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Samuel Jay Keyser

Samuel Jay Keyser is a theoretical linguist and a professor in the department of Linguistics and Philosophy at MIT. He has authored numerous books and scientific publications and is Editor-in-chief of the journal Linguistic Inquiry. He is also a jazz trombone player. He lives in the Boston area. His new book is Play It Again, Sam: Repetition in the Arts, published by MIT Press.

The Pleasure of Patterns in Art

The interplay between repetition and variation is central to how we enjoy creative work

August 25, 2025