What Book Has Been in Continuous Print the Longest
Some people sigh at the sight of a massive tome of literature, but others dread the approach of that final page, wishing they could make the experience last longer.
If you're among the readers who like to cozy up and spend a few weeks (or much more) with a single book, you'll definitely want to consider the books on this list, which are the longest books ever written in English.
The Longest Books Written in English
Below are 10 of the longest books ever written in English. For the purposes of this list, I've only considered novels that are considered a single work by the author (not series).
The books were ranked based on word count, because page count can vary based on formatting and the publisher or printer's standards.
1. Clarissa by Samuel Richardson
The longest book seems like it may also have one of the longest titles. (Its full name is Clarissa; or, The History of a Young Lady: Comprehending the Most Important Concerns of Private Life. And Particularly Shewing, the Distresses that May Attend the Misconduct Both of Parents and Children, In Relation to Marriage.)
The book tells the story of Clarissa Harlowe, whose wealthy and controlling family consistently thwarts her quest for virtue and true love.
Word Count: 943,000
2. Sir Charles Grandison by Samuel Richardson
This epistolary novel, also known as The History of Sir Charles Grandison, was first published in 1753. The book is in the public domain and can be read for free online.
The book follows Harriet Byron, who is pursued by Sir Hargrave Pollexfen. After she rejects Pollexfen, he kidnaps her, but she is freed when Sir Charles Grandison comes to her rescue.
After Grandison's appearance, he becomes the central figure and the story focuses on his history and life.
Word Count: 750,000
3. Poor Fellow My Country by Xavier Herbert
Poor Fellow My Country is an award-winning novel by Australian author Xavier Herbert. It is the longest Australian work of fiction and the longest single-volume novel in the English language.
Published in 1975, the novel is set between 1936–1942 in Australia's Northern Territory. Three social outcasts, including a half-Indigenous boy, his white grandfather, and a female Jewish refugee from Nazi Germany find themselves facing oppression as Australia faces a war and ongoing questions about its place in the world.
Word Count: 852,000
4. Women and Men by Joseph McElroy
Women and Men was published in 1987 and because of its size and complexity, it has been compared to works like Ulysses.
The novel is primarily set between 1976–1977, but has long passages set in different decades, including some in the late 1800s.
James and Grace are two apartment neighbors who never quite meet, except through others whose histories cross theirs.
Word Count: 850,000
5. Sironia, Texas by Madison Cooper
This book is set in the fictional town of Sironia, thought to be modeled after the author's hometown of Waco, Texas.
Published in 1952 and written over 11 years, Sironia, Texas follows the fortunes and failures of the town's citizens.
Word Count: 840,000
6. Miss MacIntosh, My Darling by Marguerite Young
While Miss MacIntosh, My Darling was not as critically acclaimed as her earlier work, Angel in the Forest: A Fairy Tale of Two Utopias, it has still made its name as one of the longest English language books every written.
Author Marguerite Young has described the novel as "an exploration of the illusions, hallucinations, errors of judgment in individual lives, the central scene of the novel being an opium addict's paradise."
Word Count: 750,000
7. Atlas Shrugged by Ayn Rand
Combining elements of science fiction, mystery, and romance, Atlas Shrugged is Ayn Rand's fourth, final, and longest novel.
Published in 1957, it depicts a dystopian United States in which private businesses suffer under increasingly burdensome laws and regulations.
Word Count: 645,000
8. Jerusalem by Alan Moore
Despite its name, this novel is actually set in the author's hometown of Northampton, England, and combines elements of both supernatural and historical fiction.
The story unfolds over centuries and features a variety of characters. Some are mythical, while some are historical. According to the book's colophon, it is based on a true story.
Word Count: 600,000
9. A Suitable Boy by Vikram Seth
Published in 1993, A Suitable Boy is set in a newly independent, post-partition India. It follows four families over the course of 18 months, and centers on Mrs. Rupa Mehra's efforts to arrange the marriage of her younger daughter, Lata, to a "suitable boy."
But 19-year-old Lata is a university student who refuses to be influenced by her domineering mother or opinionated brother, Arun.
Word Count: 593,674
10. Infinite Jest by David Foster Wallace
Infinite Jest offers a satirical look at the pursuit of happiness in America. Published in 1996, it is noted for its unconventional narrative structure, as it includes hundreds of endnotes (some of which have their own footnotes).
The book was featured inTIME magazine's list of the 100 best English-language novels published between 1923 and 2005.
Word Count: 543,709
Discover More Unique Books
Being among the world's longest books is just one feature that can make a book unique and worth checking out.
If you're looking for more distinct reads, check out our posts on the most expensive books or books with very long titles.
What's the longest book you've ever read? Let us know in the comments below!
If you enjoyed this post, then you might also like:
- 15 Books with Very Long Titles
- How Long Should a Book Be? Average Word Counts for Fiction and Nonfiction
- How Long Should a Chapter Be? Tips for Finding the Right Breaks in Your Book
- 10 Most Expensive Books Ever Sold
As a blog writer for TCK Publishing, Kaelyn loves crafting fun and helpful content for writers, readers, and creative minds alike. She has a degree in International Affairs with a minor in Italian Studies, but her true passion has always been writing. Working remotely allows her to do even more of the things she loves, like traveling, cooking, and spending time with her family.
Source: https://www.tckpublishing.com/longest-books/
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