Ever wondered what the longest book in the world is? The longest book in the world is "In Search of Lost Time" by Marcel Proust. This literary giant spans over 4,000 pages and contains nearly 1.2 million words. Imagine diving into a story that takes you through intricate details of early 20th-century French society, all while exploring themes of memory, time, and art. Proust's masterpiece isn't just a book; it's a journey through the human experience. Whether you're a bookworm or just curious, learning about this monumental work can be both fascinating and inspiring. Ready to uncover more intriguing facts? Let's dive in!
Key Takeaways:
- The longest book in the world is Marcel Proust's "In Search of Lost Time" with 1.2 million words, taking 14 years to complete. It explores themes of memory, time, and art.
- Other lengthy books include "Artamène ou le Grand Cyrus," "Clarissa," "Les Misérables," "War and Peace," "Infinite Jest," "Atlas Shrugged," and "The Stand," each with their own unique stories and themes.
What is the Longest Book in the World?
The title of the longest book in the world can be a bit tricky. Different criteria like word count, page count, or even the size of the book can influence the answer. Here are some fascinating facts about the longest book in the world.
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Marcel Proust's "In Search of Lost Time" holds the Guinness World Record for the longest novel. It has about 1.2 million words.
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"In Search of Lost Time" was published in seven volumes between 1913 and 1927.
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The book is also known as "Remembrance of Things Past."
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Proust's masterpiece explores themes of memory, time, and art.
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The novel is semi-autobiographical, reflecting Proust's own experiences.
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It took Proust 14 years to complete the novel.
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The longest single-volume book is "Artamène ou le Grand Cyrus" by Madeleine de Scudéry. It has around 2.1 million words.
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"Artamène ou le Grand Cyrus" was published in the 17th century.
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This book is a romantic novel set in ancient Persia.
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The novel was originally published in ten volumes.
Other Notable Long Books
While Proust's work holds the record, several other books are also incredibly long. These books span various genres and time periods.
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"Clarissa" by Samuel Richardson is one of the longest novels in English literature. It has about 970,000 words.
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"Clarissa" was published in 1748.
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The novel is written in the form of letters.
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"Mission Earth" by L. Ron Hubbard is a ten-volume science fiction series with around 1.2 million words.
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"Les Misérables" by Victor Hugo is another lengthy novel, with about 655,000 words.
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"Les Misérables" was published in 1862.
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The book covers various social and political issues in 19th-century France.
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"War and Peace" by Leo Tolstoy is often cited as one of the longest novels. It has around 587,000 words.
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"War and Peace" was published in 1869.
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The novel explores the impact of the Napoleonic Wars on Russian society.
Longest Books in Different Genres
Different genres have their own lengthy masterpieces. Here are some of the longest books in various genres.
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"Infinite Jest" by David Foster Wallace is a lengthy modern novel with about 543,709 words.
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"Infinite Jest" was published in 1996.
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The book is known for its complex narrative and extensive footnotes.
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"Atlas Shrugged" by Ayn Rand is a lengthy philosophical novel with around 645,000 words.
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"Atlas Shrugged" was published in 1957.
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The novel explores Rand's philosophy of Objectivism.
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"The Stand" by Stephen King is one of the longest horror novels, with about 472,376 words.
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"The Stand" was published in 1978.
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The book depicts a post-apocalyptic world after a deadly plague.
Longest Books in Non-Fiction
Non-fiction books can also be incredibly long. Here are some of the longest non-fiction works.
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"The Story of Civilization" by Will and Ariel Durant is an 11-volume series with around 4 million words.
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"The Story of Civilization" was published between 1935 and 1975.
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The series covers the history of Western civilization.
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"The Rise and Fall of the Third Reich" by William L. Shirer is a lengthy historical book with about 475,000 words.
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"The Rise and Fall of the Third Reich" was published in 1960.
The Final Word on the Longest Book
The longest book in the world isn't just a massive collection of pages; it's a testament to human creativity and dedication. Whether it's Marcel Proust's "In Search of Lost Time" or the ancient "Mahabharata," these works have captivated readers for centuries. They offer not just stories but a deep dive into cultures, histories, and philosophies.
Reading these colossal books might seem daunting, but the journey through their pages is rewarding. They challenge our patience, expand our horizons, and enrich our understanding of the world. So, if you ever find yourself with some extra time and a thirst for knowledge, consider picking up one of these literary giants. You might just find yourself lost in a world of endless wonder and insight.
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