How Long to Read Mazes and Labyrinths: A General Account of their History and Development

How Long Does it Take to Read Mazes and Labyrinths: A General Account of their History and Development?

It takes the average reader 4 hours and 16 minutes to read Mazes and Labyrinths: A General Account of their History and Development by William Henry Matthews

Assuming a reading speed of 250 words per minute. Learn more

Description

The hedge-maze, which is the only type with which most of us have a first-hand acquaintance, is generally felt to be a survival of a romantic age, even though we esteem its function as nothing higher than that of a playground for children. Many a tender intrigue has been woven around its dark yew alleys. Mr. Compton Mackenzie, for example, introduces it most effectively as a lovers' rendezvous in "The Passionate Elopement," and no doubt the readers of romantic literature will recall other instances of a like nature. The story of fair Rosamond's Bower is one which will leap to the mind in this connection. This type of maze alone is worth more than a passing thought, but it is far from being the only, or even the most interesting, development of the labyrinth idea. What is the difference, it may be asked, between a maze and a labyrinth? The answer is, little or none. Some writers seem to prefer to apply the word "maze" to hedge-mazes only, using the word "labyrinth" to denote the structures described by the writers of antiquity, or as a general term for any confusing arrangement of paths. Others, again, show a tendency to restrict the application of the term "maze" to cases in which the idea of a puzzle is involved. It would certainly seem somewhat inappropriate to talk of "the Cretan Maze" or "the Hampton Court Labyrinth," but, generally speaking, we may use the words interchangeably, regarding "maze" as merely the northern equivalent of the classic "labyrinth." Both words have come to signify a complex path of some kind, but when we press for a closer definition we encounter difficulties. We cannot, for instance, say that it is "a tortuous branched path designed to baffle or deceive those who attempt to find the goal to which it leads," for, though that description holds good in some cases, it ignores the many cases in which there is only one path, without branches, and therefore no intent to baffle or mislead, and others again in which there is no definite "goal." We cannot say that it is a winding path "bounded by walls or hedges," for in many instances there are neither walls nor hedges. One of the most famous labyrinths, for example, consisted chiefly of a vast and complicated series of rooms and columns. In fact, we shall find it convenient to leave the question of the definition of the words, and also that of their origin, until we have examined the various examples that exist or are known to have existed.

How long is Mazes and Labyrinths: A General Account of their History and Development?

Mazes and Labyrinths: A General Account of their History and Development by William Henry Matthews is 253 pages long, and a total of 64,009 words.

This makes it 85% the length of the average book. It also has 78% more words than the average book.

How Long Does it Take to Read Mazes and Labyrinths: A General Account of their History and Development Aloud?

The average oral reading speed is 183 words per minute. This means it takes 5 hours and 49 minutes to read Mazes and Labyrinths: A General Account of their History and Development aloud.

What Reading Level is Mazes and Labyrinths: A General Account of their History and Development?

Mazes and Labyrinths: A General Account of their History and Development is suitable for students ages 12 and up.

Note that there may be other factors that effect this rating besides length that are not factored in on this page. This may include things like complex language or sensitive topics not suitable for students of certain ages.

When deciding what to show young students always use your best judgement and consult a professional.

Where Can I Buy Mazes and Labyrinths: A General Account of their History and Development?

Mazes and Labyrinths: A General Account of their History and Development by William Henry Matthews is sold by several retailers and bookshops. However, Read Time works with Amazon to provide an easier way to purchase books.

To buy Mazes and Labyrinths: A General Account of their History and Development by William Henry Matthews on Amazon click the button below.