Books are a cornerstone of human creativity, but some literary works push the boundaries of ambition and scale. When it comes to the title of the world’s longest book, the record belongs to “À la recherche du temps perdu” (In Search of Lost Time) by Marcel Proust. However, when measured by pages or volumes, there are other contenders that expand the idea of what a “book” can be. Let’s explore the fascinating stories behind these colossal literary achievements.
1. Marcel Proust’s In Search of Lost Time
- Length: Approximately 1.2 million words, 3,000 pages (standard editions)
- Volumes: 7
Proust’s In Search of Lost Time is a masterpiece of introspection and narrative depth. Published between 1913 and 1927, it explores themes of memory, love, and time. While not the longest book by volume or page count, its reputation as a literary marathon has made it iconic.
2. Devta by Mohiuddin Nawab
- Length: Over 11 million words
- Volumes: 56
This Urdu serial novel was published in a Pakistani magazine from 1977 to 2010. Written in a conversational style, Devta tells the story of Farhad Ali Taimur, who possesses telepathic abilities. It is often considered the longest continuous fictional story ever written.
3. Mahābhārata
- Length: 1.8 million words, approximately 200,000 verses
- Volumes: Varies by edition
This ancient Indian epic is one of the longest works of literature ever composed. It includes the Bhagavad Gita and explores themes of duty, morality, and human conflict. Its expansive narrative has influenced countless generations.
4. Le Divan Japonais by Édouard Charton
- Length: 30 million characters
- Volumes: Serialized over decades
This French novel holds a unique record for being one of the longest serialized stories ever published. While not as well-known internationally, it represents the dedication of serialized literature.
5. Zettels Traum by Arno Schmidt
- Length: 1,334 pages (in a single volume)
This experimental German novel is visually complex, with multiple columns of text and intricate formatting. It challenges conventional storytelling and is often regarded as a modernist masterpiece.
6. Shahnameh by Ferdowsi
- Length: Over 50,000 verses
This Persian epic, written over 30 years, tells the story of Iran’s mythical and historical past. Its lyrical beauty and sheer scale make it one of the most remarkable literary works of all time.
7. The Yongle Encyclopedia
- Length: 22,937 chapters in 11,095 volumes
This Chinese encyclopedia, commissioned in 1403 by Emperor Yongle, is one of the largest compilations of knowledge ever created. Though much of it was lost over time, it remains a testament to intellectual ambition.
8. Das Gesamtwerk by Karl May
- Length: 70,000+ pages across multiple works
Karl May, a prolific German writer, created an extensive body of work, including his famous Winnetou series. His complete writings are considered one of the largest collections of fiction by a single author.
9. The Blah Story by Nigel Tomm
- Length: 3.2 million words, 11 volumes
This avant-garde book is more an artistic experiment than traditional storytelling, with repetitive text forming a conceptual narrative.
10. One Piece by Eiichiro Oda (Manga Series)
- Length: Over 1,000 chapters, 100+ volumes (still ongoing)
Though not a “book” in the conventional sense, One Piece holds the record for the best-selling manga series and boasts an enormous page count. Its adventurous storyline and detailed world-building have captivated millions worldwide.
What Defines the Longest Book?
The definition of the “longest book” can vary based on:
- Word Count: Total number of words written.
- Page Count: Number of pages in the edition.
- Volumes: Number of books or parts the work is divided into.
Some works, like the Mahābhārata, are epic in content, while others, like The Yongle Encyclopedia, compile vast amounts of knowledge.
Conclusion
Whether it’s a sprawling narrative like Devta, a cultural touchstone like the Mahābhārata, or an experimental work like The Blah Story, these monumental creations showcase the limitless potential of human imagination. They remind us that literature, no matter its scale, is a celebration of storytelling and creativity.
Which of these colossal works would you dare to tackle?