Words for the taking
Neal Bowers
Reading Time
at 250 WPM2h 23m
The average reader, reading at a speed of 250 WPM, would take 2h 23m to read Words for the taking.
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5
days at 30 min/day
143
total minutes
Words for the taking
by Neal Bowers
Published
1997
Publisher
W.W. Norton & Co
Pages
143
ISBN-10
0393040070
Description
Following the discovery of a single stolen poem, Neal Bowers, poet and professor of English at Iowa State, finds alarming evidence of repeated thefts of two of his poems. Other poets are also found to have been plagiarized, but none more than once. Bewildered to be the "victim of choice" as instances of theft mount - "a privilege akin to having a tapeworm," as he says in his preface - Bowers feels his own creativity stifled. Determined to hold the plagiarist accountable, Bowers, with the help of his wife, is drawn into a bizarre game of catch-me-if-you-can. Further pseudonyms for the plagiarist come to light, and a distinctly unsavory past is uncovered. Among other things, the Bowers' odyssey introduces them to the legal system and a sympathetic female detective; reveals the varying (and often frustrating) reactions of fellow poets; and touches on the possibly even more ambitious current activities of the plagiarist. Finally, a strange and entertaining correspondence ensues when Bowers's experience generates a flood of nationwide publicity. Despite the jolts and disappointments of his quest, Neal Bowers leaves us with the affirmation of what matters most to the poet - the poem itself and the process that engenders it.
Subjects
Frequently Asked Questions
How many pages are in Words for the taking?
This edition of Words for the taking has approximately 143 pages. Please note, this is an estimate and the exact page count can vary between hardcover, paperback, and e-book versions.
How long does it take to read Words for the taking?
For most readers, Words for the taking typically takes between 2h 59m and 1h 59m to complete. This is based on the book's length of approximately 35,750 words and common reading speeds.
Here's a detailed breakdown: • Continuous reading at 250 WPM: approximately 2h 23m of focused reading • Casual reading (30 minutes/day): you could finish in roughly 5 days • Estimated word count: 35,750 words
Your individual reading time will vary based on your personal reading pace, the amount of daily reading time, and your familiarity with the subject matter.
What is the word count of Words for the taking?
The estimated word count for Words for the taking is approximately 35,750 words. This figure is calculated using industry-standard methods that consider genre-specific word density patterns, typical formatting and layout characteristics, and standard words-per-page ratios for published books.
This is an approximation — actual word count may vary based on font size, formatting, edition, and the presence of illustrations or charts.
Who is the author of Words for the taking?
Words for the taking was written by Neal Bowers.
When was Words for the taking published?
The publication date for this specific edition is 1997. The original work may have been published on a different date.