Word Count
The total number of words in the text. This gives you a sense of the book's length. For example, 'Frank Nelson in the Forecastle' has about 64,000 words, while 'The Squire's Little Girl' has only about 19,500.
Compare 2 or 3 books
Search this site's catalog and put books side by side. The tool compares measurable metadata and text statistics so you can see practical differences without turning them into a subjective quality ranking.
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What this comparison can tell you
The Compare tool lets you choose two books from the catalog and view a side-by-side analysis. You can see word count, reading minutes, number of sections, and average sentence length. This helps you understand the scale and complexity of each book.
The comparison is objective, based on the book's metadata. It does not judge literary quality. Instead, it gives you a factual basis to decide which book might suit your reading preferences.
Reading Minutes
An estimate of the time needed to read the book, based on the word count and an average reading speed of about 230 words per minute. 'Bob Burton' is around 233 minutes, while 'Sailor Jack, the Trader' is about 415 minutes.
Sentence Length
The average number of words per sentence. This can indicate the complexity of the writing. 'Bob Burton' averages 11.2 words per sentence, while 'The Worst Boy in Town' averages 27.7.
Making Informed Choices with the Compare Tool
Choosing between two tempting books can be difficult, especially when both seem appealing. The Compare Books tool in the EMAAF Public Domain Literature Library is designed to ease that decision by placing two or three selected titles side by side. It presents measurable details—word count, estimated reading time, text sections, sentence flow, chapter rhythm, and subjects—so you can see how they differ in concrete terms. These metrics are descriptive, not qualitative; they do not say which book is better, but they help you anticipate the reading experience.
The catalog’s 96 books span a wide range of lengths, from a 19,505-word novella like The Squire's Little Girl — Story, Setting & Ideas to a 136,404-word epic like With the British Legion: A Story of the Carlist Wars — Edition Insights. Comparing such titles can reveal stark differences in commitment. But even books of similar length can differ in structure and prose, which the Compare tool highlights.
Word Count and Reading Time
Word count is the most obvious differentiator. It directly influences estimated reading time, which the catalog calculates based on an average reading speed. For instance, compare The Worst Boy in Town — Edition Insights, at 45,829 words, with Beaufort Chums — A Reader’s Guide, at 67,555 words. The estimated reading times are 200 minutes and 294 minutes, respectively. That difference of 94 minutes—roughly an hour and a half—could be significant if you have limited reading time. The Compare tool makes this difference clear at a glance, allowing you to choose based on how much time you can realistically devote.
The word count also gives a sense of the book’s scope. A shorter book may be more concise, while a longer one may develop subplots and characters more fully. Neither is inherently better, but knowing the length helps you set expectations. For example, if you prefer a quick read, The Worst Boy in Town might be more suitable; if you want a more immersive experience, Beaufort Chums could be the better fit.
Text Sections and Chapter Rhythm
Text sections refer to the number of chapters or divisions in the book. This metric affects how you experience the narrative. A book with many sections, such as Beaufort Chums, which has 21 text sections, offers frequent natural stopping points. This can be ideal for reading in short bursts, like during a commute or before bed. In contrast, a book with fewer sections, such as The Worst Boy in Town, which has 20 sections, might still offer similar breaks, but if you compare it to a book with only 7 sections, the difference becomes more pronounced.
Chapter rhythm is a related metric that categorizes books as low, middle, or high based on the number of chapters relative to word count. A high chapter rhythm means many chapters per word, which often correlates with shorter chapters. The Compare tool shows this rhythm, helping you gauge whether a book will feel fast-paced or more leisurely. For example, if you compare a book with 33 sections like Dorothy Dale in the West — A Reader’s Guide to one with 7 sections like The Hard-Scrabble of Elm Island — Story, Setting & Ideas, you can immediately see the difference in chapter length and adjust your expectations.
Sentence Flow and Subjects
Sentence flow, measured by average words per sentence, indicates the complexity of the prose. A lower average, like 12.1 in Dorothy Dale in the West, suggests shorter, more direct sentences that are easier to follow. A higher average, like 27.7 in The Worst Boy in Town, indicates longer, more intricate sentences that may require more concentration. The Compare tool presents these numbers side by side, so you can decide which style you prefer. For instance, if you are reading aloud to a child, you might favor shorter sentences; if you enjoy rich, descriptive prose, longer sentences might appeal more.
Finally, the Compare tool shows the subjects assigned to each book. This can reveal thematic connections or differences. For example, both The Worst Boy in Town and Beaufort Chums are categorized under Fantasy Juvenile Worlds, but their subjects differ: the former includes 'Conduct of life -- Juvenile fiction' and 'Diligence -- Juvenile fiction,' while the latter Catalogue maintenance uses source records and bibliographic context.' These subjects can help you choose a book that aligns with your interests, such as a story about personal growth versus one about outdoor adventures.