The Upstairs Delicatessen
According to Hermione Lee, biographer and scholar, there are two distinct types of reading: vertical and horizontal. This dichotomy highlights the diverse ways in which individuals engage with texts.
Vertical Reading
Also referred to as "regulated," "supervised," "orderly," and "canonical," vertical reading is a deliberate and productive approach. This type of reading is characterized by:
- A focus on comprehension and interpretation
- A desire to extract meaning and understanding from the text
- An emphasis on academic or professional pursuits
- A sense of responsibility and accountability
Examples of vertical reading include students reading textbooks for homework, researchers studying primary sources, or literary critics analyzing texts for publication.
Horizontal Reading
On the other hand, horizontal reading is an unstructured and leisurely approach. This type of reading is marked by:
- A lack of supervision or regulation
- A desire to indulge in pleasure or relaxation
- An emphasis on personal enjoyment and exploration
- A sense of freedom and autonomy
Examples of horizontal reading include browsing through a bookstore for fun, devouring a bestselling novel, or scrolling through social media feeds.
The Significance of the Distinction
Lee's distinction between vertical and horizontal reading highlights the complex and multifaceted nature of human engagement with texts. By acknowledging these two approaches, we can better understand the diverse ways in which people read and respond to written works, ultimately enriching our appreciation for the power of literature.
Source: The Upstairs Delicatessen, original quote:
Hermione Lee, the English biographer, has distinguished between two types of reading, “vertical” and “horizontal.” The first is “regulated, supervised, orderly, canonical and productive.” The second and more intimate variety is “unlicensed, private, leisurely, disreputable, promiscuous and anarchic.