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 kick back and spend a few weeks (or much longer) with just one book, you’ll definitely want to consider the books on this list, which are the longest books ever written. in English.
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the longest books written in English
Below are 10 of the longest books ever written in English. For the purposes of this list, I have only considered novels that are considered a single work by the author (not series).
Books were ranked by word count, as page counts can vary depending on format and publisher/printer standards.
1. clarissa by samuel richardson
It seems that the longest book can also have one of the longest titles. (her full name is clarissa, that is, the story of a young woman: understanding the most important concerns of private life, and particularly showing, the anxieties that can accompany the misconduct of both parents and children, in relation to marriage. )
The book tells the story of Clarissa Harlowe, whose wealthy and controlling family constantly 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 Story 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 refuses the Pollexfen, he kidnaps her, but she is freed from her when Sir Charles Grandison comes to rescue her.
after the appearance of the grandson, he becomes the central figure and the story focuses on his history and life.
word count: 750,000
3. poor man my country by xavier herbert
Pobrecito de mi país 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 English.
Published in 1975, the novel takes place between 1936 and 1942 in the Northern Territory of Australia. Three social outcasts, including a half-Indigenous boy, his white grandfather and a Jewish refugee from Nazi Germany, face oppression as Australia grapples with war and constant questions about its place in the world.
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word count: 852,000
4. women and men by joseph mcelroy
women and men was published in 1987 and due to its size and complexity it has been compared to works such as Ulysses.
The novel takes place mainly between 1976 and 1977, but has long passages set in different decades, including some in the late 19th century.
james and grace are two apartment neighbors who never really know each other except through other people whose stories intersect with theirs.
word count: 850,000
5. sironia, texas by madison cooper
This book is set in the fictional city of Sironia, which is believed to be modeled after the author’s hometown of Waco, Texas.
Published in 1952 and written for 11 years, Sironia, Texas follows the fortunes and failures of the town’s citizens.
word count: 840,000
6. miss macintosh, my love for marguerite young
While Miss Macintosh, My Darling was not as critically acclaimed as her previous work, Angel in the Woods: A Fairy Tale of Two Utopias, it has still earned its name as one of the longest running books in English. never written.
Author Marguerite Young has described the novel as “an exploration of 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 for ayn rand
Mixing elements of science fiction, mystery, and romance, Atlas Shrugged is Ayn Rand’s fourth, final, and longest novel.
published in 1957, depicts a dystopian America in which private companies suffer from increasingly onerous laws and regulations.
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word count: 645,000
8. jerusalem by alan moore
Despite its name, this novel is set in Northampton, England, the author’s hometown, and combines elements of supernatural and historical fiction.
The story unfolds over the centuries and features a variety of characters. some are mythical, while others are historical. according to the colophon of the book, it is based on a true story.
word count: 600,000
9. a proper boy by vikram seth
Published in 1993, A Right Boy is set in a newly independent, post-partition India. follows four families over the course of 18 months and focuses on mrs. Rupa Mehra’s efforts to arrange the marriage of her youngest daughter, Lata, to a “right guy.”
but lata, 19, is a college student who refuses to be swayed by her domineering mother or her opinionated brother, arun.
word count: 593,674
10. infinity joke by david foster wallace
The Infinite Joke offers a satirical look at America’s pursuit of happiness. published in 1996, it is notable for its unconventional narrative structure, including hundreds of endnotes (some of which have their own footnotes).
The book appeared on Time 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 longest books in the world is just one of the characteristics that can make a book unique and worth looking at.
If you’re looking for more different reading, check out our posts on the most expensive books or books with very long titles.
what is the longest book you have read? Let us know in the comments below!
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