How Long to Read The Desert

How Long Does it Take to Read The Desert?

It takes the average reader 5 hours and 23 minutes to read The Desert by John C. Van Dyke

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

Description

Since its first appearance in 1901, John C. Van Dyke's The Desert has been considered one of the classics of American nature writing. Before its publication, Americans thought of deserts as scorpion-infested wastelands—with names like Devil's Domain and the Lands That God Forgot. All this changed as The Desert drew attention to the extraordinary beauty that existed in the American West: rolling sand dunes, golden vistas, vibrant sunsets, and remarkable plant and animal life. Van Dyke's book captured the nation's imagination at a time when attitudes about the land were changing. It provided a vocabulary that continues to be used as appreciation of deserts increases and ever greater pressures lead to new calls to protect these fragile environments. With a critical introduction by Peter Wild, this edition offers new insights—and reveals some surprising truths—about this legendary author and his best known work. Van Dyke was not, it seems, the "plaster saint of the desert." He was not entirely honest with his readers about the journeys that inspired the book, and his natural history includes serious errors. But in this more informed reading, Wild notes, Van Dyke "emerges as all the more fascinating a writer and his famous book becomes far more intriguing than most readers have imagined through the decades." As the centennial of its publication approaches and the complex story behind its long success is finally told, this new edition of The Desert reveals an equally complex and dramatic narrative: our changing relationship with the American landscape. "Van Dyke came at just the right time... No sooner had Americans conquered the wilderness, cut down the forests, and slaughtered the buffalo than the romantic nation began sentimentalizing the past, longing for what it had just destroyed."—from the Introduction

How long is The Desert?

The Desert by John C. Van Dyke is 316 pages long, and a total of 80,896 words.

This makes it 107% the length of the average book. It also has 99% more words than the average book.

How Long Does it Take to Read The Desert Aloud?

The average oral reading speed is 183 words per minute. This means it takes 7 hours and 22 minutes to read The Desert aloud.

What Reading Level is The Desert?

The Desert 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 The Desert?

The Desert by John C. Van Dyke is sold by several retailers and bookshops. However, Read Time works with Amazon to provide an easier way to purchase books.

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