The Speed of Reading: How Fast Can a Human Read a Classic Novel?
Every reader has their own unique speed and ability to comprehend written content. Whether you are an average reader or part of the elite group of quick readers, the time it takes to read a classic novel like Tolstoy's War and Peace can vary significantly. In this article, we will explore the different reading speeds, from the average to the exceptional, and calculate the time it would take to fully engross oneself in this monumental work.
Estimating Reading Time
The time it takes to read a book depends on several factors, including the length of the book, the speed at which one reads, and the comprehension level required. Let's take a closer look at the reading time based on different reading speeds:
Average Reading Speed
The average adult reads at about 200-300 words per minute (wpm). Using this as a benchmark, let's calculate the time it would take to read 587,287 words, the approximate length of War and Peace by Leo Tolstoy.
At 200 wpm:
587,287 words / 200 wpm 2,936.435 minutes ≈ 49 hours
At 300 wpm:
587,287 words / 300 wpm 1,957.623 minutes ≈ 33 hours
Fast Reading Speed
A fast reader might read at 400-500 wpm or more. At these speeds, the time it would take to read War and Peace would be significantly reduced.
At 400 wpm:
587,287 words / 400 wpm 1,468.2175 minutes ≈ 24.5 hours
At 500 wpm:
587,287 words / 500 wpm 1,174.574 minutes ≈ 19.5 hours
Fastest Possible Reading
For someone who is exceptionally fast and also comprehends well, reading at 600-700 wpm could yield a reading time of around 16 to 17 hours. However, this would be quite rare and would require a high level of focus and practice. Howard Berg, the fastest known reader, can read 25,000 words per minute, meaning he would read War and Peace in just 24 minutes!
However, comprehension and retention are just as important as reading speed. It is nearly impossible for even the fastest readers to fully comprehend what they are reading without some breaks.
Personal Experience
Considering practical reading habits, let's examine a more realistic scenario. If an average reader reads 60 pages per hour, and given that War and Peace is approximately 1,500 pages, the reading time would be:
Total time 1,500 pages / 60 pages per hour 25 hours
Since an average reader cannot read for 25 consecutive hours, let's break it down into more manageable daily sessions:
(a) An average reader who can read for 10 hours in a day: 25 hours / 10 hours per day ≈ 3 days
(b) A faster reader, such as the author's wife, who can read more efficiently: 25 hours / 12.5 hours per day ≈ 2 days
Russian Literature and Reading Tempo
Russian literature, particularly works like War and Peace, is renowned for its depth and complexity. It does not cater to those who prefer a fast pace; it requires time and attention. Enjoying the intricate plots, character developments, and historical context is part of the journey. If you are looking for more engaging and faster-paced readings, renting the movie adaptation might be a suitable alternative.
Conclusion
In summary, while the average reader might take about 25 to 49 hours to read War and Peace, exceptionally fast readers can complete the task in a remarkably short time. However, the quality of comprehension and retention should not be overlooked. The enjoyment of Russian literature often comes with a slower, more thoughtful pace.