digs into what the words chosen by authors can tell us about the writing process, gender, the success of the novel, and our own stereotypes. Bookworm will likely love this book - many classics are discussed and authorial mysteries reveale...

from Rascalstar

Fascinating look at how science and math can dissect writing, both new and old. Perhaps writers should read this, especially those using many cliches. The book might lead to more creativity or at least an awareness of a writing style and tendencies. I've never read anything like this and it feels...

from hardlyhardy

Math and literature don't mix. Or so we thought in high school. Or in college. Or five minutes ago. Ben Blatt proves differently in "Nabokov's Favorite Word Is Mauve: What the Numbers Reveal about the Classics, Bestsellers, and Our Own Writing." Now that most books have been digitalized it has be...