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Head shot of Dr Brendan Lawson.

Academic launches new book that aims to shed light on a new dawn of data

Dr Brendan Lawson, Research Associate in Media and Communication, explores the relationship between numbers, meaning and society in his new book ‘The Life of a Number’.

'The Life of a Number' book cover.

The book takes a case study approach to individual numbers to help the audience navigate the data deluge of the 21st century.

Do numbers have a life of their own or do we give them meaning? How does data play a role in constructing people’s perceptions of the world around them? How far can we trust numbers to speak truth to power?

The COVID-19 pandemic offers a unique moment to answer these questions. This book examines how politicians, experts and journalists gave meaning to data through the story of seven iconic numbers from the pandemic.

The book has already been well received by notable academics in the field.

Rob Kitchin, Professor at Maynooth University said: "This fascinating book provides two important interventions. First, it provides a critical toolkit for making sense of how quantitative data are used to understand social phenomena. Second, it provides insight into how statistics drove policy responses to the COVID-19 pandemic. An engaging critique of evidence-based journalism and policy making."

Dr Lawson was awarded his PhD from the University of Leeds in 2020. He began working as a University Teacher at Loughborough University in February 2021. His research focuses on the communication of numbers by politicians, journalists and experts, with a particular emphasis on COVID-19.

‘The Life of a Number’ is now available to purchase from Bristol University Press with a special launch discount of 50% off the e-book and hardback editions if you order by 23 May. You can enter the promotional code POBR50 at checkout to obtain the discount.

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