How long does it take to read The Ugly Duckling?
a play in one act.
The Ugly Duckling by A. A. Milne takes about 3 hours 30 minutes to read at 250 words a minute.
About 3 hours 30 minutes
A weekend read
First published 1941. 191 pages, about 52,525 words.
7 days at 30 minutes a day
Estimate based on 275 words per page.
At other speeds
| Slow, 150 words a minute | 5 hours 50 minutes |
| Average, 250 words a minute | 3 hours 30 minutes |
| Fast, 400 words a minute | 2 hours 11 minutes |
The page count is the median across 2 editions, so your copy may differ. How we calculate.
About the book
This short play by the author of Winnie the Pooh, is a droll little fairy tale about a princess who isn't beautiful. At her christening she was blessed by her Great-Aunt Malkin with this enigmatic rhyme: *"I give you with this kiss A wedding day surprise. Where ignorance is bliss 'Tis folly to be wise."* She has now grown up into a happy and healthy young woman, but she is undeniably plain. All the courtiers must tread warily around the subject of this most unheard of misfortune, and her royal father and mother scheme and plot how to marry her off. Although only seven actors are required, it is bursting with witty dialogue and brings to life the whole castle. Irresistible fun!
Subjects: Fairy Tale, King, Queen, Prince, Princess, True Beauty