How Long to Read The One-Cent Magenta

How Long Does it Take to Read The One-Cent Magenta?

It takes the average reader 4 hours and 59 minutes to read The One-Cent Magenta by James Barron

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

Description

An inside look at the obsessive, secretive, and often bizarre world of high-profile stamp collecting, told through the journey of the world’s most sought-after stamp. When it was issued in 1856, it cost a penny. In 2014, this tiny square of faded red paper sold at Sotheby’s for nearly $9.5 million, the largest amount ever paid for a postage stamp at auction. Through the stories of the eccentric characters who have bought, owned, and sold the one-cent magenta in the years in between, James Barron delivers a fascinating tale of global history and immense wealth, and of the human desire to collect. One-cent magentas were provisional stamps, printed quickly in what was then British Guiana when a shipment of official stamps from London did not arrive. They were intended for periodicals, and most were thrown out with the newspapers. But one stamp survived. The singular one-cent magenta has had only nine owners since a twelve-year-old boy discovered it in 1873 as he sorted through papers in his uncle’s house. He soon sold it for what would be $17 today. (That’s been called the worst stamp deal in history.) Among later owners was a fabulously wealthy Frenchman who hid the stamp from almost everyone (even King George V of England couldn’t get a peek); a businessman who traveled with the stamp in a briefcase he handcuffed to his wrist; and John E. du Pont, an heir to the chemical fortune, who died while serving a thirty-year sentence for the murder of Olympic wrestler Dave Schultz. Recommended for fans of Nicholas A. Basbanes, Susan Orlean, and Simon Winchester, The One-Cent Magenta explores the intersection of obsessive pursuits and great affluence and asks why we want most what is most rare.

How long is The One-Cent Magenta?

The One-Cent Magenta by James Barron is 289 pages long, and a total of 74,851 words.

This makes it 98% the length of the average book. It also has 91% more words than the average book.

How Long Does it Take to Read The One-Cent Magenta Aloud?

The average oral reading speed is 183 words per minute. This means it takes 6 hours and 49 minutes to read The One-Cent Magenta aloud.

What Reading Level is The One-Cent Magenta?

The One-Cent Magenta 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 One-Cent Magenta?

The One-Cent Magenta by James Barron is sold by several retailers and bookshops. However, Read Time works with Amazon to provide an easier way to purchase books.

To buy The One-Cent Magenta by James Barron on Amazon click the button below.