The Life of a Number

Dr Brendan Lawson explores the relationship between numbers, meaning and society in new book.

Research Associate in Media and Communication Dr Brendan Lawson aims to shed light on a new dawn of data in his new nook ‘The Life of a Number’.

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 do 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.

"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." Rob Kitchin, Maynooth University.

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 book is now available to purchase from Bristol University Press with a special launch discount of 50% off epub and hardback editions if you order by 23rd May. Use code POBR50 to obtain the discount.